Mark Twain once stated...?

Question

Mark Twain once stated that, when it comes to books, a "classic" is a book that everyone wants to have read, but doesn't want to read it. Having said this, do you read "classics"? If so why? If not, why?

BTW - I LOVE the classics.

Answer 1

I love to read classics...both old and new...from "Arabian Nights" to "Practical Magic".
I love to read these kind of books not only because they are (usually) written well, but because it gives you sense of culture and society. If you are "well-read" there is a plethora of conversations that you can have with someone...and also with some of the "older" classics, you get more of a taste for the English Language with all of its nuance and true expression.
I frankly think that more people should read; and especially the classics. I have heard from some that they're too "hard" to read and boring...to me that just shows what someone can't or can understand...and if you can understand what Shakespeare means by "You are the pink of courtesy", or who the Monster actually was in "Frankenstein"; then you can "understand" much more because of the expansion that your mind has undertaken.
To read and understand is hard...but it is even harder to not read and be left out of worlds that are beyond time and space; the world that is from a book...with you enjoying the ride with every turn of the page.

Answer 2

Yes, I read classics. Books BECOME classics because they are read over and over, generation after generation. People who think they 'should' read somethng, but then can't get through it are just picking the wrong books for themselves. Not all classics will appeal to all readers, even those of us who love many types of reading experiences. Mark Twain was a very funny and wise man, but not everything he said should be taken at 100% face value!

Answer 3

I've read many of the classics and I try to read at least one more a year because I believe there is some great writing there. There's general knowledge to be found in them, and for some reason I just feel I should read them.

Answer 4

When you read a book because you want people to know you read it, or because you should, then it isn't fun. it's more like owning a Rolex. And why do people buy a $5000 Rolex? So everyone can know that you can AFFORD a $5000 Rolex.But if you read a book, regardless of it's status, because you want to, then it is enjoyable. I read classics too, but only because I want to read that story, not because I'm trying to be fancy.

Answer 5

Some of the Classics that I read and loved in my youth I drag out when lonely and reread for the escapism that was provided "way back then"
Most of my book reading today is gardening journals that aid me with my newspaper columns.

Answer 6

Jack London if you consider his works classic. I tried Plutarch recently and just couldn't get into it. Some of Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan books are very good! Most classis are too dry for my tastes!

Answer 7

mark twain was a brilliant man or you could call him by his birth name which is samuel langhorne clemens. Iove the classics because they are heart warming or full of adventure