Epic, Wicked, Classic

What is a classic?  The definition of a classic is threefold.  A classic work of literature has universal appeal, expresses an artistic quality, and stands the test of time.  One of the goals of the selectors of our library is to find the "hottest reads" (Nora Roberts, James Patterson) for the readers in our community.  However, we also work diligently to maintain a collection of books that meet the above criteria of a classic or in Victor Hugo's case, offer our readers an epic tale of poverty, vice, and redemption.  How does this particular book stand the test of time?  After all, isn't it just a love story and a condemnation of France's legal system of the time?  Response:  haven't you heard the phrase "class warfare" used in the news and by various politicians recently?

Moving on from the French, Charles Dickens' books about poverty and the social injustice in England also stand the test of time.  Most of us have read David Copperfield for a school assignment or watched A Christmas Carol during the month of December.  Have you tried Oliver Twist, Bleak House, A Tale of Two Cities, or Great Expectations?  If you can't stomach all the wicked characters that live in Dickens' books, consider another English author like Thomas Hardy. His book, Far From the Madding Crowd has similar themes to Dickens' but uses a pastoral setting.  If you like love stories to end happily, any Jane Austen title will do.  Austen has a special gift for blending social commentary in with an old-fashioned romance. 
American classics cannot be forgotten.  The Awakening by Kate Chopin is every bit as relevant (and depressing) as any Thomas Hardy novel.  Edgar Allan Poe is known for his stories of horror and suspense but his tales go far beyond a mere mystery.  Finally, what early American author captures the spirit of adventure better that James Fennimore Cooper?  He is best known for The Last of the Mohicans but did you know that it's part of a series of five books about early American frontier life featuring Natty Bumppo?  Or is it Hawkeye?  La Longue Carabine?  Pathfinder?  Deerslayer?  Finally, if you're a true Wisconsinite and you enjoy stories about early America, you will be eager to revisit August William Derleth. 

So put the brain candy aside for now, and pick up some meat and potatoes.  Enjoy a classic today!