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Long classic books are a time investment, for sure. So is it worth your precious reading hours to begin something that will take you hundreds upon hundreds of pages to finish? Here’s why Yes they’re worth the challenge, plus six strategies for tackling long classics and seventeen long classic books worthy of your attention.
Do you love imagining the past lives and owners of the secondhand books you rescue from thrift stores or discover tucked away in the used book store? Here’s a bibliophile’s reflection on vellichor and the magic of used books.
Here’s my accolade for the pastoral novel, with suggestions for pastoral novels and authors you might like to read when exploring this beautiful genre.
Do you want to introduce kids to classic literature? Here is a school teacher’s recommendation for a beautiful series of books that unlocks the classics for young readers.
Here’s a look at some of the foundational works of dystopian fiction that helped build the genre, as well as thought-provoking modern-day dystopian novels for both adults and teens.
Dive into this interview with nonagenarian Roy Williams, who’s enjoyed a vibrant reading life for almost a hundred years now!
Immerse yourself in magic, fantasy, and other worlds with this detailed list of lesser-known fantasy read-alouds, middle grade chapter books, and YA novels. You’ll find plenty of variety here in setting and tone, with a blend of high fantasy and low fantasy.
L. M. Montgomery published twenty novels between 1908 and 1939. Here’s a list of each of her series in order, as well as standalone novels, and sneak-peak summaries of each one so you can decide which to read next!
These famous epistolary novels from classic literature display some of the best and most interesting uses of this literary form. You can find epistolary fiction across all genres of literature, from horror to satire to coming-of-age novels. There’s something for everyone!
Could clickbait headlines get people to read more classic books? I don’t know, but it’s worth a shot!
Get to know Josephine Tey, a Scottish mystery novelist who often broke the rules of Golden Age detective fiction. Here’s one bookworm’s recommendation for the top three must-read books by Josephine Tey, so you know which to try first!
Explore Scandinavian classics and literature from the Nordic region with this book list of classic Scandinavian fiction. Whether you’re planning a trip, you want to tap into your heritage, or you’re just curious to read more classics by Nordic and Scandinavian authors, this is a good place to start!
This is the story of how my family created a culture of reading together, with a peek at some of the treasures of our read-aloud book collection.
There are a lot of ways to reflect on and categorize one’s reads from the previous year, but the thing I like to do is to award “Book Oscars” for the books I read! Looking back over all the books I read in 2023, here are the awards I’m handing out for 10 different categories.
Read more classic literature with the annual Tea and Ink Society Classics Reading Challenge! Choose a classic book to fit with each month’s theme, and join other bookworms as we learn to appreciate the classics together and expand our reading horizons.
Slip away to rural England with Miss Read, author of cozy books set in the English countryside. Her Fairacre and Thrush Green novels explore English village life in the years after World War II. If you love reading about the British countryside, Miss Read’s gentle books will be just your cup of tea!
If you love the fantasy genre (or want to explore it), add these classic fantasy books to your reading list! Perfect for fans of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, most of these classic fantasy novels were written before Narnia and Middle Earth, and helped shape modern fantasy literature.
In the mood for dark and cozy books to read this fall? These 6 vintage reads perfectly fit the bill for something a little spooky and sinister, without being full-blown horror. Cozy meets dark for the perfect reading list for autumn and winter nights.
The Carver and the Queen is a smart, fast-paced young adult historical fantasy novel based on Russian folklore. It’s a modern fantasy perfect for families steeped in classic fairy tales and thoughtful fairy tale retellings.
Trying to decide which Charles Dickens book to read next? Why not settle the matter with a quiz? Answer these questions and I’ll tell you which Charles Dickens book you should read!
Get to know one of the greatest authors of all time with this list of Charles Dickens books in order! Dickens’s novels average about 700 pages in length, but you can familiarize yourself with his work with this list of Charles Dickens novels in publication order, along with a short summary premise for each.
Explore the classic literature of Latin America with this list of classic novels from South America and the Caribbean.
What happens after “The End” in Jane Austen’s famous novels? Here are our made-up Jane Austen epilogues for Austen’s six completed novels!
If you’re looking for a contemporary author whose books have an old-fashioned feel and love historical fiction or neo-Gothic literature, Kate Morton is for you! Here’s a reading guide to all the Kate Morton books in order, with summaries and my suggestion of which Kate Morton book you should read first!
L. M. Montgomery frequently borrowed from other authors, sometimes in problematic ways. Does she still deserve her spot in the literary canon? Here’s my take on the matter.
Explore classic Japanese literature with this curated list of best classic Japanese novels and short story collections, from the 18th century through the post-World War II era.
This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon.com. Click here to read my affiliate policy. Dive into the best classic fairy tale collections from around the world, from famous folklorists like Andrew and Nora Lang, Joseph Jacobs, and the Brothers Grimm. You’ll also find non-European fairy tale and folktale collections from authors like Yei Ozaki…
As a big Agatha Christie fan, I wanted to create a list of all the Agatha Christie books in order. This ultimate Agatha Christie bibliography organizes all her published work by series detective and genre (I’ve included all the Agatha Christie plays and Mary Westmacott books, too!). Get to know the Queen of Crime, and download the free printable Agatha Christie reading order checklist I’ve included at the end of the post!
Reading great literature is like partaking in a rich and hearty feast. It nourishes your soul. So why would you read a great book only once? Here’s why you should reread books, and what you gain by becoming a re-reader.
Roll out the red carpet, it’s time for the annual Tea and Ink Society Book Oscars! Out of all the books I read in 2022, these are the ones I’m awarding for Best Heroine, Best Setting and Descriptions, Best Nonfiction, and seven other categories. See which books topped my list, and which ones were disappointments.
Here are the upcoming book-to-movie adaptations for classic literature to get excited about in 2023 and beyond! If you love period drama and classic books, add these to your watch list.
Our annual Classics Reading Challenge is back with twelve brand-new reading prompts to inspire your TBR in 2023! Expand your reading horizons and delve into classic literature with a variety of genres and themes.
Discover 13 scary, spooky short stories from the vaults of classic literature! You can read these short horror and ghost stories for free online. Scary, Spooky, and Haunting Short Stories from Classic Literature On days gloomy with mist or blustering winds, or autumn evenings when darkness falls quickly, you’ve got the ideal backdrop for reading…
Unlock the classics and become a deeply well-read person with this list of top 101 classic books to read before you die. These best classic books will make you think, change the way you see the world, and most of all–change you. Best Classic Books to Read Before You Die Have you ever wished you…
The Inklings were a group of Oxford professors and residents who met in the 1930s and 40s to discuss literature, philosophy, and culture. Bibliophiles know the group for its two most famous members, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. Together, the Inklings changed the way we think about imagination and religion in the…
Get to know these female authors from the 1920s to 1960s, and add some new zest to your reading life with some of their best midcentury novels! Guest post by Michelle Quinn Do you remember Arnold Lobel’s Owl At Home? It isn’t as famous as his Frog and Toad series but it’s my favourite Lobel…
Meet 12 compelling antiheroes and antiheroines from classic literature. You may love to hate them, grudgingly admire them, or shamelessly judge them. Regardless, they’ll have you turning pages to find out how their stories end. Antiheroes are some of the most fascinating protagonists you’ll come across in Bookland, and literature is full of them. That…
Travel through books with these novels and travel memoirs to inspire wanderlust! These books will transport you far away to the Swiss Alps, the English countryside, Venice, Iran, and more… Guest post by Kaitlyn Beck Ah summer! A season of sun, fun, and travel. Many of you will be going on well deserved vacations in…
These classic novels by black authors explore the African-American experience in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, from pre-Civil War through Reconstruction, the Harlem Renaissance era through the Great Depression and World War II. Add these fiction classics of African-American literature to your reading list! Classics by Black Authors Do you know what thrills me about…
These classic books like Anne of Green Gables are perfect for L. M. Montgomery fans looking for more books and series written in a similar vein! Books to Read if You Like Anne of Green Gables L. M. Montgomery made a huge contribution to the girls’ fiction genre when she published Anne of Green Gables in…
Trigger warnings for books can be helpful so you know what you’re getting in to before you read. But books don’t come with ratings the way movies do, so how can you get a heads up on content warnings in books? Here’s the method I’ve been using for years to vet books so I don’t…
These unfinished novels were penned by some of the world’s most famous authors, who died before they could complete their manuscripts. Some of these incomplete books had the potential to become masterpieces…unfortunately, we’ll never know exactly how their authors would’ve written the endings! Unfinished Classic Novels Sometimes an author’s own life story ends before they…
Here’s a condensed (but still lengthy) introduction to the famous literary Brontë family, in particular the novelists Charlotte, Emily, and Anne. You’ll also find summaries of the seven novels published by the Brontë sisters, as well as publication order and my suggestion of which Brontë novel to read first! Meeting the Brontë Sisters There’s a…
It’s award season! For the books I read, that is. Here are my 2022 Book Oscar picks gleaned from my personal reading log. Out of many contenders, these eight books won awards for their protagonists, settings, dialogue, and more. It’s my habit to look back over the books I logged during the year and select…
Want to challenge yourself to read more classic books in 2022? This classics reading challenge will broaden your knowledge of classic literature and old books with a range of genres, literary periods, and famous authors. 2022 Classics Reading Challenge for Classic Literature I’m doing something new this year and hosting our first-ever classic book reading…
Indie pop singer-songwriter Méabh Stanford creates music that bookworms will appreciate. Drawing inspiration from literature and tying it to real-life experiences, her music reflects the intricacies of human interactions and the influence media has upon them. I recently had the chance to meet (via the internet) singer-songwriter Méabh Stanford. Méabh is 16 and a full-time…
Wondering what books are going to become movies in 2022? I’ve rounded up all the classic books that are getting made into TV shows and movies in 2022, with trailers and release dates. All of these are upcoming period dramas for 2022; not modern-day settings. Book-to-Movie Adaptations in 2022 We’ve got a good lineup of…
Want more wholesome, family-friendly shows to watch but DON’T want to pay for another subscription? GazeboTV is a pay-as-you-go streaming platform for period drama from Sullivan Entertainment. This post is sponsored by Sullivan Entertainment, and all opinions are quite my own. I received free content to help me prepare this review of GazeboTV. GazeboTV: The…
Wish you could find more books like Little Women by Louisa May Alcott? These classic books for fans of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy will remind you of Little Women, with picks for children and teens as well as adults. If you’ve ever wondered what book you should read if you love Little Women, start…
Take this literary quiz to find your perfect fictional vacation destination! You don’t need a passport to go there…just a library card.
Since its publication in 1922, Elizabeth Von Arnim’s novel The Enchanted April has cast its spell over thousands of readers. Yet this charming novel has only been adapted for the screen twice in the last hundred years! In anticipation of the book’s upcoming centennial, I’m calling for a movie remake of The Enchanted April…and I’ve…
Seasonal reading is the practice of choosing your reading material to match the moods and seasons of the calendar. Here’s an exploration of this reading method, and why every bookworm should give seasonal reading a try. Read According to the Seasons: Start a Seasonal Reading Habit When a good author writes a good novel, they’re…
These are the best books I read in 2020 for seven different categories, including Best Setting, Best Dialogue, Best Hero, and more! I’m handing out awards to my favourites!
Classic book lovers, get excited about these book-to-movie adaptations coming to theaters, Netflix, and streaming in 2021! Dozens of books get turned into movies each year, but this streamlined list contains just the classics. So now go read the classic books and plays these movies are based on, before they reach screens later this year!
Treat yourself to some fireside reading and capture the holiday spirit with a bit of old-fashioned storytelling from Christmas past. You can read–or listen–to these short stories for free!
Do you remember the Wishbone TV series on PBS? Through some unique storytelling, the show introduced a generation of kids to Great Books and classic works of literature. As a reader of classic books, I have many fond memories of the series. In my opinion, Wishbone is the best TV show for book lovers of…
When rain falls, books call. Answer the summons with one of these novels that are perfect for cozy, rainy day reading at home. These rainy day reads might just make you wish for grey days! Books to Read on a Rainy Day Close your eyes for a minute (when you’re done reading this sentence), and…
If you want the very best advice on how to read more, ask a book blogger. It makes sense, right? Book bloggers read a ton. We have to, to keep our blogs going. But–and this is important–most book bloggers don’t read for a living. We’ve got other responsibilities: day jobs to show up for, families…
Want to explore the world of Victorian novels, but just not sure where to begin? Answer these quiz questions and I’ll match you to a Victorian novel that’s just your cup of tea.
Mary Stewart is a mid-century British author who helped establish the romantic suspense genre in the 1950s, and contributed to the resurgence of the fantasy novel in the 1970s with her Merlin trilogy. She is a gifted and classy writer with a long career, and I can’t wait for you to “meet” her now! For…
Want to build your L. M. Montgomery collection with the most beautiful book editions and cover art? I scoured the internet for the best copies of Anne of Green Gables, Emily of New Moon, The Blue Castle, and every other Montgomery novel. Happy shopping! Finding the Best L. M. Montgomery Book Editions I had fun…
These terrible Anne of Green Gables book covers absolutely do not capture the soul of L. M. Montgomery’s novels. But they are hilarious. Enjoy a good laugh! It’s time for another round of bad book covers! I found so many that I couldn’t include them all in my first bad book covers post. Apparently, there’s…
If you enjoy a cup of tea with your book, try out one of these book and tea pairings–as recommended by Tea and Ink Society readers. Whatever kind of tea you love–strong black teas, spicy chai, or soothing chamomile–there’s a perfect novel to go with it! Why does tea pair so well with books? You…
A lot of contemporary fiction is overhyped, but I’ve found a few new releases that deserve all the praise they can get. Here are five of my favourite auto-read (or auto-buy) contemporary authors. I’ll read everything new they publish! My Picks for Enjoyable Contemporary Fiction Writers If you’ve spent more than two minutes on this…
Ever wondered what classic children’s chapter books are worth adding to your family’s library? These 50 chapter book picks are child and parent approved, and make for excellent family read-alouds! Get your children hooked on classic books from an early age–or use this reading list to fill in the gaps with children’s classics you may…
Visit Ireland through the pages of a book! These classic books set in Ireland will give you a taste of Irish culture, history, and landscape. I’ve included both Irish novels and short story collections in this sampling of classic Irish fiction. Irish Classics: Written by Irish Authors, Set in Ireland I know a lot more…
It’s time to read these classic novels before they become movies and TV series in 2020! This year’s page-to-screen adaptations pay homage to literary greats like Jane Austen, Jack London, C. S. Forester, and Daphne du Maurier. Classic Books to Movies 2020 Each year, dozens of books get movie and TV adaptations. It’s fascinating to…
I’m reviewing my 2019 reading year by passing out “Book Oscars” to books that were a big win for me in various genres and categories. If they gave Oscars to books, these 11 picks would win an award! Hope you find some good inspiration from this list as you compile your own TBR! Each new…
It IS possible to find time to read for fun…even when you have young children at home! Here’s how to read more as a mom, with a look at exactly how I fit reading time into my day as a busy mom. See if any of these reading tips will work for you! Make more…
Banned Books Week gets national recognition each year. But is book censorship really a national issue? Here’s one book blogger’s take on Banned Books Week and the hype surrounding it. Banned Books Week: It’s Not What You Think The last week of September usually marks the annual Banned Books Week, founded in 1982 and promoted…
When you need a good laugh, check out these cringe-worthy, terrible book covers for literary classics! These are good books with bad covers; the classics like you’ve never seen…or read! Terrible Book Covers for Classic Novels Publishers–and individuals–are constantly churning out new editions of the classics. Many classics are in the public domain, so anyone…
There’s a book for every mood! Here’s a list of novels to read based on your mood, whether you want romance, humor, tragedy, or anything in between. These mood-based reading recommendations will help you decide exactly what to read next. Classic Books to Suit Every Mood There are lots of ways to choose which book…
Do you miss reading? Here’s how to get back into reading books. Get out of a reading rut and embrace your inner bookworm again with these four tips. Get back into the habit of reading Ten years ago I entered a Literary Dark Ages in my reading life. On average, I’d read about six books…
There are plenty of Anne of Green Gables movies to choose from. Wondering which version of Anne of Green Gables you should watch? Here are eight surviving film adaptations of Anne, from big-screen productions, to anime, to T.V. movies and miniseries. I’ve given a mini review for each plus a star rating to help you…
These classic books aren’t movies yet…but they should be! They’ve been ignored by filmmakers long enough! Here are 7 underrated classic novels that would make fantastic movies or miniseries. Some of these books are better suited to the big screen, others to TV, but all of them need to be filmed! Books That Should Be…
These beach reads all take place by the sea or on the ocean. Add them to your summer reading list and toss one in your beach bag before you hit the sand! (Also great to read if you want to imagine you’re at the beach, but can’t actually go there!) Books Set at the Beach…
I love classic British literature, and for me, I can trace my interest back to these five titles. These must-read British novels will always have a space on my shelf and in my heart! Classic British Literature I Love I think every reader has their favourites when it comes to genres or periods. The older…
Can you guess these famous first lines from classic books? Take this first lines from books quiz to see how many first sentences you know! I’ll give you the opening line from a classic novel, and you identify which book it comes from.
How many of these Southern fiction classics have you read? These bestselling Southern novels and short stories will challenge and inspire as they transport you to the American South. You’ll find a range of styles here from Southern gothic to Southern humor books, all written by best-selling Southern authors, both old and new. Best Southern…
Want to find out what classic book-to-movie adaptations are coming out in 2019? Check out this list of classic books becoming movies and TV miniseries for the big screen, Amazon, Netflix, and the BBC. Classic Book-to-Movie Adaptations for 2019 (Updated with Trailers and Streaming Info) I get excited when I hear that a classic book…
Nancy Drew solved mysteries…and in the process taught us how to face life with curiosity and class. Read on for eleven timeless life lessons from everyone’s favourite titian-haired amateur sleuth. What Nancy Drew Taught Me About Life Like many girls in the 90s (and for that matter, the previous six decades!) I grew up reading…
You’re never too old for a good, escapist melodramatic novel. Enjoy these five cozy romantic classics when you’re in the mood for an old-fashioned love story. Best Melodrama Books If you’re like me, you may have relished, in your younger days, a good deal of melodramatic novels. You know–the classic kind of melodramas–the kind that…
Here are 18 bookish New Year’s Resolutions for book lovers everywhere. These book-related resolutions will bring more [good] books into your life, and make you a better reader with the best kind of bookish habits. New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Bibliophiles Beyond a general goal of “read more books,” what can we as bookworms do…
The third annual Tea and Ink Society Book Oscars are here! This year there were nine awards. Check out which books won Best Hero, Best Vintage Novel, Best Dialogue, and more… I like to award “Book Oscars” as part of my reflection on the reading year. This is my version of a “best of” or…
Decluttering your bookshelves isn’t easy when you’re a bibliophile. Here’s why it’s a good idea to declutter your book collection, plus practical steps (and a bit of book collecting wisdom from Anne of Green Gables). How to Declutter Books If you already know me from my other blog, you know decluttering is a passion of…
These Anne of Green Gables inspired gifts make the perfect present for any fan of L. M. Montgomery’s novels. Put them on your own wish list or gift them to a kindred spirit! Anne of Green Gables Gift Ideas More often than not, we bookworms are proud of the books we love. I’m happy to…
These classic Gothic novels will send a delicious chill up your spine! Get ready for secret passages, dark plots, rapacious villains, and Gothic fiction at its best, from Ann Radcliffe to Wilkie Collins to Louisa May Alcott. Best Classic Gothic Novels My sixteenth year was the one I discovered Gothic novels. I was living in…
Here’s a book list for the lover of all things Scottish! These books set in Scotland will make you feel like you’re there, even if a trip to Scotland isn’t on your calendar this year. Add this Scottish reading list to your TBR, which includes classic Scottish novels as well as contemporary Scottish writers. Best…
There’s a lot to love about the mystery genre, but sometimes mystery novels and detective fiction can be pretty problematic, too. Here’s where this genre flourishes, and where it fails. Thoughts on the Mystery Genre Guest post by Katherine Ladny Mitchell The first time I read a yellow-bound Nancy Drew novel, it was not love…
Want to read a classic book but not sure you have time for something long? Pick up one of these eight short classics, perfect for busy people everywhere. All of these short classic books are under 300 pages, so you can read one in a weekend! Short Classics You Have Time to Read (and Should!)…
We’re wasting too many evenings binge watching TV, when we could be enriching our lives with a good book! Why not quit Netflix and get back into reading? I’m right there with you. Reading Books Instead of Watching TV Is it just me, or have we become a culture of TV binge watchers? By “TV”…
As a fan of director Gillian Armstrong’s 1994 Little Women, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the new BBC Little Women that came out on Masterpiece this year. Here’s my honest review of the new PBS Little Women tv series, plus how it compares to Louisa May Alcott’s original novel. PBS Masterpiece Little Women…
Need a riveting good book to bring on your summer vacation? Pack one of these smart summer thrillers and enjoy every page-turning twist while you soak up the summer heat. Thrillers and Page-Turners to Read This Summer Summer brims with activity just like any other season, but it’s important to have a few lazy days…
Improve your reading life with these 12 habits and practices for the intentional reader. You’ll get more out of the books you read, and your appetite for literature will increase! Get the Most Out of Your Reading Life At first blush, reading appears to be a highly passive hobby. It’s restful, after all. And other…
If you want classic young adult fantasy series, you’ll love these 7 picks, with unforgettable characters, plots, and worlds that stick in your mind for years to come. Read them on your own or to your kids, but they deserve a spot on your fantasy bookshelf! Best Classic Middle Grade and YA Fantasy Series Go…
Are L. M. Montgomery’s heroines your kindred spirits? Here’s how every woman today (who’s old-fashioned at heart) can be more like them. Because if you love Anne Shirley and Emily Starr and Rilla Blythe and Pat Gardiner, you’re in good company here. Life Lessons from Anne Shirley I recently met a fictional heroine whom I…
Give your house guests the gift of a good read during their stay! Here are 13 books that are perfect for your guest room. Many of these double as coffee table books, too! Best Books for a Guest Room Nightstand If you’re wondering what to put in a guest room, books should be near the…
Books deserve Oscars, too. I’m awarding “Book Oscars” to the best books and characters I encountered last year! Here’s my picks for Best Heroine, Best Villain, Best Hero, and more! Welcome to the 2018 Oscars! Book Oscars, that is… As I did last year, I’m recapping the outstanding and most memorable reads from the past…
Here’s my secret to getting free print books in the mail! If you want books on a budget, check out this simple way to get free print books on Amazon–paperback, hardcover, whatever you prefer to read! Now you can add to your bookshelves without draining your wallet. (: How I Get Free Print Books on…
Books for Slytherins aren’t as hard to come by as you might think! Here’s a wide range of books that will appeal to Slytherins, from YA novels to classic literature. Perfect for anyone who enjoys reading based on their Hogwarts House! Books for Slytherins: What to Read Based on Your Hogwarts House Harry Potter is…