2020 Classics TBR (2/2)

by BookExpert · Published January 7, 2020 · Updated April 30, 2020

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Greetings! Here’s Part 2 of the 20 classic books I’m looking forward to reading in 2020. If you missed part one, here it is:

2020 Classics TBR (Part 1/2)

Like the previous post, I’ll post the Amazon links under the brief write-ups if you want to join me!

One of the books I’m especially excited to read is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I’ve haven’t read anything by any of the Bronte sisters, and I’m eager to remedy that. Jane Eyre follows an orphaned Jane Eyre who is sent to a boarding school. Other than that (which is obviously very little), I don’t know much else about it. But from what I’ve read about this tome, it’s sure to be a wonderful read!

Hardcover:https://amzn.to/2SnyO0a

Paperback:https://amzn.to/3aNcLGt

This list will turn out to be a few more than 20 because I’m counting some series as one book. I’m hoping to eventually read everything by L.M. Montgomery. I’ve read the Anne of Green Gables series and, while I would like to re-read it at some point, I can’t wait to dive into this new series. I read the first book in the series in 2018, but I might re-read it because I don’t know how much I remember.

Similar to Anne’s story, Emily is an orphan adjusting to her surroundings. Her enthusiasm is akin to Anne’s joy, but although there are many similarities between the series, I think Emily holds her own. I can’t wait to revisit this trilogy and New Moon!

3-in-1 Series Paperback:https://amzn.to/3bQJbS0

Paperback:https://amzn.to/3bVTnZe

3-in-1 Series Kindle: https://amzn.to/3aU3QmN

Emma (Penguin Classics) Another Jane Austen novel, Emma is another thick novel that I’m looking forward to reading. A story of misconstrued romance, Emma promises to be interesting and engaging. If you’re looking for some good Victorian insults or quotes, search no further!

Hardcover:https://amzn.to/2SnF3AZ

Paperback:https://amzn.to/2SncwvC

I haven’t read any Charles Dickens yet, so I’m excited to read Great Expectations this year. This novel follows Pip, who receives a large, mysterious inheritance that changes his station. Most of Charles Dickens’s books focus on the plight of the lower class (especially children) living in the 1800s. Again, this is one of the many classics I don’t know as much about as I would like to, which is part of the reason I’m determined to add a bit of variety to my reading life this year.

Paperback:https://amzn.to/2L0Xurr

Kindle:https://amzn.to/35mLI3C

Chronicles of Narnia is one of my all-time favorite series! It’s been a few years since I re-read it and I can’t wait to return to Narnia! I’m planning on reading some more C.S. Lewis this year as well as some biographies about the Inklings, so I thought this would be the perfect place to start.

This series follows the Pevensie siblings as they are transported from war-torn England to Narnia and tells the story of the creation and progression of the world of Narnia.

Hardcover:https://amzn.to/3f97fBC

Paperback:https://amzn.to/2Sp4qCv

Kindle:https://amzn.to/3aYHfpm

This one almost feels like it shouldn’t count because I’m reading it for school, but it’s one I’m looking forward too so I decided to include it.

At some point, I would like to read Tolkien’s translation, but that may have to wait.

Beowulf is an epic story complete with dragons, battles, and monsters, and it follows (you guessed it!) Beowulf as he journeys to defeat Grendel and eventually Grendel’s mother.

Paperback:https://amzn.to/2yhU7JD

Kindle:https://amzn.to/2YkQqNX

The last few books on this list are by J.R.R. Tolkien, and while they’re not exactly “classics,” they are by an author who wrote classics so I’m making the exception ;).

The Tolkien Reader is a collection of essays and short stories including “The Adventures of Tom Bombadil,” “Farmer Giles of Ham,” and “On Fairy-Stories.”

I’ve been looking forward to reading this for a couple of years, but I never got around to it. I can’t wait to explore some of Tolkien’s lesser known works, especially as I’m hoping to read some biographies about the Inklings this year.

Paperback:https://amzn.to/35lSzuv

This is one of the three Great Tales of Middle-Earth (along with Beren and Luthien and The Fall of Gondolin…both of which are also on this list). I’m not familiar with all of the lore in this book, but I know it provides a more complete telling of the story of Turin than is given in The Silmarillion. From what I remember of The Silmarillion, the story of Turn is a tragedy and is darker than some of Tolkien’s other works. However, I am still excited to read this story and its variations.

Hardcover:https://amzn.to/3cXDTEe

Paperback:https://amzn.to/35mvd84

Kindle:https://amzn.to/2y6MaqV

J.R.R. Tolkien saw his relationship with his wife as reminiscent of the story of Beren and Luthien. Luthien is an immortal Elf and Beren a mortal man. The two have fallen hopelessly in love, but Luthien’s father forbids them to marry unless Beren can accomplish a nearly impossible task.