The Best GATEWAY BOOKS to CLASSICAL LITERATURE

Song of Achilles + Circe

Starting with the two books that are heavily based in classical literature, both of these devastatingly beautiful books by Madeline Miller borrow from the likes of the Odyssey and the Illiad, two iconic works in their respective rights. If you’re looking to introduce someone to the heavier side of Greek mythology or are just looking for incredible writing, the Song of Achilles and Circe serve as great entryways into the world of Homer’s Epics. 

The Narnia series 

Most are familiar with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but few take the time to indulge themselves in the complete series.  A classic of fantasy literature that toes the line between worldwide fame and obscurity, the entire Narnia series contains some of the most riveting fantasy pieces of classical fiction that tie into more mature and compelling stories. Holding a spot in elementary schools around the globe, early exposure to this series tied with nostalgia makes it the perfect entry-level series. 

The Giver 

A bit more of a modern classic, The Giver is short and bittersweet in the best way possible. Prepare to laugh, cry, and bask in the warmth of Lois Lowry’s heart-wrenching writing that keeps the reader engaged while exploring heavy themes. If you’re looking for an easy read or a book that you can open at any time without fail, I’d recommend The Giver. With its simple but powerful message, The Giver is the perfect book to draw you into the world of classics. 

Little Women

This is definitely a harder sell for those unfamiliar with classics, but The Little Women is one of the penultimate classic books that has sat on top of thousands of readers' lists for generations. The March sisters will endear you in their loving family dynamics, and Louisa May Alcott's writing will make this slice-of-life story jump off the page and into your heart. Little Women was my first classic, and it was my gateway into classical literature.

Anything by Oscar Wilde 

No specific novel even comes to mind here because all of Oscar Wildes's books are so Oscar Wilde. He is - to put it simply - the funniest classical writer I’ve ever experienced (note that I’m aware Oscar Wilde was a deeply flawed person). His books manage to make even the darkest stories and themes feel as though you’re picking up tidbits from some Victorian gossip column which, trust me, is hilarious. As the man who purposely challenged the norms of high society for fun, and whose last words were, in layman’s terms, ‘either I go or the wallpaper’, I highly recommend his writing as a first classic book.