Ep. 23: That’s Classic: Listening to the Literary Canon Audiobook By The Audible Editors cover art

Ep. 23: That’s Classic: Listening to the Literary Canon

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Just the word "Classics" can be loaded: with anxiety, obligation, and bewilderment. Here, our Editors demystify what makes a classic (particularly for the listening experience), and what can make it feel like fun instead of homework. 

The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Ulysses by James Joyce

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

Emma by Jane Austen

Mansfield Park by Jane Austen

Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

The Shining by Stephen King

The Stand by Stephen King

Carrie by Stephen King

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Comedy Sex God by Pete Holmes

Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino

Second Hand Curses by Drew Hayes

Proof of Love by Chisa Hutchinson

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

©2018 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2018 Audible Originals, LLC Literary History & Criticism Social Sciences

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This was a fun listen I enjoyed it more than I thought I would, I'm not a classic book person. I'm excited for the next episode to come out.

Episode 23

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Whether you agree with their picks or not, the reasoning behind their choices is solid. They’ve even convinced me to suck it up and give the Russians a shot.

I was a little surprised they didn’t include more gothic literature. Yes, technically Jane Eyre and Northanger Abbey count but most people think Frankenstein, Dracula and The Picture of Dorian Gray. I sincerely hope you do a part 2 for classics because I wouldn’t say I’m very well-versed (I’ve only read what was required in school plus Jane Eyre) in that genre so this was extremely helpful in deciding where to start.

I thought my opinion on classics was a fairly normal one outside of the literary world; just because we call it a classic doesn’t mean it’s any good. The Scarlet Letter ruined my view of classics in high school. This gave me a new perspective without shoving it down my throat.

I would highly recommend this episode if you’re on the fence, especially if you’re like me and think you’re not really a fan of classics.

Definitely worth a listen

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Loved hearing the discussion of what makes a classic. Excited to find some of the ones they talked about on Audible and listen to them.

Classics on Audible

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I really love this episode. Just hearing them talk and engage back and forth with each other was wonderful. You can tell they know their stuff and it made me have a deeper appreciation for the classics. I definitely plan on listening to many of their recommendations. These women are very knowledgeable and it was a joy to hear them articulate their knowledge of these wonderful works of art.

These women were very knowledgeable!

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I really enjoyed listening to this episode. One, to hear the discussion on what makes a "classic" and help me re-think all these books I read in high school and college. Two, to hear their individual points of view on their favorites..inspiring me to go read/listen to them again! Christina was my favorite! :)

Informative and entertaining POV on classics

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