10+ Best Classic Books for 17-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for classic books for 17-year-olds that are both captivating and enlightening? Whether you're a teen eager to dive into the world of timeless literature or a parent searching for meaningful gift ideas, you've landed in the perfect spot. Our curated selections are designed to resonate with young adults and enrich their understanding of both literature and life. Keep reading to explore our diverse lists of classic books for 17-year-olds, each promising to leave a lasting impression.

Fun Classic Books for 17-Year-Olds

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Southern Gothic, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: This novel takes place in the racially divided Alabama of the 1930s and follows young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem. Their father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who takes on a case defending an innocent black man accused of raping a white woman.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles profound themes of racial injustice and moral growth. Reading it helps build empathy and understanding of complex social issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history and social justice, and those who appreciate stories told from a child's perspective.

• 1984 by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Political Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a future totalitarian society where the government, led by Big Brother, exercises extreme control over all aspects of life, including thoughts. Winston Smith, the protagonist, struggles with oppression and his forbidden desire for individuality and freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a powerful warning against totalitarianism and provokes thought about privacy, freedom, and government control.
  • Perfect for: Young adults interested in politics and philosophy, and anyone who questions authority and values freedom.

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Tragedy
  • Synopsis: This novel is a critical exploration of the American Dream through the life of Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan during the Roaring Twenties.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the glamour and despair of the Jazz Age, and it’s a fascinating look at wealth, love, and ambition. It’s also beautifully written, making it a joy to read.
  • Perfect for: Those who love exploring themes of ambition, love, and the impact of societal expectations.

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores complex themes such as the dangers of unchecked ambition, the moral limits of science, and the quest for understanding and companionship.
  • Perfect for: Science fiction and horror enthusiasts, as well as readers who enjoy deep philosophical questions.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Romance
  • Synopsis: The narrative follows Jane Eyre from her miserable childhood as an orphan to her role as governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the mysterious and brooding Mr. Rochester.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a strong example of the bildungsroman genre, with rich character development and a powerful depiction of a woman's fight for independence and equality.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate strong, complex female protagonists and enjoy a blend of romance and gothic mystery.

• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-Age, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel follows a few days in the life of Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager navigating his way through an identity crisis after being expelled from prep school.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the angst and alienation of growing up, making it incredibly relatable to teenagers dealing with similar feelings of confusion about their place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Teens who feel misunderstood or who are struggling with their identity, and those who like introspective, character-driven stories.

Educational Classic Books for 17-Year-Olds

• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Sea Story, Classic
  • Synopsis: The novel follows Captain Ahab's obsessive quest to kill Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whale that maimed him during their previous encounter.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Analytical thinking, understanding of symbolism and themes, historical context of whaling
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of man's struggle against nature, fate, and his own obsessions. The narrative is rich with symbolism and complex themes that challenge the reader to think deeply.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in classic literature that combines adventure with deep philosophical questions.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Psychological Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This intense psychological thriller tells the story of Raskolnikov, a desperate and impoverished student who believes he is superior and entitled to commit a crime for a greater good. After murdering a pawnbroker, he faces the moral consequences of his actions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, understanding complex characters and moral dilemmas, psychological analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping look into the mind of a troubled individual while exploring themes of morality, guilt, redemption, and the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep psychological narratives and moral complexities.

• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic, Tragedy, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel centers on the passionate and tumultuous relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an orphan taken in by Catherine's father. Their love story is marked by jealousy, vengeance, and social class struggles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of narrative structure, thematic development, and character analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful and emotional exploration of love and revenge, with complex characters and a compelling narrative that engages readers from start to finish.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate a blend of gothic elements with intense, emotional storytelling.

• The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Satire, Social Criticism
  • Synopsis: The story follows the young and adventurous Huck Finn as he escapes from his abusive father and travels down the Mississippi River with Jim, an escaped slave. Their journey is filled with encounters that critique the moral values and prejudices of the American South.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking about ethics and society, understanding of satire and historical context
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines adventure with sharp social commentary, making it both an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of adventure and are interested in critical examinations of social issues through satire.

• Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Epic, Social Criticism
  • Synopsis: This sprawling epic covers the lives of several characters over a tumultuous period in French history, focusing primarily on Jean Valjean, a former convict struggling to escape his past and make a new life for himself.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, empathy, understanding of social injustice
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound commentary on justice, humanity, and redemption, woven through detailed character studies and rich historical detail.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in a deep dive into historical settings and themes of social justice and personal transformation.

Challenging Classic Books for 17-Year-Olds

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist, Stream of Consciousness
  • Synopsis: This novel details the events of a single day in Dublin (June 16, 1904) through the lives of its characters, primarily Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and Molly Bloom.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is known for its stream of consciousness technique and dense allusions to a wide array of other texts and historical events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterclass in modernist literature, offering readers the chance to engage deeply with the text and discover the intricacies of Joyce's language.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love tackling complex texts and appreciate deep literary analysis.

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Epic
  • Synopsis: This novel spans the French invasion of Russia and follows the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society through the eyes of five aristocratic families.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its sheer length, numerous characters, and detailed depiction of 19th-century Russian society and war make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound exploration of life, death, love, and the human spirit, set against a backdrop of monumental historical events.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy epic stories with rich historical details and complex character development.

• In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
  • Genre(s): Modernist, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: A profound narrative that explores the themes of time, memory, and desire through the narrator's experiences in late 19th and early 20th-century France.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's intricate narrative structure, lengthy sentences, and deep philosophical introspection require significant concentration and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a monumental work of literary art that offers readers the opportunity to explore the depths of human emotion and memory.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychology and philosophy, and readers who enjoy exploring the subtleties of social interactions and personal reflections.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Fiction, Mystery, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the tumultuous lives of the Karamazov family, focusing on their moral struggles, spirituality, and the existence of God.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book delves into deep philosophical discussions on faith, free will, and morality, intertwined with complex character studies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It confronts profound questions of ethics and existence, offering a deep, reflective experience for the reader.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate psychological depth and philosophical debates within the context of a rich narrative.

• Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
  • Genre(s): Chivalric Romance, Satire
  • Synopsis: The story follows the adventures of Don Quixote, an aging man who becomes a self-styled knight errant, and his squire, Sancho Panza, as they journey through Spain.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's play on multiple narrative layers and its early modern Spanish language present unique challenges.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's widely regarded as one of the foundations of modern Western literature and offers insightful critiques on social and literary conventions.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy satire and exploring the line between reality and fiction, and readers looking for a blend of humor and serious themes.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of classic books, it's fantastic to develop some solid reading habits early on. Here are some exercises tailored for 17-year-olds that can really enhance your reading experience and help you get the most out of those timeless novels. Let's check them out!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you consistent and builds momentum in your reading habit.
  • Tips: Choose a realistic goal that fits into your daily schedule without overwhelming you.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances focus, making reading more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Ensure good lighting and a comfortable seating arrangement to make your reading space inviting.

• Discuss with Peers
  • What it is: Form or join a book club or discussion group with friends who are also reading classics.
  • How it helps: Encourages deeper understanding and appreciation of the material through shared insights.
  • Tips: Try to stay open to different perspectives and use them to enrich your own interpretation of the book.

• Use Supplementary Materials
  • What it is: Refer to study guides, summaries, or historical context articles about the book.
  • How it helps: Provides additional background that can clarify complex themes and archaic language.
  • Tips: Look for resources that are credible and well-reviewed to ensure accurate information.

• Reflect on the Reading
  • What it is: Take time after each reading session to reflect on what you've read.
  • How it helps: Helps retain information and connect different parts of the story or analysis.
  • Tips: You could write a brief summary or discuss the reading with someone else to solidify your understanding.

• Adapt the Pace According to Content
  • What it is: Adjust how quickly or slowly you read based on the complexity of the text.
  • How it helps: Ensures that you fully grasp difficult sections without getting bogged down.
  • Tips: Don’t rush through; take the time to re-read passages that are dense or pivotal to the plot.

Wrapping up, remember that reading should be both educational and enjoyable. These exercises are designed to help you build a strong foundation in your reading habits, making those classic books not just readable but truly engaging. Happy reading!