5 easy-on-the-eyes English literature classics for teenagers, from The Great Gatsby to Breakfast at Tiffany’s

A short novel set in the roaring twenties with endless drama about the rich and the wild – what more would you want in a book? The main story surrounds a mysterious man called Jay Gatsby and his infatuation with former lover Daisy Buchanan, which leads to a series of unfortunate events. Writer F. Scott Fitzgerald portrays these characters as descending into madness, unable to connect with the real world and clinging to a futile American dream.

I really enjoyed this book, as it was fast-paced and full of action, and gives you the feeling of watching a reality show or reading a gossip magazine. This book is suitable for teens because it is filled with plot twists that make it easy to immerse yourself in the world of New York in the 1920s. It can also be read in one sitting since it is only around 200 pages.

This novel tells the story of a teenager who wants to run away from his hometown in the US state of Pennsylvania and experience New York City. Our protagonist, Holden Caulfield, encapsulates what it feels like to be a teenager. Most importantly, it helps you understand what it feels like to want to close your eyes and leave your life for a while, even just for a few days.

Similar to The Great Gatsby, The Catcher in the Rye uses a comical tone, nonchalantly describing the ridiculous situations in which Holden finds himself, frequenting random bars and detailing his awkward interactions with strangers. Perfect for students who feel anxious about starting the new school year, this short coming-of-age novel will comfort them during their back-to-school blues.

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Abandoned island. A bunch of young boys. No supervision. What could go wrong?

Savages. Sacrifices. Screams.

Lord of the Flies tells the story of a group of young boys governing themselves on an abandoned island after a plane crash, who become afraid of the idea of a monster called the beast. Their isolation from the rest of the world leads to deviant behaviour, even escalating to violence.

This book isn’t exactly a beach read, and its dark atmosphere contrasts with its setting on a tropical island. Although it is not always fun to imagine the horrific acts that even minors are capable of, it shows how easily the human conscience can be manipulated, particularly if there is nothing to incentivise or caution people to adhere to society’s norms.

Another blast from the past, Of Mice and Men tackles problems like racism and the mistreatment of people with mental disabilities through the heartbreaking story of George, an uneducated but intelligent man, and Lenny, a strong man with mental disabilities, migrant farm workers hoping to one day buy their own land to live on.

The unconditional friendship between George and Lenny balances the darker events of the book well and tells a heartbreaking story of survival during the Great Depression. Spend an afternoon falling in love with George and Lenny; it is another relatively short read of around 100 pages.

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If you are looking for a lighter classic that does not feel like a school book, this one is for you. With an iconic film starring Audrey Hepburn of the same name, the novella is a refreshing break from more serious ones. It details the unnamed narrator’s interactions with Holly Golightly, a beautiful socialite with a mysterious past who spends her time attending parties, running down fire escapes and evading the police. It is a lighthearted romance that will make you laugh and reflect on what it means to be lonely.

Although her travels (like going to Brazil on a whim) are not very realistic, Holly’s bravery and how she lives without fear of judgment or consequences are refreshing traits to see in a female protagonist.