Many people have their list of favorite books, but why do people go to such great lengths to prove that their favorite modern book is a classic?
Discussions around literature and books have always revolved around the notion that the more popular books deserve formal awards and praise. People generally seem to believe that highly recognized books should be discussed for decades to come.
However, it is important to know just how much the label matters. Attaching the word “classic” to a book causes people to think that the book is either academic, a “what not to do” book for the future generation, or something to be taught.
So, as we consider “modern classics,” we are continually redefining them. But why do we do this? Why are so many lists being made to showcase picks of such examples?
What is a Classic?
The formal definition of a “classic” is “…an outstanding example of a particular style; something of lasting worth or with a timeless quality; of the first or highest quality, class, or rank– something that exemplifies its class.”
Many people have also created their own definitions; however, they mainly focus on the same aspects that others do: lasting influence and artistry.
These aspects reflect the reality that the so-called “classic” is largely a product of subjective opinions. Nowadays, the ones deciding modern classics are not scholars. They are individuals recommending books that they deem to be the cream of the crop.
After all, most of us want to be validated that the books we like do indeed warrant the title “classic.”
A Few Modern Classic Lists
To highlight this point, here are some lists of modern classics.
Social media contributed heavily to the trend, with sites such as Reddit, X (Twitter), and YouTube asking: “What books would be considered classics in the future?” People supplied their own answers, which led to various blogs and websites sharing their lists.
The blog Stargazer created a Top 10 list of 21st-century books that they believed would become classics. They highlighted the components that helped sell each book, such as influence, uniqueness, and solid storytelling. Some books on the list were: The Road by Cormac McCarthy, Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami.
Shondaland also created a list of books that they call the “new classics.” This list contained: White Teeth by Zadie Smith, Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan, and a repeat placement of The Road by Cormac McCarthy.
Why Are These Lists A Big Deal?
Book lists are viewed quite critically. People immediately judge the selections and and the creators that chose them. But the lists should not and aren’t meant to be portrayed as solid, indisputable fact.
As mentioned previously, they are essentially glorified recommendation lists — compilations of books that the creator of the list finds excellent and well-written based on an entirely subjective viewpoint.
Issues arise when this perspective goes unrecognized. Wildly different book choices will inevitably be seen and shown, inciting discourse and contention.
Personally, there are many classics I do not like, but I understand their impact and merit.
What Does this Mean For The Modern Classic?
In all, the books touted as “modern classics” are not losing anything. Most of the books being considered and ultimately placed on these lists are popular, award-winning, and influential — whether they fall under the categories of Young Adult, Fiction, or Genre Fiction.
At the very least, the lists give avid readers a set of books to check out. And with many growing sick of BookTok’s repetitive recs, “modern classics” may push readers to go outside of their comfort zone.
Overall, I think that the “modern classic” discourse illustrates the amount of meaningful literature that is being generated — an exciting prospect for the future.
