8 Classics Begging to be Read this Spring

Spring has sprung!

That time of year when blue skies beckon us to grab a book and head somewhere beautiful for a leisurely afternoon of reading under the shade of a blossoming tree.

It is also that time of year for April showers, which make for equally delightful days of reading indoors. The gentle sound of rain falling on the roof and distant thunder rolling in the background provide a soothing soundtrack as you lose yourself in the pages of a good book.

You feel it too, don't you? 

Here's to those diverting spring days! And if you're looking for some good titles to enjoy, check out these 8 Classics Begging to be Read this Spring.

1. An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott

Why An Old Fashioned Girl? Because I have loved other Alcott novels and have yet to have the pleasure of this one. Not only have I not yet read it, I had never heard of it before, which seems a travesty that must be corrected and this spring seems like the perfect time to get acquainted with Miss Polly Milton as she swaps the country for big city living in the 1860's. 

2. Miss Cayley's Adventures by Grant Allen

Miss Cayley's Adventures is another classic I had never heard of, but a quick peek at the chapter titles told me all I needed to know regarding Miss Lois Cayley. Couple that with the fact that this is a super quick read ensures that Miss Cayley and I will get into some trouble together this spring. Check out the chapter titles here and you'll agree that Miss Cayley's Adventures belongs in your spring tbr pile, too.

3. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim

Four women. A medieval castle. Peaceful surroundings. Italy. The Enchanted April is another on my spring to-be-read book stack that I am wholly unfamiliar with - both the author and the title - yet it seems written for me to experience and love.

Plus, I love a good cover and this one has my favorite on this springtime reading list.

4. Shirley by Charlotte Brontë

Charlotte Brontë is my all-time favorite novelist because she wrote my all-time favorite novel - Jane Eyre. Imagine my surprise when I was scrolling through webdom and discovered Shirley waiting to become my new BFF. A Brontë novel set in Yorkshire in the early 1800's has my name written all over it, even if it is 789 pages long.

5. Absent in the Spring by Agatha Christie

An Agatha Christie novel that does not read like an Agatha Christie novel? Yes, please. I need to check Absent in the Spring out for two simple reasons: Christie wrote it under a pseudonym (And that's curious to me.), and it is a book about reflecting on your life. Since I am roughly around the halfway point myself, I want to sample a piece of that. 

6. Middlemarch by George Eliot

Confession: I have never read anything by George Eliot. I even keep misspelling Eliot. But I have at least heard of Middlemarch and now that I've read a synopsis, I'm hooked. I can honestly say I look forward to getting to know Miss Dorothea Brooke this spring - I will have plenty of time in the 600+ page tome - and (hopefully) I will be able to add another classic to my list of favs. 

7. The Grand Sophy by Georgette Heyer

Okay. Georgette Heyer is one of those authors that keep coming up in conversation. First my sister mentioned her. Then someone in the virtual book club. Then I began seeing recommendations online for one of her novels that is "the best" that person had ever read. I cry uncle already! I don't know what Georgette Heyer is all about, but I aim to find out this spring with The Grand Sophy. (Not technically a classic, but I've heard she writes like she is, so I'm including her.) 

8. Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery

Orphan girl. Prince Edward Island. Are you a fan of the beloved Anne of Green Gables? Then it is time to meet Emily of New Moon who is also an orphan girl living on Prince Edward Island. Small world, but one in which I cannot wait to return. You stay right there, Emily. I'm coming for you girl.

While the above are affiliate links to the covers that I adore the most, I made sure that most of the books that made the list were available in both an affordable paperback and even more affordable Kindle version for those of us that need to pinch pennies to support our book habits.

I gotchu, reader.