The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is by Anne Bronte. The classic historical fiction novel by the least known of the Bronte sisters. When the widow Helen Graham moves into run-down Wildfell Hall everyone in the neighborhood is intrigued. She is a widow with a young son and no one knows anything about where she came from or who her family might be. Gilbert Markham finds himself increasingly drawn to her, yet her behavior at once attracts and bewilders. It isn't until she allows him to read her diary that the entire truth is revealed. While I agree Jane Eyre (Charlotte) is the best Bronte novel, I find I like this one better than Wuthering Heights (Emily). 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Little Women

Little Women is by Louisa May Alcott. This classic historical fiction novel is set during and after the Civil War. It centers around the March family, especially the four daughters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. They wait impatiently for their father to return from the war and try to get along as best they can, as they are not rich. This is one of the best loved classics of all time, yet I must admit it has never been a favorite of mine. It is just not in my wheelhouse. 

Ratings: 6th grade - 5 out of 10. 

The Princess Bride: S Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure

The Princess Bride: S Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure is by William Goldman. The classic fantasy tale of Westley and Buttercup and their fight for true love. When Buttercup agrees to marry the evil Prince Humperdinck, she is kidnapped by three mercenaries and then followed by a "man in black" who turns out to be Westley her lost love. The two lovers must conquer evil and death to be together. Truthfully, the movie is better - never thought you'd hear me say that did you? 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Bloodless

Bloodless is by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. The 20th book in the realistic fiction, crime Pendergast series. When bloodless bodies began to turn up in Savannah, Pendergast, Coldmoon and Constance are called in to find the killer. Only this killer is like nothing they have ever experienced before. You'll have to suspend a lot of disbelief for this one. 

Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence). 

The Voyage of Saint Brendan: In a Modern English Version

The Voyage of Saint Brendan: In a Modern English Version is by Simon Webb. The classic mythological story of the sea voyage of Saint Brendan retold in modern English. A must read for all lovers of Anglo-Saxon classics. 

Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Exotics: A Translation of the Spiritual Songs of Novalis, The Hymn-book of Luther, & Other Poems from the German & Italian

Exotics: A Translation of the Spiritual Songs of Novalis, The Hymn-book of Luther, & Other Poems from the German & Italian is by George MacDonald. A classic collection of translated hymns and poetry by authors like Novalis, Martin Luther, Schiller, Petrarch, Claudius, Heine, Goethe, Uhland, and Milton. A must read for poetry lovers, Christians, and fans of Macdonald. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.