When you hear someone say, "I read classics" you may think, "Oh dear God..." But that's not always the case. When I was in 5th Grade I started reading classic literature and have since read over 1,000 books in that genre. You might think I'm obsessed, but not really. I just love classic works, so if you're new to old, then sit back and take a look into reading some of the books on the list of "The Top 20 Pieces of Classical Literature You Should Read Before You Die".

1. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Who doesn't love a cross between a satire and a war story? It's a little out there, but what great piece of fiction isn't?

2. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

I love pirates... That's why this book is on this list.

3. Moby Dick (or The Whale) by Herman Melville

Dive into one of the greatest pieces of literature in the English. (Apologies for the pun)

4. The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

So I've got another book that was later made into a musical on this list. The book is a little different than the musical, but it's a wonderful twister!

5. War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

Aliens... That is all.

6. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

"One Day More?"...Sort of. But the book is HUMONGOUS... it's worth it. If you have a good two or three weeks to spare, read one of the most famous pieces of French literature ever.

7. Dracula by Bram Stoker

8. The Complete Tales of Edgar Allan Poe

Poe is considered by many to be the master of horror. His short stories have been chilling spines and keeping people up at night for a little over 100 years, so indulge yourself into the mind of one of America's landmark writers.

9. Candide by Voltaire

This book may be older than the rest of the books on this list, but it's one of the funniest. A great weekend read!

10. Animal Farm by George Orwell

Orwell’s portrait of communism put into a hilarious new spectrum is a great read that you can have done in a small amount of time!

11. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

You probably read this book in high school. But if you haven't and need a good dose of that teenage angst, pick up a copy and enjoy!

12. Allan Quatermain

So this dude Allan Quatermain is the original Indiana Jones.

13. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

It's a lot scarier when we look at this book as a metaphor for nuclear warfare.

14. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Read this book, then read #15 on the list. It will change your life.

15. 1984 by George Orwell

Refer to the caption for #14.

16. 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne

One of the best science fiction books ever written, and my favorite by Jules Verne.

17. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

You wanna have the crap scared out of you? This is one of the most terrifying books of the twentieth century.

18. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare

Need I say more? Read into Hamlet a little more, with feeling... You'll start to appreciate it a little more. #ShakespeareNerdForLife

19. The Fortieth Door by Mary Hastings Bradley

This work is almost unknown: but it's one of the best books I've ever read. The story follows a young archeologist who falls in love with a mysterious girl at a masquerade ball in Cairo, only to find out her true identity and together they embark on a daring mission filled with love, lust, drama, and twists at every corner.

20. On The Road by Jack Keroac

The riveting story of a beatnik's pilgrimage across the United States and a few lessons about the world. It's my favorite, so like Smitty Werbenjagermanjennsen, this book is #1.

I hope you read all these wonderful pieces of literature! Comment your favorite classic and suggestions below!