Classic lit gets a bad rap—long chapters, old-timey language and, ngl, the occasional paragraph that makes you go “um, what?” But there’s a reason these stories have stuck around: Once you crack the code, they’re totally gripping. With a few easy tips, you’ll be breezing through Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters and Charles Dickens like the book-loving legend you are.

Watch The Movies

One of the best ways to get into the classics is by watching the movie adaptations. There are so many to choose from, and indulging in all of their atmosphere brings the appeal of the classic stories way up. Whether you’re swooning over Lizzie and Mr. Darcy’s chemistry and Pride and Prejudice (though whether you choose the BBC miniseries or the 2005 film is a different question) or dashing to the theaters for the much-anticipated Wuthering Heights premiere, there’s a period piece for everyone to enjoy. These films will give you a taste of the splendor of the older eras and will make you want to dive into the pages that inspired them.

Load Up On Your Book Consumption

Contrary to popular belief, it is totally okay to read two (or more) books at once—and when it comes to reading the classics, it’s encouraged! It all depends on how you balance it. Try having a different book in spaces in your house (one for your nightstand, one for the kitchen table, etc.).  Even better is to embrace the audiobook. Audiobooks make it super easy to sneak more reading into your life and are a great idea for the classics (especially if you find yourself getting exhausted after only a page at night). Tune into your reading while you work out, walk with your pup or clean your room.

Romanticize It

There’s something so atmospheric about classic stories. Whether you like the lavish grandeur of Regency Era Jane Austen, the beautiful and devastating Victorian Era of Dickens or the American classics by Mark Twain, there’s a vibe for everyone when it comes to these genre-defining reads. Sometimes, the best way to make them more desirable is to romanticize the experience. Spread out on a picnic blanket with The Iliad, sit by the water with Moby Dick or curl up by the fireplace with a warm chai and Jane Eyre. Once you’ve made the experience more desirable, the literary obsessions are sure to follow.

Track Your Reading Habits

Tracking your habits sets up a reward system and motivates you to pursue your reading goals. With an attainable number to achieve, it’s a lot easier to make progress, and it gamifies the experience. Set a certain number of pages each night, with an overall weekly, monthly or yearly goal. And the best part? You get that sweet sense of satisfaction once you’re finished.

Check out our Insta @glbestiebookclub for classic reading recs!

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Image credits: @womanon, @wutheringheightsmovie, @maevaeatsbooks, @readingslumped, @readbelievelove