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Alwaystkd wrote: ↑12 May 2018, 23:51 I wonder what made certain books a classic such as, Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer, The Old Man and The Sea etc. Is it the message the author is displaying or maybe the popularity of the book that makes it a classic? It will be exciting to see which modern day books will one day be classics.

I am wondering the same thing. I have no idea what contemporary books will continue to like a century or more later. I'm observing others' views. From their replies it seems popularity is the first consideration, even more than theme.

I've been known to say, "The Classics are only classics because so few people were literate at the time." However, I have to agree that the Harry Potter series will be considered classics. Also Good Omens by Neil Gaiman. Best book I ever bought for a dollar!

The book "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe is somewhat modern but has the potential and is even already a classic. That book was so good.

Predicting which modern books will become classics in the future is challenging because it depends on several factors, including cultural significance, enduring themes, and continued readership over time. However, some contemporary books have already gained recognition and show potential for future classic status. These might include:

1. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (published in 1960): This novel, while not entirely modern, is a prime example of a book that has become a classic in a relatively short time. It addresses themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and the loss of innocence.

2. "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling (published from 1997 to 2007): This series has had a profound impact on popular culture and introduced an entire generation to the joys of reading.

3. "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy (published in 2006): This post-apocalyptic novel explores themes of survival, love, and the human condition in a bleak world.

4. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini (published in 2003): This novel delves into the complexities of family, friendship, and redemption against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history.

5. "The Great Believers" by Rebecca Makkai (published in 2018): This novel deals with the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and its impact on the LGBTQ+ community, providing a historical and emotional perspective.

It's important to remember that the status of a classic book often becomes apparent with the passage of time. What makes a classic is not just literary quality but also its impact on society and the endurance of its themes. Only time will tell which modern books will stand the test of time and become classics.

I do agree with other people in this thread that series like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and (potentially) Twilight. Given their relatively recent popularity and interest in the minds of people, I'd also like to submit Dune, A Song of Ice and Fire, and Chronicles of the Shadow War as potential candidates that have withstood the test of time and may live on in people's hearts as classics.

3. "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy (published in 2006): This post-apocalyptic novel explores themes of survival, love, and the human condition in a bleak world.

I would amend this with Blood Meridian. You can even call it the great american novel at this point in time. Not a single author, aside from Melville, has attempted anything this ambitious and has delivered with such prophetic style.

Predicting future classics is challenging, as it depends on evolving literary tastes and cultural shifts. However, books that receive critical acclaim, address universal themes, and have a lasting impact on readers are more likely to be considered future classics. Some contenders might include works by authors like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Haruki Murakami, or Zadie Smith, but only time will tell.

The book that I believe has had the biggest impact on me lately is "The Kyte Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. Because I've never read anything like it and because it has all the makings of a classic, it will probably become a classic.

I think the Harry Potter series will become classic because so many people love it. I mean jeez, it has its own theme park! What other book series has its own entire theme park?

This may be a controversial pick, but I could imagine considering the Twilight series classic. Hear me out… who has not heard of this series? And of anyone who has read it, who did not love it? It’s certainly not a series that appeals to everyone, but you can’t deny the impact the popularity of these books had on many new readers and the influence they had on future media. I might be biased, because I truly enjoy this series! Does anyone out there feel the same as I do about the lasting impact of these books?

I agree that the Harry Potter books stands a good chance becoming a classic it resonates so much with readers and has amazing characters.

I do not know of any for now

often wonder if authors of the books we consider classics ever would have thought their words would live for so many years and have millions of eyes grace their pages.

"Beloved" by Toni Morrison, "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy and "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro.
These books are already recognized for their literary merit and cultural significance, which makes them contenders for future classics. I hope everyone finds them interesting.