Brew a Cuppa, Open a Timeless Tale: 10 Classic Reads to Unplug With

1. A Christmas Carol

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor.”

Christmas may be months away, but a classic holiday story and a warm cuppa never go out of season. In A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens tells the heartwarming tale of Ebenezer Scrooge—a miserable old man whose life changes for the better after he’s visited by four ghosts on Christmas Eve. It’s a story filled with empathy, redemption, and a gentle reminder to live in the moment.

2. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

“I'd far rather be happy than right any day.”

One ordinary Thursday, Arthur Dent loses his house… and then his planet. Swept into space with his alien best friend, a towel, and a book, he stumbles into the most absurd and delightful (mis)adventures the galaxy has to offer. Equal parts absurd and brilliant, this witty sci-fi fiction series is the perfect escape when you want to swap reality for something fun.

3. Anne of Green Gables

“It's been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.”

Craving something heartwarming? Anne of Green Gables promises that. In this classic, a spirited redhead, named Anne, is mistakenly adopted by middle-aged siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert.

Mischievous yet impossible not to love, Anne’s story brings laughter, adventure, and a lot of chaos to the village of Avonlea. This heartwarming classic is full of everyday adventures, girlhood, and gentle lessons about belonging, kindness, and seeing the world with wonder.

Also read: Top 5 Classic Literary Friendships

4. Little Women and Good Wives

“I'd rather take coffee than compliments just now.”

Step into the world of the March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up in Civil War–era New England. From small domestic joys to heartaches and hopes, their story is one of love, resilience, and the bonds that hold a family together.

In Little Women and its sequel, Good Wives, Louisa May Alcott follows the sisters from girlhood into adulthood, capturing the beauty of ordinary days and the quiet courage it takes to chase bigger dreams. A comfort read you’ll want to revisit time and again.

Buy Here: Little Women and Good Wives

5. Sense and Sensibility

“It is not what we think or feel that makes us who we are. It is what we do. Or fail to do...”

No classics reading list is complete without Jane Austen. While any of her classic books can help you unwind, Sense and Sensibility offers a perfect balance of wit and warmth. It follows the impoverished Dashwood family—particularly sisters Elinor and Marianne, who embody good sense (practicality) and sensibility (emotionality), respectively. Through love, loss, and societal expectations, Austen weaves a gentle yet sharp portrait of family bonds, resilience, and the many forms love can take.

Buy Here: Sense and Sensibility

6. Atmâ: A Romance

“It is not by our feet or change of place that men leave Thee nor return unto Thee.”

You may not have heard of this gem, but it’s a rare blend of history and poetic romance—perfect for a soul-stirring read after a long day. Set in 19th-century Punjab during the decline of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s empire, Atmâ: A Romance follows a young Sikh man caught between tradition and change.

When he falls in love with Moti, his uncle’s daughter, their story unfolds against a backdrop of political unrest and personal awakening. Short yet rich, this historical classic is a tender exploration of love, loyalty, and finding one’s place in a shifting world.

Buy Here: Atmâ: A Romance

7. Three Men in a Boat

“I don't understand German myself. I learned it at school, but forgot every word of it two years after I had left, and have felt much better ever since.”

If you’re in the mood for laughter, Three Men in a Boat might just outshine your favourite sitcom. Follow three bumbling friends—and their loyal dog—on a boating trip from Kingston to Oxford, encountering hilarious misadventures along the River Thames. Jerome K. Jerome’s witty observations, memorable characters, and comic escapades make this a lighthearted, timeless read—a perfect companion for a relaxing evening with a cuppa.

Buy Here: Three Men in a Boat

8. Jane Eyre

“I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself.”

If your brew of choice to unwind is a strong espresso, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë is the perfect match. It was first published in 1847 as an autobiography under the pseudonym Currer Bell. This classic shows you the world through Jane, an independent and unconventional young woman who values integrity, self-respect, and love on her own terms. From her challenging childhood to her complex romantic relationship with Mr. Rochester, Brontë’s romantic classic is a realistic portrayal of the inner life of a woman.

9. Carmilla

“Nevertheless, life and death are mysterious states, and we know little of the resources of either.”

If dark, Gothic tales and vampire stories are your bedtime companions, Carmilla by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu is a must-read. Written in 1872, this novella predates Bram Stoker’s Dracula by 26 years and follows the eerie, captivating Countess Carmilla Karnstein. Le Fanu’s story blends horror and dark romance, exploring the Sapphic undertones of its undead heroine.

Though lesser known today, Carmilla was hugely influential in shaping vampire lore and the intersection of Gothic horror and queer storytelling—perfect for an immersive read by candlelight or with a warm cuppa.

10. A Room with A View

“Choose a place where you won't do very much harm, and stand in it for all you are worth, facing the sunshine.”

Sometimes all you need is a room with a desirable view to unwind—and Lucy Honeychurch finds just that (not right away, though), along with a romantic spark, in EM Forster’s enchanting tale.

Set between the rigid conventions of Edwardian England and the liberating, passionate atmosphere of Italy, the story follows Lucy as she navigates love, societal expectations, and personal awakening. Witty, charming, and romantic, A Room with a View is a timeless classic for relaxing with a warm cup and a good read.

Also Read: 10 Classics That’ll Rekindle Your Love for Reading

Hopefully, this list of easy-to-read classic books gives you a perfect starting point for your unwinding time. From heartwarming tales and witty adventures to Gothic chills and gentle romances, there’s something here for every mood and moment.

So, brew your favourite cuppa, find a cosy corner, and let yourself sink into these classic books. Allow these timeless stories to accompany you through quiet afternoons, rainy evenings, or a peaceful moment just for yourself. Happy reading!