I may be slightly biased for this decade in history, both because it features my favorite bustle for women in Victorian England and because it is the decade that the infamous Jack the Ripper went on his killing spree. But for books, I was surprised how little I had read from this decade. But ah, well, means I can read more classics, so I have no complaints.
As always, if this is your first post of this series, check out my many previous ones.
My Favorite Book of The Year: 2019-2010
My Favorite Book of The Year: 2009-2000
My Favorite Book of The Year: 1979-1970
My Favorite Book of the Year: 1969-1960
My
Favorite Book of the Year: 1939-1930
My Favorite Book of the Year: 1929-1920
My Favorite Book of the Year: 1899-1890
Now, let’s get into the books!
1889
I read this humorous classic about three hypochondriacs (people who believe they have a lot of diseases they don’t) who go on a boating vacation together. It’s absurd and hilarious and a fun read.
1888
This is more of a novella that novel, but I was really impressed by it. It follows two white men who go into Africa and become kings of the local tribe, only to bring disaster on themselves by their lust and pride. It’s a fascinating story, and a quick read.
1887
This is a nonfiction book about journalist Nellie Bly going into a women’s insane asylum to reveal the horrible conditions of mental institutions of this era. I loved this book, and despite it feeling like an obvious reality of asylums, when this book came out it brought such great change to how “insane” people were treated. It’s a great read!
1886
One of the best horror books! I read this a year or so ago and I was so impressed by it. Less because it felt horrific and more because it speaks to the theme that we all have evil or weakness in us.
1885
This is kind of quintessential classic adventure novel. It might not be perfectly politically correct, but the story is so fun and engaging, about a group out to search for the legendary mines of King Solomon in Africa.
1884
This is definitely a strange book, about a wealthy recluse who engages in wealth and literature and hatred of humanity. It is much more a profile of the main character than any else, but I found it fascinating.
1883
I love children’s books which are moral lessons, and this one is both hilarious and sobering, about a wooden boy whose selfishness gets him in trouble again and again.
1882
I read this play just a couple months ago, and I was impressed how it is so relative even to modern times, where we accuse people of being enemies of the people (or canceling them) simply because they disagree with what the majority says.
1881
This is such a classic story, and one I first read back in high school. It’s so popular, the story of a prince and a peasant to look alike and change places. It’s also about the only book I’ve read by Mark Twain which I actually enjoyed. He’s just not my cup of tea.
1880
This is a whopper of a book, sitting at over 600 pages and incredibly slow. It also really lacks the female characters’ development. However, the examination of culture and philosophy of the era surrounding Christ’s life is incredible.
So there is my list. This is the first month I had to read over half of these books to be able to make this list. At the end of this year I may be forced to move this series to every other month so I have time to read a bunch of books for it, but I do want to continue it as long as I can.
Have you read any of the these books? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments follow my blog for more musings and, as always,
Best wishes in your life full of adventure,
Madame Writer
Nice
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Pinocchio is a classic here in Italy!
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is one of my fave classic books.
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Both are amazing, I agree! I wish I had read Pinocchio earlier, because it’s such a moralizing story.
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Great post, great review and great recommendation!
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Thank you!
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Great post! Interesting selection of books. Three Men in a Boat is funny, I re-read it every few years!
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Thank you! It is a hilarious book, and one wish I had found it earlier. I also believe there is at least one sequel, which I want to read.
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I haven’t read the sequel either! I wonder if it’s as funny, though.
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I’ve heard of Nellie Bly and her investigative stay in a mental health institution. I’ve been wanting to read her story.
Thank you for the great post!
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Thank you! I hope you get a chance to read Nellie Bly’s book, because it’s really interesting and not that long either.
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