14 Classic Books People Claim to Have Read but Haven’t

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There are certain books everyone feels like they should have read, but most of us have only skimmed (if that). These are the kind of books that pop up on “must-read” lists or sit on coffee tables, looking impressive but collecting dust. We nod knowingly when people mention them, throwing in phrases like, “Oh yes, War and Peace, what a masterpiece,” when really, we’d rather binge a TV show than get into another chapter of dense, old prose.

And hey, I get it. Some of these classics are beloved for a reason, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy reads. We’ve all opened up one of these hefty novels with the best intentions, only to find ourselves slogging through pages upon pages of antiquated language, complex philosophies, or endless character lists. No shame in admitting it, sometimes it’s easier to just let them live on the shelf as “books we’ll get to someday.”

So, here’s a rundown of 14 classic books people claim to have read but probably haven’t. Maybe you’ll feel inspired to crack one open, or maybe you’ll just enjoy nodding along and recognizing a few titles.

1. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

People often talk about War and Peace like it’s a rite of passage. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, this massive novel dives into the lives of Russian aristocrats, soldiers, and peasants. But here’s the thing, most people don’t make it past the first hundred pages.

With its endless character list and tangents about war strategies, it’s no wonder this one tends to stay on the “to-read” list forever. It’s more of a marathon than a read, and for many, it’s the thought that counts.

2. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Call me Ishmael—and then call me crazy if you think I’m getting through this one. Moby-Dick is famous for being long and dense, with chapters that go off on whale anatomy and harpooning techniques. At its core, it’s the story of Captain Ahab’s obsession with a white whale, but it’s so much more…complicated.

Most of us pretend to know it from the first line, but that’s about as far as we get. It’s a story of obsession, sure, but finishing it? Now that’s a whole other challenge.

3. Ulysses by James Joyce

Some call Ulysses the most challenging book in the English language. Joyce’s experimental style and stream-of-consciousness writing are definitely not for the faint-hearted. If you’ve ever tried to read it, you know it’s like running a literary marathon in quicksand.

Yet, it’s one of those books people love to say they’ve read, even if they’ve only made it through a few pages. It’s a badge of honor for the literary elite, and a book most of us would rather just read about.

4. The Odyssey by Homer

We all know the story, Odysseus spends years trying to get home after the Trojan War, facing monsters, temptations, and angry gods. But the ancient Greek language (even in translation) and endless battles can make it a tough read.

Many people know the highlights, the Cyclops, the Sirens, the whole journey back to Ithaca, but haven’t actually read the text. It’s easier to just nod along and quote The Odyssey without ever having navigated it yourself.

5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is one of those books that everyone claims to have read, especially after seeing one of the many movie adaptations. The story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is entertaining, but Austen’s language can be tricky for modern readers.

Most people know Mr. Darcy from Colin Firth’s lake scene or Keira Knightley’s smoldering stares. Reading the whole book? That’s a different story entirely.

6. The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

Dante’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven sounds fascinating in theory. But once you start reading The Divine Comedy, you quickly realize it’s heavy on medieval Italian references and poetic language that’s anything but breezy.

Many people know the concept of the nine circles of Hell but haven’t actually read Dante’s verses describing them. This one’s great for a quote or two but tough to make it through cover to cover.

7. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Dostoevsky tackles some pretty deep stuff in The Brothers Karamazov, exploring everything from faith to morality. But at over 700 pages, it’s not exactly a quick read. The philosophical digressions alone are enough to put most people off.

It’s a classic that people love to name-drop, but very few make it all the way through. Skimming a summary? Much more common than sitting down with the actual book.

8. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

You may have seen the musical or one of the many film adaptations, but reading Les Misérables is a different beast entirely. Hugo’s novel is full of side stories and historical digressions that make the book a commitment.

Most people know the story of Jean Valjean and his redemption but skip the lengthy discussions on French politics and history. This one’s more admired than actually read in full.

9. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina is a love story wrapped in a philosophical exploration of Russian society, family, and class. It’s dense, introspective, and long, perfect for people who like to claim they’ve read it without actually diving in.

While it’s often mentioned as a must-read, most people stop somewhere around the point where Anna starts doubting her choices. It’s more talked about than actually experienced firsthand.

10. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace

With its footnotes, satire, and sheer length, Infinite Jest is notorious for being a challenge. The story spans a wide range of characters and plotlines, making it easy to get lost in the details.

People love to put this one on their shelves, but reading it? That’s a feat. It’s almost become a cultural joke, a book we all admire, but few have the endurance to finish.

11. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

Dickens’s tale of Pip and his rise from humble beginnings is beloved, but his detailed descriptions and wordy prose can be a tough sell. Many people encounter this book in school and promptly leave it there.

While it’s considered one of Dickens’s best, it’s often more appreciated in theory than in practice. The plot points might stick with us, but the pages? Not so much.

12. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Here we have Dostoevsky again, this time diving into the psychological turmoil of a man who’s committed murder. Crime and Punishment explores some heavy themes, but it’s a lot to get through.

It’s one of those books people bring up to sound intellectual, but most don’t get beyond the basic premise. Instead, it’s often a story people summarize rather than fully read.

13. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Holden Caulfield’s teenage angst resonates with some and grates on others. Whichever side you fall on, The Catcher in the Rye is a book people frequently claim to have read in high school, even if they barely made it past the first chapter.

It’s short, but its reputation as a “must-read” for teenagers makes it the kind of book everyone knows, even if they haven’t actually finished it.

14. The Iliad by Homer

This ancient epic tells the story of the Trojan War, complete with gods, heroes, and a lot of battle scenes. But even in translation, The Iliad is no light read, it’s more of a historical document than a page-turner.

Most people can recount the story of Achilles and the Trojan Horse, but reading the entire text? That’s another story. This one’s better known for its themes than its readability.

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