What makes a classic novel?

Minnesota Public Radio ran a great segment today about classic novels for teens, begging the question does Catcher in the Rye still resonate with teens? It's been well over fifty years since Holden Caufield's romp through New York City raised eyebrows of parents and teachers across the country. But, now, arguably, the book has lost its shock value and the question becomes whether the book stands on its own merits?

Similarly, Fahrenheit 451 has to endure the test of time. For teenage readers, Bradbury's vision of a world with wall-sized televisions and in-ear listening devices can hardly sound like the future, but rather a description of the modern world by an astonished outsider. Just as Catcher in the Rye can no longer fall back on swears and salaciousness to get the attention of teenage readers, Fahrenheit 451 can hardly call itself science fiction.

It's the themes of Fahrenheit 451 which make it timeless--fear of censorship, of government having too much power, of technology replacing individual thought, of being deprived of our right to think freely and critically about the world around us.

In any case, the MPR link is a good listen for someone who has the time. They also ask for suggestions for the new canon of teenage literature. Do you have any suggestions? Leave us a comment!