How to read like Rory Gilmore: a deep dive into the legendary reading marathon

The cult TV series *Gilmore Girls* has left a lasting mark on pop culture thanks to the cosy atmosphere of its small town setting and the sharp dialogue of its main characters. For millions of viewers around the world, the series became a powerful intellectual stimulus. The character of the well-read, determined and sincere Rory, who was almost never seen on screen without a hefty tome in her hands, inspired fans to create a massive literary marathon. This is how the famous list came about, bringing together hundreds of the most complex, captivating and diverse works. Taking part in such an experiment is a wonderful way to broaden one’s horizons, discover new genres and test one’s mettle in tackling recognised masterpieces of world literature.

Thoughts on the books

Before you start exploring this list, it’s important to realise that everyone has different tastes, and even a recognised masterpiece might leave you genuinely baffled or, conversely, become a lifelong favourite.

1. The Count of Monte Cristo (Alexandre Dumas). An undisputed favourite amongst the world’s classical literature. The story of Edmond Dantès, his imprisonment, escape and grand plan for revenge is gripping from the very first pages, no matter how many times you re-read it.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee). A stunning, profound and incredibly emotional novel. Listening to this audiobook leaves a lasting impression thanks to its powerful evocation of the American South and its exploration of important social themes.
3. ‘1984’ (George Orwell). A prophetic dystopia that is essential reading even in the final years of secondary school. A bleak world of total control, the erasure of individuality and the rewriting of history makes one reflect on the value of freedom and truth in modern society.
4. ‘Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire’ / ‘Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone’ (J.K. Rowling). True magic that is thoroughly enjoyable at any age. The fourth instalment in the series is often the most beloved due to the characters’ rapid maturation and the increasing complexity of the plot.
5. The Diary of Anne Frank (Anne Frank). A poignant and harrowing historical account, written by a thirteen-year-old girl in hiding.
6. The Shadow of the Wind (Carlos Ruiz Zafón). A true gem of modern literature and one of the finest novels in history.
7. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë). A classic Victorian drama that reveals itself from a completely new angle over time.
8. Bel Canto (Ann Patchett). An intriguing novel set in a unique location in South America. The book combines elements of psychological drama and thriller.
9. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott). A wonderfully heart-warming family saga. This novel makes a completely different impression depending on when you read it: as a child, you empathise with the March sisters, but once you become a parent, you begin to understand their mother more deeply and the sacrifices she made.
10. Tuesdays with Morrie (Mitch Albom). A short but incredibly wise and life-affirming book, based on the author’s real conversations with his terminally ill professor.
11. The Canterbury Tales (Geoffrey Chaucer) / *Candide* (Voltaire). Classic philosophical and satirical works from centuries past, which are now easily available in the public domain.
12. ‘A Moveable Feast’ (Ernest Hemingway). A work that evokes mixed feelings in many people. Despite the author’s cult status, the specific atmosphere of Paris and Hemingway’s narrative style may seem too drawn-out and off-putting to the unprepared reader.

Plans for the future

The marathon continues, and there’s a huge number of monumental works ahead. Drawing up a clear reading plan helps to stay motivated and not get lost in the endless sea of new releases. A Rory Gilmore-style literary marathon is a fascinating journey through eras, countries and cultural layers, helping us to better understand ourselves and the world around us.

The main value of such challenges lies in the fact that they push us out of our comfort zone and force us to pick up books we would never have touched under normal circumstances.