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Love of Reading Week 1: 7 Modern Classic Fiction Conversation Starters 💛

January 31, 2026

If you’ve ever finished a novel and thought, “I need someone to talk about this with,” you already know what I mean by a conversation starter.

I see it all the time with readers and collectors—especially those of us who love vintage books. We don’t necessarily want to “join” a formal book club. But we do love sharing opinions, recommending favorites, and rereading books that hit differently as the years go by.

So for Week 1 of Love of Reading Month, I’m leaning into what actually works: modern classics (1920s–early ’80s) that spark real discussion. No fuss. No pressure. Just great stories with something to say.

Follow the full February series here: Love of Reading February Hub

And if you like to browse vintage fiction while you read, here’s my shop’s collection:
Vintage Classic Books Collection

What counts as a conversation-starter novel?

A true “conversation starter” usually has at least a few of these:

Characters who feel real (even when you don’t agree with them)
Choices with consequences (the kind you’d debate with a friend)
Themes that still land today (family, identity, class, belonging, morality)
A scene you keep replaying
An ending you interpret (not just one tidy answer)

Nothing gratuitous. Nothing over the top. Just great storytelling with something to say.

How to choose your next modern classic in 60 seconds

If you’ve been feeling the “shorter attention span” thing (you’re not alone), here’s my favorite simple method. Answer quickly—your first instinct is usually right.

1) Do you want comforting or complicated?

Comforting: steady, warm, human
Complicated: layered, tense, morally messy

2) Do you want witty or intense?

Witty: sharp observations, dry humor
Intense: high emotion, high stakes

3) Do you want character-driven or plot-driven?

Character-driven: people first, inner life, relationships
Plot-driven: momentum, mystery, “one more chapter”

4) Do you want hopeful or haunting?

Hopeful: you end feeling steadier
Haunting: you keep thinking about it for days

5) Do you want a clean ending or an “let’s talk about it” ending?

Clean: satisfying wrap-up
Let’s talk: you’ll want other opinions

Now pick a lane below.

7 modern classic fiction picks by mood (with built-in conversation fuel)

Two readers discussing modern classic novels over coffee in a busy café, with the background softly blurred.

1) If you want a comfort read with depth…

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (Betty Smith, 1943)
Tender and honest in the best way—about family, hope, and what you can build from very little. It’s one of those books that makes people say, “I saw myself in that.”
Conversation fuel: Who shaped the main character most—through love, through flaws, or through sacrifice?

2) If you want sharp, witty observations about people…

Excellent Women (Barbara Pym, 1952)
Quietly funny and surprisingly relatable—full of social details you’ll recognize (even decades later). It’s a wonderful pick if you like humor that’s more “raised eyebrow” than punchline.
Conversation fuel: Is the main character undervalued—or is she choosing a life that suits her?

3) If you want a page-turner that still says something…

Rebecca (Daphne du Maurier, 1938)
Atmospheric, tense, and impossible not to discuss—identity, jealousy, power, and the stories we tell ourselves when we don’t feel secure.
Conversation fuel: Who holds the real power in this story—and how do they use it?

4) If you want a moral dilemma that sparks real debate…

o Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee, 1960)
This is one of those rereads that often feels different the older you get. Readers tend to return to it with new questions—and new emotions.
Conversation fuel: Which moments hit you differently now than they would have 10 or 20 years ago?

5) If you want intense, emotional, and unforgettable…

The Color Purple (Alice Walker, 1982)
A moving story of survival, voice, and transformation. It’s intense, yes—but not for shock. It’s purposeful, and it stays with you.
Gentle note: includes heavy life experiences.
Conversation fuel: What does “freedom” mean in this book—and who truly gets it?

6) If you want a conversation-starter that people disagree about (in the best way)…

The Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger, 1951)
Some readers love it, some can’t stand it—which is exactly why it makes a great conversation starter. If you want a lively discussion, this one delivers.
Conversation fuel: Is the narrator honest, unreliable, or both? And how does that change what you believe?

7) If you want a hidden gem to start a fresh reading streak…

The Dud Avocado (Elaine Dundy, 1958)
Funny, offbeat, and surprisingly sharp. If you’re craving something that feels collectible and fresh—not the same old list—this is such a fun start.
Conversation fuel: Is the main character naïve, fearless, self-sabotaging… or just young and figuring it out?

the main character naïve, fearless, self-sabotaging… or just young and figuring it out?

Conversation Starters (no book club required):
If you want to browse more modern classics in this vibe, start here: Vintage Classic Books Collection

10 discussion prompts that work for any novel (save this)

Pick 2–3 questions and go—notes app counts.

How to use these prompts (and actually enjoy it):
Pick one modern classic that fits your mood, then choose just 2–3 questions from the list above. Jot a note, tell a friend, or share in the comments—no “official club” required.

Post your answers in the comments—no “book club” required. For the full month, start here: Love of Reading February Hub

Quick recap: pick your mood, pick your next read

Want comfort with meaning? Start with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
Want witty and observant? Try Excellent Women.
Want page-turning atmosphere? Go with Rebecca.
Want big moral questions? Reread To Kill a Mockingbird.
Want powerful and moving? Try The Color Purple.
Want a classic people debate? The Catcher in the Rye will do it.
Want a fresh vintage surprise? The Dud Avocado is a fun start.

FAQs

Q. What are “modern classics,” really?

Modern classics are books that aren’t brand-new, but still feel relevant—because the characters, themes, and questions hold up over time. In this post, I’m focusing on 1920s through the early ’80s.

Q. What should I read next if I want something discussion-worthy?

Choose a book with strong character choices, layered relationships, and themes you can argue (kindly!) about. If you want a fast place to start, pick a mood lane above and try that title.

Q. I’m not in a book club. Can I still read “discussion books”?

Absolutely. You don’t need a formal group—just a good story and a few questions. Even one friend, a comment thread, or your own notes can turn reading into a conversation.

Q. How do I know if a book is worth rereading?

If you finish and think, “I want to talk about that,” it’s a reread candidate. Books with themes like identity, family, class, and morality often reveal more the second time.

Now I want to hear from you: What modern classic would you recommend to reread—and what makes it a true conversation starter? 💛

And if you’re following along this month, here’s the February hub again so you can find the weekly themes: Love of Reading February Hub

Author Bio: Pam of Reading Vintage

Pam is a vintage book seller who turned her passion into Reading Vintage, a online bookstore. She finds old classics, fun collectibles, and hidden literary gems throughout Michigan.

When she’s not exploring estate sales for her next treasure, Pam enjoys walking in the woods with her dog, teaching water aerobics, and curling up with a good read.