Brain Fog, Be Gone: How Classic Books Cleared My Mind
Discover how diving into timeless stories can refresh your focus, challenge your mind, and leave a lasting impression.
Have you ever felt like your brain was in a fog you just couldn’t shake? I’ve been there, and I found an unexpected fix: classic books.
Yes, the ones with the “weird” language that feel intimidating at first. They didn’t just entertain me—they rewired how I think.
Here’s what this post will cover:
📚 How classic books challenge your brain in the best way
🌍 Why these stories expand your world and reset your focus
🛠️ Practical tips to make classics work for you—even if they feel overwhelming
They Break the Dopamine Loop: Unlike your phone, these books reward patience and attention.
The Day I Opened Jane Eyre
"Reader, I married him."
You know that iconic line, but there’s so much more to Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. It was my first actual hook into the world of classics geared towards adults after homeschooling with texts in the public domain from Kipling to Twain.
Every page felt alive, from the vivid landscapes to Jane’s relentless pursuit of self-respect. It wasn’t just a story but a workout for my brain.
Jane’s strength and resilience left me feeling inspired and sharper. By the time I finished, I wasn’t just entertained but transformed.
Around the World in 80 Days: The Biggest Lesson in Stoicism
“Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real.”
Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days was more than an entertaining read—it was a masterclass in stoicism, delivered through an epic adventure. Despite the fact that modern travel looks nothing like Fogg’s steamboats and railroads, the heart of the story is timeless.
Phileas Fogg’s unshakeable calm in the face of setbacks captivated me. Whether it was missing a train or being delayed by a storm, he never lost his cool. Instead, he adjusted, recalibrated, and carried on. It wasn’t just his ability to solve problems; it was the way he accepted them without complaint that rewired something in my brain.
This book taught me that setbacks aren’t the end—they’re just part of the journey. As someone who has often struggled with perfectionism, seeing Fogg adapt with such grace made me reflect on how I handle challenges in my own life.
By the end of the book, I wasn’t just thinking about global adventures; I was inspired
It held my total attention, pulling me out of the mental fog and showing me the power of steady determination. It’s proof that some lessons are best taught through storytelling, not textbooks.
My First Russian Classic: Anna Karenina
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”
After reading several classics that built my mental stamina—Jane Eyre, Around the World in 80 Days, and more—I finally felt ready to tackle something that had long intimidated me: Russian literature. Enter Anna Karenina.
To my surprise, Leo Tolstoy wasn’t the pretentious, impenetrable writer I had imagined. Instead, he proved to be a master at understanding human nature—flaws, contradictions, and all. He writes with a simplicity that feels profoundly real, bringing his characters to life in a way that captures your heart and mind.
The romance of Anna Karenina helped pull me in, but what truly hooked me was the juxtaposition of Anna’s bright, hopeful beginning and her tragic, heart-wrenching end. Tolstoy captures this arc with such nuance that you can’t help but feel both drawn to and frustrated by her choices.
My Current Journey: Les Misérables
“To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further.”
Right now, I’m 25 chapters into Les Misérables, and it’s already leaving a deep mark on me. Victor Hugo’s characters and their struggles resonate on such a raw level that I know this book will stay with me forever.
I’ve put together a reading plan to make this journey manageable, and I’d love for you to join me. Become a free member of my Substack and get the plan emailed straight to you. Together, we’ll tackle Hugo’s masterpiece and rediscover the joy of deep, meaningful reading.
Up next, I’m torn between Paradise Lost and Regained or taking the leap into War and Peace. Either way, I’m hooked on the clarity and focus classics bring to my life.
Why Classic Books Are Brain Therapy
Here’s why classics work like magic on a foggy brain:
They Challenge Your Brain: The layered storytelling makes you slow down and focus.
They Expand Your World: From Victorian England to the Russian countryside, classics introduce you to perspectives that broaden your mind.
They Break the Dopamine Loop: Unlike your phone, these books reward patience and attention.
How to Start Your Brain Detox
1. Pick a Classic That Excites You
Start small. Think The Great Gatsby over War and Peace—unless you’re ready for a challenge!
2. Commit to 15 Minutes a Day
Reading doesn’t have to feel like a marathon.
3. Try Audiobooks While Reading
This hack makes even the toughest classics approachable.
4. Reflect as You Read
Keep a journal handy. You’ll be amazed at the connections you make.
Coming This Sunday: Unlocking the Secrets of Timeless Storytelling
What makes a classic book stand the test of time? Is it the unforgettable characters, the universal themes, or the genius of their opening lines?
This Sunday, Literary Fancy paid members get exclusive access to a deep dive into "Unlocking the Secrets of Timeless Storytelling in Classics."
What You’ll Get:
✨ A breakdown of why classics like Jane Eyre, Anna Karenina, and Moby-Dick still resonate today.
📖 Insights into iconic openings and how they hook readers from the first sentence.
✍️ Practical lessons modern writers can steal from Tolstoy, Verne, and Hugo.
🎥 An invite to our live subscriber-only discussion at the end of the month!
📅 Sign up now to unlock this post and so much more. Don’t miss your chance to join a community that loves exploring the craft behind timeless stories.
👉 Subscribe Today and start reading like never before!
Here’s What Subscribers Get:
📖 A beautifully designed reading guide PDF for our current pick (Les Misérables), complete with a chapter breakdown, key themes to look for, and discussion prompts.
💬 Access to subscriber-only chats where we dive deep into each book together.
🎥 A video chat at the end of the month to wrap up the current pick, share insights, and connect with fellow book lovers.
✍️ Two exclusive posts each month that go beyond the surface, exploring the craft and legacy of timeless stories.
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