There's a lot of stuff from the past century that we reckon we could do without. We're happy that we now live in a world without global pandemics, egomaniac world leaders and war no longer exists! (Wait a minute...) 

If you're in the mood to blast back to the past in the form of a good read, then you just so happened to digitally walk into the right place. Peep our 20th century picks below, and what the hell, chuck on some jazz while you're at it. 

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S – TRUMAN CAPOTE While you probably know the effortlessly-glitsy film portrayal of this novella featuring the one and only Audrey Hepburn, we guarantee that you'll get more of a kick out of its original text. First published in 1958, this novel is chock-full of the familiar sights one would come to expect (the Tiffany's store is still pretty much a main character in this one), but a word to the wise: don't get too excited about a happy ending. 

THEIR EYES WERE WATCHING GOD – ZORA NEALE HURSTON This 1937 novel is for folks who fancy a tad more drama and badarse women in their stories. Widely known as one of the best novels from the 20th Century and a key feature of the Harlem Renaissance, Their Eyes Were Watching God follows the life of Janie Crawford beginning as a shy teenager, before her transformation into a confident woman years down the line. It's funny, it's heartbreaking and by golly, it's a ripper of a read. 

THE BELL JAR – SYLVIA PLATH You really thought we'd leave out this iconic novel!? We don't know if we need to introduce this monumentally important piece of literature to you guys (you all seem pretty well-acquainted with Ms. Plath already) but in case you need a refresher, we're here to help. We follow Esther (who many believe is a stand-in for Sylvia) during her time interning at a fashion mag, where she endures severe mental health struggles. Even if you've read it before, give it another go – it's worth it.

ALL ABOUT LOVE: NEW VISIONS – BELL HOOKS OK, we are being a bit cheeky with this one, since it literally came out in the very last month of the very last year of the 21st Century, but shh! Just forget about that fact for a second, and treat yourself to something that we reckon will change your life for the better (and we're not just saying it). The incomparable bell hooks writes about how we interact with and view all different facets of love, while providing the reader with her own experiences with love. Believe the hype on this one.