There were a bunch of these I couldn't answer. Also, I think the a lot of this is situational.
Unlike you, I absolutely loved Huckleberry Finn, but it's a pretty accurate portrayal of a time period that I can perfectly well understand not everyone wanting to read about. Tom Sawyer, on the other hand, I think of a book for elementary school- it was fun when I was 10, but I had to reread it at some point later for school and found it simplistic and Tom rather needing a good smack.
By 20 is very broad. I would recommend completely different Shakespeare to a 12 year old than to an 18 year old. Ditto Austen. And frankly, given the age range, I'd probably say that if you want to read just one Defoe, skip Crusoe and wait till you're old enough for Moll Flanders.
It really is just the dialect that bothers me with Huck Finn. Tom Sawyer has some good moments, but I'm with you about him needing a good smack -- or at least a long time-out.
I read so much literature (and drek) in my teens. I also re-read quite a bit. I liked Little Women more when I was younger, for instance, than I did upon re-reading.
I have to say, Crusoe has its issues (and I adore Moll Flanders), but first English language novel makes it important enough to include for me.
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Unlike you, I absolutely loved Huckleberry Finn, but it's a pretty accurate portrayal of a time period that I can perfectly well understand not everyone wanting to read about. Tom Sawyer, on the other hand, I think of a book for elementary school- it was fun when I was 10, but I had to reread it at some point later for school and found it simplistic and Tom rather needing a good smack.
By 20 is very broad. I would recommend completely different Shakespeare to a 12 year old than to an 18 year old. Ditto Austen. And frankly, given the age range, I'd probably say that if you want to read just one Defoe, skip Crusoe and wait till you're old enough for Moll Flanders.
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I read so much literature (and drek) in my teens. I also re-read quite a bit. I liked Little Women more when I was younger, for instance, than I did upon re-reading.
I have to say, Crusoe has its issues (and I adore Moll Flanders), but first English language novel makes it important enough to include for me.