the wonders of books are endless: they can eliminate stress, increase happiness and enhance intelligence. Whether you’ve ticked off some of the best books to read or are just beginning to broaden your literary horizons, you need to familiarize yourself with the books to read before you die.
The best books aren’t called classics for nothing. Written by the greatest literary minds, these books have a universal theme, interesting characters, experiences, perspectives, and emotions that remain relevant to this day. some of the best and most interesting books to read have inspired modern fiction in many ways.
You are reading: Books everyone should read
If you love to read, here is a perfect reading list for you containing books that everyone should read. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of reading, here are 10 reasons to love reading.
everyone should read these 30 books at least once before they die; some are well-known classics, others are modern giants. they are all worth reading at least once in a lifetime!
30 best books to read
We’ve rounded up some of the books everyone should read below.
1. to kill a mockingbird, by harper lee
This book is a timeless classic that examines human behavior and the collective consciousness of the Deep South during the 20th century. This book examines hypocrisy, prejudice, hate, love, and innocence with humor to create an amazing novel that you will love.
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2. 1984, by george orwell
1984 is the dystopian and totalitarian world of George Orwell where fear, control and lies take over people’s lives. Watch the life of Winston Smith, who struggles with his nature in a world where free will, individuality and love are not allowed.
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3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. paddle
chances are you have heard of this book. Harry Potter is an integral part of childhood for millions of people. In this book, you can join Harry on his journey to the wizarding world and triumph over Lord Voldemort. Throughout these books, you’ll meet characters like Hermione, Ron, Hagrid, Dumbledore, and many more.
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4. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. tolkien
In this book, you will meet the characters of Middle-earth, a beautiful and vastly expansive fantasy world that, while full of innocence, can also be full of confusion. Follow protagonist Frodo Baggins as he embarks on a challenging mission. this trilogy will definitely leave you on the edge of your seat.
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5. the great gatsby, by f. scott fitzgerald
the great gatsby is one of the most moving and painful books you have ever read. the novel was published in 1925 and perfectly shows how decadent the jazz age was. it will teach you a valuable lesson that not everyone is lucky in love.
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6. pride and prejudice, by jane austen
This book is considered one of the most interesting books to read and one of the most famous novels of all time. Pride and Prejudice tells the story of the courtship of two very opposite characters in a world where courtesy and manners are an integral part.
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7. the diary of a young woman, by anne frank
One of the most influential books ever published, Anne Frank’s Diary of a Girl tells the stark account of her life while in hiding from Nazi soldiers. Despite the circumstances she faces, she still believes that people naturally have good hearts and the world is still full of beauty. is truly a book that will change your perspective.
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8. the book thief, by markus zusak
This book is set in Germany in 1939. It follows Liesel as she tries to rescue books from Nazi rule. at the same time, his family has hidden a Jewish fighter who lives in the basement of his house. When he reads this book, he will experience the courage that is rarely found in today’s world, as well as the friendship that forms even in the most difficult situations.
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9. The Hobbit by J.R.R. tolkien
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perhaps you are wondering now: which book should I read? Well, you may have heard or even seen the movie, but reading The Hobbit is a must for all Lord of the Rings fans. Follow brave Bilbo Baggins as he journeys through the harsh Middle Earth to face off against a dragon.
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10. little women, by louisa may alcott
In this book, you’ll join four sisters, each with their own personalities, as they grow up in 19th-century New England. you will be able to enjoy their unique struggles and understand their flaws as they grow into strong women.
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11. fahrenheit 451, by ray bradbury
This book has an unlikely plot. Here, books are not allowed, and Guy Montag’s job is to burn all the books he finds. This book is often compared to George Orwell’s 1984. Here, author Ray Bradbury’s dystopian world can be seen as his commentary on addiction and western society’s dependence on media.
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12. jane eyre, by charlotte bronte
When it comes to the books that everyone should read, Jane Eyre is always high on the list. she introduces you to possibly one of the most influential and likable fictional heroines of all time. Jane Eyre is not only a strong woman, but also unwavering despite experiencing a troubled childhood in a repressed Victorian society. print | electronic book | audiobook
13. animal farm by george orwell
animal farm is definitely one of the books you should read before you die. This satire was published in 1945. In many ways, this book was ahead of its time. the book uniquely examines some of the realistic risks associated with revolution, as well as the dynamics to which animals are forced to yield.
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14. Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell
This book has become one of the most successful movies of all time. it is set in the civil war in the charming south. the main character lives in an immensely challenging situation, and tries to navigate how to love in the midst of the coming war.
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15. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. salinger
A charming yet cynical novel, The Catcher in the Rye will allow you to face the challenges of adolescence. In this book, you follow sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield, and as you read about his experiences, you’ll make up your mind about the character.
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16. charlotte’s web, by e.b. white
When it comes to the most interesting books to read ever written, this book takes the case. Here you will meet Charlotte, a lovable spider, as well as Fern, a farmer’s daughter. She watches as the two try to save Wilbur the piglet from being killed. this book is a compelling reminder to marvel at the simple wonders of life and to love all living creatures.
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17. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, from C.S. louis
This is another renowned fantasy world, especially for children. Narnia is home to magnificent and interesting creatures that have their own morals. As you read this book, don’t forget to let your imagination run wild, especially when you meet the characters.
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18. the grapes of wrath, by john steinbeck
This book was published in 1939 and is set during the Great Depression. The Grapes of Wrath centers on a family from Oklahoma who is forced to travel to California. Here, you’ll see America divided into the haves and have-nots, as well as the mighty and the powerless.
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19. lord of the flies, by william golding
lord of the flies is a classic novel that follows children who find themselves marooned on an island. here, they regress into savages, their joyous island existence turning into a cruel nightmare.
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20. the kite runner, by khaled hosseini
the kite runner tells the story of a unique friendship. It focuses on Amir, who tries to find the only friend he has ever had who previously abandoned him due to ethnic and religious differences that occurred in Kabul, Afghanistan.
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21. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
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Of Mice and Men tells the complex story of a friendship between George Milton and Lennie Small, two immigrant workers in California. here, their bond grows stronger as they work toward their dreams of owning their land and their pets.
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22. a tale of two cities by charles dickens
In this novel, you will meet dr. Manette, an eighteen-year-old political prisoner when he is released and returns to England with Lucie, his daughter. Here, two men fall in love with Lucie and become entwined in a story of love and sacrifice.
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23. romeo and juliet, by william shakespeare
The most interesting books to read don’t always have a happy ending. this is probably the most famous love story ever written. William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy that focuses on the joy of young love and the complexity of revenge.
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24. the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy by douglas adams
Join the human Arthur Dent on a grand adventure across the galaxy in this book. here, you will learn not to take the universe seriously and to forget all the meanings you have in your life because everyone knows that the true meaning of life is simply 42.
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25. wuthering heights, by emily bronte
Wuthering Heights is a book you shouldn’t stop reading. rides with passion. This book was published in 1847 and features a grand narrative filled with rivalry and revenge as it follows Heathcliff and Catherine Earshaw.
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26. the color purple, by alice walker
This book has won multiple awards. The Color Purple is a painful story about the lives of women of color in the United States during the 1930s. Challenged and censored, the harsh reality in the Color Purple will truly leave you shaken.
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27. alice in wonderland by lewis carroll
Alice in Wonderland demonstrates that the potential of the imagination is infinite. If you are not a fan of the real world and like to imagine your own reality, Alice in Wonderland is definitely the best book to read.
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28. frankenstein, by mary shelley
This book presents a combination of gothic suspense, romance novel, and cautionary tale. Frankenstein is definitely a story like no other. It was written by Mary Shelley when she was just eighteen and inspires readers to ask themselves devastating questions like what makes us human.
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29. the adventures of huckleberry finn, by mark twain
Often referred to as the great American novel, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a book not to be missed. it’s both deep and complex, showing friendship and shifting social norms.
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30. slaughterhouse-five, by kurt vonnegut
Dubbed as one of the best books to read, there’s no denying the impact of his novel. In this book, readers travel through life with Billy Pilgrim as he experiences World War II. he has been kidnapped from tralfamadore. Both rich and fun, this book hopes to dissuade people from war.
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final thoughts
You may have heard of the saying “so many books, so little time.” while that’s sadly true, reading the read-before-you-die books listed above will help ensure you don’t miss out on the classics. From time to time, you may wonder “which book should I read?” now is the time to start. who knows, some of these interesting books to read may have a profound impact on your life.
featured photo credit: prasanna kumar via unsplash.com
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