must read books: there are so many out there, so don’t waste your time with average books!
Still, it can take time to find books worth reading. That’s why we’ve compiled this epic list of must-read books to make your life easier. features 40 important books to read in popular categories like fiction, business, personal development, travel, and more.
You are reading: What books do you recommend
So, if you’re wondering, “which book should I read next?” we’ve got you covered. This list is packed with great books to read!
Now, let’s get down to business. simply use the contents to go to the section that interests you the most or start scrolling.
classic novels to read
1. 1984 by george orwell
1984 tells the futuristic story of a dystopian and totalitarian world where free will and love are prohibited. Although the year 1984 is long past, the prophecy of a society controlled by fear and lies is arguably more relevant now than ever.
2. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. tolkien
tolkien’s fantasy epic is one of the best must-read books out there. Set in Middle-earth, a world filled with hobbits, elves, orcs, goblins, and wizards, The Lord of the Rings will take you on an incredible adventure.
3. khaled hosseini’s kite runner
The Kite Racer is a heartwarming story of an unlikely friendship between a rich kid and his father’s servant’s son. Set in Afghanistan during a time of tragedy and destruction, this unforgettable novel will have you hooked from start to finish.
4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. paddle
This global best-seller captivated the world. So if you haven’t read j.k. rowling’s harry potter, now may be the time. Join Harry Potter and her classmates as this must-read book transports you deep into a world of magic and monsters.
5. slaughterhouse-five by kurt vonnegut
slaughterhouse-five is possibly one of the best anti-war books ever written. This rich and humorous story follows the life of Billy Pilgrim as he experiences World War II from a peculiar perspective.
6. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. louis
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is without a doubt one of the greatest books of all time. This renowned fantasy novel is set in Narnia, home to mythical beasts, talking animals, and kingdoms at war. the story follows a group of schoolchildren who become entangled in the fate of this incredible world.
7. to kill a mockingbird by harper lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the best must-read books of all time. Published in 1960, the story explores life in the Deep South at the turn of the 20th century through the story of a man accused of a terrible crime. it’s touching, humorous, and gripping.
8. the book thief by markus zusak
the book thief is a story of courage, hope and friendship in a time of Nazi tyranny. Narrated by death itself, this novel will have you holding your breath one chapter at a time.
9. wuthering heights by emily bronte
Wuthering Heights is a classic novel published in 1847. Set on a lonely English moor, this harrowing story follows Catherine Earshaw and Heathcliff’s struggle with love, betrayal, and revenge. if you love dramatic novels, add it to your must-read list.
10. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is the classic coming of age story. Follows sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield’s teenage journey of angst and alienation as he drops out of high school and moves to New York City.
11. jane eyre by charlotte bronte
jane eyre is often considered one of the must-read books of all time. follows the emotions and experiences of a strong and unwavering woman who continued to grow morally and spiritually despite a troubled childhood and a repressed, sexist Victorian society.
12. george orwell animal farm
orwell tells a fairy tale of a revolution against tyranny that ends in an even more unjust totalitarianism. farm animals are full of idealism and desire to create a world of justice, equality and progress. however, the new regime attempts to control all aspects of the animals’ lives.
13. fahrenheit 451 by ray bradbury
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ray bradbury’s dystopian world sheds light on the dependence of western societies on the media. the main character’s job is to find and burn whatever book he can find, until he starts to question everything. Considering the state of current politics and world affairs, this is one of the absolutely must-read books in life.
14. little women of louisa may alcott
This is the story of four sisters with their own very different and very prominent personalities. the novel immerses the reader deep into their lives as we learn about each of their flaws, joys, struggles, and fears.
15. charlotte’s web by e.b. white
charlotte’s web is a great reminder to be kind to all living creatures. This magical story takes place on a farm where a little girl tries to save her piglet from the slaughterhouse. Fern, the girl, enlists the help of her friends from the farm to execute her ingenious plan.
16. frankenstein by mary shelley
English author Mary Shelley tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a monster and brings it to life. This gripping novel evokes questions about what makes us human and what love and kindness really mean.
17. of mice and men by john steinbeck
Of Mice and Men should be on every must-read list. Set in the Great Depression, this is a controversial story of friendship between two immigrant workers in California. full of hope and tragedy, the two work to achieve the dream of owning land and pets.
18. the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy by douglas adams
in guardians of the galaxy, arthur dent goes on a fun and fantastic adventure through the stars. he learns not to take the universe seriously when he meets all sorts of interesting characters.
19. the great gatsby by f. scott fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald is said to be the quintessential novel of the Jazz Age. Set in 1922 between unfathomable indulgence and decadence, the novel highlights a man’s struggle to win the love of the woman he is obsessed with.
essential books on business and money
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20. think and grow rich napoleon hill
Think and Grow Rich is a classic bestseller that has sold millions of copies worldwide. is packed with tips, techniques, and strategies for making money. If you want to improve your mindset about money, this book can completely change your life.
21. Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Don’t! by Robert T. kiyosaki
rich dad poor dad explains how rich people and poorer people think differently. challenges common beliefs about money and explains how you don’t have to have a high income to become rich.
22. benjamin graham’s intelligent investor
If you want to learn how to invest, add it to your must-read list. Author Benjamin Graham is considered one of the best investment advisers of the 20th century. In The Smart Investor, he’ll learn about Graham’s “Value Investing” philosophy and how to develop long-term strategies used by the world’s most successful investors.
23. principles: life and work by ray dalio
Ray Dalio’s investment firm, Bridgewater Partners, has made more money for its clients than any other hedge fund in history. At first, Dalio shares everything he has learned about investing, business, and life over the years.
24. Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. cialdini
In this New York Times bestseller, Dr. robert b. cialdini reveals the psychology behind influence and how to apply the principles of persuasion in business and everyday life.
personal development books that everyone should read
25. how to win friends and influence people by dale carnegie
First published in 1936, Dale Carnegie’s classic self-help book has stood the test of time. how to win friends and influence people will teach you simple methods to improve your relationships and, as a result, your business and personal life.
26. the power of habit: why we do what we do in life and in business by charles duhigg
If you’ve ever tried to change a habit without success, this should be one of your must-read books. In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg reveals the empowering nature of how habits are formed and, more importantly, how you can change them.
27. the power of now : a guide to spiritual enlightenment by eckhart tolle
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The Power of Now has sold more than two million copies and has been translated into more than 30 languages. this groundbreaking book has the potential to completely revolutionize the way you experience life, making you much happier and more prosperous in the process.
28. The Body Keeps Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in Healing Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
dr. Bessel van der Kolk is one of the world’s leading experts on trauma, something that virtually everyone experiences to some degree. the body keeps score reveals the science behind emotional and psychological trauma and offers new paths to recovery.
must read science and technology books
29. a brief history of time by stephen hawking
a brief history of the time of stephen hawking is one of the most famous books in science. analyzes the history of cosmology and its development from ancient Greece to the 1980s.
30. Freakonomics: A Scoundrel Economist Explores the Underside of Everything by Steven D. levitt
If you’re interested in the truth behind controversial social issues, this book should be on your must-read list. authors reveal the facts behind topics like crime, shopping, and drugs.
31. The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: The Struggle for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power by Shoshana Zuboff
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism is one of the best books on technology to read. the author gives us a look at how personal data has become a new form of capital.
32. uncanny valley by anna wiener
anna wiener writes about the hectic, cocky, and often delusional work culture in silicon valley, and how millennials in tech are consumed with living productive lives. Uncanny Valley is one of those books that everyone should read.
travel and adventure books you should read before you die
33. on the road by jack kerouac
Inspired by Kerouac’s real-life adventures, On the Road tells the story of two friends searching for meaning and rich experiences on a cross-country road trip.
34. notes from a small island by bill bryson
in notes from a small island, bill bryson shares an amusing account of his journey across the uk, from the government center in london’s downing street to loch ness in the scottish highlands.
35. tramp by rolf potts
vagabunding is perhaps the only travel guide you will ever need. This must-read book provides practical advice on how to travel safely and spontaneously, and the philosophies you’ll need to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
36. savage by cheryl strayed
cheryl got sidetracked and thought she had lost everything at 22. then her mother’s death, family problems and divorce led her to make an impulsive decision: hike over a thousand miles up the ridge trail from Pacific. wild will inspire you to see your true value and capabilities.
history and biography books worth reading
37. sapiens: a brief history of mankind by yuval noah harari
if you’re looking for interesting books to read, sapiens should be on your list. details the development of human beings from the earliest stages until now. the author also shows how our current world systems will banish natural selection and adaptation.
38. nelson mandela’s long walk to freedom
must read biography lists almost always include this wonderful book. Mandela began writing this autobiography in prison and finished it just before he became president of South Africa. This inspiring story offers a glimpse into the end of apartheid and the glaring inequality in the country.
39. the rise and fall of the dinosaurs: a new story of their lost world by steve brusatte
Do you find dinosaurs fascinating? If so, this is one of the must-read books on the subject. Steve Brusatte reveals the different dinosaurs that roamed the planet and the different worlds they lived on.
40. a brief history of almost everything by bill bryson
In a brief history of almost everything, Bryson attempts to summarize the history of the earth. It talks about almost every aspect of the planet: how it was formed, how much it weighs, its size, the stages it went through, the dangers inherent in it, and how humans have evolved. if you like science and history, this is a book you should read.
what should I read next?
If you’re wondering “which book should I read next?”, look no further. In short, here are 40 must-read books of all time:
classic novels to read
- 1984 by george orwell
- the lord of the rings by j.r.r. tolkien
- khaled hosseini’s kite runner
- harry potter and j.k. rowling
- slaughterhouse-five by kurt vonnegut
- the lion, the witch and the wardrobe by c.s. lewis
- to kill a mockingbird by harper lee
- the book thief by markus zusak
- wuthering heights by emily bronte
- the keeper in the rye j.d. salinger
- jane eyre by charlotte bronte
- animal farm by george orwell
- fahrenheit 451 by ray bradbury
- little women by louisa may alcott
- charlotte’s web by e.b. white
- frankenstein by mary shelley
- of mice and men by john steinbeck
- the hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy by douglas adams
- the great gatsby by f. scott fitzgerald
essential books on business and money
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Don’t Teach! by Robert T. kiyosaki
- the intelligent investor by benjamin graham
- principles: the life and work of ray dalio
- influence: the psychology of persuasion by robert b. cialdini
personal development books everyone should read
- how to win friends and influence people by dale carnegie
- the power of habit: why we do what we do in life and in business by charles duhigg
- the power of now: a guide to spiritual enlightenment by eckhart tolle
- the body keeps score: brain, mind, and body in healing trauma by bessel van der kolk m.d.
must read science and technology books
- a brief history of time by stephen hawking
- freakonomics: a rogue economist explores the hidden side of everything by steven d. levitt
- the age of surveillance capitalism: the fight for a human future at the new frontier of power by shoshana zuboff
- uncanny valley by anna wiener
travel and adventure books you should read before you die
- on the road by jack kerouac
- notes from a small island by bill bryson
- vagabonding by rolf potts
- wild by cheryl strayed
essential biographies and history books
- sapiens: a brief history of mankind by yuval noah harari
- nelson mandela’s long walk to freedom
- the rise and fall of the dinosaurs: a new history of your lost world by steve brusatte
- a brief history of almost everything by bill bryson
Have we missed a mandatory reading book? If so, please leave a comment below to recommend some of the best books to read!
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