There is no definitive list of books that everyone should read because reading preferences and opinions differ greatly between individuals. However, the following books are generally acknowledged as classics or are highly regarded by many readers:
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- 1984 by George Orwell
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
- Crime and Punishment is a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
1. To Kill a Mockingbird
Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” was first published in 1960. Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in a small Alabama town, narrates the story, which is set in the 1930s. The novel deals with themes of racism, prejudice, and social inequality, and is considered a classic of modern American literature.
2. 1984
George Orwell’s novel “1984” was published in 1949. It takes place in a totalitarian society in which the government, known as the Party, has total control over all aspects of citizens’ lives. The novel is a powerful critique of totalitarianism as well as a tale about the dangers of government control and manipulation of information. “1984”‘s themes are still relevant today, and the novel is widely regarded as a classic of 20th-century literature.
3. Pride and Prejudice
“Pride and Prejudice” is a novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. It is a classic of English literature and one of Austen’s most popular works. The novel is set in the late 18th century and follows the life and romantic endeavors of Elizabeth Bennet, one of five sisters, as she navigates societal norms and expectations in search of love and happiness. The novel is well-known for its witty and insightful commentary on social norms and expectations, particularly regarding the role of women in society. It is also known for its exploration of the themes of pride, prejudice, and the role they play in shaping people’s opinions and perceptions of one another.
4. The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby” was published in 1925. It is set in the 1920s and follows the wealthy Jay Gatsby as he tries to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The themes of wealth, love, obsession and the decadence of the Roaring Twenties are explored in “The Great Gatsby,” as are the consequences of chasing the American Dream. “The Great Gatsby,” with its vivid descriptions and memorable characters, is a beloved classic of American literature.
5. The Catcher in the Rye
“The Catcher in the Rye” is a novel by J.D. Salinger, first published in 1951. It is considered a classic of modern young adult fiction and a landmark of American literature. Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who has been expelled from his prep school and is wandering the streets of New York City, narrates the novel. The novel explores themes of innocence, and loss of innocence, as well as the experiences of young people and their struggles with depression and disillusionment.
6. The Lord of the Rings
“The Lord of the Rings” is a fantasy novel written by J.R.R. Tolkien that was first published in three volumes between 1954 and 1955. The novel is set in Middle-earth, a fictional world created by the author, and follows the journey of hobbit Frodo Baggins. The story features a diverse cast of characters, including hobbits, elves, dwarves, and humans, and is notable for its intricate world-building, complex storylines, and exploration of themes such as power, heroism, and friendship. “The Lord of the Rings” had a significant impact on the fantasy genre as well as popular culture.
7. One Hundred Years of Solitude
“One Hundred Years of Solitude” is a novel by Gabriel García Márquez, first published in 1967. The story blends elements of myth and folklore, creating a rich and imaginative world that reflects the cultural, political, and historical experiences of Latin America. “One Hundred Years of Solitude” is considered a classic of Latin American literature and continues to be widely read and celebrated by audiences around the world.
8. Jane Eyre
“Jane Eyre” is a novel by Charlotte Brontë, first published in 1847. It is regarded as a classic of English literature and one of the greatest works of the 19th century. The story is told from the perspective of the novel’s titular character, Jane Eyre, and follows her life from her childhood as a poor and oppressed orphan, to her education and eventual employment as a governess, and finally to her romantic relationship with the mysterious and brooding Mr. Rochester.
9. Crime and Punishment
“Crime and Punishment” is a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, first published in 1866. The novel goes in-depth into the psychological and moral consequences of Raskolnikov’s actions, as well as the larger social and philosophical issues of crime, guilt, and punishment. “Crime and Punishment” are considered one of the greatest novels of the nineteenth century, and it is still read and studied today for its insights into human nature, morality, and the consequences of crime.
10. The Diary of a Young Girl
The diary is viewed as one of the most important documents of the 20th century because it provides a unique and intimate look at the experiences of a young Jewish girl during the Holocaust. Anne writes about her life in hiding, her hopes and fears, and her thoughts and feelings on different topics, including family, friendship, love, and her own personal growth, in her diary.
These are just a few examples and there are many other books that could be added to this list. The important thing is to read what you enjoy and what speaks to you personally.
