Books, undeniably the oldest form of entertainment, continue to be an enriching source of knowledge. This article explores the Top 25 Books Every Book Lover Should Read This Year. The array of books ranges from classics to contemporary works and essential nonfiction, ensuring there’s a choice for every book lover.
Top 25 Books You Should Read in Your Lifetime
To help you navigate the colossal world of literature, we have curated a list of the 25 most iconic and pivotal books. Tick these off your reading list, and you’d have experienced a broad spectrum of human emotions and understanding.
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s first book needs no introduction. An emblem of the fight for justice and equality in the United States, the book continues to inspire every book lover. Its themes revolve around racial injustice, contrasting with the innocence of children.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Embarking on a journey to the world of regency-era England, Pride and Prejudice is a timeless romance between an independent woman and an aristocratic gentleman. This book is a must-read classic that every book lover should read in their lifetime.
3. 1984 by George Orwell
In these times of increasing surveillance and infringement on privacy, Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece—a chilling description of totalitarian regime—feels more relevant than ever.
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set during World War II, this coming-of-age story tells the story of a year-old girl who finds solace in stolen books while living in Nazi Germany. This poignant narrative uses the harsh realities of World War II as a backdrop to explore intriguing character dynamics.
5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, set in New York during the roaring twenties, examines the pitfalls of the American Dream. A book lover’s walk through the glittering and grim side of the Jazz Age.
6. Moby Dick by Herman Melville
This epic tale of man’s quest to hunt down an elusive white whale is part adventure, part philosophical musing.
7. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster
E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India confronts the contentious issue of British colonialism in India, offering not just an interesting plot but a historical perspective as well.
8. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
The satirical novel, Catch-22, is an absurd depiction of military bureaucracy during World War II. Its blend of gallows humor and profound seriousness has cemented its place in the literature canon.
9. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
A heartfelt exploration of love, loneliness, and loss through the eyes of a child makes The Little Prince a timeless favourite.
10. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is a coming-of-age adventure tale about following your dream, encoded with profound spiritual wisdom, a must-read for every book lover.
Dive Deeper – More Recommended Reads
11. Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Thoreau’s chronicle of his two-year sojourn in the wilderness in search of tranquility and self-realization is a must-read for nature lovers.
12. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
A poignant and powerful narrative about family, redemption, and the ravages of war in Afghanistan, as told by Khaled Hosseini.
13. Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse
Hesse’s Siddhartha is a spiritual journey of self-discovery that takes you through the life of Buddha.
14. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway’s Nobel Prize-winning book is a heart-wrenching narrative of an old fisherman’s relentless confrontation with life and death in the vast sea.
15. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
A thrilling fantasy adventure that transports you into the magical world of Narnia, C.S. Lewis’ work is adored by both children and adults.
Must-Read Contemporary Works
16. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Atwood’s dystopian classic, The Handmaid’s Tale, focuses on a harsh future society where women bear the brunt of societal repression, a chilling reflection of the woes of our time.
17. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
In this alternate reality, the Underground Railroad, which helped slaves escape to freedom, is real. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, it’s a must-read exploration of brutal truths.
18. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
Outliers offer an engaging analysis of how culture, nurturing, and opportunity can influence success, a fascinating book that combines psychology, sociology, and anecdotal evidence.
19. I am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
This is a powerful autobiography of the world’s youngest Nobel laureate, who stood defiant against the Taliban advocating for girls’ education.
20. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Doerr’s Pulitzer-winning novel tells the story of two people during World War II: a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths cross, exposing the ambiguities of good and evil.
Essential Nonfiction Books
21. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Coates’ work delivers a searing analysis of race in America, a required reading for those trying to understand systemic racial injustice.
22. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
This memoir recounts the unconventional, poverty-stricken upbringing Walls and her siblings experienced while growing up in the nomadic Walls family.
23. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
Well-loved by readers worldwide, this timeless book of life advice is the epitome of how habits form our lives.
24. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking’s masterpiece provides readers with a breathtaking perspective of the universe, a must-read for science fiction lovers and those fascinated by the cosmos.
25. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
In this memoir, Gilbert takes readers along on her soul-searching journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia after a painful divorce.
In conclusion, whether you are a voracious reader or an occasional one, these are the best books that every book lover should read in their journey of life. Each one is a treasure trove of thoughts and experiences that leaves an indelible mark in your heart.
