70 Must-Read Books Everyone Recommends at Least Once in a Lifetime

There are so many great books out there that it can be hard to choose just one to read next, especially when you don’t have much free time. Whether you like mystery books, romance novels, self-help books, or great works of literature, it can be hard to pick the right one.

Make a “books to read before you die” plan to make sure you don’t miss the most important books in the world, whether you’re a book lover or just starting to read.

Someone asked a strong question on Reddit not long ago: “What is one book that everyone should read at least once?”
Thousands of people shared their top picks, and the answers were full of powerful, memorable books that have moved readers all over the world.

We took the best answers and put together the final list of books that you should read, which includes:

Motivational books to boost your mindset
Educational books that teach valuable life lessons
Fiction and nonfiction books that stay with you long after the last page

These aren’t just well-known books. You should read these books because they will make you think, feel, and sometimes even change your life.

#1 The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy By Douglas Adams

Douglas Adams’s “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” is a funny and smart science fiction book about a regular man named Arthur Dent who runs away from Earth just before it crashes into space. This book is great for people who like funny sci-fi, space travel stories, and satirical books about technology and society because it has funny conversation, strange alien species, and crazy cosmic laws. It’s not only fun, but it also makes you think seriously about everything, including life. This book is a must-read for people who like humour, theory, and old-school science fiction.

#2 To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a powerful classic book about racism, justice, and morals in the American South. It is told from the point of view of a young girl named Scout. She lives in a small town in the 1930s, and her father is a lawyer named Atticus Finch. He defends a Black man who is accused of a major crime but is not guilty. People who care about fairness and courage should read this book because it makes them feel deeply and makes them think. It also teaches important lessons about human rights, kindness, and social justice.

#3 Animal Farm By George Orwell

“A brilliant and darkly funny look at power and corruption.”
The political comedy Animal Farm by George Orwell is short but very powerful. It uses farm animals to show how power can be used to hurt people. It shows that leaders can become just as bad as the people they used to be when a change for equality turns into a dark and oppressive rule. This allegory-based novel is a sharp attack on dictatorship, propaganda, and government control. It is one of the most important books for learning about politics and history. Great for teachers, people who like to think, and anyone who wants to know how power really works.

#4 Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury’s scary dystopian book Fahrenheit 451 is set in a future where people can’t think openly because books are illegal and are burned. Guy Montag is a firefighter whose job it is to destroy books, but he starts to doubt everything he has been told. It’s important to read this science fiction book because it talks about things like control, media addiction, free speech, and how people have stopped thinking critically in modern society. This book is a strong warning about the dangers of a world without knowledge. Fans of great literature and fiction that makes you think should read it.

#5 The Hobbit By J. R. R. Tolkien

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a well-known fantasy adventure story about a quiet hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who gets caught up in a dangerous quest to get back a mountain full of wealth that a powerful dragon named Smaug stole. In a world full of vivid details, he meets wizards, dwarves, elves, and trolls along the way. Fans of fantasy will love this book because it is full of magic, bravery, and unexpected courage. It’s great for readers of all ages who like epic journeys, classic fantasy stories, and stories that inspire people to find themselves.

#6 All Quiet On The Western Front By Erich Maria Remarque

All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque is a strong book against war. It tells the story of a young German soldier named Paul Bäumer and how terrible World War I really was. The book isn’t about glory or bravery; instead, it’s about the fear, trauma, and emotional pain that troops go through on the battlefield. This important war book will make you feel a lot and show how violence changes people’s spirits over time. Anyone interested in military history, mental health, PTSD, or the real cost of war should read it.

#7 And Then There Were None By Agatha Christie

In Agatha Christie’s nail-biting murder thriller And Then There Were None, ten strangers are invited to a remote island, but one by one, they are killed. You can’t get away and don’t know who is killing them, so every chapter makes you more and more scared. Fans of detective fiction, suspense stories, and classic whodunits should read this best-selling psychological thriller. It has a creepy atmosphere and clever plot twists that will keep you guessing. It’s one of Christie’s most well-known and amazing books.

#8 The Metamorphosis By Franz Kafka

Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis” is a haunting and symbolic modern classic. It’s about a guy named Gregor Samsa who wakes up one morning to find that he has changed into a huge insect. As his family tries to deal with how he has changed, the story delves into deep issues of loneliness, identity, mental health, and what it means to be human. This psychological book is a must-read for anyone interested in existential fiction, literary symbolism, or the emotional struggles of being misunderstood or rejected by society.

#9 The Very Hungry Caterpillar By Eric Carle

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a timeless children’s picture book that teaches young readers about numbers, days of the week, healthy eating, and the life cycle of a butterfly in a fun and colorful way. With its beautiful illustrations and simple language, it’s perfect for early childhood education and helps build important reading and counting skills. This bestselling educational book for toddlers and preschoolers is a favorite in homes and classrooms around the world, making it a must-read for early learning and child development.

#10 Night by Elie Wiesel

The moving book Night by Elie Wiesel is a memoir about the Holocaust. It is based on the author’s real life as a youth in Nazi concentration camps. Wiesel writes about the pain, fear, and loss he went through in simple but strong language. He gives a personal view of one of the worst times in history. This non-fiction book is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history, teaching about genocide, or books about strength and truth. It talks about things like human rights, survival, grief, and the power of memory.

#11 A Short History Of Nearly Everything By Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson’s A Short History of Nearly Everything is a fun and interesting science book for kids that tells the story of how our world and everything in it came to be. It’s easy to understand and often very funny when Bryson breaks down hard subjects like physics, chemistry, geology, and biology. He writes about everything from the Big Bang to the human body. This educational book is a must-read for people who are interested in the universe, science, evolution, and the amazing finds that have changed our lives.

#12 Flowers For Algernon By Daniel Keyes

Daniel Keyes’s science fiction book Flowers for Algernon is a very moving story about a man named Charlie Gordon who has a low IQ and gets an experimental surgery to make him smarter. Charlie’s mind gets stronger, and he starts to see the world’s pain, loneliness, and facts he hadn’t seen before. This psychological drama is a must-read for anyone interested in intelligent people, human respect, memory, mental health, and the ethics of science. It’s a favourite among readers of emotional fiction, books that make you think, and literary classics.

#13 The Picture Of Dorian Gray By Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Grey” is a dark and beautiful Gothic book about a young man who stays physically young and beautiful while a hidden portrait ages him and shows how his bad life has changed him. As Dorian gives in to pride and temptation, the story delves into deep topics like right and wrong, beauty, evil, and the soul. This classic book is a must-read for anyone who likes philosophical fiction, psychological drama, or books that talk about how much it costs to live without effects. It’s one of Wilde’s most well-known and scary books.

#14 Lord Of The Flies By William Golding

William Golding’s Lord of the Flies is a strong allegory about a group of boys who get stuck on an island by themselves and try to run things by themselves, but things slowly get out of hand and violent. At first, it seems like an adventure, but it quickly turns into a dark look at people, leadership, morals, and how to stay alive. Schools often study this must-read classic book because of its deep themes and symbols. It’s perfect for people who like psychological fiction, future literature, and books about society and power.

#15 American Gods By Neil Gaiman

American Gods by Neil Gaiman is a brave and creative urban fantasy book that mixes mythology from the past with present America. The story is about a man named Shadow Moon who gets caught up in a secret war between old gods like Odin and Anansi and new gods that are based on technology, media, and fame. Fans of mythology-inspired fiction, supernatural thrillers, and thought-provoking modern fantasy with deep symbolism and adventure will love this must-read fantasy book. It covers themes of belief, identity, culture, and change.

#16 Man’s Search For Meaning By Viktor E. Frankl

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is a life-changing book about psychology and self-help that is based on the author’s own experiences as a WWII survivor. Frankl, a therapist, talks about how finding meaning in tough times can help people stay alive and grow. This must-read book on personal development has powerful lessons about mental strength, courage, hope, and the meaning of life. It’s perfect for people who want to learn how to heal from trauma, grow spiritually, or read books that motivate them to be strong inside.

#17 The Giver By Lois Lowry

Lois Lowry’s The Giver is a strong dystopian book for young adults. It’s about a boy named Jonas who lives in a world where memories, pain, and choice have been taken away to make everyone safe and equal. When Jonas is picked to be the Receiver of Memory, he learns the dark truths about the society that seems so perfect. This book is a must-read for teens and teachers because it deals with deep issues like freedom, identity, feelings, and the value of memories. Fans of thought-provoking fiction, coming-of-age stories, and classic YA literature will love it.

#18 Of Mice And Men By John Steinbeck

During the Great Depression, George and Lennie are migrant workers who hope for a better life. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a short but very moving classic American story. Poverty, being alone, and the harsh truth of their world test their strong friendship. This important literary classic looks at important ideas like friendship, mental illness, being alone, and the American Dream. It’s a popular choice for people who like realistic fiction, historical fiction, and sad stories that show how people struggle.

#19 Catch-22 By Joseph Heller

Catch-22 is a powerful and deeply funny anti-war book by Joseph Heller. It’s about Yossarian, an American bomber pilot in World War II, and how he tries to stay alive in a military system full of silly rules and contradictions. You can’t get out of a “Catch-22” position, no matter what you do. The phrase comes from this book. This classic satire is a must-read for anyone interested in military fiction, political commentary, or books that are funny but also have deep meaning. It talks about things like bureaucracy, war, madness, and life.

#20 Cosmos By Carl Sagan

Carl Sagan’s Cosmos is a beautiful and interesting science book that looks at the world, from how stars and galaxies formed to how life on Earth has changed over time. It’s easy to understand and full of wonder how Sagan talks about hard things like science, physics, space travel, and the scientific method. This is an important book for anyone who wants to learn more about the universe, how humans came to be, science, and the deep link between science and our place in the universe.

#21 The Canterbury Tales By Geoffrey Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer’s famous collection of stories called The Canterbury Tales is about a group of pilgrims who are on their way to Canterbury. From romance and comedy to morals and religion, each story shows a different voice, culture, and social class in England in the Middle Ages. This historical book is written in the form of poetry and covers themes such as human nature, social satire, and the history of telling stories. It is perfect for students, scholars, and readers who are interested in British literature, mediaeval history, and moral lessons through fiction that never go out of style.

#22 East Of Eden By John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck’s East of Eden is a huge family story and work of historical fiction set in the Salinas Valley in California. It looks at big ideas like good vs. evil, free will, sin, and forgiveness by following the lives of two families through many generations. This American classic, which is based on the biblical story of Cain and Abel, gives us deep insights into what makes people tick, the moral choices we make, and the inner struggles that shape our lives. It’s great for people who like family stories that span generations, literary fiction, and books that make you think and have lessons that will always be useful.

#23 The Little Prince By Antoine De Saint-Exupéry

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is a magical and heartwarming book for kids of all ages. It’s about a young prince who goes from planet to planet and learns important things about love, life, and people. It looks at big ideas like innocence, loneliness, friendship, and the meaning of life through easy stories and beautiful pictures. This famous book is a must-read for anyone who wants to read philosophical fiction, grow emotionally, or be gently reminded to see the world through the eyes of a child.

#24 The Jungle By Upton Sinclair

A powerful political and social book, The Jungle by Upton Sinclair shows how hard life was for immigrant workers in Chicago’s meatpacking business in the early 1900s. The story is about a Lithuanian immigrant named Jurgis Rudkus who has to deal with poverty, dangerous working conditions, corruption, and being taken advantage of. Food safety and labour rules were changed a lot because of this must-read historical fiction. This book is great for people who like American history, workers’ rights, social justice, and books that make a difference in the real world.

#25 The Count Of Monte Cristo By Alexandre Dumas

Alexandre Dumas’s “The Count of Monte Cristo” is a thrilling adventure and revenge story about a man named Edmond Dantès who is wrongfully jailed but escapes and seeks payback on those who betrayed him. This must-read work of historical fiction takes place in France in the 1800s and is full of themes like betrayal, justice, forgiveness, love, and healing. It’s great for people who like classic books, epic sagas, and books about personal growth and second chances because it has a lot of plot twists and deep feelings.

#26 Frankenstein By Mary Shelley

Joseph Frankenstein by Mary Shelley is a groundbreaking Gothic horror and science fiction book about a scientist named Victor Frankenstein who makes life but is terrified by the creature he makes. As the creature looks for love and respect, the story delves into deep topics like how the world was made, being alone, taking responsibility, and what it means to be human. Many people think this was the first real science fiction book ever written, and it’s a must-read for anyone interested in science ethics, psychological drama, or classic horror fiction.

#27 The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini is a powerful and emotional work of modern fiction. It’s about a boy from Kabul named Amir and his difficult friendship with Hassan, who is the son of his family’s servant. The book is set in Afghanistan, which is going through a lot of political trouble. It deals with deep issues like guilt, forgiveness, family, loyalty, and how choices made as a child can have long-lasting effects. If you like multicultural fiction, human rights stories, immigrant stories, and heartfelt books, this is the modern classic you need to read.

#28 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest By Ken Kesey

#29 The Grapes Of Wrath By John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” is a powerful American historical book about a family called the Joads who move from Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression to find work and a better life. The book shows how hard it is to live in poverty, deal with unfair treatment, and stay alive. It also shows how strong family and community can be. This classic book is a must-read for anyone interested in realistic fiction, U.S. history, or writing that makes you want to make a difference. It talks about things like poverty, social justice, human dignity, and the American Dream.

#30 The Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger

The famous coming-of-age book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is about Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who quits school and wanders around New York City, feeling alone, confused, and cut off from the adult world. Helden’s unique voice tells the story, which looks at identity, mental health, youth, and the fear of growing up. This must-read teen fiction is great for people who like psychological books, books about coming to terms with your feelings, and books about youth culture.

#31 The Phantom Tollbooth By Norton Juster

Norton Juster’s The Phantom Tollbooth is a smart and imaginative fantasy book for kids. It’s about Milo, a bored boy who drives through a magical tollbooth and into a world full of math jokes, wordplay and strange people. In places like Dictionopolis and the Mountains of Ignorance, Milo learns how fun it is to learn new things and how powerful curiosity can be. This is an important book for kids to read because it teaches them about things like imagination, knowledge, language, and critical thinking. It’s great for kids who like adventure stories with lessons about life.

#32 The Stranger By Albert Camus

Existentialist author Albert Camus’s famous book The Stranger is about a man named Meursault who doesn’t seem to care about anything, even when big things happen in his life, like when his mother dies or when he kills someone. Through his blunt and honest view of life, the author delves into important topics such as absurdity, free will, death, and what life is all about. People who like modern classics, psychology, philosophy, and books that make you think about how you see the world and yourself should read this book.

#33 Holes By Louis Sachar

The young adult book Holes by Louis Sachar is smart and fun. It’s about Stanley Yelnats, a boy who gets sent to a strange desert camp where they have to dig holes all day as punishment. But Stanley quickly learns that the digging is hiding a secret and that he needs to break a family curse. There is adventure, humour, friendship, and a mystery in this must-read middle grade book. It’s perfect for readers who like smart plots, life lessons, and fun and important books for teens and tweens.

#34 Slaughterhouse-Five By Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five is a brave and unforgettable anti-war science fiction book about a soldier named Billy Pilgrim who gets “unstuck in time” after surviving the bombing of Dresden during World War II. The book looks at deep topics like trauma, fate, free will, and the meaning of life through a mix of war biography, time travel, and dark humour. If you like psychological fiction, humour, military history, and books that make you think about how we understand war and reality, this is a must-read modern classic.

#35 Watership Down By Richard Adams

The adventure book Watership Down by Richard Adams is one of a kind and very moving. It’s about a group of rabbits who leave their home to find safety and freedom. The story is about animals, but it deals with deep human issues like leadership, survival, courage, freedom, and society. Fantasy, nature, and allegory are all mixed together in this must-read classic novel. It’s great for people who like animal stories with strong messages, epic journeys, and stories that make you think about society and trust.

#36 Where The Red Fern Grows By Wilson Rawls

Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls is a moving coming-of-age story about Billy, a young boy, and his two hunting dogs, Old Dan and Little Ann. The story takes place in the Ozark Mountains and is about friendship, loss, loyalty, and drive. This classic moving story is a must-read for anyone who likes heartwarming animal stories, books that give kids hope, and stories that teach the value of love, hard work, and growing up.

#37 A Tree Grows In Brooklyn By Betty Smith

Betty Smith’s moving coming-of-age and historical fiction book A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is about a poor Brooklyn girl named Francie Nolan who grows up in the early 1900s. People who read her work see the struggles and goals of a working-class family who are strong, resilient, and full of dreams. This American classic is a must-read for anyone who likes inspirational books, literary fiction, and stories about overcoming hardship. It deals with issues like poverty, schooling, family relationships, and personal growth.

#38 Shogun By James Clavell

James Clavell’s big historical fiction book Shōgun is set in Japan in the 1600s and follows John Blackthorne, an English sailor who gets involved in Japanese politics, culture, and war after his ship is wrecked. This adventure book is a must-read because it’s full of samurai customs, political intrigue, and cross-cultural discoveries. It also talks about honour, loyalty, leadership, and how East and West clash. Great for people who like epic sagas, Asian history, and stories about how to survive and change in a different culture.

#39 The Power Of Myth By Joseph Campbell

Joseph Campbell’s non-fiction book The Power of Myth is both inspiring and thought-provoking. It looks at how myths, stories, and images from different cultures affect how we think about life, love, and the journey of the human race. This book is based on a popular TV show with writer Bill Moyers. It talks about big ideas like the hero’s journey, spiritual growth, and the meaning of life in easy-to-understand language. You should read it if you’re interested in growing as a person, stories, religion, psychology, or how old knowledge is still useful today.

#40 The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle By Haruki Murakami

It’s a strange and complex Japanese book called The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. It combines mystery, magical realism, and psychological drama. Toru Okada is a normal man who goes looking for his lost wife and finds dark secrets about his past and the world around him. This outstanding work of international fiction delves into topics like loneliness, war trauma, identity, and the supernatural. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy philosophical novels, modern Japanese literature, and books that make you think while telling a dreamy story.

#41 The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

A famous American book, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald looks at the glitz and emptiness of the Roaring Twenties through the eyes of Nick Carraway, who watches the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. The book is set in a world of money, parties, and broken dreams. It deals with love, desire, class, and the false promise of the American Dream. This classic book is a must-read for anyone interested in love tragedies, America in the 1920s, and literary fiction with a lot of symbols and social commentary.

#42 The Demon-Haunted World: Science As A Candle In The Dark By Carl Sagan And Ann Druyan

The Demon-Haunted World by Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan is a great non-fiction science book that opens your eyes to the power of scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and scepticism in a world full of myths, nonsense, and false information. It makes people question things and think clearly by giving clear examples and well-thought-out answers. This educational book is a must-read for anyone interested in science, logic, space travel, and busting conspiracy theories. It is also a very important guide for finding the truth in our complicated world.

#43 Dracula By Bram Stoker

One of the most famous vampires in history, Count Dracula, was first written about in Bram Stoker’s scary Gothic book Dracula. The story is told through letters and diaries of a group of people who are trying to stop Dracula from putting his curse on all of England. The classic horror book that everyone should read is full of scary ideas like good vs. evil, life, fear, and superstition. Fans of vampire stories, dark fantasy, and supernatural thrillers love it. Many other books, films, and TV shows have been based on this classic vampire story.

#44 Cat’s Cradle By Kurt Vonnegut

Kurt Vonnegut’s science fiction book Cat’s Cradle is both darkly funny and thought-provoking. It looks at the risks of technology, blind faith, and political power. The story is about a writer who looks into the life of a scientist who helped make Ice-Nine, a poisonous material that could destroy the world. This must-read dystopian book mixes satire, science, and the ridiculous to make you think deeply about ethics in religion, science, and the future of humanity. It’s great for people who like smart sci-fi, post-apocalyptic fiction, and intellectual books with a punch.

#45 The Name Of The Wind By Patrick Rothfuss

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is a stunningly well-written epic fantasy story about a young man named Kvothe who becomes famous for his skills. The story of Kvothe goes from his childhood in a travelling show to his studies at a magical college. It is full of magic, music, mystery, and fun. This fantasy book is a must-read for anyone who likes coming-of-age stories, magical worlds, and popular fantasy series. Its poetic language and emotional depth make it great for those who like all of those things. Many people who like high fiction and mythical stories love the Kingkiller Chronicle, which this is the first book in.

#46 Johnny Got His Gun By Dalton Trumbo

Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo is a powerful and heartbreaking anti-war book about a young man who wakes up in the hospital after being badly hurt in World War I and can’t see, hear, speak, or move. He thinks about his life, his views, and the real cost of war while he is alone in his thoughts. This famous book is a strong statement against violence and a deep look at PTSD, human dignity, and the horrors of war. It is a must-read for anyone interested in military fiction, political books, or sad war stories.

#47 The Westing Game By Ellen Raskin

The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin is a smart and fun mystery book for kids about sixteen strangers who are put together to solve a problem and win a lot of money. As they play the strange game that the mystery millionaire Samuel Westing has set up, they find out secrets and change their allegiances. This award-winning kids’ book is full of puzzles, hints, and twists that will keep you guessing. It’s great for kids who like mystery books, educational games, and stories where you have to solve puzzles. For middle schoolers who like smart, interesting stories, this is a must-read.

#48 House Of Leaves By Mark Z. Danielewski

House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski is a groundbreaking horror and experimental fiction book about a family who find out that the inside of their house is bigger than the outside. This book looks at psychological horror, truth vs. perception, mental illness, and the scary unknown through layers of footnotes, different narrators, and different page layouts. Reading this book is a must for people who like scary stories, haunted house mysteries, and literary tales that don’t follow the rules.

#49 The Things They Carried By Tim O’Brien

Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried is a strong war fiction and memoir-style book that tells the sad stories of American soldiers in the Vietnam War. The book shows the soldiers’ physical and mental burdens, such as fear, guilt, and memories, through a mix of fact and fiction. This modern classic that everyone should read is about trauma, stories, telling the truth, and the psychological cost of war. It’s great for people who like military fiction, books that talk about PTSD, and books that combine personal experience with historical reflection.

#50 The Last Unicorn By Peter S. Beagle

When Peter S. Beagle writes The Last Unicorn, a unicorn goes on a trip to find the other unicorns of her kind, but along the way she learns important things about love, loss, and who she is. She meets magic animals, faces danger, and learns what it means to be human along the way. This fantasy classic is a must-read for anyone who likes magical realism, fairy tale adventures, mythical animals, and heartfelt stories about hope, beauty, and change.

#51 How To Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting To Kill You Bymatthew Inman

“How to Tell If Your Cat Is Plotting to Kill You” is a funny and smart comic book about cats’ strange behaviours. It was written by Matthew Inman, who also created The Oatmeal. Inman explores the idea that our feline friends may have bad goals through a collection of funny drawings and satirical commentary. Like “Cat vs. Internet” and “How to Pet a Kitty,” this book has comics that fans love, as well as 17 new cat-themed strips that have never been seen before. It comes with an extra pull-out poster, which makes it a must-have for both cat fans and people who like funny things.

#52 Siddhartha By Hermann Hesse

Hermann Hesse’s “Siddhartha” is a timeless spiritual story about a young man who is on a quest to find himself and find peace within himself. The story takes place in ancient India and is about Siddhartha’s search for personal growth, knowledge, and enlightenment. He learns from his experiences instead of from what he is taught. This best-selling book around the world combines philosophy, mindfulness, and mental clarity. It’s great for people who want to grow spiritually and find more meaning in their life. A must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired and changed by exploring themselves.

#53 The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress By Robert A. Heinlein

“The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress” by Robert A. Heinlein is a powerful science fiction book about a colony on the moon that fights to be free from Earth’s rule. The story takes place in the future and is about a group of rebels who are led by a computer with artificial intelligence. They are planning a big revolution. This award-winning book is written in a way that makes you think about important topics like self-government, space colonisation, and future technology. People who like political freedom, sci-fi stories, and AI ethics should read this book.

#54 Faust By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

“Faust” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a famous classic work of literature about a man who makes a dangerous deal with the devil to get lots of knowledge and pleasure. This philosophical play looks at important issues like right and wrong, ambition, the search for meaning, and what it costs to want something. It’s a must-read for book lovers who like spiritual strife, moral dilemmas, and psychological depth. It’s full of beautiful language and timeless questions. A great book for people who are interested in the darker side of people and the fight between good and evil that never ends.

#55 Germinal By Émile Zola

Émile Zola’s powerful book “Germinal” shows how hard life was for coal workers in France in the 1800s. Poverty, class conflict, and the fight for workers’ rights are some of the issues that this social justice gem talks about. It shows how economic inequality and exploitation can lead to revolt through its deep characters and moving stories. Read this book if you’re interested in social change, labour organisations, and fiction with a message set in the past.

#56 A Clockwork Orange By Anthony Burgess

“A Clockwork Orange” is a shocking and thought-provoking book about a future where mind control and violence among teens rule society. This book asks deep questions about free will, government power, and moral choice. It is written in a unique slang style. It’s a famous dystopian book that makes strong statements about psychology, ethics, and how we are taught to behave. For people who like dark, thought-provoking sci-fi tales.

#57 We Need To Talk About Kevin By Lionel Shriver

The psychological movie “We Need to Talk About Kevin” is about a mother who is trying to figure out why her son did such horrible things. This sad and creepy book deals with issues like parenting problems, mental illness, school violence, and family trauma. It makes people think about the line between nature and culture. This book is a great choice for people who like stories based on real crimes, emotional drama, and dark family secrets.

#58 Tropic Of Cancer By Henry Miller

An important and controversial book by Henry Miller called “Tropic of Cancer.” It is a mix of personal fiction and strong opinions about sexual freedom, art, and poverty in Paris in the 1930s. It was banned for many years, but now it’s seen as a standard of modernist writing. This honest book about artistic freedom, living on the edge, and the rebellious spirit of an artist is free of any editing. Strong language, banned books, and free speech in art are all things that you need to read.

#59 Infinite Jest By David Foster Wallace

“Infinite Jest” is a huge and complicated book set in the future where people are crazy about entertainment. It deals with comedy, addiction, and mental health. Wallace looks at how things like drugs, technology, and broken families affect our lives. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in modern literature, psychological fiction, or cultural criticism. It has many levels of meaning and dark humour.

#60 The Brothers Karamazov By Fyodor Dostoevsky

“The Brothers Karamazov” is a deep and powerful book about family problems, morals, and faith. It’s about three brothers who deal with a murder in their family. Each brother has a different view on life, based on religion, logic, or emotion. This is an important piece of Russian writing for people who like to think about religion, philosophy, and moral issues.

#61 War And Peace By Leo Tolstoy

An great work of history, “War and Peace” tells the story of Russian families during the Napoleonic Wars. It’s about things like love, war, fate, and growing as a person. This classic shows how big events in history have an effect on everyday life. Great for people who like historical fiction, stories about growing through hardship, and great stories.

#62 Crime And Punishment By Fyodor Dostoyevsky

The play “Crime and Punishment” shows how a poor student who kills someone thinks about shame, justice, and redemption. This exciting book is a great example of psychological suspense, moral theory, and how people act. Anyone interested in stories about crime, guilt, and second chances should read it.

#63 Midnight’s Children By Salman Rushdie

What a magical story! “Midnight’s Children” is about a boy who was born right when India got its freedom. This book uses magical realism to look at identity, culture, and post-colonial change. It mixes history, fantasy, and politics. This book is great for people who like literary fiction, culture history, and stories with hidden meanings.

#64 Skinny Legs And All By Tom Robbins

The book “Skinny Legs and All” is very creative and crazy. It includes art, faith, politics, and even talking objects. To get to the heart of things like freedom, love, and the human spirit, Robbins uses humour and magic. This book is great for people who like humour, creative stories, and spiritual adventures.

#65 A Fable By William Faulkner

“A Fable” is a war book written in the voice of a soldier in World War I. It retells the story of Jesus. This book is about faith vs. power in a dark time. It has themes of sacrifice, leadership, and moral conflict. This book is perfect for people who like intellectual fiction, war ethics, and symbols.

#66 Lolita By Vladimir Nabokov

“Lolita” is a controversial book about morals, obsession, and manipulation that is also a great piece of writing. The troubling story of a man’s unhealthy love for a young girl is told by Nabokov in beautiful language. This book gives us a strong look at controversial topics, mind control, and the depth of stories in modern writing.

#67 Blood Meridian: Or The Evening Redness In The West Bycormac Mccarthy

“Blood Meridian” is a violent and beautiful book set in the wild American West that looks at violence, survival, and the bad side of people. It’s often called one of the best Western books because of how vivid the language is and how deep the symbols are. This book is great for people who like violent history, philosophical questions, and dark stories.

#68 Anna Karenina By Leo Tolstoy

The story of “Anna Karenina” is moving. It’s about love, betrayal, and social pressure. In it, a woman risks everything for love and then has to deal with the results of her decisions. This classic book is great for people who like romantic tragedies and character-driven dramas because it’s about marriage, duty, and emotional battle.

#69 Invisible Man By Ralph Ellison

“Invisible Man” is a powerful book about a Black man’s journey through racism, identity, and social unfairness in the United States in the 20th century. With lots of symbols and brave writing, it shows what it’s like to be seen as unseen by society. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American writing, civil rights, or identity politics.

#70 How To Win Friends & Influence People By Dale Carnegie

“How to Win Friends and Influence People” is a classic self-help book that gives useful advice on how to talk to people, build relationships, and be successful in life. Carnegie uses true stories to show how having confidence, thinking positively, and being emotionally smart can help you reach your goals. People who are interested in business, leadership, and personal growth should read this book.