From the classics to epic series, there are so many must-reads out there. If you are a bit of a bookworm you probably already have a list that you are working your way through – but you still may be missing a few.
And here’s where we can help – as these are the most voted for books that everyone should read at least once in their life, according to the book-lovers’ website Goodreads.
10. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
This covers the three books of Tolkien’s iconic trilogy that was famously adapted for film. The books follow The One Ring, which is a powerful artefact that has been faked by the Dark Lord Sauron and so it becomes hobbit Frodo Baggin’s mission to destroy it. This journey, with the help of the Fellowship, is what the novels follow and is crucial in attempting to defeat Sauron and saving Middle-earth.
9. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
This novel from Salinger follows the experiences of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield after he’s been expelled from school. It deals with feelings of alienation, the adult world and trying to find a sense of belonging. Holden travels to New York while dealing with these feelings of disconnection. At its core, The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age story.
8. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is set in the Jazz age of Long Island in 1920s America. It follows the lives of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young woman whom Gatsby is pursuing and loved in his youth. The book was written in 1925, but it still remains one of the classics and many people’s favourite.
7. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Another classic tale, The Little Prince tells the story of a pilot who has become stranded in the Sahara Desert. He meets a young prince from a tiny asteroid and begins to learn about the prince’s journey through the universe and his encounters with various planetary characters. The themes of love, friendship and the importance of seeing the world with the heart run through the book.
6. 1984 by George Orwell
An incredible book that has influenced the world, Orwell’s 1984 is a dystopian tale that follows one man’s Nightmare Odyssey as he pursues a forbidden love affair through a world that is ruled by warring states and has a tough power structure. The popular reality television show Big Brother was directly inspired by Orwell’s classic tale.
5. Animal Farm by George Orwell
The second book by Orwell to feature on the list, Animal Farm follows a group of farm animals as they revolt against their human owner, Farmer Jones. The book’s main theme of power mirrors society. Initially, the animals achieve equality and therefore success, but quickly, the pigs abuse their power and exploit their fellow animals.
4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (Harry Potter, #1) by J.K. Rowling
Rowling’s first Harry Potter book is where the wizarding world all began. The book tells the story of Harry Potter, a young boy who lost his parents when he was a baby and discovers he is a wizard. Its popularity among both children and adults is unmatched, and if creating the film version wasn’t enough, a TV series is now under production.
3. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Diary of Anne Frank is a deeply moving and vulnerable firsthand account of the Holocaust. Perhaps it’s one of the most visceral accounts of how it was to live during this time and it comes from the perspective of Anne, a brave Jewish teenager grappling with desire, ambition and an uncertain future.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Austen’s most famous book, Pride and Prejudice, follows the Bennet family, particularly Elizabeth, as they navigate the societal pressures of finding husbands in the English countryside in the 19th century. It centres on Elizabeth’s relationship with the wealthy and seemingly arrogant Mr. Darcy. It also explores other romantic interests and the complexities of class, social standing and marriage.
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Lee’s poignant story follows a young girl and her brother as they deal with the prejudice of their small town. When their father must defend a Black man who is falsely accused of rape, the children must face the harsh realities of racism. The story’s themes include morality and innocence through a young lens.