#MustReadBooks #LifetimeBooks #ClassicNovels
📚 What‘s a book that you think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime?
If you’re an avid reader, you probably have a long list of books that you think everyone should read at least once in their lifetime. From classic novels to modern bestsellers, there are so many great books out there that it can be overwhelming to choose just one. In this article, we’ll explore some of the must-read books that have stood the test of time and continue to capture the hearts and minds of readers around the world. Whether you’re looking for a thought-provoking novel, a gripping thriller, or a heartwarming story, there’s something on this list for everyone.
#1. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” is a timeless classic that explores themes of racial injustice, morality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the deep South during the Great Depression, the novel follows young Scout Finch as she learns valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and standing up for what is right. With its powerful message and unforgettable characters, “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a must-read for readers of all ages.
#2. “1984” by George Orwell
George Orwell’s dystopian novel, “1984,” is a chilling portrayal of a totalitarian society where individuality is crushed and freedom is a distant memory. The novel follows protagonist Winston Smith as he navigates a world controlled by Big Brother, a tyrannical regime that monitors every aspect of its citizens’ lives. With its prescient themes and thought-provoking commentary on surveillance and censorship, “1984” remains as relevant today as it was when it was first published in 1949.
#3. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
Jane Austen’s beloved novel, “Pride and Prejudice,” is a timeless tale of love, class, and society in 19th-century England. The novel follows the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates the complexities of relationships and social expectations. With its witty dialogue, memorable characters, and enduring themes of love and self-discovery, “Pride and Prejudice” is a must-read for fans of romance and classic literature.
#4. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, “The Great Gatsby,” is a masterful exploration of the American Dream and the excesses of the Jazz Age. Set against the backdrop of 1920s New York, the novel follows the enigmatic Jay Gatsby as he pursues wealth, status, and the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. With its evocative prose, vivid depiction of the Roaring Twenties, and timeless themes of love and loss, “The Great Gatsby” is a classic that continues to captivate readers to this day.
#5. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
J.D. Salinger’s seminal novel, “The Catcher in the Rye,” is a coming-of-age story that has resonated with generations of readers. The novel follows disillusioned teenager Holden Caulfield as he grapples with feelings of alienation, loss, and the search for authenticity in a world he perceives as fake and phony. With its honest portrayal of adolescence, rebellious spirit, and universal themes of identity and belonging, “The Catcher in the Rye” remains a must-read for anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of youth.
In conclusion, there are countless books that deserve to be read at least once in a lifetime, but the ones mentioned above stand out for their enduring appeal, timeless themes, and lasting impact on readers. Whether you’re looking for a classic novel, a thought-provoking dystopia, or a heartwarming romance, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab a copy of one of these must-read books and embark on a literary journey that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Happy reading!
1984
Love in the Time of Cholera
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Crime and Punishment,
1984,
Anna Karenina,
Veronica decides to die,
And the mountains echoed,
Any book by Osho
Wow I just realized I haven’t read in a while. I can’t remember half of the stuff I used to love.
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
Catch-22
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. There’s something really grounding about having someone explain how goofy humanity is from an alien’s perspective.
“Far out in the uncharted backwaters of the unfashionable end of the Western Spiral arm of the Galaxy lies a small unregarded yellow sun. Orbiting this at a distance of roughly ninety-eight million miles is an utterly insignificant little blue-green planet whose ape-descended life forms are so amazingly primitive that they still think digital watches are a pretty neat idea.”
East of Eden and The Lord of the Rings
Definitely gotta recommend “To Kill a Mockingbird”! So good, you won’t be able to put it down.
Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Drivers Ed manual
Animal Farm
The Grapes Of Wrath – Steinbeck
All Quiet on the Western Front
To kill a Mockingbird
Dune. It actually blew my mind. The influence it had on pretty much all modern science fiction is incredible
“Ishmael,” by Daniel Quinn.
It’s about a talking Gorilla that dishes some seriously deep philosophy and the origins of human myths and mythology to the protagonist.
Which may SOUND silly, but – do not underestimate this book!
A child called it. It’s a true story and absolutely devastating. Shows you how bad some kids really have it and just how sick parents can be.
“A Confederacy of Dunces” by John Kennedy Toole. It’s hilarious.
Sadly, Toole killed himself after the book kept getting rejected by publishers. After his death, his mother got it in the hands of an agent who realized the brilliance of the novel and got it published. It really is a great book.
The ‘His dark materials’ trilogy by Philip Pullman.
Outstanding books.
The Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck. Every. Single. Line. Is dripping with meaning, sounds so real. The characters are so “lived-in.” A stellar insight into survival, greed, what it means to be free, and the systems that control the modern world. Embodies perfectly the quote by Ernest Hemingway that “all great novels have this in common: that they are truer than if they had ever really happened.”
100 Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez
It is everything. Love, life, death, all aspects of humanity rolled into one. It’s humorous, touching, surprising, gripping, and so carefully crafted.
Lonesome Dove. Best fiction novel ever.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley. She was between 18 to 20 years old when she wrote it. And the story behind it, that it was a competition of who could write the best horror story, is just as amazing.
“The Gift of Fear” by Gavin deBecker. It’s about how to recognise and handle a wide range of common dangerous experiences and dangerous types of people.
I believe women would find it particularly valuable, but it’s actually worthwhile everybody reading it.
How to talk to your cat about gun safety
Where the Sidewalk Ends