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Reading offers an escape from the ordinary but also an opportunity to explore new worlds, perspectives, and ideas. Certain books stand the test of time and often do so because they provoke deep thought and aid readers in gaining a new perspective.
Whether you’re a seasoned reader or someone looking to expand your literary horizons, the best books to read in a lifetime differ from person to person. However, there is a distinct collection of titles that continue to have a profound impact on literature, philosophy and society — and we rounded them up for you.
The best books to read in your lifetime span genres and eras, ranging from classic literature to modern masterpieces. These works often address universal themes — love, loss, identity and the complexities of the human experience — while introducing readers to different cultures, historical events, and different ways of thinking.
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For instance, “1984” (one of our favorites) and “To Kill a Mockingbird” continue to have a front-row seat in high school English classrooms for their engaging prose and modern-day relatability. Similarly, works by authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens or Gabriel García Márquez have a timeless quality, their exploration of social norms, human relationships, and moral dilemmas remaining relevant long after their publication.
Ahead, find our collection of the best books to read in a lifetime, followed by detailed descriptions, reviews, and ratings.
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“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
AmazonGoodreads rating: 4.29/5 stars
About the book: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen follows Elizabeth Bennet, a smart and independent young woman, as she navigates the social pressures of Regency-era England. Initially, she forms a poor opinion of the wealthy and aloof Mr. Darcy, but as the story unfolds, she learns of his true character, leading to mutual respect and love. The novel explores themes of love, class and misunderstandings, ultimately showing that personal growth and self-awareness are key to overcoming prejudice.
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“1984” by George Orwell
AmazonGoodreads rating: 4.19/5 stars
About the book: “1984” by George Orwell is set in a dystopian future where the totalitarian government, led by the Party and its leader Big Brother, exercises complete control over every aspect of life. Winston Smith, a low-ranking Party member, begins to rebel against the oppressive regime by questioning its lies and seeking truth, only to be caught and tortured into submission. The novel explores themes of surveillance, propaganda and the loss of personal freedom, ultimately illustrating the terrifying consequences of absolute state power.
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“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
AmazonGoodreads rating: 4.26/5 stars
About the book: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee follows Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in the racially segregated town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. Through the eyes of Scout and her brother, Jem, the novel explores themes of racism, morality and justice as their father, Atticus Finch, defends a Black man, Tom Robinson, falsely accused of raping a white woman. The story reveals the deep-seated prejudices in society while highlighting the importance of empathy, integrity and standing up for what is right.
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“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
AmazonGoodreads rating: 3.80/5 stars
About the book: “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger follows Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager who has just been expelled from his prep school and wanders New York City, grappling with alienation and a sense of loss. Throughout his journey, Holden criticizes the “phoniness” of the adult world and struggles with the death of his younger brother, Allie, which deeply haunts him. The novel captures Holden’s search for meaning and a desire to protect the innocence of childhood, symbolized by his dream of being the “catcher in the rye,” saving children from falling into the corruption of adulthood.
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“The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah
AmazonGoodreads rating: 4.30/5 stars
About the book: “The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah is set during the Great Depression and follows Elsa Martinelli, a mother who struggles to survive the harsh conditions of the Dust Bowl in Texas. Faced with the collapse of her farm and the growing devastation of the drought, Elsa decides to leave for California in search of a better life, confronting poverty, prejudice and the challenges of being a migrant worker. The novel explores themes of resilience, sacrifice and the power of hope, highlighting the strength of women and the bonds of family in the face of overwhelming adversity.
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“The Help” by Kathryn Stockett
AmazonGoodreads rating: 4.46/5 stars
About the book: “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett is set in 1960s Jackson, Mississippi, and tells the story of three women: Aibileen, a Black maid who cares for a white family’s child; Minny, Aibileen’s outspoken friend and fellow maid; and Skeeter, a young white woman who seeks to expose the injustices faced by Black domestic workers. Through their voices, the novel explores themes of racism, inequality and the courage to challenge social norms. As Skeeter writes a revealing book about the lives of Black maids, the women form an unlikely alliance that risks their safety but also sparks change in their deeply segregated community.
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“The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
AmazonGoodreads rating: 4.13/5 stars
About the book: “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green follows Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year-old cancer survivor who meets Augustus Waters, a charming and witty cancer patient, at a support group. The two form a deep and transformative bond as they navigate their illness, share their love of literature and face the realities of life and death. The novel explores themes of love, loss and the meaning of life, ultimately showing how fleeting and precious our time can be.
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“And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie
AmazonGoodreads rating: 4.28/5 stars
About the book: “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie is a mystery novel in which ten strangers are invited to a remote island under different pretexts, only to discover that they are being accused of past crimes. One by one, the guests are killed in accordance with a nursery rhyme, and suspicion grows as they try to figure out who the murderer is among them. As the survivors unravel the mystery, they are confronted with the terrifying realization that the killer is one of them, and the story builds to a chilling, unexpected conclusion.
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“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
AmazonGoodreads rating: 4.38/5 stars
About the book: “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens follows Kya Clark, a young girl who grows up isolated in the swamps of North Carolina after her family abandons her. As she matures into a reclusive woman, Kya is accused of murdering a local man, Chase Andrews, and the novel alternates between her tumultuous childhood and the investigation into the crime. The story explores themes of loneliness, survival and connection to nature, while also unraveling a poignant mystery about love and loss.
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“Romeo & Juliet” by William Shakespeare
AmazonGoodreads rating: 3.74/5 stars
About the book: “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare tells the tragic story of two young lovers from feuding families in Verona, Italy. Despite their families’ animosity, Romeo and Juliet secretly marry, but a series of miscommunications and unfortunate events lead to both of their deaths. Their tragic end reconciles their warring families, highlighting themes of love, fate, and the destructive power of hatred.
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“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith
AmazonGoodreads rating: 4.30/5 stars
About the book: “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” by Betty Smith follows Francie Nolan, a young girl growing up in poverty in early 20th-century Brooklyn, New York. The novel explores her coming-of-age story as she navigates the challenges of family hardship, her dreams for a better life and the struggles of her parents, especially her mother’s resilience and her father’s alcoholism. Through Francie’s journey, the novel highlights themes of perseverance, education, and the hope for a brighter future amidst difficult circumstances.
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“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
AmazonGoodreads rating: 3.93/5 stars
About the book: “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald is set in the Roaring Twenties and follows Nick Carraway, a young man who becomes entangled in the world of his mysterious and wealthy neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby, who is obsessed with rekindling a past romance with Daisy Buchanan, Nick’s cousin, throws lavish parties in hopes of winning her back, despite the complexities of their lives and relationships. The novel explores themes of the American Dream, love and illusion, ultimately revealing the emptiness behind Gatsby’s dreams and the tragic consequences of his pursuit of a false ideal.
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“Beloved” by Toni Morrison
AmazonGoodreads rating: 3.96/5 stars
About the book: “Beloved” by Toni Morrison tells the haunting story of Sethe, an escaped slave living in post-Civil War Ohio, who is haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter, Beloved. Sethe’s past, marked by trauma and loss, resurfaces as Beloved materializes as a young woman, forcing Sethe to confront the brutalities of slavery and the emotional scars it left on her and her family. The novel explores themes of memory, identity and the inescapable legacy of slavery, illustrating how the past shapes and consumes those who cannot outrun it.
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“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
AmazonGoodreads rating: 4.34/5 stars
About the book: “Atomic Habits” by James Clear presents a practical framework for building good habits and breaking bad ones through small, incremental changes. The book emphasizes the power of tiny habits, focusing on the importance of systems over goals, and how making small improvements can compound into significant personal growth over time. Clear outlines four key principles — cue, craving, response and reward — that shape habits, offering actionable strategies to make lasting changes by shifting behavior patterns and creating an environment conducive to success.
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“A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens
AmazonGoodreads rating: 3.87/5 stars
About the book: “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens is set during the turbulent times of the French Revolution and follows the lives of several characters in Paris and London. The novel contrasts the experiences of Dr. Manette, who is released from an 18-year imprisonment in the Bastille, and his daughter Lucie, as they become intertwined with the fates of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a disillusioned English lawyer. The story explores themes of sacrifice, resurrection and the effects of social injustice, culminating in Carton’s selfless act of heroism to save Darnay, finding redemption in his final moments.
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