Whether you are looking for your next great read, or are working to compile a list of books you should read before you die, there are many factors to consider. For some people, this means being selective in the genres you choose, and for others, any book in a storm will do.
If you are like most avid readers, you just want a book in your hands at all times. This means that you often scour the internet for recommendations of books everyone should read or are combing the aisles at your favorite bookstore or local library.
The list we’ve compiled below will give you a great starting point for books you should read before you die. Keep reading to learn more!
To Kill a Mockingbird
A classic for a reason, this incredibly famous book by author Harper Lee will leave you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. A coming of age novel about Scout Finch and her brother Jem as they learn the importance of not judging a book by its cover.
Based in the South at a time when discrimination was at the forefront of everyone’s mind, especially in Alabama, Atticus Finch sets out to not only defend Tom Robinson but to teach his children to stand up for what they believe in.
Best quote from the book:
“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view—” “Sir?” “—until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”
Brave New World
This book by Aldous Huxley, which was published in 1932, is rated as one of the top 100 books of all time. This dystopian novel is set in a futuristic setting called World State, where the citizens are created through intelligence-based engineering.
The factory that citizens are engineered in features various hierarchies of reproductive technology. This means that the embryos are pushed into various areas and are engineered to be either the leaders of the World State or even menial laborers.
Best quote from the book:
“One believes things because one has been conditioned to believe them.”
The Great Gatsby
Also listed as one of the greatest fictional novels of all time, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald captures the heart of what was known as the roaring twenties. Between massive amounts of prosperity and a prohibition on alcohol, Fitzgerald captures it well in this novel.
Nick Carraway shared a fascination with the glamor and money that was prominent during this time. As he made himself comfortable in the thralls of the atmosphere and meeting extremely vivid characters such as Daisy Buchanan and the always mysterious Jay Gatsby.
Best quote from the book:
“Can’t repeat the past?... Why of course you can!”
Harry Potter (Series)
J.K. Rowling created a masterpiece when she began writing the Harry Potter series of books, and while this is not an individual book, it still makes the list of the top 10. Rowling takes readers on a journey of magic, through the growing up of Harry, Ron, Hermoine, and the rest of the group.
From the moment Harry discovers his truth, readers are immersed in the study of magic in a world that is a perfect fit for him. Through classroom studies and hands-on activities, the group works hard to defeat the Dark Lord and other obstacles they come across.
Best quote from the series:
“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
Little Women
Issued in two parts, one in 1868 and the other in 1869, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is the epitome of a classic coming-of-age story. Four women, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March come to terms with life being raised by their mother, Marmie, while their father serves as a chaplain in the army.
The strong personalities of each of the March women often come in conflict with how women were supposed to behave at the time. Although the drama surrounds neighbors who they befriend and love interests they have along the way.
Best quote from the book:
“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.”
Series of Unfortunate Events
Lemony Snicket is the pen name for Daniel Handler who wrote this thirteen series of books about the Baudelaire orphans. From the first book to the last, the books take you on a journey through the unfortunate events that surround their lives.
Published between 1999 and 2006, the Series of Unfortunate Events books take readers on a rollercoaster of a ride through the worst experiences of the Baudelaire children’s lives. From their parents dying in a fire to being put into bad situations after bad situations at the hand of one person, Count Olaf.
Best quote from the book series:
“All the secrets of the world are contained in books. Read at your own risk.”
Bird by Bird
Unlike the other books on this list, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is not classified as classical fiction, but it is a classic in other arenas. Dubbed as a self-help book specifically aimed at helping writers do what they do better, Lamott takes readers through story after story to make her point.
Within the pages of this incredible book that is written for writers, Lamott spills her words of wisdom through an amazing storytelling technique. Showing writers the grit and perseverance that is needed to become a writer is the absolute goal of this book.
Best quote from the book:
“Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”
Girl Wash Your Face
Another book not on the classical fiction list, Girl Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis is sure to be a classic self-help book someday. Her advice to women which is based on her experience as a lifestyle blogger is extremely helpful.
Her face style of telling you how things are and what you should do about them can be the wake-up call for anyone needing advice. The book is focused on a lie that women often believe about themselves and what they should do to knock it down.
Best quote from the book:
“Someone else’s opinion of you is none of your business.”
Educated
This book by Tara Westover chronicles the life she spent growing up in the mountains of Idaho as a family of survivalists. Although she had a great thirst for knowledge, she was not allowed to go to public school, and instead was made to stay at home with the family.
She survived being isolated within a family that was not supportive of an outside education as well as surviving the brutal attack of one of her brothers. But, through it all, Tara not only survived but thrived by stepping outside of her family's wishes when she was seventeen to attend college. She views this as the one act that saved her life.
Best quote from the book:
“Never again would I allow myself to be made a foot soldier in a conflict I did not understand.”
War and Peace
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy is said to be one of the greatest books of all time by many sources around the world. Based in Russia during the 1800s when Napoleon invaded the country, the story is told through five families who experienced everything firsthand.
Classified as historical fiction, the initial publication was in sections, however, in 1869, it was released as a whole book. As the characters gather at a dinner party, they discuss the various alliances and war experiences of the time they are living in.
Best quote from the book:
“Seize the moments of happiness, love, and be loved! That is the only reality in the world, all else is folly. It is the one thing we are interested in here.”
Posted by permission from hopeedavis.com.
