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The 10 Best Books Through Time

Each fall, the editors of the Times Book Review select the best fiction and nonfiction titles of the year. Our editors read, nominate, discuss, and debate the merits of each year’s books, working together to land upon our list. The practice of editors sharing their picks of the year dates nearly back to the beginning of the Book Review in October 1896. But over the years, that list has taken many different names and forms. Now, we call this list the “Ten Best Books” and have done so since 2004. We hope you’ll enjoy, and perhaps find inspiration in, the Best Books of years past.

THE BEE STING , by Paul Murray | CHAIN-GANG ALL-STARS , by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah | EASTBOUND , by Maylis de Kerangal | THE FRAUD , by Zadie Smith | NORTH WOODS , by Daniel Mason

THE BEST MINDS , by Jonathan Rosen | Bottoms Up and the Devil Laughs , by Kerry Howley | FIRE WEATHER , by John Vaillant | MASTER SLAVE HUSBAND WIFE , by Ilyon Woo | SOME PEOPLE NEED KILLING , by Patricia Evangelista

THE CANDY HOUSE , by Jennifer Egan | CHECKOUT 19 , by Claire-Louise Bennett | DEMON COPPERHEAD , by Barbara Kingsolver | THE FURROWS , by Namwali Serpell | TRUST , b y Hernan Diaz

AN IMMENSE WORLD , by Ed Yong | STAY TRUE , by Hua Hsu | STRANGERS TO OURSELVES , by Rachel Aviv | UNDER THE SKIN , by Linda Villarosa | WE DON’T KNOW OURSELVES , by Fintan O’Toole

HOW BEAUTIFUL WE WERE , by Imbolo Mbue | INTIMACIES , by Katie Kitamura | THE LOVE SONGS OF W.E.B. DUBOIS , by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers | NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT THIS, by Patricia Lockwood | WHEN WE CEASE TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD By Benjamín Labatut; translated by Adrian Nathan West

THE COPENHAGEN TRILOGY: Childhood; Youth; Dependency , by Tove Ditlevsen; translated by Tiina Nunnally and Michael Favala Goldman | HOW THE WORD IS PASSED: A Reckoning With the History of Slavery Across America , by Clint Smith | INVISIBLE CHILD: Poverty, Survival and Hope in an American City , by Andrea Elliott | ON JUNETEENTH , by Annette Gordon-Reed | RED COMET: The Short Life and Blazing Art of Sylvia Plath , by Heather Clark

A CHILDREN’S BIBLE, by Lydia Millet | DEACON KING KONG By James McBride | HAMNET, by Maggie O’Farrell | HOMELAND ELEGIES, by Ayad Akhtar | THE VANISHING HALF, by Brit Bennett

HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD, by Robert Kolker | A PROMISED LAND, by Barack Obama | SHAKESPEARE IN A DIVIDED AMERICA, by James Shapiro | UNCANNY VALLEY, by Rachel Anna Wiener | WAR , by Margaret MacMillan

DISAPPEARING EARTH, by Julia Phillips | THE TOPEKA SCHOOL, by Ben Lerner | EXHALATION, by Ted Chiang | LOST CHILDREN ARCHIVE, by Valeria Luiselli | NIGHT BOAT TO TANGIER, by Kevin Barry

SAY NOTHING, by Patrick Radden Keefe | THE CLUB, by Leo Damrosch | THE YELLOW HOUSE, by Sarah M. Broom | NO VISIBLE BRUISES, by Rachel Louise Snyder | MIDNIGHT IN CHERNOBYL , by Adam Higginbotham

ASYMMETRY, by Lisa Halliday | THE GREAT BELIEVERS, by Rebecca Makkai | THE PERFECT NANNY, by Leila Slimani; translated by Sam Taylor | THERE THERE, by Tommy Orange | WASHINGTON BLACK, by Esi Edugyan

AMERICAN PRISON: A Reporter’s Undercover Journey Into the Business of Punishment, by Shane Bauer | EDUCATED: A Memoir, by Tara Westover | FREDERICK DOUGLASS: Prophet of Freedom, by David W. Blight | HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MIND: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence , by Michael Pollan | SMALL FRY: A Memoir, by Lisa Brennan-Jobs

AUTUMN , by Ali Smith | EXIT WEST, by Mohsin Hamid | PACHINKO, by Min Jin Lee | THE POWER, by Naomi Alderman | SING, UNBURIED, SING, by Jesmyn Ward

THE EVOLUTION OF BEAUTY: How Darwin’s Forgotten Theory of Mate Choice Shapes the Animal World — and Us , by Richard O. Prum | GRANT, by Ron Chernow | LOCKING UP OUR OWN: Crime and Punishment in Black America, by James Forman Jr. | PRAIRIE FIRES: The American Dreams of Laura Ingalls Wilder, by Caroline Fraser | PRIESTDADDY, by Patricia Lockwood

THE ASSOCIATION OF SMALL BOMBS, by Karan Mahajan | THE NORTH WATER, by Ian McGuire | THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD, by Colson Whitehead | THE VEGETARIAN, by Han Kang; translated by Deborah Smith | WAR AND TURPENTINE, by Stefan Hertmans; translated by David McKay

AT THE EXISTENTIALIST CAFÉ: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails, by Sarah Bakewell | DARK MONEY: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Righ t, by Jane Mayer | EVICTED: Poverty and Profit in the American City , by Matthew Desmond | IN THE DARKROOM, by Susan Faludi | THE RETURN: Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between, by Hisham Matar

THE DOOR, by Magda Szabo; translated by Len Rix | A MANUAL FOR CLEANING WOMEN: Selected Stories, by Lucia Berlin; edited by Stephen Emerson | OUTLINE , by Rachel Cusk | THE SELLOUT , by Paul Beatty | T HE STORY OF THE LOST CHILD: Book 4, The Neapolitan Novels: “Maturity, Old Age ,” by Elena Ferrante; translated by Ann Goldstein

BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME , by Ta-Nehisi Coates | EMPIRE OF COTTON: A Global History, by Sven Beckert | H IS FOR HAWK, by Helen Macdonald | THE INVENTION OF NATURE: Alexander von Humboldt’s New World, by Andrea Wulf | ONE OF US: The Story of Anders Breivik and the Massacre in Norway , by Asne Seierstad; translated by Sarah Death

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE, by Anthony Doerr | DEPT. OF SPECULATION, by Jenny Offill | EUPHORIA, by Lily King | FAMILY LIFE, by Akhil Sharma | REDEPLOYMENT, by Phil Klay.

CAN’T WE TALK ABOUT SOMETHING MORE PLEASANT?, by Roz Chast | ON IMMUNITY: An Inoculation, by Eula Biss | PENELOPE FITZGERALD: A Life, by Hermione Lee | THE SIXTH EXTINCTION: An Unnatural History , by Elizabeth Kolbert | THIRTEEN DAYS IN SEPTEMBER: Carter, Begin, and Sadat at Camp David, by Lawrence Wright

AMERICANAH, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | THE FLAMETHROWERS, by Rachel Kushner | THE GOLDFINCH, by Donna Tartt | LIFE AFTER LIFE, by Kate Atkinson | TENTH OF DECEMBER: Stories , by George Saunders

AFTER THE MUSIC STOPPED: The Financial Crisis, the Response, and the Work Ahead , by Alan S. Blinder | DAYS OF FIRE: Bush and Cheney in the White House, by Peter Baker | FIVE DAYS AT MEMORIAL: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital, by Sheri Fink | THE SLEEPWALKERS: How Europe Went to War in 1914, by Christopher Clark. | WAVE, by Sonali Deraniyagala

BRING UP THE BODIES, by Hilary Mantel | BUILDING STORIES, by Chris Ware | A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING, by Dave Eggers | NW, by Zadie Smith | THE YELLOW BIRDS, by Kevin Powers

BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity, by Katherine Boo | FAR FROM THE TREE: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity , by Andrew Solomon | THE PASSAGE OF POWER: The Years of Lyndon Johnson , by Robert A. Caro | THE PATRIARCH: The Remarkable Life and Turbulent Times of Joseph P. Kennedy, by David Nasaw | WHY DOES THE WORLD EXIST? An Existential Detective Story , by Jim Holt

THE ART OF FIELDING , by Chad Harbach | 11/22/63 , by Stephen King | SWAMPLANDIA!, by Karen Russell | TEN THOUSAND SAINTS, by Eleanor Henderson | THE TIGER’S WIFE , by Téa Obreht

ARGUABLY: Essays , by Christopher Hitchens | THE BOY IN THE MOON: A Father’s Journey to Understand His Extraordinary Son, by Ian Brown | MALCOLM X: A Life of Reinvention, by Manning Marable | THINKING, FAST AND SLOW, by Daniel Kahneman | A WORLD ON FIRE:Britain’s Crucial Role in the American Civil War, by Amanda Foreman

FREEDOM, by Jonathan Franzen | THE NEW YORKER STORIES, by Ann Beattie | ROOM, by Emma Donoghue | SELECTED STORIES, by William Trevor | A VISIT FROM THE GOON SQUAD, by Jennifer Egan

APOLLO’S ANGELS: A History of Ballet, by Jennifer Homans | CLEOPATRA: A Life, by Stacy Schiff | THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES: A Biography of Cancer, by Siddhartha Mukherjee | FINISHING THE HAT: Collected Lyrics (1954-1981) With Attendant Comments, Principles, Heresies, ­Grudges, Whines and Anecdotes, by Stephen Sondheim | THE WARMTH OF OTHER SUNS: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration , by Isabel Wilkerson

BOTH WAYS IS THE ONLY WAY I WANT IT , by Maile Meloy | CHRONIC CITY , by Jonathan Lethem | A GATE AT THE STAIRS , by Lorrie Moore | HALF BROKE HORSES: A True-Life Novel , by Jeannette Walls | A SHORT HISTORY OF WOMEN, by Kate Walbert

THE AGE OF WONDER: How the Romantic Generation Discovered the Beauty and Terror of Science, by Richard Holmes | THE GOOD SOLDIERS , by David Finkel | LIT: A Memoir, by Mary Karr | LORDS OF FINANCE: The Bankers Who Broke the World , by Liaquat Ahamed | RAYMOND CARVER: A Writer’s Life, by Carol Sklenicka

DANGEROUS LAUGHTER: Thirteen Stories, by Steven Millhauser | A MERCY, by Toni Morrison | NETHERLAND, by Joseph O’Neill | 2666, by Roberto Bolaño.; translated by Natasha Wimmer | UNACCUSTOMED EARTH, by Jhumpa Lahiri

THE DARK SIDE: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals By Jane Mayer. THE FOREVER WAR By Dexter Filkins. NOTHING TO BE FRIGHTENED OF By Julian Barnes. THIS REPUBLIC OF SUFFERING:Death and the American Civil War By Drew Gilpin Faust. THE WORLD IS WHAT IT IS: The Authorized Biography of V. S. Naipaul By Patrick French.

MAN GONE DOWN By Michael Thomas. OUT STEALING HORSES By Per Petterson. Translated by Anne Born. THE SAVAGE DETECTIVES By Roberto Bolaño. Translated by Natasha Wimmer. THEN WE CAME TO THE END By Joshua Ferris. TREE OF SMOKE By Denis Johnson.

IMPERIAL LIFE IN THE EMERALD CITY: Inside Iraq’s Green Zone, by Rajiv Chandrasekaran | LITTLE HEATHENS: Hard Times and High Spirits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression, by Mildred Armstrong Kalish | THE NINE: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court, by Jeffrey Toobin | THE ORDEAL OF ELIZABETH MARSH: A Woman in World History, by Linda Colley | THE REST IS NOISE: Listening to the Twentieth Century, by Alex Ross

ABSURDISTAN, by Gary Shteyngart | THE COLLECTED STORIES OF AMY HEMPEL | THE EMPEROR’S CHILDREN , by Claire Messud | THE LAY OF THE LAND, by Richard Ford | SPECIAL TOPICS IN CALAMITY PHYSICS , by Marisha Pessl

FALLING THROUGH THE EARTH: A Memoir , by Danielle Trussoni | THE LOOMING TOWER: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11, by Lawrence Wright | MAYFLOWER: A Story of Courage, Community, and War, by Nathaniel Philbrick | THE OMNIVORE’S DILEMMA: A Natural History of Four Meals , by Michael Pollan | THE PLACES IN BETWEEN , by Rory Stewart

KAFKA ON THE SHORE, b y Haruki Murakami | ON BEAUTY , by Zadie Smith | PREP , by Curtis Sittenfeld | SATURDAY , by Ian McEwan | VERONICA, b y Mary Gaitskill

THE ASSASSINS’ GATE: America in Iraq, b y George Packer | DE KOONING:An American Master , by Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan | THE LOST PAINTING , by Jonathan Harr | POSTWAR: A History of Europe Since 1945 , by Tony Judt | THE YEAR OF MAGICAL THINKING , by Joan Didion

GILEAD , by Marilynne Robinson | THE MASTER , by Colm Toibin | THE PLOT AGAINST AMERICA , by Philip Roth | RUNAWAY , by Alice Munro | SNOW , by Orhan Pamuk | WAR TRASH , by Ha Jin

ALEXANDER HAMILTON , by Ron Chernow | CHRONICLES: Volume One , by Bob Dylan | WASHINGTON’S CROSSING , by David Hackett Fischer | WILL IN THE WORLD: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare , by Stephen Greenblatt

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The Top 10: The Greatest Books of All Time

This is one of the 254 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Set in 19th-century Russia, this novel revolves around the life of Anna Karenina, a high-society woman who, dissatisfied with her loveless marriage, embarks on a passionate affair with a charming officer named Count Vronsky. This scandalous affair leads to her social downfall, while parallel to this, the novel also explores the rural life and struggles of Levin, a landowner who seeks the meaning of life and true happiness. The book explores themes such as love, marriage, fidelity, societal norms, and the human quest for happiness.

Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Madame Bovary is a tragic novel about a young woman, Emma Bovary, who is married to a dull, but kind-hearted doctor. Dissatisfied with her life, she embarks on a series of extramarital affairs and indulges in a luxurious lifestyle in an attempt to escape the banalities and emptiness of provincial life. Her desire for passion and excitement leads her down a path of financial ruin and despair, ultimately resulting in a tragic end.

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Set in the backdrop of the Napoleonic era, the novel presents a panorama of Russian society and its descent into the chaos of war. It follows the interconnected lives of five aristocratic families, their struggles, romances, and personal journeys through the tumultuous period of history. The narrative explores themes of love, war, and the meaning of life, as it weaves together historical events with the personal stories of its characters.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set in the summer of 1922, the novel follows the life of a young and mysterious millionaire, his extravagant lifestyle in Long Island, and his obsessive love for a beautiful former debutante. As the story unfolds, the millionaire's dark secrets and the corrupt reality of the American dream during the Jazz Age are revealed. The narrative is a critique of the hedonistic excess and moral decay of the era, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

The novel tells the story of Humbert Humbert, a man with a disturbing obsession for young girls, or "nymphets" as he calls them. His obsession leads him to engage in a manipulative and destructive relationship with his 12-year-old stepdaughter, Lolita. The narrative is a controversial exploration of manipulation, obsession, and unreliable narration, as Humbert attempts to justify his actions and feelings throughout the story.

Middlemarch by George Eliot

Set in the fictitious English town of Middlemarch during the early 19th century, the novel explores the complex web of relationships in a close-knit society. It follows the lives of several characters, primarily Dorothea Brooke, a young woman of idealistic fervor, and Tertius Lydgate, an ambitious young doctor, who both grapple with societal expectations, personal desires, and moral dilemmas. Their stories intertwine with a rich tapestry of other townsfolk, reflecting themes of love, marriage, ambition, and reform, making a profound commentary on the human condition.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

The novel follows the journey of a young boy named Huckleberry Finn and a runaway slave named Jim as they travel down the Mississippi River on a raft. Set in the American South before the Civil War, the story explores themes of friendship, freedom, and the hypocrisy of society. Through various adventures and encounters with a host of colorful characters, Huck grapples with his personal values, often clashing with the societal norms of the time.

The Stories of Anton Chekhov by Anton Chekhov

This collection of short stories explores the complexities of human nature and society in 19th-century Russia. Written by a renowned Russian author, the stories range from humorous to tragic, often focusing on the everyday lives and struggles of ordinary people. The author's keen observation and deep understanding of human nature shine through in these tales, making them timeless classics that continue to resonate with readers today.

In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust

This renowned novel is a sweeping exploration of memory, love, art, and the passage of time, told through the narrator's recollections of his childhood and experiences into adulthood in the late 19th and early 20th century aristocratic France. The narrative is notable for its lengthy and intricate involuntary memory episodes, the most famous being the "madeleine episode". It explores the themes of time, space and memory, but also raises questions about the nature of art and literature, and the complex relationships between love, sexuality, and possession.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

This classic play revolves around the young Prince of Denmark who is thrown into a state of emotional turmoil after his father's sudden death and his mother's quick remarriage to his uncle. The prince is visited by the ghost of his father who reveals that he was murdered by the uncle, prompting the prince to seek revenge. The narrative explores themes of madness, revenge, and moral corruption as the prince navigates the complex political and emotional landscape of the Danish court.

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

The novel is a detailed narrative of a vengeful sea captain's obsessive quest to hunt down a giant white sperm whale that bit off his leg. The captain's relentless pursuit, despite the warnings and concerns of his crew, leads them on a dangerous journey across the seas. The story is a complex exploration of good and evil, obsession, and the nature of reality, filled with rich descriptions of whaling and the sea.

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

This classic novel follows the adventures of a man who, driven mad by reading too many chivalric romances, decides to become a knight-errant and roam the world righting wrongs under the name Don Quixote. Accompanied by his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, he battles windmills he believes to be giants and champions the virtuous lady Dulcinea, who is in reality a simple peasant girl. The book is a richly layered critique of the popular literature of Cervantes' time and a profound exploration of reality and illusion, madness and sanity.

Ulysses by James Joyce

Set in Dublin, the novel follows a day in the life of Leopold Bloom, an advertising salesman, as he navigates the city. The narrative, heavily influenced by Homer's Odyssey, explores themes of identity, heroism, and the complexities of everyday life. It is renowned for its stream-of-consciousness style and complex structure, making it a challenging but rewarding read.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

A young orphan boy, living with his cruel older sister and her kind blacksmith husband, has an encounter with an escaped convict that changes his life. Later, he becomes the protégé of a wealthy but reclusive woman and falls in love with her adopted daughter. He then learns that an anonymous benefactor has left him a fortune, leading him to believe that his benefactor is the reclusive woman and that she intends for him to marry her adopted daughter. He moves to London to become a gentleman, but his great expectations are ultimately shattered when he learns the true identity of his benefactor and the reality of his love interest.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

This novel is a multi-generational saga that focuses on the Buendía family, who founded the fictional town of Macondo. It explores themes of love, loss, family, and the cyclical nature of history. The story is filled with magical realism, blending the supernatural with the ordinary, as it chronicles the family's experiences, including civil war, marriages, births, and deaths. The book is renowned for its narrative style and its exploration of solitude, fate, and the inevitability of repetition in history.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

A young, impoverished former student in Saint Petersburg, Russia, formulates a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker to redistribute her wealth among the needy. However, after carrying out the act, he is consumed by guilt and paranoia, leading to a psychological battle within himself. As he grapples with his actions, he also navigates complex relationships with a variety of characters, including a virtuous prostitute, his sister, and a relentless detective. The narrative explores themes of morality, redemption, and the psychological impacts of crime.

King Lear by William Shakespeare

This classic tragedy revolves around the aging King Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their declarations of love for him. The two elder daughters, Goneril and Regan, flatter him with insincere praises, while the youngest, Cordelia, refuses to play the game and is disowned. As the king's sanity deteriorates, his kingdom falls into chaos under the rule of his deceitful elder daughters. The play explores themes of power, loyalty, madness, and justice, culminating in a tragic ending where almost all the main characters, including King Lear and Cordelia, die.

The Odyssey by Homer

This epic poem follows the Greek hero Odysseus on his journey home after the fall of Troy. It takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the ten-year Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters many obstacles including mythical creatures, divine beings, and natural disasters. Meanwhile, back in Ithaca, his wife Penelope and son Telemachus fend off suitors vying for Penelope's hand in marriage, believing Odysseus to be dead. The story concludes with Odysseus's return, his slaughter of the suitors, and his reunion with his family.

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

This novel is a pioneering work of modernist literature that explores the Ramsay family's experiences at their summer home on the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The narrative is divided into three sections, focusing on a day in the family's life, a description of the house during their absence, and their return after ten years. The book is known for its stream of consciousness narrative technique and its exploration of topics such as the passage of time, the nature of art, and the female experience.

Dubliners by James Joyce

"Dubliners" is a collection of 15 short stories that portray the life of the Irish middle class in the early 20th century. Each story depicts an aspect of everyday life in Dublin, capturing the complexities of human experiences and emotions. The stories range from childhood to adulthood, reflecting on themes such as the paralysis of routine, the desire for escape, and the failure of both. The book is renowned for its vivid characterization and its exploration of the subtleties of the human condition.

The Complete Stories of Flannery O'Connor by Flannery O'Connor

This comprehensive collection of short stories showcases the author's exploration of the human condition, particularly in the American South. The stories, known for their dark humor, religious themes, and grotesque characters, delve into the complexities of morality, ethics, and the struggle between good and evil. The author's unique blend of Southern Gothic style and religious allegory creates a vivid portrait of a society grappling with its own contradictions and shortcomings.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Set in early 19th-century England, this classic novel revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the five unmarried daughters. The narrative explores themes of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage within the society of the landed gentry. It follows the romantic entanglements of Elizabeth Bennet, the second eldest daughter, who is intelligent, lively, and quick-witted, and her tumultuous relationship with the proud, wealthy, and seemingly aloof Mr. Darcy. Their story unfolds as they navigate societal expectations, personal misunderstandings, and their own pride and prejudice.

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

This classic novel explores the complex, passionate, and troubled relationship between four brothers and their father in 19th century Russia. The narrative delves into the themes of faith, doubt, morality, and redemption, as each brother grapples with personal dilemmas and family conflicts. The story culminates in a dramatic trial following a murder, which serves as a microcosm of the moral and philosophical struggles faced by each character, and by extension, humanity itself.

The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner

The novel is a complex exploration of the tragic Compson family from the American South. Told from four distinct perspectives, the story unfolds through stream of consciousness narratives, each revealing their own understanding of the family's decline. The characters grapple with post-Civil War societal changes, personal loss, and their own mental instability. The narrative is marked by themes of time, innocence, and the burdens of the past.

Absalom, Absalom! by William Faulkner

This novel is a complex narrative about Thomas Sutpen, a poor white man who rises to power in the South, aiming to create a dynasty that would rival the old aristocratic families. However, his ambitions are thwarted by his own flawed decisions and the overarching racial and societal tensions of the era. The story is not told in a linear fashion but rather through a series of interconnected flashbacks and narratives, offering different perspectives on the same events. The book explores themes of family, class, race, and the destructive power of obsession.

Emma by Jane Austen

The novel revolves around Emma, a well-meaning but disaster-prone matchmaker, who ignores her own romantic feelings while setting out to find a suitor for her friend Harriet. Her efforts cause more problems than solutions as she leaves a trail of mishaps behind her. As her plans go awry, Emma realizes that she herself may be the one in love. The book is a classic exploration of social manners, love, and marriage in 19th-century England.

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

In this epic poem, the protagonist embarks on an extraordinary journey through Hell (Inferno), Purgatory (Purgatorio), and Paradise (Paradiso). Guided by the ancient Roman poet Virgil and his beloved Beatrice, he encounters various historical and mythological figures in each realm, witnessing the eternal consequences of earthly sins and virtues. The journey serves as an allegory for the soul's progression towards God, offering profound insights into the nature of good and evil, free will, and divine justice.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

The novel follows the life of Jane Eyre, an orphan who is mistreated by her relatives and sent to a charity school. As she grows up, Jane becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall, where she falls in love with the brooding and mysterious Mr. Rochester. However, she soon learns of a dark secret in his past that threatens their future together. The story is a profound exploration of a woman's self-discovery and her struggle for independence and love in a rigid Victorian society.

Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne

The novel is a humorous, rambling narrative that chronicles the life of Tristram Shandy. The story is filled with digressions, anecdotes, and eccentric characters, as Tristram often interrupts his own tale to interject commentary or to recount stories from his family's past. Despite the seemingly haphazard structure, the novel is a clever exploration of narrative form and a satirical critique of traditional biographies and novels.

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

The novel chronicles a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a high-society woman in post-World War I England, as she prepares for a party she is hosting that evening. Throughout the day, she encounters various characters from her past, including a former suitor and a shell-shocked war veteran. The narrative jumps back and forth in time and in and out of different characters' minds, exploring themes of mental illness, existentialism, and the nature of time.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

This classic novel is a tale of love, revenge and social class set in the Yorkshire moors. It revolves around the intense, complex relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an orphan adopted by Catherine's father. Despite their deep affection for each other, Catherine marries Edgar Linton, a wealthy neighbor, leading Heathcliff to seek revenge on the two families. The story unfolds over two generations, reflecting the consequences of their choices and the destructive power of obsessive love.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

The novel is a poignant exploration of a young African-American man's journey through life, where he grapples with issues of race, identity, and individuality in mid-20th-century America. The protagonist, who remains unnamed throughout the story, considers himself socially invisible due to his race. The narrative follows his experiences from the South to the North, from being a student to a worker, and his involvement in the Brotherhood, a political organization. The book is a profound critique of societal norms and racial prejudice, highlighting the protagonist's struggle to assert his identity in a world that refuses to see him.

The Bible by Christian Church

This religious text is a compilation of 66 books divided into the Old and New Testaments, forming the central narrative for Christianity. It encompasses a variety of genres, including historical accounts, poetry, prophecy, and teaching, telling the story of God's relationship with humanity, from creation to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the early Christian church. It is considered by believers to be divinely inspired and serves as a guide for faith and practice.

Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov

The novel is a unique blend of fiction, commentary, and poetry, presented as a 999-line poem written by a fictional poet, followed by an extensive commentary and foreword by his neighbor and academic colleague. The novel blurs the line between reality and fiction, as the commentator's notes reveal an alternative narrative, one of exile, intrigue, and murder. The book is a playful exploration of authorship, deception, and the nature of art.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Set in the racially charged South during the Depression, the novel follows a young girl and her older brother as they navigate their small town's societal norms and prejudices. Their father, a lawyer, is appointed to defend a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, forcing the children to confront the harsh realities of racism and injustice. The story explores themes of morality, innocence, and the loss of innocence through the eyes of the young protagonists.

Bleak House by Charles Dickens

"Bleak House" is a complex narrative that critiques the British judiciary system through a long-running legal case known as Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The story follows the lives of numerous characters, including the kind-hearted Esther Summerson, her friends Richard and Ada, and their guardian, Mr. Jarndyce, who are all caught in the web of a legal dispute over an inheritance. The novel is known for its detailed depiction of the legal system, its vivid characters, and its exploration of social issues of the time.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

The book follows the Joad family, Oklahoma farmers displaced from their land during the Great Depression. The family, alongside thousands of other "Okies," travel to California in search of work and a better life. Throughout their journey, they face numerous hardships and injustices, yet maintain their humanity through unity and shared sacrifice. The narrative explores themes of man's inhumanity to man, the dignity of wrath, and the power of family and friendship, offering a stark and moving portrayal of the harsh realities of American migrant laborers during the 1930s.

The Trial by Franz Kafka

The book revolves around a bank clerk who wakes one morning to find himself under arrest for an unspecified crime. Despite not being detained, he is subjected to the psychological torment of a bizarre and nightmarish judicial process. The story is a critique of bureaucracy, exploring themes of guilt, alienation and the inefficiency of the justice system.

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

The Canterbury Tales is a collection of 24 stories that follows a group of pilgrims traveling from London to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Saint Thomas Becket. Told in Middle English, the tales are narrated by a diverse group of pilgrims, including a knight, a miller, a reeve, and a pardoner, who share their stories to pass the time during their journey. The tales, which range from chivalrous romances to bawdy fabliaux, provide a colorful, satirical, and critical portrayal of 14th century English society.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

This classic novel follows the journey of a seaman who travels up the Congo River into the African interior to meet a mysterious ivory trader. Throughout his journey, he encounters the harsh realities of imperialism, the brutal treatment of native Africans, and the depths of human cruelty and madness. The protagonist's journey into the 'heart of darkness' serves as both a physical exploration of the African continent and a metaphorical exploration into the depths of human nature.

The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

This classic novel explores the life of a young, independent American woman who inherits a large amount of money and moves to Europe, where she falls into a manipulative and oppressive marriage. The story delves into themes of personal freedom, responsibility, and betrayal, as the protagonist navigates the complexities of high society, love, and the consequences of her choices.

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

This classic play follows the tragic tale of Macbeth, a Scottish general whose ambition is sparked by a prophecy from three witches that he will one day become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred on by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the throne. However, guilt and paranoia plague him, leading to a reign of terror and further bloodshed. His desperate attempts to cling onto power lead to his downfall, illustrating the destructive power of unchecked ambition.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

This classic novel revolves around the life of Anne Elliot, a woman of 27 who is unmarried and living with her vain, snobbish, and foolish family who are on the brink of financial ruin. Seven years prior, she had been persuaded to reject a marriage proposal from the man she loved, a poor but ambitious naval officer named Frederick Wentworth. When he returns from the war a wealthy and successful captain, old feelings are rekindled. The story follows Anne's journey towards self-realization and second chances at love amidst the complexities of her social class.

The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford

"The Good Soldier" is a tragic tale of two seemingly perfect couples: an American couple and an English couple, who meet at a German spa and share a nine-year friendship. However, underneath the surface, their relationships are far from ideal, filled with infidelity, lies, and deceit. The story is narrated by the American husband, who is the last to realize the intricate web of affairs and betrayals amongst the group. The novel explores themes of love, passion, and the destruction that can result from suppressed emotions and societal pressures.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

This novel tells the story of a former African-American slave woman who, after escaping to Ohio, is haunted by the ghost of her deceased daughter. The protagonist is forced to confront her repressed memories and the horrific realities of her past, including the desperate act she committed to protect her children from a life of slavery. The narrative is a poignant exploration of the physical, emotional, and psychological scars inflicted by the institution of slavery, and the struggle for identity and self-acceptance in its aftermath.

Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy

Set in the mid-19th century, this novel follows a violent teenager known as "the Kid" as he joins a group of Indian-hunters led by the enigmatic and brutal Judge Holden. The narrative is a gruesome depiction of the lawless American West, filled with philosophical musings, vivid descriptions of the harsh landscape, and brutal, relentless violence. The story explores themes of human nature, morality, and the inherent chaos and brutality of life.

Oresteia by Aeschylus

"Oresteia" is a trilogy of Greek tragedies that tells the story of the House of Atreus. It begins with King Agamemnon's return from the Trojan War and his subsequent murder by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus. The second play focuses on the revenge of their son, Orestes, who kills his mother and her lover to avenge his father's death. The final play deals with the trial of Orestes by the gods for the crime of matricide, resulting in his acquittal and the end of the curse on the House of Atreus. The trilogy explores themes of justice, vengeance, and the intervention of the gods in human affairs.

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce

This novel is a semi-autobiographical account of a young man's intellectual and artistic development in late 19th-century Ireland. The protagonist struggles with issues of identity, faith, and nationality, ultimately rejecting the traditional values of his Catholic upbringing to pursue his own path as an artist. The book is renowned for its innovative narrative style and its exploration of themes such as individuality, freedom, and the nature of art.

The Stranger by Albert Camus

The narrative follows a man who, after the death of his mother, falls into a routine of indifference and emotional detachment, leading him to commit an act of violence on a sun-drenched beach. His subsequent trial becomes less about the act itself and more about his inability to conform to societal norms and expectations, ultimately exploring themes of existentialism, absurdism, and the human condition.

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

The novel follows the story of a teenager named Holden Caulfield, who has just been expelled from his prep school. The narrative unfolds over the course of three days, during which Holden experiences various forms of alienation and his mental state continues to unravel. He criticizes the adult world as "phony" and struggles with his own transition into adulthood. The book is a profound exploration of teenage rebellion, alienation, and the loss of innocence.

All the King's Men by Robert Penn Warren

"All the King's Men" is a political drama that revolves around the rise and fall of a Southern governor, loosely based on Louisiana's Huey Long. The story is narrated by a journalist who becomes the governor's right-hand man, offering an inside perspective on the political machinations, corruption, and personal tragedies that accompany the governor's climb to power. The novel explores themes of power, corruption, and the moral consequences of political ambition.

Rabbit, Run by John Updike

The novel follows the life of a 26-year-old former high school basketball star, who is dissatisfied with his current life. He impulsively leaves his wife and son and embarks on a journey in the hopes of finding a more meaningful existence. His decisions, however, lead to a series of tragic events that impact the lives of those around him. This mid-20th-century novel explores themes of freedom, responsibility, and the tragic consequences of impulsive decisions.

Rabbit Redux by John Updike

The novel is a sequel in a series following the life of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, a middle-aged man living in a small Pennsylvania town. When his wife leaves him for another man, he finds himself alone and struggling to make sense of the rapidly changing world around him. In his loneliness, he takes in a young runaway and her racially divisive boyfriend, leading to a series of events that force Rabbit to confront his own prejudices and fears. The book is a vivid portrayal of the American social and political climate of the 1960s.

Rabbit Is Rich by John Updike

The book follows the life of a former high school basketball star, who is now in his mid-forties and has inherited a Toyota dealership from his father-in-law. He is living a comfortable life with his wife and son in Brewer, Pennsylvania during the late 1970s. The story unfolds as he navigates through his midlife crisis, dealing with his rebellious son, his longing for his old mistress, and his own insecurities and dissatisfaction. The narrative provides a deep dive into the protagonist's thoughts and feelings, offering a detailed examination of middle-class American life during this era.

Rabbit at Rest by John Updike

The novel is a final look into the life of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, a former high-school basketball star, now in his mid-fifties, overweight and grappling with several health issues. Despite his success in business, his personal life is in shambles, with his wife addicted to alcohol and his son to drugs. Harry, struggling with his mortality, is trying to understand his past and make sense of his future, while dealing with the changing American society and the consequences of his own choices.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark

The novel is set in 1930s Edinburgh and follows the story of six girls under the tutelage of an unconventional teacher, Miss Jean Brodie. Miss Brodie, in her prime, takes it upon herself to educate the girls about life, love, politics, and art, often disregarding the traditional curriculum. The narrative explores the influence of Miss Brodie on the girls, the consequences of her nonconformist teachings, and the ultimate betrayal that leads to her downfall.

The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

The novel is a poignant tale set in the 1920s post-World War I era, focusing on a group of American and British expatriates living in Paris who travel to Pamplona, Spain for the annual Running of the Bulls. The story explores themes of disillusionment, identity, and the Lost Generation, with the protagonist, a war veteran, grappling with impotence caused by a war injury. The narrative is steeped in the disillusionment and existential crisis experienced by many in the aftermath of the war, and the reckless hedonism of the era is portrayed through the characters' aimless wanderings and excessive drinking.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Set in 17th-century Puritan Boston, this novel tells the story of a woman who conceives a daughter through an affair and struggles to create a new life of repentance and dignity. She is forced to wear a scarlet "A" on her dress as a sign of her adultery while her lover, a revered local minister, remains unnamed and unpunished. Throughout the book, themes of sin, legalism, and guilt are explored.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

This novel follows the story of a young girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of peculiar creatures and bizarre experiences. As she navigates through this strange land, she encounters a series of nonsensical events, including a tea party with a Mad Hatter, a pool of tears, and a trial over stolen tarts. The book is renowned for its playful use of language, logic, and its exploration of the boundaries of reality.

The Iliad by Homer

This epic poem focuses on the final weeks of the Trojan War, a conflict between the city of Troy and the Greek city-states. The story explores themes of war, honor, wrath, and divine intervention, with a particular focus on the Greek hero Achilles, whose anger and refusal to fight have devastating consequences. The narrative also delves into the lives of the gods, their relationships with humans, and their influence on the course of events.

One Thousand and One Nights by Unknown

This is a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The stories are told by a young woman, who must weave a new tale each night for her husband, a king, to delay her execution. The tales are filled with magic, adventure, love, and betrayal, and include well-known stories such as "Aladdin's Wonderful Lamp", "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves", and "The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor".

The Red and the Black by Stendhal

The novel is a detailed psychological portrait of Julien Sorel, a young man from a provincial background who aspires to rise above his humble beginnings. He uses his intelligence and hypocrisy to advance in the post-Napoleonic French society, which is deeply divided by class and political loyalties. The story is a critique of the society's materialism and hypocrisy as Julien's ambitions lead him to a tragic end. The title refers to the contrasting uniforms of the army and the church, the two routes available to him for upward mobility.

The Collected Stories of Isaac Babel by Isaac Babel

This collection of short stories presents a rich tapestry of narratives exploring the harsh realities of war, the complexities of Jewish life in early 20th century Russia, and the human condition. Written by a renowned Russian author, the stories are known for their vivid imagery, poignant themes, and incisive social commentary. The collection includes famous works like "Red Cavalry", a series of stories based on the author's experiences as a journalist during the Russo-Polish War, and "Odessa Stories", which depicts the vibrant yet often brutal life in the city's Jewish ghetto.

Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set in the French Riviera in the 1920s, the novel traces the tragic tale of a young psychiatrist, his beautiful wife, and the drama that unfolds amongst their circle of wealthy expatriate friends. The psychiatrist's wife suffers from mental illness, which leads to his own downfall as he struggles to keep his marriage intact and maintain his professional reputation. The narrative explores themes of wealth, love, desire, and the destructive power of obsession, painting a haunting portrait of the dark side of the glamorous Jazz Age.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

The book is a satirical critique of military bureaucracy and the illogical nature of war, set during World War II. The story follows a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier stationed in Italy, who is trying to maintain his sanity while fulfilling his service requirements so that he can go home. The novel explores the absurdity of war and military life through the experiences of the protagonist, who discovers that a bureaucratic rule, the "Catch-22", makes it impossible for him to escape his dangerous situation. The more he tries to avoid his military assignments, the deeper he gets sucked into the irrational world of military rule.

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

The novel follows the life of Billy Pilgrim, a World War II veteran who has become "unstuck in time," experiencing his life events out of order. This includes his experiences as a prisoner of war in Dresden during the Allies' firebombing, his post-war life as a successful optometrist, his abduction by aliens from the planet Tralfamadore, and his eventual death. The book is a critique of war and a demonstration of the destructive nature of time, with a nonlinear narrative that reflects the chaos and unpredictability of life.

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of 15 different characters over 59 chapters. It is the story of the death of Addie Bundren and her poor, rural family's quest and motivations—noble or selfish—to honor her wish to be buried in her hometown of Jefferson, Mississippi. As the Bundren family undertakes a journey to fulfill Addie's last wish, they face many hardships and personal revelations. The novel explores themes of existentialism, death, and the nature of family relationships.

Paradise Lost by John Milton

"Paradise Lost" is an epic poem that explores the biblical story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace in the Garden of Eden. It delves into their temptation by Satan, their subsequent expulsion, and the consequences of their disobedience. The narrative also provides a complex portrayal of Satan as a rebellious angel, who, after being cast out of Heaven, seeks revenge by causing mankind's downfall. The poem is a profound exploration of free will, divine justice, and the human struggle with good and evil.

The Stories of John Cheever by John Cheever

This collection of short stories provides an intimate look into the lives of individuals living in the American suburbs during the mid-20th century. The narratives often center around themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of the American dream, painting a vivid picture of the human condition. The characters are typically middle-class individuals dealing with personal crises, existential dread, and the often harsh realities of everyday life. The stories are renowned for their ability to capture the essence of post-war America, with all of its beauty, despair, and complexity.

The Aeneid by Virgil

This epic poem tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan who travels to Italy, where he becomes the ancestor of the Romans. It includes a series of prophecies about Rome's future and the deeds of heroic individuals, and is divided into two sections, the first illustrating the hero's journey and the second detailing the wars and battles that ensue as Aeneas attempts to establish a new home in Italy. The narrative is deeply imbued with themes of duty, fate, and divine intervention.

Dead Souls by Nikolai Gogol

In this satirical novel, a man travels through Russia buying up the titles to deceased serfs (or "souls") from their naive landowners, under the guise of a get-rich-quick scheme. However, his real plan is to use these "dead souls" to create a phantom estate and secure a massive loan. The story explores the corruption and greed prevalent in 19th-century Russian society and provides a unique perspective on the human condition.

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway

Set in the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, the novel follows the story of an American dynamiter, who is assigned the task of blowing up a bridge during a crucial attack on the city of Segovia. Alongside the war narrative, the story also explores his relationships with various characters, including his love affair with a young Spanish woman. The narrative beautifully encapsulates themes of love, war, death, and the transient nature of life.

Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

"Leaves of Grass" is a collection of poetry that celebrates the human form and condition, while also exploring themes of democracy, nature, love, and friendship. The book, known for its departure from traditional poetic form, features a free verse style and the use of everyday language. The poet presents himself as both an individual and a universal figure, representing the collective American experience and identity. The collection is also notable for its controversial content at the time of its publication, including candid depictions of sexuality.

Franz Kafka: The Complete Stories by Franz Kafka

This collection of stories offers a comprehensive look at the work of a renowned author, known for his surreal and often unsettling depictions of modern life. The stories explore themes of existential anxiety, guilt, and absurdity, often through narratives in which ordinary people face extraordinary, inexplicable circumstances. The collection showcases the author's unique style and his profound influence on 20th-century literature.

The Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann

In this novel, the protagonist, a young, ordinary man, visits his cousin at a tuberculosis sanatorium in the Swiss Alps. Intending to stay for only a few weeks, he ends up remaining there for seven years, becoming a patient himself. The book explores his experiences and relationships with other patients and staff, delving into philosophical discussions on life, time, and the nature of disease. It also provides a vivid portrayal of the European society and intellectual life on the eve of World War I.

Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson

"Winesburg, Ohio" is a collection of interconnected short stories that paints a picture of life in a small town in the early 20th century. The book captures the hopes, dreams, and despair of the inhabitants of Winesburg, focusing on a young reporter as he interacts with the townspeople. Each character's story reveals their inner struggles, loneliness, and search for understanding and connection, providing a profound exploration of human nature and the complexities of life in a small community.

The Collected Stories of Eudora Welty by Eudora Welty

This collection of short stories provides an insightful look into the human condition through the lens of Southern American life. The narratives, rich in detail and character development, explore a wide range of themes such as love, loss, race, poverty, and the complexities of human relationships. The stories are deeply rooted in the setting of the Southern United States, bringing to life the unique culture, customs, and dialect of the region. The author's masterful storytelling and evocative prose make each story a vivid and memorable exploration of human nature.

Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens

In this classic novel, a complex web of characters is spun around a central plot involving a mysterious inheritance. The narrative explores various themes such as love, greed, social class, and human nature, set against the backdrop of Victorian London. The story unfolds through the lives of numerous characters including a dust contractor, his charming daughter, a lawyer, a teacher, and a couple of greedy, scheming relatives, all of whom are connected by the mysterious fortune left by a deceased man to his estranged son, who is presumed drowned.

The Hamlet by William Faulkner

"The Hamlet" is a complex narrative that explores the lives of the Snopes family, their rise to power, and their struggle with morality in a small southern town. The story is filled with themes of greed, manipulation, and the quest for power, as the Snopes family uses cunning and deceit to gain control over the town and its inhabitants. The novel is a vivid portrayal of the dark side of human nature and the destructive power of ambition.

The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov

This novel is a complex narrative that weaves together three distinct yet intertwined stories. The first story is set in 1930s Moscow and follows the devil and his entourage as they wreak havoc on the city's literary elite. The second story is a historical narrative about Pontius Pilate and his role in the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The third story is a love story between the titular Master, a writer who has been driven to madness by the criticism of his work, and his devoted lover, Margarita. The novel is a satirical critique of Soviet society, particularly the literary establishment, and its treatment of artists. It also explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the nature of good and evil.

The Transit of Venus by Shirley Hazzard

The novel follows the lives of two orphaned Australian sisters, Caroline and Grace Bell, who move to England in the post-World War II era. The story revolves around their relationships, particularly Caroline's complex and often tragic love life. The narrative is filled with themes of love, fate, time, and the intricate complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of significant historical events.

So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell

The novel revolves around a young boy in Illinois who befriends a new classmate, Cletus, whose father has been murdered. The protagonist becomes obsessed with the murder, imagining the events leading up to the tragedy from the perspectives of the involved parties. The novel explores themes of memory, guilt, and the impact of trauma on childhood friendships.

Selected Stories of Alice Munro by Alice Munro

This collection of short stories offers a comprehensive view of the author's narrative talent, showcasing her ability to create complex characters and situations that reflect the human condition. Set in various locations, from small Canadian towns to exotic foreign locales, each story delves into the intricate relationships, personal struggles, and quiet triumphs of its characters. The author's writing is marked by her keen observation, psychological insight, and the ability to convey the extraordinary within the ordinary, making each story a unique exploration of life's complexities.

The Charterhouse of Parma by Stendhal

The novel follows the life of a young Italian nobleman, who, driven by romantic ideals and a thirst for adventure, leaves his comfortable life to join Napoleon's army. After surviving many trials and tribulations, he returns home to a life of political intrigue, love affairs, and power struggles in the court of Parma. The narrative provides a vivid and satirical depiction of the political and social life in Italy during the 19th century.

Decameron by Giovanni Boccaccio

"Decameron" is a collection of 100 stories told by a group of seven young women and three young men sheltering in a secluded villa just outside Florence to escape the Black Death, which was afflicting the city. The tales, which range from the erotic to the tragic, the hilarious to the instructional, are embedded in a rich framework narrative that provides a detailed portrait of the society of the Italian Renaissance.

The Man Who Loved Children by Christina Stead

This novel explores the complex dynamics of the Pollit family, focusing on the relationship between the egotistical patriarch Sam and his idealistic daughter Louie. Set in Washington D.C. during the 1930s, the story provides a stark portrayal of a dysfunctional family, where Sam's delusional optimism and insensitivity clash with Louie's growing disillusionment and rebellion. The narrative delves into themes of family conflict, emotional abuse, and the struggle for individual identity within the confines of family expectations.

Demons by Fyodor Dostoevsky

"The Possessed" is a complex political novel set in a provincial Russian town, exploring the destructive influence of radical ideologies on society. The narrative revolves around a group of revolutionaries, their philosophical debates and their destructive actions, driven by nihilism and anarchism. The story is a critique of the political and social chaos of the time, showcasing the author's deep understanding of human psychology and his profound insights into the human condition. It is an exploration of faith, reason, and the nature of freedom and is considered one of the most significant works of Russian literature.

Independent People by Halldor Laxness

"Independent People" is a novel set in rural Iceland, following the life of a stubborn sheep farmer who values his independence above all else. Despite facing numerous hardships, including poverty, harsh weather, and family strife, he refuses to accept help or compromise his self-reliance. The book explores themes of pride, the struggle for survival, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity.

My Antonia by Willa Cather

This novel follows the life of Antonia Shimerda, a Bohemian immigrant to the United States, through the eyes of her childhood friend, Jim Burden. The narrative explores their lives in the harsh environment of the American Midwest, their struggles with poverty, cultural adaptation, and personal growth. Antonia's resilience, strength, and love for life inspire Jim, who moves away for education and career but remains emotionally tied to the woman and the prairie life he left behind. The book is a compelling portrayal of pioneer life, human resilience, and the enduring power of friendship.

Parade's End by Ford Madox Ford

The novel chronicles the life of Christopher Tietjens, an officer in the British Army during World War I, and his complex relationships with two women: his adulterous wife Sylvia and a young suffragette named Valentine. The story is set against the backdrop of a changing society and the devastation of war, exploring themes of duty, honor, and the struggle between traditional values and modernism.

Stories of Ernest Hemingway by Ernest Hemingway

This book is a collection of short stories penned by a renowned 20th-century American author, known for his minimalist and direct style of writing. The stories span a range of themes, including love, war, wilderness, and loss, often drawing from the author's own experiences as a journalist and war correspondent. Each story offers a glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the harsh realities of life, showcasing the author's ability to capture profound emotions and experiences in simple, yet powerful prose.

Collected Stories by Raymond Chandler

"Collected Stories" is a compilation of short stories that showcase the author's signature noir style. The narratives are filled with complex plots, gritty settings, and cynical, hard-boiled characters, often featuring private detectives navigating the seedy underbelly of society. The collection highlights the author's distinct voice, characterized by sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions, and a keen observation of human nature.

Tess of the d'Urbervilles by Thomas Hardy

This is a tragic tale of a young woman named Tess who comes from a poor family in rural England. Tess is sent to work for a wealthy family, where she is seduced by a man who abandons her after she becomes pregnant. The baby dies, and Tess is ostracized by her community. She falls in love with a kind man, but when she confesses her past, he rejects her. Desperate and heartbroken, Tess murders her former seducer and is eventually captured and executed. The novel explores themes of fate, injustice, and the oppressive sexual morals of its time.

Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray

This classic novel follows the lives of two contrasting women, the cunning and ruthless Becky Sharp and the sweet and naive Amelia Sedley, against the backdrop of English society during the Napoleonic Wars. The book is a satirical exploration of the obsession with wealth, status, and social climbing, and the moral bankruptcy that can result from such pursuits. The narrative weaves an intricate tale of love, betrayal, and redemption, exposing the vanity and hypocrisy of high society.

Cousin Bette by Honoré de Balzac

"Cousin Bette" is a novel set in mid-19th century Paris, focusing on the lives of the Hulot family and their cousin, Bette, an old maid who harbors a deep resentment towards her relatives due to their wealth and social status. When Bette learns that her cousin's husband is having an affair, she decides to exact revenge by manipulating various characters and situations, leading to the downfall of the Hulot family. The novel explores themes of jealousy, revenge, and the destructive power of repressed feelings.

Don Juan: A Poem by Lord Byron

This epic satirical poem tells the story of Don Juan, a handsome, charming young man from Spain who gets into various adventures and romantic escapades throughout Europe and the Ottoman Empire. Throughout his journey, he encounters a variety of characters, including pirates, sultans, and aristocrats, while also engaging in numerous love affairs. The narrative, filled with humor, irony, and social commentary, serves as a critique of societal norms and conventions, particularly those related to love and morality.

Notes from the Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky

This novel is a profound exploration of the human psyche through the eyes of a bitter and isolated retired civil servant living in St. Petersburg. The protagonist, a self-proclaimed "sick" and "spiteful" man, delves into his past experiences and personal philosophies in a series of rambling and often contradictory monologues. His existential musings touch on themes such as free will, determinism, and the nature of human action, often challenging the prevailing ideologies of his time. The narrative provides a deep and unsettling insight into the darker aspects of human consciousness.

The Stand by Stephen King

This post-apocalyptic horror/fantasy novel presents a world devastated by a deadly plague, killing 99% of the population. The survivors, drawn together by dreams of a charismatic and benevolent figure, gather in Boulder, Colorado to form a new society. However, a malevolent figure also emerges, attracting a following of his own and setting the stage for a classic battle between good and evil. The story delves into themes of community, morality, and the capacity for both destruction and regeneration within humanity.

The Tempest by William Shakespeare

"The Tempest" is a classic play about a sorcerer and rightful Duke of Milan who has been stranded on an island for 12 years with his daughter after being betrayed by his brother. Using his magical powers and the help of an airy spirit, he conjures a storm to shipwreck his brother and other enemies on the island. The narrative explores themes of revenge, power, magic, and forgiveness as the sorcerer manipulates events on the island to regain his dukedom and secure a good future for his daughter.

Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

This novel follows the life of Janie Crawford, a young African-American woman, in the early 20th century. She embarks on a journey through three marriages and self-discovery while challenging the societal norms of her time. The narrative explores her struggle for personal freedom, fulfillment, and identity against the backdrop of racism and gender expectations, ultimately emphasizing the importance of independence and personal growth.

The Top 10 (Book) , 103 Books

The Top 10 book chosen by 125 top writers from the book "The Top 10" edited by J. Peder Zane.

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• Goodreads is the world's largest platform for readers to rate and review books.
• Below are the 20 most popular books of all time, ranked by Goodreads members. 
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Goodreads is the world's largest site for readers to rate and review their favorite books and authors , track their reading, participate in challenges, and discover new book recommendations. No matter what you like to read, you can find it on Goodreads along with tons of fellow readers who love the same books. 

With millions of ratings and community reviews, readers are encouraged to share their opinions to help others determine their next read. We used the number of ratings of each book to determine the most popular books amongst Goodreads members, so whether you're curious if your favorite book made the list or are looking for a new read with millions of recommendations , here are the top 20 most popular books on Goodreads. 

The 20 most popular books of all time on Goodreads:

"harry potter and the sorcerer's stone" by j.k. rowling.

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.98

With nearly 8 million ratings, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is the most popular book of all time on Goodreads and has sold over 120 million copies. In this first book of the "Harry Potter" series, readers meet a young orphan boy who learns he's a wizard and begins his magical training at Hogwarts, a special school for witches and wizards.

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $11.69

With almost 7 million ratings on Goodreads, "The Hunger Games" is the first book in a young adult dystopian series where the country is divided up into districts that annually select one boy and one girl to fight to the death in a highly publicized arena. When Katniss's little sister is chosen for the games, she volunteers in her sister's place and immediately begins training before entering the deadly arena.

"Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer

"Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $10.16

"Twilight" is an iconic young adult vampire romance novel about a high school girl named Bella who falls in love with a mysterious boy named Edward and quickly finds out he's a vampire. As the threat of a nearby nomadic vampire looms, Bella chooses to be with Edward and discovers the secrets of his world, despite the nearly constant risks to her life. 

"To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

"To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.19

"To Kill A Mockingbird" is an American classic from 1960, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and frequently voted as one of the best books of the 20th century . It's about a young girl named Scout who's growing up in a time of racial division, amplified as her lawyer father defends an innocent Black man wrongly accused of a horrible crime. 

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $5.97

First published in 1925, "The Great Gatsby" is a classic Jazz Age novel about millionaire Jay Gatsby and his love for Daisy Buchanan. Narrated by Gatsby's neighbor, Nick Carraway, the novel follows Gatsby's shady business dealings, extravagant parties, and pursuit of Daisy's affection. 

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green

"The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.10

In this absolute tear-jerker, Hazel is battling a terminal cancer diagnosis, offered a few extra years by a miracle medical advancement. In her cancer support group, she meets Augustus Waters and they immediately begin to fall for each other in this tragic and beautiful young adult love story. 

"1984" by George Orwell

"1984" by George Orwell, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.48

In this novel predicting a dystopian future from its original publication in 1949, Winston Smith is living in a totalitarian world defined by strict mass surveillance and inundating propaganda. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history to fit the government's narrative, and can't help but wonder what the world was truly like before the revolution. 

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $5.47

"Pride and Prejudice" is an 1813 romantic classic about Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman who is pressured to marry a wealthy man in order to provide for her family. She meets the brooding Mr. Darcy, with whom she begins a witty but civilized sparring banter as they slowly fall for each other in this novel about the influences of class and the importance of being true to yourself. 

"Divergent" by Veronica Roth

"Divergent" by Veronica Roth, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $8.46

In the dystopian science fiction world of "Divergent," all 16-year-olds must devote themselves to one of five factions in society, each dedicated to a virtue. Beatrice Prior is torn between staying with her family and being true to herself, so she makes a daring and shocking decision, thrusting her into an intense initiation and transformation while keeping a potentially deadly secret and discovering the growing conflict within her seemingly flawless society. 

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling

"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $8.78

When a murderer named Sirius Black escapes the wizarding world's highest security prison, rumor says he's headed to kill Harry since the dark Lord Voldemort's downfall was his as well. Even with the soulless prison guards searching the castle for Sirius, danger seems to follow Harry at every turn. 

"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien

"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $14.37

This fantastical classic introduces readers to magical Middle-Earth where Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, sets out on a quest to win a treasure guarded by a dragon. Initially written for the author's children, this adventure novel is a prequel to the epic "Lord of the Rings" series and is a charming favorite with over three million ratings and 1.6 million five-star reviews on Goodreads.  

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.98

In the final book of the "Harry Potter" series, Harry and his two best friends are on a cross-country journey to find the final answers that will help them defeat the dark wizard Lord Voldemort. Cumulating in an epic and devastating battle at Hogwarts, this intense novel closes the fantastical series with a shocking and emotional resolution. 

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.48

"Animal Farm" is a classic satirical novel about a group of mistreated farm animals who rebel against the human farmer to take over the farm and attempt to create a system where all animals are free and equal. But when the community is betrayed and collapses under a single dictator, the animals' hopes for equality diminish. 

"The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

"The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.35

Written by Anne Frank during the Nazi occupation of Holland, this diary is a firsthand, nonfiction account of the two years Anne and her family spent hiding in a secret annex of an old office building. With thoughtful insight and emotional impressions of the time, Anne's diary is a testament to her courage during the final years of her life. 

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.98

Before returning to Hogwarts for his second year of school, Harry receives an ominous message of the danger that awaits him if he's to return. Needing to escape his dreadful aunt and uncle, Harry ignores the warning and happily returns to school — until students begin to turn to stone and a strange voice in the wall means Harry might be the only one who can save them.

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $5.21

"The Catcher in the Rye" is a young adult classic about a 16-year-old boy named Holden Caulfield and his three-day adventure through New York City. Heavily impacted by his experiences, Holden is an example of teenage rebellion as he navigates complex feelings about innocence, connection, and loss. 

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" by J.K. Rowling

"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" by J.K. Rowling, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $6.92

In this fourth book of the "Harry Potter" series, Hogwarts is one of three schools participating in a Triwizard Tournament where one representative witch or wizard from each school must complete three extremely challenging tasks. When Harry's name is picked in addition to the three competitors, he must compete in the tournament, despite not knowing how he was entered. 

"Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown

"Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $16.20

"Angels & Demons" is the first book in the "DaVinci Code" series, a thrilling mystery novel where readers meet world-renowned symbologist Robert Langdon as he's called to help explain the mysterious symbols left seared into the chest of a murdered physicist. His research takes him through an intense investigation that leads him towards a deadly vendetta from the Illuminati. 

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Stieg Larsson, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $9.19

In this international psychological thriller, Henrik Vanger is a billionaire whose niece disappeared over 40 years ago. Still searching for answers, he hires Mikal Blomkvist, a renowned journalist who recently lost a libel lawsuit, along with Lisbeth Salander, a mysterious but brilliant computer hacker. As the duo digs deeper into the investigation, they uncover a complex weave of family and financial secrets in this captivating Swedish thriller. 

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins

"Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins, available on Amazon and Bookshop , from $7.98

The second book in the "Hunger Games" saga follows Katniss and her public love interest, Peeta, after their historic arena win. Though they should be celebrating, rumors of a growing rebellion infuriate the Capitol and threaten their safety in this fast-paced, science-fiction sequel.

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Our Curated List Of The 75 Best Books Of All Time

The ultimate book bucket list: the 75 best books of all time, the best classic books of all time, jane eyre - charlotte brontë, emma - jane austen, the great gatsby - f. scott fitzgerald, the picture of dorian grey - oscar wilde, black beauty - anna sewell, anna karenina - leo tolstoy, hamlet - william shakespeare, the best fantasy books of all time, a game of thrones - george r. martin, the lord of the rings trilogy - j.r.r. tolkien, wheel of time series - robert jordan, brandon sanderson, a wizard of earthsea - ursula le guin, the eyes of the dragon - stephen king, name of the wind - patrick rothfuss, the broken earth trilogy - n.k. jemisin, the stormlight archive - brandon sanderson, children of blood and bone - tomi adeyemi, the best fiction books of all time, little women - louisa may alcott, my year of rest and relaxation - otessa moshfegh, no one is talking about this - patricia lockwood, the lovely bones - alice sebold, after you’d gone - maggie o’farrell, the secret history - donna tartt, the amazing adventures of kavalier and clay - michael chabon, gone girl - gillian flynn, we need to talk about kevin - lionel shriver, normal people - sally rooney, slaughterhouse-five - kurt vonnegut, betty - tiffany mcdaniel, invisible cities - italo calvino, based on a true story - norm macdonald, girl, woman, other - bernardine evaristo, the book thief - markus zusak, a little life - hanya yanagihara, they can't kill us until they kill us – hanif abdurraqib, the alchemist - paulo coelho, one hundred years of solitude - gabriel garcía márque, to kill a mockingbird - harper lee, my brilliant friend - elena ferrante, the underground railroad - colson whitehead, white teeth - zadi smith, the best memoirs of all time, why be happy when you could be normal - jeanette winterson, trick mirror - jia tolentino, yes please - amy poehler, on writing - stephen king, i’m glad my mom died - jennette mccurdy, dress your family in corduroy and denim - david sedaris, just kids - patti smith, know my name - chanel miller, the year of magical thinking - joan didion, crying in h mart - michelle zauner, kitchen confidential - anthony bourdain, the best non-fiction books of all time, thinking, fast & slow - daniel kahneman, come as you are - emily nagoski, burnout: the secret to unlocking the stress cycle - amelia nagoski and emily nagoski, period power - maisie hill, the obstacle is the way - ryan holiday, into thin air - jon krakauer, ariel - sylvia plath, de profundis - oscar wilde, sapiens: a brief history of humankind - yuval noah harari, why i'm no longer talking to white people about race - reni eddo-lodge, all about love: new visions - bell hooks, the best romance books of all time, book lovers - emily henry, red, white & royal blue - casey mcquiston, boyfriend material - alexis hall, the spanish love deception - elena armas, the duke and i - julia quinn, to all the boys i’ve loved before - jenny han, call me by your name - andré aciman, wuthering heights - emily bronte, the best dystopian books of all time, the handmaid’s tale - margaret atwood, station eleven - emily st. john mandel , klara and the sun - kazuo ishiguro, the road - cormac mccarthy, nineteen eighty-four - george orwell, more from books & art.

The 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time

With a panel of leading fantasy authors—N.K. Jemisin, Neil Gaiman, Sabaa Tahir, Tomi Adeyemi, Diana Gabaldon, George R.R. Martin, Cassandra Clare and Marlon James—TIME presents the most engaging, inventive and influential works of fantasy fiction, in chronological order beginning in the 9th century

N.K. Jemisin on the Timeless Power of Fantasy

The Arabian Nights

Le Morte d’Arthur by Thomas Malory

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll

Five Children and It by E. Nesbit

Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Palm-Wine Drinkard by Amos Tutuola

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis

The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien

My Life in the Bush of Ghosts by Amos Tutuola

The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

A Hero Born by Jin Yong

The Once & Future King by T.H. White

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

The Wandering Unicorn by Manuel Mujica Lainez

Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart

The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin

Watership Down by Richard Adams

The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper

The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

A Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L’Engle

The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter

The BFG by Roald Dahl

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Redwall by Brian Jacques

Swordspoint by Ellen Kushner

The Lives of Christopher Chant by Diana Wynne Jones

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

The Subtle Knife by Philip Pullman

Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Spindle’s End by Robin McKinley

A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

The Wee Free Men by Terry Pratchett

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin

Who Fears Death by Nnedi Okorafor

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Angelfall by Susan Ee

A Stranger in Olondria by Sofia Samatar

The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell

The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

Get in Trouble by Kelly Link

The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders

A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir

The Wall of Storms by Ken Liu

Beasts Made of Night by Tochi Onyebuchi

The Black Tides of Heaven by Neon Yang

The Changeling by Victor LaValle

Jade City by Fonda Lee

The Stone Sky by N.K. Jemisin

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

Blanca & Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Circe by Madeline Miller

Empire of Sand by Tasha Suri

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

Song of Blood & Stone by L. Penelope

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

Witchmark by C.L. Polk

Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James

Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi

The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender

The Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter

We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez

20 of the Best Book Series of All Time

Kendra Winchester

Kendra Winchester is a Contributing Editor for Book Riot where she writes about audiobooks and disability literature. She is also the Founder of Read Appalachia , which celebrates Appalachian literature and writing. Previously, Kendra co-founded and served as Executive Director for Reading Women , a podcast that gained an international following over its six-season run. In her off hours, you can find her writing on her Substack, Winchester Ave , and posting photos of her Corgis on Instagram and Twitter @kdwinchester.

View All posts by Kendra Winchester

Is there anything better than a book series that has you immediately reaching for the next book and feeling devastated when it’s over? The best book series of all time deliver.

Following these characters over the course of several novels, sometimes for generations, can make readers feel like they are part of the family. Adventure stories take you along on an invisible participant in the group’s quest.

Sometimes a series can take you to completely different worlds or one that feels slightly familiar. Other series may involve time travel or other galaxies. But wherever these books take you, you are sure to have a good time! And in the course of literary history, a popular series can even open up new opportunities for writers in different genres, inspiring generations of authors to come and expanding the number of stories published.

Just a few notes on the list: when choosing the series for this list, I didn’t include any children’s or young adult series, which typically make up a lot of the “best series ever” lists. And while we love those types of series too, this list just includes books written for adults, both finished and unfinished series. Okay, what are we waiting for? Let’s jump into the books!

The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkein

In the world of fantasy novels, few have been as influential as J. R. R. Tokein’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy and his other books about Middle Earth. The world is so vivid in his mind, and each new character that appears has an incredible backstory that only he knows. But once you’ve read some of the additional material in his other books, you begin to see how layered Tolkein’s Middle Earth really is.

The Broken Earth Trilogy by N. K. Jemisin

N. K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth trilogy is a revelation. Set in a world that has an apocalypse every “fifth season,” the trilogy begins when a woman’s husband kills their son and kidnaps their daughter. From there, Jemisin’s masterpiece unfolds, each book better than the last. The Broken Earth series was the first trilogy where each novel won the Hugo award for best novel.

Saga by Brian K Vaughan, Illustrated by Fiona Staples

In this space fantasy comic series, we meet two people from opposing sides of a civil war who have fallen in love. When their daughter is born, they find themselves fugitives from both sides of the conflict. Along the way, we meet ghosts, bounty hunters, and robot royalty. This comic drew in new readers to the genre and solidified the comic as a medium for more than just superhero stories.

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

Eddard Stark lives with his family in peace and comfort, ruling the North in the name of his king. But when King Robert Baratheon arrives at Winterfell, the Stark family’s lives will never be the same. Now an incredibly famous HBO series, A Song of Ice and Fire has introduced a whole new generation to epic fantasy books. While the book series still remains unfinished, it’s already made a lasting impact on the genre.

The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander helped establish historical fiction as a genre that can move a lot of books, opening the door even wider for other historical fiction writers. The series starts right after the end of World War II. Nurse Claire Randall reunites with her husband and travels with him to Scotland. There, she finds herself sent back in time to 1743. The highlands are in turmoil as a larger war is brewing. Unable to figure out how to return to her own time, she finds her fate tied up with Jamie Fraser, a Scots warrior who steals her heart.

The Binti Trilogy by Nnedi Okorafor

Nnedi Okorafor’s original novella Binti won both the Hugo and Nebula awards for best novella. The story begins when Binti, a Himba girl from Earth, is accepted to an intergalactic university, the first of her people to do so. But on the way to her new school, her transport is attacked. Binti’s story was eventually expanded to two other novellas and a short story, which you can now purchase in a gorgeous omnibus edition.

Love Medicine Series by Louise Erdrich

Ojibwe literary icon Louise Erdrich has gifted the world with her incredible Love Medicine series, an epic story focusing on generations of two Ojibwe families — the Kashpaws and the Lamartines — across its generations. The first book in the series, Love Medicine , focuses on the two Ojibwe families living on a reservation in North Dakota, giving readers a multigenerational portrait of their lives.

The Parable Duology by Octavia E. Butler

Set in an alternate future America, Parable of the Sower follows 15-year-old Lauren Olamina, who has a vision for a life lived in peace, away from the chaos that is apocalyptic America. When her compound is attacked, she decides to travel on foot in search of the future she sees for herself and her growing chosen family. Butler saw so much about where America was headed and captured it so perfectly in her work.

The Wolf Hall Trilogy by Hilary Mantel

With Wolf Hall , Hilary Mantel astonished the literary fiction world by proving once and for all that historical fiction can be a serious work of literary art. The first two books in the trilogy won the Booker Prize, and all three have received incredible reviews from literary critics. The trilogy focuses on Thomas Cromwell, who aids King Henry VIII of England in divorcing his first wife by separating from the Catholic Church and establishing the Church of England.

The Gilead Quartet by Marilynne Robinson

In her quartet of literary masterworks, Marilynne Robinson begins with the story of John Ames, a Congregationalist pastor in the town of Gilead. He is an older man with a young wife and son. While he knows his death is coming soon, he doesn’t want his son not to know him. So he begins writing about his life. Robinson’s intense knowledge of theology and skill as a philosophical thinker shine on every page of this quartet.

The Neopolitan Quartet by Elena Ferrante | Translated by Ann Goldstein

In My Brilliant Friend , the first book in the series, we meet two girls from a working class neighborhood in Naples. Both possess incredible potential, but one is given the means to continue her education and one is not. From there a story of a complex friendship unfolds as each girl’s future shifts and changes through the decades.

Dublin Murder Squad Series by Tana French

Rob Ryan is a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad. He prefers to not think about his childhood, but when he’s called to a case set in his hometown, he’s forced to face the worst trauma of his life. Twenty years before, some of his best friends disappeared, leaving him as the only survivor. In the Woods is the start to one of the best mystery series in recent years. Each consecutive book focuses on different characters in the same literary universe.

The Easy Rawlins Novels by Walter Mosley

It’s 1948 in Los Angeles, California, and Easy Rawlins has just been fired from his factory job. When a man approaches him about finding a missing woman, Easy feels like he doesn’t have much of a choice. This one decision begins one of the most iconic detective series of all time, featuring the much beloved Black detective, Easy Rawlins.

The Loyal League Novels by Alyssa Cole

In one of the most riveting historical romance series of all time, we are introduced to Elle Burns, a former enslaved woman who’s determined to do her part helping the Union win the Civil War. She voluntarily goes undercover as a spy for the Union Army, returning to the South as an enslaved woman. Her love interest is Malcolm McCall, a detective for Pinkerton’s Secret Service who has been tasked with infiltrating a Rebel enclave in Virginia.

Highway 59 Series by Attica Locke

While there are only two books in this series so far, I think it’s safe to say that Attica Locke’s Highway 59 mystery novels are an instant classic. They feature Darren Mathews, a Black Texas Ranger. In the first novel, Bluebird, Bluebird , we meet Darren when he’s on suspension after getting himself entangled in a case surrounding people close to him. But when a white woman and a Black man are found dead in a small Texas town, Darren is sent to investigate as his superiors hope that the presence of a Black officer will calm the rising racial tensions in the town.

The Appalachian Trilogy by Silas House

Appalachian literary gem Silas House made his name with his Appalachian Trilogy, which follows generations of family in Eastern Kentucky. The series starts with A Parchment of Leaves , set in the early 1900s in a rural mountain town. Vine, a young Cherokee woman, has just married a white man from a nearby holler. We follow her as she settles down into her new life and begins a family that readers follow for decades through this whole series.

The Dark Tower Saga by Stephen King

In The Gunslinger , the first book in the Dark Tower Saga, we meet Roland of Gilead: The Last Gunslinger. He is a myth of legend, a figure from the Wild West. As he tries to keep tabs on the Man in Black, he meets other people along the way. With each new piece of the puzzle, readers become more captivated by this story from a master in adventure horror.

The Brown Sisters Series by Talia Hibbert

Talia Hibbert has written some incredible books that center on disabled and neurodivergent Black women finding love in the contemporary UK. The first book in The Brown Sisters series introduces us to the eldest sister, Chloe Brown. Chloe has decided to strike out on her own, managing her chronic illness and working from home. She moves into a building with an incredibly hot property manager. Will she be able to resist the sparks she feels with him or will she choose love?

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

In one of the most epic series of rich people problems, Kevin Kwan introduces us to a wild trilogy full of incredible characters. Rachel Chu, a Chinese American woman, loves her boyfriend Nick, who is from Singapore. But on their way to visit his family, he finally reveals that he’s from a rich family. So begins the trilogy full of over-the-top characters who are seriously ridiculously rich.

The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

In this series, made up mostly of novellas, we meet murderbot, a bio-robot sort of hybrid who has been commissioned by a group of people exploring a planet. Murderbot has found a way to override their maker’s instructions, but they know they must pretend to carry out their maker’s will or be forced to comply. Full of adventure and plenty of plot twists, the Murderbot Diaries are sure to keep you wanting the next book immediately.

Whichever of the best book series of all time that you pick up, you are sure to find a great reads! For even more series recommendations check out The Best Book Series for Adults in Every Genre and 8 of the Best Book Series Ending in 2021 .

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The top 100 kindle books of all time, based on annual bestseller lists.

The best Kindle book of all time is Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo , followed by Unbroken (Laura Hillenbrand) and Mockingjay (Suzanne Collins).

Recently, we released an extensive set of charts comparing the best Kindle books published since November 2007.

As the main overview is accompanied by detailed rankings that list best authors and categories, as well as top Kindle Unlimited books, you can easily get lost in the flood of information.

A single-minded list that ranks Top 100 Kindle books is the most important outcome of our analysis of Amazon’s annual charts of top Kindle bestsellers. That’s why it deserves a separate post.

Each book in the annual bestseller list gets points. The #1 book gets 100 points; the last one receives 1 point. If a book is present on more than one annual list, its points are added. You’ll find more details about how we counted the books, in the main overview of the best Kindle books of all time .

As you see, this ranking is favoring books that managed to keep high sales for as long as possible and as high as possible.

Before the list, here are a few most interesting facts:

• The best Kindle book of all time is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo , Stieg Larsson’s first book from the Millennium series.
• Top 10 includes all three parts of the bestselling YA dystopian series by Suzanne Collins, the Hunger Games .
• The best nonfiction book on the list is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, which takes the second place.
• 15 titles in the Top 100 are available via Kindle Unlimited ebook subscription.

Data for annual Top 100 lists for 2007-2016 was gathered between July 25 and August 28, 2017. Data for the 2017 list was collected on November 19, 2017.

Details you can compare in the ranking are:

• # – a position of the book in Top 100,
• Points – a total number of points collected,
• Title (series) – a title of the book and a name of the series it belongs to,
• Author – an author or authors of the book,
• Ratg – rating,
• Revs – number of reviews,
• Cat  – a primary category the book is ranked in.

Below the chart, you will find detailed facts and figures about the top 10 Kindle books of all time.

Top 100 Kindle books of all time: 2007-2017

Data collected between July 25 and November 19, 2017.

Top 10 Kindle books of all time

Take a look at more details about the best of the best.

Each Kindle book from the all-time Top 10 comes with information about how long it stayed on annual charts, and the highest place it reached, among others.

All data was gathered between July 25 and November 19, 2017.

1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Author: Stieg Larsson Part of the series: Yes, book 1 of the Millennium series Main Category: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Publication Date: September 16, 2008 Kindle Unlimited: No

Total number of points: 439 First year in Top 100: 2008 Last year in Top 100: 2012 Highest place: 1 (2010) Lowest place: 23 (2008) Number of years in Top 100: 5 Number of years in Top 10: 2

Murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue combine into one satisfyingly complex and entertainingly atmospheric novel, the first in Stieg Larsson’s thrilling Millennium series featuring Lisbeth Salander. ⇢ Read more .

2. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption

Author: Laura Hillenbrand Part of the series: No Main Category: Biographies & Memoirs Publication Date: November 16, 2010 Kindle Unlimited: No

Total number of points: 429 First year in Top 100: 2010 Last year in Top 100: 2015 Highest place: 6 (2011) Lowest place: 26 (2012) Number of years in Top 100: 5 Number of years in Top 10: 2

A story of an Army Air Forces bombardier Louis Zamperini, who, after his plane crashed into the Pacific Ocean in 1943, was fighting to survive on a foundering life raft. ⇢ Read more .

3. Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Part of the series: Yes, book 3 of the Hunger Games series Main Category: Teen & Young Adult Publication Date: August 24, 2010 Kindle Unlimited: Yes

Total number of points: 383 First year in Top 100: 2010 Last year in Top 100: 2014 Highest place: 4 (2011) Lowest place: 78 (2014) Number of years in Top 100: 5 Number of years in Top 10: 2

The final book in The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins will have hearts racing, pages turning, and everyone talking about one of the biggest and most talked-about books and authors in recent publishing history. ⇢ Read more .

4. Gone Girl

Author: Gillian Flynn Part of the series: No Main Category: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Publication Date: June 5, 2012 Kindle Unlimited: No

Total number of points: 379 First year in Top 100: 2012 Last year in Top 100: 2015 Highest place: 2 (2014) Lowest place: 15 (2015) Number of years in Top 100: 4 Number of years in Top 10: 3

One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. ⇢ Read more .

5. The Help

Author: Kathryn Stockett Part of the series: No Main Category: Literature & Fiction Publication Date: February 10, 2009 Kindle Unlimited: No

Total number of points: 376 First year in Top 100: 2009 Last year in Top 100: 2012 Highest place: 1 (2011) Lowest place: 18 (2012) Number of years in Top 100: 4 Number of years in Top 10: 3

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women – mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends – view one another. ⇢ Read more .

6. The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins Part of the series: Yes, book 1 of the Hunger Games series Main Category: Teen & Young Adult Publication Date: September 1, 2009 Kindle Unlimited: Yes

Total number of points: 354 First year in Top 100: 2010 Last year in Top 100: 2017 Highest place: 2 (2011, 2012) Lowest place: 93 (2017) Number of years in Top 100: 5 Number of years in Top 10: 3

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem. The Capitol keeps the districts in line by forcing them to send teenagers to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. ⇢ Read more .

7. Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins Part of the series: Yes, book 2 of the Hunger Games series Main Category: Teen & Young Adult Publication Date: June 1, 2010 Kindle Unlimited: Yes

Total number of points: 353 First year in Top 100: 2010 Last year in Top 100: 2013 Highest place: 3 (2011, 2012) Lowest place: 26 Number of years in Top 100: 4 Number of years in Top 10: 2

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. The Capitol wants revenge. ⇢ Read more .

8. The Girl Who Played with Fire

Author: Stieg Larsson Part of the series: Yes, book 2 of the Millennium series Main Category: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Publication Date: July 28, 2009 Kindle Unlimited: No

Total number of points: 328 First year in Top 100: 2009 Last year in Top 100: 2012 Highest place: 3 (2010) Lowest place: 31 (2012) Number of years in Top 100: 4 Number of years in Top 10: 1

Part blistering espionage thriller, part riveting police procedural, and part piercing exposé on social injustice, this second book in the Millennium series is a masterful, endlessly satisfying novel. ⇢ Read more .

9. Water for Elephants

Author: Sara Gruen Part of the series: No Main Category: Literature & Fiction Publication Date: May 1, 2007 Kindle Unlimited: No

Total number of points: 323 First year in Top 100: 2007 Last year in Top 100: 2012 Highest place: 11 (2011) Lowest place: 65 (2012) Number of years in Top 100: 5 Number of years in Top 10: 0

Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski’s ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. ⇢ Read more .

10. Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth Part of the series: Yes, book 1 of the Divergent series Main Category: Teen & Young Adult Publication Date: May 3, 2011 Kindle Unlimited: No

Total number of points: 285 First year in Top 100: 2012 Last year in Top 100: 2015 Highest place: 2 (2013) Lowest place: 77 (2015) Number of years in Top 100: 4 Number of years in Top 10: 2

The first book in Veronica Roth’s bestselling Divergent trilogy is the gripping story of a dystopian world transformed by courage, self-sacrifice, and love. ⇢ Read more .

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2 responses to “The top 100 Kindle books of all time, based on annual bestseller lists”

[…] books from the Millennium series are on the list of top 10 Kindle best sellers of all time. The second author to sell over 1 million Kindle ebooks, James Patterson, joined Larsson in the […]

[…] If you are someone who likes to enjoy some alone me-time, then you should get along with yourself an excellent book to read on the beach. A good book is a reliable source of entertainment, for me time while you are at the beach or when you are taking your sunbath while enjoying the mesmerizing sight around you with fresh air. Also if you are an e-reader on a vacation, carry a KINDLE and enjoy your read. Here are some suggestions.  […]

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Blog – Posted on Thursday, Apr 08

The 60 best audiobooks of all time.

Whether you’re doing the dishes, running errands, or going for a long walk, audiobooks are a fantastic way to keep your mind active as well as your body. Especially in today’s busy and stressful world where there’s not necessarily time to sit down and read a physical book, audiobooks have become more in demand than ever.

If you’ve never gotten into audiobooks before, you may be wondering where to start. Well, you could start by listening to some free audiobooks to see if you enjoy the audio experience — or you could let us do the hard work of choosing for you! Below, we’ve gathered 60 of the best audiobooks out there, from classics and old standbys to new books every book club will be talking about . Whether you're interested in fiction or nonfiction, you'll find something for you. So make sure your earbuds are charged, because once you start listening, you’re not going to want to stop!

Best audiobooks in fiction

1) the dutch house by ann patchett, narrated by tom hanks.

Perfectly narrated by the iconic voice of Tom Hanks, The Dutch House traces the life of Danny Conroy. After a series of tragic events, siblings Danny and Maeve are kicked out of the glamorous house their father had bought several years earlier, the titular Dutch House. This series of losses shakes them so much that, no matter how much happiness and stability they manage to create for themselves in the decades to come, the two of them keep returning to sit together across the street from the Dutch House every time they see each other. What follows is a sweeping family story about loss, growing up, and finding your place in the world.

2) Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid, narrated by Nicole Lewis

This thoroughly modern novel revolves around Emira, a 25-year-old Black woman desperately trying to make ends meet, and Alix, her peer by age but not by social status. Alix — white, married, successful in a private blogging enterprise — hires Emira to be a regular babysitter of her two kids. One night, in an effort to keep Alix’s daughter out of the house during a family emergency, Emira takes young Briar to the grocery store, where they’re confronted by a security guard wanting to know what this Black woman is doing with a white child.

Thus begins a plot that could only happen in the present day, as Emira struggles to navigate racial issues and potential social media scandals, all while trying to hold together a job, a social life, and some semblance of sanity. Narrated in Nicole Lewis' confident (and confidential) tone, Such a Fun Age is one of those best audiobooks that feels like listening to a friend confess the latest details of their own life.

⭐ For more books that discuss race, check out our guide to African American Literature .

3) Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng, narrated by Jennifer Lim

Whether you’ve already binged the compelling Hulu adaptation of Little Fires Everywhere , or are just looking for an incredibly engaging story of family drama, Celeste Ng has got you covered. This story is about the Richardsons — a picture-perfect family from the picture-perfect suburban community of Shaker Heights, Ohio, whose lives are turned upside down when Mia Warren and her daughter, Pearl, move into the Richardsons’ rental property. These free spirits set off a chain reaction of events that will forever change how the Richardsons think about life, and the assumptions we make about what it means to do the right thing.

4) Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, narrated by Davina Porter

Time travel, the romance of the Scottish Highlands, and dashing men in kilts? It’s no wonder Outlander has been a bestseller since its introduction in the 1990s — and now gone on to become a hit TV series!

If you'd like to go back to the series roots, the Outlander books aren’t one to be missed — and that includes this audiobook. Starting when Claire Randall is thrown back in time to 18th-century Scotland, these books are equal parts sweeping romance and gripping time-travel fantasy. Spicy, sweet, and more than a little twisty-turny, these books will wrap you up in their world to the point where you’ll be sorely reluctant to leave .

5) Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders, narrated by Nick Offerman et al.

You may well have heard people sing the praises of Lincoln in the Bardo before, and rightly so. This 2017 release swept across the stage with its fascinating exploration of the death of Abraham Lincoln’s son, Willie. Imaginative, supernatural, and a deeply compelling look at the loss of a child, this novel hit countless “best of” lists and took home the coveted Man Booker Prize.

However, if you’ve never experienced the audiobook version of it, it’s safe to say that you still have plenty more to discover about this book. Packed with an absolutely stunning array of 166 narrators (including such blockbuster names as Julianne Moore, Nick Offerman, Don Cheadle, and Susan Sarandon), this audiobook changes what it means to use a full cast. Breathtaking in its scope and brilliantly executed, Lincoln in the Bardo will stand as a pinnacle of audiobook performances for decades to come.

6) The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt, narrated by David Pittu

In this coming-of-age novel by literary powerhouse Donna Tartt, we’re introduced to Theo, a 13-year-old boy who’s suffered a tragic loss. In the wake of this, he becomes fixated with a painting — an obsession that will ultimately lead him toward a whole new trajectory in life. The Goldfinch follows Theo into adulthood, and the seedy underbellies of the art world. Note that the audio version is a hefty time commitment, clocking in at over 32 hours — but the intricate character details, spellbinding language choices, and deeply personal suspense will make it feel much shorter.

7) Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, narrated by Cassandra Campbell

Written by a real-life zoologist, Where the Crawdads Sing tells the story of Kya Clark, a girl who raised herself in a North Carolina marsh after her father abandoned her. Kya has lived in isolation for years, surrounded by and learning from nothing but the wilderness around her. But her life is upended by different men, and what follows is a riveting mystery of new lessons, heartbreak, and even suspected murder. Filled with rich environmental details, this novel will immediately transport you to the untamed world of the marshlands, surrounding you with all the suspense and wonder they possess.

8) The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett, narrated by Shayna Small

In The Vanishing Half , the Vignes twins split apart at age 16, each of their lives going in a very different way: one runs away and sets up a life far away from the small town she grew up in, passing herself and her daughter off as white; the other marries the darkest man she can find, and, years later, is still in the same town where she spend her childhood years. The story of what happens when these two sides of the family finally come together again is intense and compelling, ultimately deeply interrogating race relations in the second half of the twentieth century. All that would be reason enough to read this already! But this audiobook version is the cherry on top, especially thanks to Shayna Small’s rich, no-nonsense voice, which carries this multi-generational family saga forward with grace and pizzazz.

9) Milkman by Anna Burns, narrated by Bríd Brennan

As we all know, the best audiobooks are the ones with a unique voice — both from the author and the narrator. Milkman has both of these in spades.

The story itself is pretty straightforward: a coming-of-age tale, it's centered around an unnamed young woman living in Northern Ireland during “The Troubles.” But her character is unforgettable, as she tells us about her world through the lens of someone who manages the fine line of being distinct enough to remain compelling but relatable enough to feel like her experiences could belong to anyone. Tack on the biting insight and the beautifully authentic accent in which it's narrated, and you have an audiobook that's the sort you’ll want to lavish in, doling it out over multiple days so that your experience isn’t over too soon.

10) Sabrina & Corina: Stories by Kali Fajardo-Anstine, narrated by Almarie Guerra et al.

This emotional collection of short stories brings to the forefront voices that are often overlooked — specifically, those belonging to indigenous Latinas living in the American West. Centered in Denver, Colorado, author Kali Fajardo-Anstine brings to life eleven women, each with their own unique challenges and strengths. Yet through her words, she manages to capture a universality as the women in her collection struggle with abandonment, family, and their attempts to belong. With each story read by a different narrator, Sabrina & Corina is sure to captivate audiences, letting them see a piece of themselves even in difference.

11) Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi, narrated by Dominic Hoffman

Sweeping across two continents, 300 years, and eight generations, Homegoing is a remarkable display of the power of narrative form. Starting in the 1700s, it tells first the story of two half-sisters: one, married off to a British slaver; the other, sold into slavery. Readers then watch (or listen, in this case) as this one decision plays out over centuries to come, shaping and impacting generation’s worth of lives and experiences. With Dominic Hoffman's expert narration guiding the way, this audiobook experience is not one you want to miss.

12) Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid, narrated by Jennifer Beals et al.

Some stories just beg to be audiobooks, and Daisy Jones and the Six is one such book. Told through a series of Behind the Music-style interviews, this full-cast narration quickly brings you into the whirlwind history of the (sadly fictional) band Daisy Jones and the Six. From their chance formation when a music producer throws them all together, to the heyday of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, all the way to their sudden and dramatic split, this book will have you bobbing your head to songs that don’t actually exist, desperately wishing they did.

13) Circe by Madeline Miller, narrated by Perdita Weeks

They say history is written by the victors, but what women everywhere know is that it’s also largely been written by men.

Circe aims to change that — at least for one woman from Greek mythology. Considered a “minor goddess,” Circe is known mostly from Homer’s Odyssy , as the enchantress who turned his crew into pigs and then births him two sons. She’s often depicted as distant, cold, and fickle — but that’s only because you never got a chance to really know her. This powerful, fiercely feminist novel will cast its own special spell on you, as you dive deep into a world of gods and mortals, and the dividing line that isn’t always as clear as we’re taught to believe.

14) The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, narrated by Polly Stone

Another novel that seeks to center women in a narrative too-often overshadowed by men, The Nightingale tells the story of two sisters during World War II . One is a mother, forced to house a Nazi officer in her occupied French home; the other, a brash young woman who suffers a terrible betrayal and joins the Resistance movement.

Through beautiful yet accessible prose that's accentuated by Polly Stone's rich voice, Kirstin Hannah weaves a tale of two women struggling to survive a situation under almost impossible odds. With no good options before them, they must each dig deep and make the best choices they can under the circumstances — and the strength and resilience that fills this book will bolster your own spirits, reminding you of the courage you sometimes need to move forward.

15) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, narrated by Allan Corduner

Listen, when you tell us that a book is narrated by Death, we’re going to sit up and take notice. And we’re happy to say this modern classic rises up to the challenge with flawless grace, humor, and poignancy.

Set in World War II Germany, The Book Thief tells the story of a young girl named Liesel. In the midst of the horrors of the war, Liesel scrapes together a meager life, stealing books and sharing them with her neighbors during bombing raids. But through Death’s pointed observations and Allan Corduner's unforgettable narration, we’re given a story of heartache and hope, one that will forever impact all those who read it.

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16) All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, narrated by Zach Appelman

A brilliant, beautiful novel, All the Light We Cannot See takes us once again behind the scenes of World War II, this time centering on a pair of children. Blinded at age six, Maurie-Laure’s father built her a scale model of the town they live in so that she can learn to navigate the city. Now, at twelve, she finds herself fleeing to a citadel to avoid the war.

Meanwhile, a boy from a mining town finds a valued place among the Hitler Youth for his ability to repair broken radios. What starts as two separate and harrowing stories eventually blends together in a single thread that's at once thought-provoking and heartwarming.

17) The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, narrated by Clare Corbett et al.

The runaway hit of 2015, Girl on the Train is a edge-of-your-seat thriller that follows Rachel: a commuter, taking the same route every morning, watching the same couple have breakfasts on their deck.

Sounds like a routine that could lull anyone to sleep, right? That is, until one day she witnesses something out her little window — something so disturbing she feels compelled to bring her knowledge to the police. What ensues is a haunting, engrossing story that will grip you until the end. Told by three outstanding narrators who perfectly encapsulate the suspense of this infamous story, the audio edition is definitely the way to go with this one.

18) Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, narrated by Julia Whelan et al.

If you thought this book was electrifying the first time you read it, just wait until you hear it in the character’s own voices.

Gone Girl took the literary world by storm in 2012, but let's rewind just in case you somehow missed the hype: this psychological thriller tells the story of Amy and Nick Dunne, opening on their 5th anniversary when Amy goes missing. Told from both Nick’s point of view in the present and Amy’s diary entries over the last 5 years, Gone Girl is an unforgettable story full of twists, turns, and breathless realizations. And whether you love the controversial ending or not, this book certainly gives you plenty to talk about!

19) Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, narrated by Jason Reynolds

Speaking of shocking twists, think poetry can’t be as heart-poundingly tense as a good thriller? If so, you’ve clearly never read — or listened to — Long Way Down . This novel-in-verse, narrated by author Jason Reynolds, grabs you from the first line and holds your heart hostage until its breathless conclusion.

Our protagonist is Will, a young Black man whose brother was just murdered on his way home from the store. Will is convinced that he knows who did it, and according to The Rules, there’s only one way to respond: by taking his dead brother’s gun, and killing the killer. What follows is a 60-second ride down the elevator that sends Will on a riveting journey through his past — one that will forever change how he sees The Rules of the street, and his own place within them.

20) The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, narrated by Elizabeth Acevedo

Another novel-in-verse, this dazzling debut by Elizabeth Acevedo is also not afraid of tough subjects. Xiomara, a young Dominican woman living in Harlem, is unsure how to navigate the world ever since her body developed curves. Turning to rage and poetry instead, Xiomara pours her feelings into her notebook — it’ll be fine, she thinks, so long as her extremely religious mother doesn’t find out about her feelings for a boy in her biology class.

Delving into divided feelings on faith, the pull of young romance, and Xiomara’s place in a world that she doesn’t seem to fit into, The Poet X is already a book that pulls you in and won’t let go. But when narrated in the author’s own voice, this story takes on a whole new level that you won’t soon forget.

21) The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, narrated by Bahni Turpin

Since bursting onto the literary stage in 2017, The Hate U Give has become the go-to book for young adults dealing with racial issues in the US today. And it’s easy to see why: following the life of 16 year old Starr, the story begins when a cop murders one of her oldest friends right in front of her. Now Starr is put in the painful position of either staying quiet and letting the horrible assumptions people are making about her friend stand — or step into the spotlight, and become fodder for accusations hurtled at her own character. A poignant inquisition of gentrification, interracial relationships, and of course police brutality, The Hate U Give is a sadly timeless tale in both novel and audiobook form that will remain an important part of the literary canon for decades to come.

22) Space Opera by Catherynne M. Valente, narrated by Heath Miller

What happens when you cross the sci-fi wackiness of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy with the glam rock lifestyle of Eurovision? You get the delightful, bouncing disco ball of a novel, Space Opera ! Revolving around has-been rockstar Decibel Jones, Space Opera opens with the collective lifeforms of the galaxy making first contact with Earth — specifically, with Decibel, who they have selected to represent humanity in a high-stakes, intergalactic musical contest. How high stakes? Oh, just determining whether the human race will be welcomed into the universe or wiped from existence. No pressure.

Thus begins Decibel’s journey as he navigates the narrowing rules of the contest, but also his efforts to tackle his own self-doubt and the many (many) scars from his past. It’s a touching, deeply universal story of connection, perseverance, and what it means to be human. It’s also a story of aging punk rock stars, wildly imagined aliens, and the beauty and stupidity of life as we know it. In short, it’s everything you could ask for in a book.

23) A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine, narrated by Amy Landon

Mahit is an ambassador to the Teixcalaanli Empire — a newly minted diplomat, out on her first assignment. The only problem? Her assignment is to find out what happened to the previous ambassador, who died under, well, less-than-usual circumstances. What's more: her “imago," a sort of digital memory that each ambassador is supposed to pass on to the next, is missing.

Thrown into a city she doesn’t understand and surrounded by cutthroat, unreliable diplomats, Mahit finds herself in the middle of a political uprising, a murder mystery, and intrigue on all fronts. This stunning debut manages to balance all those threads with effortless grace, making A Memory Called Empire a must-read for any fan of politically-driven science fiction — and a must-listen for any fan of best audiobooks.

24) The Martian by Andy Weir, narrated by Wil Wheaton

Astronaut Mark Watney has a big problem: after being abandoned by his crew, he’s stuck on Mars, with limited supplies and no way to contact Earth to let them know he’s still alive. He’s already claimed the honor of being one of the first people to walk on the planet, but now it’s looking more and more likely he’ll become the first person to die on it. Not exactly the legacy he had in mind when he signed up.

And so begins a harrowing journey of survival and sheer stubborn-minded determination. Though narrator Wil Wheaton’s pitch-perfect blend of honesty and snark, you’ll find yourself completely engrossed as Mark encounters (and deals with) one disaster after another, the tension mounting at every turn, until finally….

What, you didn’t think we were going to spoil the ending, did you?

25) The Poppy War: A Novel by R. F. Kuang, narrated by Emily Woo Zeller

A brilliant and brutal fantasy grounded in Chinese history, The Poppy War tells the tale of Rin, a young girl from a poor province who shocks everyone (including herself) by landing a spot in her country’s elite military academy. As The Poppy War reveals the grim truth of war with unflinching realism, the internal and external struggles Rin faces will hold you hostage as she learns what it means to be a soldier, a person, and a woman.

26) The Collapsing Empire by John Scalzi, narrated by Wil Wheaton

From science fiction powerhouse John Scalzi and acclaimed narrator Wil Wheaton, The Collapsing Empire is the first book in a series where humanity has long since abandoned Earth and set up an interstellar empire connected by something called the Flow. This natural phenomenon is what makes faster-than-light travel possible — but when humanity realizes that the Flow is shifting its location in a way that will cut us off not only from the rest of the galaxy, but each other, it’s up to a starship captain, a scientist, and the Empress herself to charge into space and figure out how to hold our species together.

27) A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin, narrated by Roy Dotrice

This epic fantasy series needs no introduction these days. Following the lives of the Starks, the Lannisters, and the Targaryans as they fight for control of the Iron Throne of Westeros, this brutal series takes no prisoners. With its extensive cast, numerous weaving plot threads, and enough feasts and political intrigue to keep a kingdom busy, it’s no wonder this series has become synonymous with epic fantasy . And since the audiobook for the first book alone clocks in at a whopping 33 hours, there’s definitely no shortage of adventure to be found here.

28) The Fifth Season by N. K. Jemisin, narrated by Robin Miles

N.K. Jemisin’s Broken Earth fantasy trilogy does not mess around. Each book in the series won the Hugo award for “Best Novel” — the first time any author can claim that particular feat — and, listening to this gem of an audiobook, it’s easy to see why. The plot is engrossing and intricate (and impossible to condense into a paragraph summary), the characters are compelling and nuanced, and the prose is second to none. With multiple points of view, including one in second person, and a uniquely unconventional structure, The Fifth Season is so complex in its vision and execution, and yet so masterfully put together, that it will leave even the most jaded fantasy reader in awe of Jemisin’s skill.

29) Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett, narrated by Martin Jarvis

For a devilishly good time, you need look no further than Good Omens . This delightfully funny fantasy novel from the minds of Neil Gaiman and Terry Prachett has it all: life and death, prophecies and chosen ones, angels and demons, witches and witch finders. When the Antichrist is born, demon Crowley is given orders to swap it with the son of a diplomat — however, Crowley quite likes Earth and would rather not see the End Times, so he convinces the angel Aziraphale to help him influence the child’s development. However, in a twist of fate, the Antichrist is mixed up at the hospital, and the boy they think is destined to end the word is, in fact, an ordinary child; meanwhile, the real Antichrist grows up in obscurity. It’s a topsy-turvy journey that only the keen prophetic eyes of Agnes Nutter, witch, could have foretold!

Best audiobooks in nonfiction and memoir

31) born a crime: stories from a south african childhood by trevor noah, narrated by trevor noah.

Long before he became the host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah was a young boy growing up in apartheid South Africa. However, Trevor wasn’t just any boy: with a Black mother and a white father, Trevor’s very existence in that time and place was illegal.

His childhood, then, became a delicate balancing act, one that would have brought devastating consequences if they’d messed it up. Under a brutal regime, intense poverty, and the constant need to look over his shoulder, it would have been understandable if Trevor Noah had grown into a suspicious and bitter man — however, as his memoir shows, he’s anything but. Full of warmth, humor, and the best of humanity, this endearing personal account — read in his own voice — will make you laugh, cry, and think, but most of all: hope.

32) Becoming by Michelle Obama, narrated by Michelle Obama

We know her, we admire her, we love her — and now, Michelle Obama invites the American people into her heart once more by taking us step-by-step through the events that took her from a young girl growing up in her parents modest apartment to one of the most influential First Ladies in history. Narrated in Michelle’s own warm voice, Becoming feels less like a memoir and more like listening as a wise and dear friend shares her life with you. If you’ve ever wondered what it took to do such a demanding series of jobs under the worst public scrutiny, while still maintaining your marriage, your sanity, and your unflappable grace, this book will show you the struggle that went into it. Uplifting, inspiring, and mesmerizing all at once, this book, like Michelle Obama herself, is a triumphant tour de force, and one of the best audiobooks out there.

33) A Promised Land by Barack Obama, narrated by Barack Obama

Turning from the wife to the husband, now we can hear in Barack Obama’s own words exactly what it was like to become the first Black President of the United States. But before A Promised Land gets into that, he sets the stage by giving you insightful details about his life as a young man, tracing back to the first time he felt a calling toward politics. This groundwork is not only fascinating in its own right, but makes the achievements that follow all the more impressive. With wise and detailed accounts, we’re taken on a journey inside the Oval Office like we’ve never seen, witnessing historic moments and the daily impact living such an historic life has on both him and his family. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, American history, or civic responsibility — and, combined with Michelle Obama’s own memoir, makes for an intense double feature that you won’t ever forget.

34) Know My Name: A Memoir by Chanel Miller, narrated by Chanel Miller

If you’ve ever heard people wondering why sexual assault survivors didn’t step forward sooner (or never stepped forward at all), feel free to shove this book into their hands. Chanel Miller’s case should have been open-and-shut: she had all the “right” evidence she needed, and yet, as Know My Name reveals, her journey toward justice was anything but easy. For fellow survivors, this memoir may well be the voice they need in order to heal; someone strong, wise, and vulnerable, who tells a story so much like their own, who makes them feel seen, heard, and understood. For everyone else, they’ll learn what it’s like for these brave women, and the horrors they are often forced to endure in order to find peace. Haunting, honest, and real, it’s safe to say this memoir is one of the most important books to be published in the last few years.

35) Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay, narrated by Roxane Gay

Women everywhere understand (or, as is often the case, struggle to understand) the complex relationship between themselves and their bodies — so it’s no wonder that Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body is so easy to relate to. Even if you don’t see yourself exactly in Gay’s journey, there will still be pieces of it that resonate with anyone. With heartbreaking honesty and a beautiful author voice, Gay takes readers through every turn of her relationship with food, weight, and her own self-image.  One of our picks for the best memoirs of all time , it’s a book about losing and finding yourself, about the balance of self-comfort and self-care, and about the deeply personal ways that weight impacts a person’s life and relationships.

36) Untamed by Glennon Doyle, narrated by Glennon Doyle

It’s fair to say that most women can relate to the feeling of being trapped in who they are. Society drills a set of instructions into them from day one: sit up straight, be a good girl, don’t make noise, smile, find a good husband, raise a perfect family, handle it all with no apparent effort. And while it’s true that some women find happiness in this route, for many, it becomes a trap in a world that ignores whether this path is something they want.

In Untamed , we find the story of a woman who followed it for years, only to realize one day that it wasn’t making her as happy as it could. And so, with courage and a fierce desire to reclaim her own life, Glennon Doyle decided to start making her own rules for herself. Part memoir and part rallying cry, this book will comfort and inspire women all over the world who are longing for something more.

37) Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover, narrated by Julia Whelan

This uniquely fascinating memoir swept the literary scene upon its release in 2018. Born in rural Idaho to survivalist parents, Tara Westover did not set foot into a classroom until she was seventeen — but once she got a taste of education, it launched a thirst that sent her to Cambridge, Harvard, and all over the world in search of knowledge. Throughout her journey, Westover manages to make her unique circumstances deeply relatable, harkening to feelings and experiences that anyone can understand. Whether you’re looking for a powerful insight into someone else’s life, inspiration to pursue your dreams, or simply want to read a great story about one woman’s quest to improve herself, Educated will deliver.

38) Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling, narrated by Mindy Kaling et al.

Combining Mindy Kaling’s signature humor with surprisingly deep insights for a comedic memoir, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? offers a little bit of everything. In this collection, you’ll find random lists, tales of Mindy’s childhood and formative years, and a wide range of her opinions, including what makes a good best friend and what it means to be famous. Listeners will laugh and cry (and often, laugh until they cry) as Mindy takes them on a whirlwind journey through her life and her mind. If you’ve ever wished you knew Mindy Kaling better after seeing her shows, this is an auditory experience not to be missed.

39) Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, narrated by David Sedaris

This collection of personal essays is pretty much a classic in the genre of humor writing these days. Covering everything from Sedaris’s childhood, to his attempts at being a performance artist, his time as a writing teacher, and even through a move to France despite not actually speaking French, Me Talk Pretty One Day is another brilliant example of why Sedaris is the king of his field. Each essay by itself provides enough laughs and insights to leave you both smiling and mulling over the story for days — add Sedaris' exquisite, wonderfully dry narration into the mix, and you have a one of the best audiobooks in nonfiction on your hands. Together, they create an experience that is uniquely Sedaris. The only downside is that you’ll wish this slim, 6-hour audiobook was at least twice as long.

40) Bossypants by Tina Fey, narrated by Tina Fey

What could be better than reading the hilarious, often outlandish memoir of the one and only Tina Fey? Listening to it narrated in her own voice, of course!

Bossypants tells the zigzagging story of a multi-faceted woman. Broken into a series of bitingly funny essays, it covers everything from her childhood, through her marriage and the arrival of her children, and dives deep into all the behind-the-scenes details from her time on 30 Rock and SNL. It’ll teach you about life, love, and what it means to be a boss. Women will relate so much it’ll often be painful, while men will hopefully get a glimpse into what it’s really like for women to live and work in a male-dominated world. But most of all, you’ll laugh. A lot. Seriously, this book is not something to read while recovering from surgery. For everyone else, turn up the volume and prepare to be entertained!

41) This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America by Morgan Jerkins, narrated by Morgan Jenkins

There are few identities that get dealt a harder hand to play than Black women. If you don’t immediately believe that, considering giving This Will Be My Undoing a listen — in it, Morgan Jerkins takes you behind the scenes into the daily lives, struggles, and fears of Black women in America. This unflinching account is not afraid to show you what it’s really like or tackle controversial subjects. It’s the perfect balance of honesty and humor, perfect for Black women to nod along to enthusiastically, and for everyone else to sit back and see what Black women have been trying to tell you. It’s a vital listen for anyone in America today.

43) At Home: A Short History of Private Life by Bill Bryson, narrated by Bill Bryson

After 2020, so much of us have spent more time at home than ever before — but have you ever stopped to wonder what really goes into the choices behind what we consider a “home”? From living rooms to bathrooms to kitchens, Bill Bryson takes us on a whirlwind tour of both his home and ours, as he reveals all the social-political, cultural, and practical considerations that lead to the rooms and fixtures we’re most familiar with. At Home: A Short History of Private Life will bring a deeper appreciation for your home, and forever change the way you view the walls that protect you.

44) Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly, narrated by Robin Miles

Maybe you’ve already seen and loved the movie, or maybe you’re just interested in knowing more about the early history of space travel. Maybe you’re looking for the nearly-forgotten story of women whose voices were repeatedly silenced. Maybe you’d just like a really good book about a fascinating time and place. Regardless of your reasons, Hidden Figures has got your back. In this fascinating account, Shetterly lifts a curtain many of us never even noticed was there, revealing the hidden secrets of the women who held up the burgeoning space age without a lick of recognition or thanks. By turns inspiring and a call to do better, this book will entertain and educate all at once.

45) Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup by John Carreyrou, narrated by Will Damron

Everyone knows that the world of startups is a wild ride, but few companies follow as shocking a trajectory as the one documented in Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup .

Originally, CEO Elizabeth Holmes was seen as something of a female Steve Jobs, launching a company with such a unique and revolutionary vision that surely it was a guaranteed success. Promising a technology that would vastly improve the process of testing blood, her company quickly grew to a worth of $9 billion dollars. The only problem? The technology didn’t actually work. Bad Blood takes readers along the entire journey, tracking the most rollercoaster scandal this side of Enron.

47) The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson, narrated by Scott Brick

Speaking of gruesome murders, a world-renowned 1893 fair known as “The White City” was built in Chicago’s swampy Jackson Park… and Dr. Henry H. Holmes used the appeal of this magical world of wonders to lure in victims and become America’s first serial killer. The proprietor of The White City’s World’s Fair Hotel, Holmes created a horrific building that became a torture chamber with no escape.

In The Devil in the White City , Erik Larson deftly untangles this twisted tale, inviting readers back in time as the architects of The White City race to both complete construction, and stop a killer before the masses truly start pouring in.

48) How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi, narrated by Ibram X. Kendi

Even long before the Black Lives Matter movement, Black activists have been struggling for centuries to bring not only awareness, but true and lasting change to America. In How to Be an Antiracist , Kendi breaks down exactly how systemic racism works: the minor and major effects it has on Black people, the many ways white people are taught to ignore it, and, most important of all, active and concrete steps that people of all colors can take to fight this terrible injustice. Of course, it’ll take a lot more than one book to undo hundreds of years of damage caused by racism (and the damage will never be fully undone), but listening to this book, and taking its message to heart, is undoubtedly a good first step.

49) Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear, narrated by James Clear

Everyone wants to be healthier, happier, and more organized — especially in our social-media-saturated era, when it feels like everyone has their lives more put together than you do. We can all probably think of a dozen different habits we’d like to cultivate that will put us closer to those goals, but how do we go about integrating them into our day?

That’s where Atomic Habits comes in. In James Clear’s refreshingly approachable book, you’ll learn the shockingly easy way that anyone, no matter how busy their life is, can integrate new habits into their routine while excising the ones holding them back. Scientifically proven and loaded with inspiring examples of sports figures, entertainers, and industry-changing professionals, this audiobook will give you all the tools you need to craft your best life.

50) Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, narrated by Derek Perkins

Not a science book and not strictly a history book, Sapiens breaks the mold by being a little bit of both. In this fascinating look into humanity, Dr. Yuval Noah Harari takes us back 70,000 years, and covers extraordinarily broad terrain: from our species’ rise to dominance over our closest cousins, to the development of civilizations and empires, all the way up to a time when we can begin to manipulate our own genetic future. Through this uniquely overarching view, readers will gain a deeper insight into who we are as a people, as well as what our species may become in the future.

Evergreen classics audiobooks

51) to kill a mockingbird by harper lee, narrated by sissy spacek.

Some books have such an iconic setting that the accent of the location seems to waft up from the text. To Kill a Mockingbird is one such example — set in rural Alabama in the 1930s and centered on the unjust trial of a Black man, it would be impossible to imagine this book in anything other than the rustic cadence of the deep South. Luckily the narrator of this edition, Sissy Spacek, gets the voice of this story so perfectly, you’d swear you were listening to Scout herself. If you’re ready to fall in love with this classic novel all over again, you’d do well to pick up this audiobook. Listening to Scout tell you all about the noble efforts of Atticus Finch will have you fired up to fight for justice and equality in your own life, whenever there’s a voice that needs lifting.

52) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, narrated by Rosamund Pike

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a reader in possession of an audiobook app, must be in want of a Jane Austen classic. What better one to start with than (almost) everybody’s favorite, Pride and Prejudice ? True, the audiobook does lack the Colin-Firth-coming-out-a-lake appeal, but in this edition Rosamund Pike’s nuanced narration illuminates so many hidden layers, and brings the characters to life so well, that you’ll find yourself not even missing it — or at least, not too badly. At any rate, you could always pull up an animated gif on your phone to keep you company as you lose yourself in the many dramatic twists and turns of the Bennett sisters’ achingly romantic troubles.

53) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, narrated by Bryony Hannah et al.

Unlike most of the best audiobooks, this edition isn’t quite a straight-forward copy of the original, with a narrator reading straight from the book. Instead, BBC Radio produced a full-cast audio drama of Little Women ; but the resulting story is so engrossing, so thoroughly enjoyable, that we can heartily recommend the slightly abridged adaptation for those looking for a uniquely audio experience of this classic novel. Set against the backdrop of crackling hearths, merry singing, and any other ambient sounds that exist in the room with the characters, this fully-immersive edition will transport you away from the stress and busyness of 21st-century life to the simpler, quieter struggles and dramas of the March sisters.

(Want the full text? Many sites offer classic novels as free books online !)

54) Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle, narrated by Stephen Fry

Is there anyone more suited to narrate a Sherlock Holmes audiobook than Stephen Fry? We think not. With his droll wit and the rich, rolling tones of his voice, Fry brings a distinguished air to these classic mysteries that would fit right in to the drawing room at 221B Baker Street.

Including not only the complete set of Sherlock Holmes stories, this special audiobook edition contains nine fascinating, insightful, and deeply personal introductions to some of the most iconic Holmes tales. Truly, we can think of no better way for new readers to familiarize themselves with the Sherlock Holmes stories — and for long-time fans, the extra insight is merely icing a cake you already know will be delicious.

55) And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, narrated by Dan Stevens

The original queen of intrigue and suspense, it’s hard to go wrong with any novel by Agatha Christie. But for audiobook fans specifically, we’d recommend And Then There Were None , narrated by Dan Stevens. Considered to be the best-selling crime novel of all time, this mystery centers on eight visitors who’ve all been invited to a small island off the Devon coast. The hosts are not in attendance, but have left strict instructions for how the days are to proceed. When an audio recording accuses each of the guests of murder, and then one by one they start being killed, it’s a race to figure out who is ultimately behind this vigilante-justice bloodbath — and why.

56) Beloved by Toni Morrison, narrated by Toni Morrison

It’s hard to imagine that anyone other than Toni Morrison could have handled such an emotionally fraught book with even half the skill she brings to the table. Telling the story of Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman who made the impossible choice to kill some of her younger children in her escape rather than allow them to fall back into a slaver’s hands, Beloved is a read that is equal parts painful and necessary. With a nuanced hand, Morrison captures the horrors enslaved people faced, the thought processes and decisions that no one should ever have to make, and the haunting effect that lingers in people’s hearts and lives even after their trauma has “ended.” Beloved is one of the best books of all time — fittingly, its audiobook is also one of the best audiobooks of the past few decades.

57) The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis, narrated by Kenneth Branagh et al.

There are few children’s tales quite as enchanting as The Chronicles of Narnia . From the instant Lucy steps through those wardrobe doors onto the soft snow, readers everywhere find themselves transported. And it’s no wonder: a world full of wonder, magic, and adventure, who wouldn’t want to spend the rest of their lives in Narnia? And with an audiobook, you can get the extra comfort of sitting back and reliving the early childhood experience of being read to, when the world seemed to fall away and the thrill of a story took the place of ordinary life. This full box set contains the complete series, and features such notable narrative talent as Kenneth Branagh, Michael York, and even Sir Patrick Stewart himself. Talk about magical!

58) The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien, narrated by Rob Inglis

Speaking of all things magical, no list of best audiobooks would be complete without The Lord of the Rings . This time-honored fantasy story set the stage for the genre, though few books manage to meet the impossibly high bar it left behind. If you’ve ever wanted to escape the real world for a while, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than this. With the first book clocking in at a svelte 19 hours, there’s more than enough time in this trilogy to lose yourself in the wilds of Middle Earth. Just be sure to pack a bagged lunch, as well as an elevenses, a nap cake, and a night lunch. After all, better safe than hungry!

Want to read even more of the best audiobooks without breaking the bank? Check out our guide to using Kindle Unlimited audiobooks !

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The 10 Best Comic Books Ever, Ranked

• Sin City by Frank Miller is an acclaimed neo-noir comic that showcases Miller's talent beyond superheroes. It combines pulp and crime-noir influences into a serialized TV/movie crime-drama format.
• Preacher, written by Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon, is a cult-hit that explores supernatural and religious themes in a small Texas town. It features an engrossing story with a bizarre cast of characters.
• Batman: The Long Halloween, by Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale, is an influential detective-thriller Batman comic that showcases the superhero's grounded, street-level side. It embraces the noir atmosphere and showcases Batman's physical prowess.

Naming the best comic books of all time is no easy task, with each new decade delivering an instant-classic from Marvel, DC Comics, Image, Dark Horse, and many more. But a handful of famous comic books and graphic novels stand out above all the rest.

The medium has been growing exponentially since its early days in the 20th century. Gradually evolving mainstream culture and artistic approaches changed how comics and their characters are written, with each passing decade seeing more great comic stories published. DC and Marvel have unsurprisingly created some of the most famous comics ever, but the likes of Dark Horse and Image spawned some gems as well. And seeing our ranking of the most iconic, acclaimed, or important comic books of all time, one publisher dominates the list.

His work with Batman and Daredevil is typically first to come to mind as writer and artist Frank Miller's best comics , but he's also written some classic non-superhero stories. One of the genre's best black-and-white comics, Dark Horse's Sin City is an acclaimed neo-noir story set in a bleak, authoritarian-run town in the United States. The comic was revered for its approach and heavy inspiration from pulp and crime-noir TV, movie, and magazine stories.

Likewise, it presented an engrossing change of pace by Miller writing Sin City more like a serialized TV/movie crime-drama in a comic book format. Though the second movie adaptation was poorly received, the initial 2005 movie received generally positive reviews.

As one of the comic book industry's "big two" publishers, DC Comics is primarily known for its superheroes . However, their Vertigo imprint of comics spawned some timeless non-superhero classics. Garth Ennis and Steve Dillon's Preacher was one such cult-hit, with the story centered around a grim supernatural/religious disaster plaguing a small Texas town.

Jesse Custer, the titular preacher, becomes possessed by a supernatural entity comprised of pure goodness and pure evil, possibly becoming the most powerful entity in the universe. The story takes its small scope and eventually branches out across the country, meeting a bizarre cast of characters.

Batman: The Long Halloween

The Dark Knight has amassed an impressive catalog of some of the medium's best comics, and Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale's The Long Halloween frequently ranks among the most accomplished and influential (let alone best) comics. It's one of the best Batman comics to influence The Dark Knight Trilogy , proving to be one of the best examples of the superhero's best traits.

The story arc is anchored by a detective-thriller premise, highlighting an element of Batman that often goes criminally forgotten in live-action. It does so while still embracing the noir hero's dark, mythical atmosphere and imposing physical prowess. The Long Halloween is an engrossing crime saga that reminds fans how masterfully grounded, street-level stories can be done.

Kingdom Come

Expanding to the greater Justice League, Kingdom Come is a landmark comic in DC's pantheon of stories. This alternate-canon comic was a sort of meta deconstruction of "superheroes" as a concept. Veteran writer Mark Waid and iconic artist Alex Ross put together a miniseries that detailed the fall in prominence of the outdated "traditional" heroes and the rise of dangerous copycats.

The traditional superheroes fall out of touch with the changing times and new threats, with Batman's team trying to stop Lex Luthor and the impending conflict. It's a fascinating alternate tale that stands as one of the famous Elseworlds imprint's best comics.

V For Vendetta

Alan Moore is also known for his work with a few of DC's superheroes, but V for Vendetta was another DC Vertigo comic that went in an excitingly different direction. It's a dark political-dystopia story, where a fictional political party has successfully converted the United Kingdom into a gruesome neo-fascist police state.

The main character is the titular V, sporting the classic Guy Fawkes mask, leading an anarchistic revolution against the ruling oppressors. Given the intense premise, V for Vendetta tackles a variety of heavy political themes in a dense, elaborate story full of moral grays and extremes.

Batman: The Killing Joke

As far as Batman goes, Moore and artist Brian Bolland created another one of the Caped Crusader's best and most influential comics. Though The Killing Joke was a 46-page one-shot rather than a fleshed-out series, the story told is impressively dense. Like with The Long Halloween , The Killing Joke was instrumental as reference material for The Dark Knight Trilogy , namely in inspiring Heath Ledger's immortalized take on the Joker.

Related: Joker Prefers a Shocking Marvel Hero Over Batman

It's one of the best comics the villain has featured in, and it highlights how the Clown Prince of Crime's excuse for embracing madness is nothing more than thinly veiling his cowardice that only Batman has called out. Whenever a major live-action adaptation aims to bring in the Joker, The Killing Joke is the best source material for understanding why he's such a compelling supervillain.

Batman: Year One

Origin stories can occasionally feel like a dime a dozen and have understandably worn out fans' patience over the years. However, Miller and David Mazzucchelli's Year One is among the most definitive comic book origins. The late Dennis O'Neil started Batman's exceptional noir reinvention, and Year One was one of the comics that brought this evolution to a crescendo.

Down to the pulp-inspired artwork, it's a rich and atmospheric crime drama that shows fans how Bruce Wayne came to be Gotham City's watchful protector. Likewise, it served as a great parallel origin story for soon-to-be Commissioner Gordon alongside Batman, depicting the two as flawed characters that are ultimately trying to do the best they can to bring justice to Gotham's systematic corruption.

The Sandman

The most iconic Vertigo series that DC published was its flagship The Sandman , written by the great Neil Gaiman and illustrated by numerous artists. The story revolves around Dream, one of the seven Endless, finding himself captured by cultists and forced to acknowledge that even entities that are even stronger than DC's gods such as them need to accept inevitable change.

The Sandman is celebrated as Gaiman's magnum opus and praised for its ethereal and surreal personifications of metaphysical concepts. The Endless are these personifications, as they embody some of the most powerful forces that make up the universe.

Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Arguably the most popular Elseworlds Batman story is Miller's The Dark Knight Returns . While an unquestionable classic to most, some of its themes have been unfortunately misconstrued and subsequently glorified in the modern day. Despite this, it remains a gripping action and politically dystopian-set Batman arc portraying a more cynical, jaded version of the hero after the fall of most of its heroes.

RELATED: The 10 Best Modern Batman Costumes In Comics

A 50-plus-year-old Bruce Wayne is compelled back into the cape and cowl after Gotham regresses into senseless crime and the U.S. government continually neglects the dying city. Meanwhile, the same governing body has effectively turned the once-great Superman into a political weapon and lapdog.

Perhaps Moore's most iconic work in comics came in his Watchmen series . Along with artists Dave Gibbons and John Higgins, the series functioned like a dark satirization of the superhero genre by portraying a group of morally-ambiguous "heroes" that are clearly -- and dangerously -- unstable in their respective ways.

The comic also incorporated (for its time) more contemporary elements like the Vietnam War and the Cold War. Doctor Manhattan, for instance, can be easily seen as the physical manifestation of paranoia over nuclear war breaking out. Along with the likes of The Sandman and The Dark Knight Returns , Watchmen was one of the first few comic books of the time to rank on The New York Times Best Seller list.