The Greatest Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books in literature. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 200 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed literary works. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details about the selection process can be found on the rankings page .

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1. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Cover of '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.

2. Ulysses by James Joyce

Cover of '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.

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Cover of '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.

4. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust

Cover of '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.

5. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Cover of '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.

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

Cover of '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.

7. Moby Dick by Herman Melville

Cover of '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.

8. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Cover of '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.

9. Nineteen Eighty Four by George Orwell

Cover of 'Nineteen Eighty Four' by George Orwell

Set in a dystopian future, the novel presents a society under the total control of a totalitarian regime, led by the omnipresent Big Brother. The protagonist, a low-ranking member of 'the Party', begins to question the regime and falls in love with a woman, an act of rebellion in a world where independent thought, dissent, and love are prohibited. The novel explores themes of surveillance, censorship, and the manipulation of truth.

10. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Cover of '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.

11. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Cover of '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.

12. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

Cover of '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.

13. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Cover of '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.

14. The Bible by Christian Church

Cover of '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.

15. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Cover of '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.

16. The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri

Cover of '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.

17. The Odyssey by Homer

Cover of '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.

18. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Cover of '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.

19. The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Cover of '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.

20. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Cover of '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.

21. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Cover of '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.

22. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Cover of '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.

23. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert

Cover of '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.

24. The Iliad by Homer

Cover of '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.

25. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Cover of '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.

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MARK MANSON

The 47 Best Fiction Books of All Time

If you’re looking for a good novel or story to read, here’s my list of the 47 best fiction books of all time—in no particular order.

  • Ulysses by James Joyce – Banned for obscenity in the United States, a stream of consciousness classic that follows one Irish man’s every thought for an entire day.
  • War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy – Often called the best novel ever written. Dozens of characters, stretching from Muscovite peasants all the way to Napoleon himself. The modern epic.
  • Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy – A hundred years ahead of its time, Tolstoy’s investigation of the silent, stifling life of women is an all-time great.
  • Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert – A classic of 19th century realism. A cautionary tale about romanticism.
  • The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway – Often considered Hemingway’s greatest work. A short novella about a Cuban fisherman. Hemingway won his Nobel Prize for this.
  • The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner – A novel told from the perspective of different members of the same family, including the mentally handicapped main character. Stretches all boundaries and brilliantly written.
  • East of Eden by John Steinbeck – A refashioning of the biblical Cain and Abel story based on a family that settles in California. Steinbeck’s masterpiece.
  • Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov – The scandalous love story of a man and a 12-year-old girl. As beautifully written as it is disturbing.
  • Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger – As if high school angst was chopped up, splattered onto pages and glued to binding.
  • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – One of the “Great American Novels.” Timeless story of class divisions, love and the inevitability of loneliness.
  • 1984 by George Orwell – Orwell’s dystopian tale of a totalitarian government enabled by futuristic technology.
  • Beloved by Toni Morrison – A tale about an escaped slave who would go to any length to guarantee her and her children’s freedom. Winner of a Nobel Prize.
  • 100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez – Another Nobel Prize winner. No other book is even remotely like it. Descriptions don’t do it justice.
  • The Iliad by Homer – The classic Greek epic and possibly the oldest story of western civilization.
  • The Odyssey by Homer – See above.
  • Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky – A character study of a man driven to murder for no rational reason and the aftermath. Russian novelists tend to be psychological and this may be the most psychological of all the Russian classics.
  • The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky – A grand and beautiful portrait of a frayed family–three brothers struggling to understand and accept each other.
  • Don Quixote by Miguel Cervantes – Considered the first novel ever written. Cervantes’ classic story tells of a man who imagines himself a knight, heroically defending the land.
  • Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – One of the most universally loved novels in the English language, it’s still revered today.
  • A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens – The best-selling English language novel of all time and a historical fiction about an English doctor who finds himself caught up in the French Revolution and Reign of Terror.
  • Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte – The coming of age of a young woman, this is considered the first book to ever follow a single person’s psychological and spiritual growth throughout their lives from the first person.
  • Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – The timeless classic about love, romance, money, class, and family. Still as relevant as ever.
  • Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte – A shockingly dark and twisted book critical of the stifling morals of 19th century England. Published posthumously, the book came under heavy attack at the time, but is considered prescient now.
  • In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust – The longest novel ever written, clocking in at an astounding 4,200 pages. You really will search for your lost time if you make it through this whole thing.
  • Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain – Another candidate for the “Great American Novel,” Huck Finn is about an homeless boy who befriends an escaped slave. An odd yet powerful friendship emerges.
  • To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf – A novel that challenged and broke all traditional forms and expectations for what a novel should be. Part philosophical musings, part emotional meanderings, part story, the book defined a style of its own.
  • The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka – An investigation into the absurd. A man wakes up one morning to find himself transformed into a giant beetle. His family is… not supportive.
  • The Stranger by Albert Camus – A novel that follows a nihilistic main character through situations, both extreme and mundane. Throughout, his lack of emotional response challenges our sense of what is actually meaningful and what is not. Camus won a Nobel Prize for this book.
  • Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie – A dizzying display of brilliance from the first-time novelist. This book would cement Rushdie as one of the top authors of his generation.
  • Candide by Voltaire – A satirical classic of a wealthy young man, brought up to be naive and optimistic about the world, is repeatedly confronted with harsh truth after harsh truth.
  • Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe – The great African novel about the experiences of Africans during the colonial years.
  • Hamlet by William Shakespeare – To be or not to be… that is one of many questions.
  • Macbeth by William Shakespeare – Spoiler: everybody dies.
  • Les Miserables by Victor Hugo – Before Hugh Jackman danced around singing it, Hugo’s classic was a brooding investigation into the nature of law, society, love and family.
  • The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas – A modern adventure epic written on the scale of one of the ancient Greek or Roman poems. Not only is it readable but it’s impossible to put down at times.
  • Oedipus the King by Sophocles – The most famous Greek tragedy. Even today, reading it is unforgettable.
  • Brave New World by Aldous Huxley – Huxley’s take on a dystopian future where populations are not controlled by fear, but rather, controlled by pleasure.
  • Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut – Considered the ultimate anti-war novel, this book is based on Vonnegut’s own experiences in World War II. Hilarious and heartwarming.
  • The Master and Margarita by Mihkail Bulgakov – Considered both the best Russian novel of the 20th century and the best piece of Soviet-era criticism and satire, it took 20 years for this book to be published uncensored. And even then, it was after the author had died.
  • The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen – The consummate criticism of middle American suburban life in the 21st century. One of my favorite books ever written. National Book Award winner.
  • Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston – A tale of a young black woman’s empowerment in 1920s United States. A huge influence on both the later civil rights movements.
  • Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – Considered the first true science fiction story ever told. Shelley was a mere 18 years old when she wrote it. It continues to be a classic.
  • White Noise by Don DeLillo – A breakout novel in the 80s and one of the first great pieces of fiction to criticize consumer culture and modern entertainment.
  • Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood – A feminist dystopia where women are mere vessels for childbirth and everything is controlled by a bizarre religion. Now a famous Hulu series.
  • The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath – Published a month before she committed suicide, The Bell Jar broke open the public discussion of mental health, depression and suicide and cemented Plath as one of the centuries greatest talents.
  • The Road by Cormac McCarthy – Perhaps the darkest and yet most powerful book about parenthood. A father fights to keep his boy alive in a post-apocalyptic world.
  • Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace – As long as it is brilliant and funny. Most people can’t finish it as it seems, well, infinite. Considered the hallmark novel of Generation X, Wallace’s critique of technology and our obsession with entertainment only grows more relevant each year.

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top fiction books of all time

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The 60 best fiction books of all time

From gripping sequels to debuts by fresh new voices, discover the best new fiction books of 2024. we also look back at the best fiction books of 2023 and share our edit of some of the best novels of all time..

top fiction books of all time

Albert Camus once said that ‘fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth’, and with these eight words he perfectly encapsulated the immense power of the novel. The best fiction teaches us history that the curriculum never did, sees us break in a new pair of shoes in a new city, breaks our heart and mends it –⁠ sometimes in the same chapter. It lets us breathe in a past era, step into fantasy worlds and even offers glimpses into dystopian futures. As 2024 marks another exciting year of new books, we've also collected the best fiction of 2023, and of all time. 

The best new fiction of 2024

By nathan hill.

Book cover for Wellness

Six years on from his debut The Nix , Nathan Hill is back with another razor-sharp novel, which focuses its lens on a modern marriage, and the absurdity of our tech and health-obsessed culture. A gripping love story told over two decades, from first love and the excitement of youth to the quietness and introspection that comes with middle age, Wellness will make you look at your own life in a new way thanks to Hill’s ironic and insightful prose. 

by Kristin Hannah

Book cover for The Women

Start your reading year with the compelling new novel from bestselling author Kristin Hannah . When her brother enlists in the Army at the start of the Vietnam War, young nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath’s life changes in ways she could have never imagined. Following her brother to Asia to serve in the Army Nursing Corps, Frances soon realises that women can be heroes too. Charting a young woman's experience of the power of female friendship and the bittersweet experience of first love, The Women is truly unputdownable. 

Maude Horton’s Glorious Revenge

By lizzie pook.

Book cover for Maude Horton’s Glorious Revenge

A historical thriller set in the heart of Victorian London’s seedy underbelly, this is must read for fans of all things gothic crime. When young Constance Horton disappears without a trace, her older sister Maude vows to find her. As she devours the the journal her sister left behind, Maude soon realises that a sinister secret is being hidden by dangerous forces and by some of the city’s most powerful men. Will she find Constance before it’s too late? This deliciously dark story is the perfect way to wile away cosy winter nights. 

Where There Was Fire

By john manuel arias.

Book cover for Where There Was Fire

Teresa Cepeda Valverde is a woman on a mission. Almost three decades after a massive fire on the Costa Rican banana plantation on which she lived and worked killed her family, she is still seeking answers about what happened that fateful night. As she and her daughter Lyra seek to find out what caused the fire, another family is doing their utmost to hide their generations of corruption. A redemption story about love, heritage and the forces of nature, Where There Was Fire is an atmospheric and beautiful novel which will whisk you away to another world this winter. 

How I Won A Nobel Prize

By julius taranto.

Book cover for How I Won A Nobel Prize

Helen is one of the best minds of her generation. But when her irreplaceable advisor’s student sex scandal is exposed, she must choose whether to give up on her work or accompany him to RIP, a research institute which grants safe harbour to the disgraced and the deplorable. As Helen settles into life at the institute alongside her partner Hew, she develops a crush on an older novelist, while he is drawn to an increasingly violent protest movement. As the rift between them deepens, they both face major – and potentially world-altering – choices.

by Kate Morton

Book cover for Homecoming

A gripping mystery set between Australia and London, Homecoming , by Kate Morton is soon to be available in paperback. When 89-year-old Nora's health takes an unexpected turn for the worse, Jess boards the first plane out of London, her home of twenty years, to be by her grandmother's bedside in Sydney. Soon, she discovers that the usually stoic Nora has been hiding a family secret and vows to get to the heart of the mystery of what happened on a fateful Christmas Eve sixty years before. 

Never Too Late

By danielle steel.

Book cover for Never Too Late

After relocating from San Francisco to Manhattan after her husband's death, Kezia is watching the 4th July firework display from her terrace, when she sees smoke and flames pouring from famous landmarks across New York City. Her neighbour, the famous movie star Sam Stewart, is also aware of the crisis, and watches in horror as the terrifying drama unfolds. They rush to the affected site and join the rescue operations. The harrowing event and their intense shared experiences in the following weeks foster a profound bond between Kezia and Sam, offering a touching tale about human connection and courage amidst crisis.

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Discover more anticipated reads for 2024

The best fiction of 2023, by hernan diaz.

Book cover for Trust

Winner of the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Trust is undoubtedly one of the novels of the year. Everyone in 1920s New York knows of Benjamin and Helen Rask, the Wall Street tycoon and the daughter of bohemian aristocrats. They live in a sphere of untold wealth, but what is the true cost of their fortune? This mystery sits at the heart of a bestselling novel that all of New York has read. But, like all stories, there are different perspectives. Hernan Diaz tracks these narratives across a century and documents the truth-bending power of money, with provocative revelations at each turn.

Western Lane

By chetna maroo.

Book cover for Western Lane

Exploring themes of grief and sisterhood, this debut coming-of-age story packs all the feels into just 176 pages. Eleven-year-old Gopi has been playing squash for as long as she can remember. When her mother dies, her father enlists her in a brutal training regimen. Soon, the game has become her entire world, causing a rift between Gopi and her sisters. But on the court, governed by the rhythms of the sport, she feels alive. This novel beautifully captures the ordinary and annihilates it with beauty as we follow a young athlete's struggle to transcend herself. 

Everything's Fine

By cecilia rabess.

Book cover for Everything's Fine

This stunning debut is a whip-smart exploration of an age-old question: what have you got to lose when you fall in love? When Jess first meets Josh at their Ivy League college she dislikes him immediately: an entitled guy in chinos, ready to take over the world. Meanwhile, Jess is almost always the only Black woman in their class. And Josh can’t accept that life might be easier for him because he’s white. But when they end up working for the same investment bank, their tempestuous friendship soon turns into an electrifying romance, forcing Jess to question who she is and what she's willing to compromise for love. 

‘ The book of the moment . . It’s so good — funny, sexy, unafraid, brilliantly nuanced, completely unputdownable. ’ The Times on Everything's Fine

Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

By lucinda riley.

Book cover for Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt

Paris, 1928. A boy is found, moments from death, and taken in by a kindly family who gives him a life he could never have dreamed of, but he refuses to tell anyone who he truly is. As he grows into a young man, an evil is rising across Europe and he knows he must soon flee again. The final novel in the Seven Sisters series ,  Atlas: The Story of Pa Salt,  reveals how the sisters came to be adopted by their beloved, mysterious father, drawing the epic series to a stunning, unforgettable conclusion. Finally, readers will know the answer to the ultimate question: who is Pa Salt?

The Seven Sisters books in order: a complete guide

To paradise, by hanya yanagihara.

Book cover for To Paradise

This novel from the author of A Little Life spans stories of love, family, and loss over three centuries. 1893: New York is part of the Free States, and a member of a privileged family falls for an impoverished music teacher. 1993: Manhattan is being swept by the AIDS epidemic, and a Hawaiian man with a wealthy older partner must hide his family background. 2093: a world where plague and totalitarian rule is rife, a woman tries to solve the mystery of her husband's disappearance. This symphonic vision of America is a demonstration of Hanya Yanagihara's literary genius as she weaves three stories together. 

Bright Young Women

By jessica knoll.

Book cover for Bright Young Women

January 1978. Tallahassee. When sorority president Pamela Schumacher is startled awake at 3 a.m. by a strange sound, she’s shocked to encounter a scene of implausible violence – two of her friends dead and two others, maimed. The only person to see the man responsible, she is thrust into a terrifying mystery, entangled in a crime that captivates public interest for more than four decades. This extraordinary novel is inspired by the real-life sorority targeted by America's first celebrity serial killer in his final murderous spree. 

by Jane Harper

Book cover for Exiles

Small-town detective Aaron Falk returns in Exiles , the new novel from the bestselling author of The Dry , Jane Harper. When a young mother disappears on a warm spring night, leaving her baby alone in her pram at a busy festival, Falk begins to suspect that this is more than a cut-and-dry missing person’s case. A thrilling mystery novel with an evocative outback setting and heart-pounding twists, Exiles is a book you’ll want to discuss with everyone you know. 

Jane Harper's books in order: a complete guide

Before the coffee gets cold, by toshikazu kawaguchi.

Book cover for Before the Coffee Gets Cold

Translated by Geoffrey Trousselot

First published in the UK in 2019, this million-copy bestseller is now available in a beautiful collectible hardback edition – the perfect gift. In a small back alley in Tokyo, there is a café which has been serving carefully brewed coffee for more than one hundred years. But this coffee shop offers its customers a unique experience: the chance to travel back in time. This opportunity is not without risks: customers must sit in a particular seat, they cannot leave the café, and finally, they must return to the present before the coffee gets cold. Toshikazu Kawaguchi’s beautiful novel has stolen the hearts of readers the world over. Through it, we meet four visitors to the café and explore the age-old question: what would you change if you could travel back in time?

Sword Catcher

By cassandra clare.

Book cover for Sword Catcher

Two outcasts find themselves at the centre of world-altering change. In Castellane, Kel is stolen to become Prince Conor Aurelian’s body-double. As his ‘Sword Catcher', Kel lives for one purpose: to die for Conor. Lin Caster is an Ashkar physician, part of a community ostracised for its rare magical abilities. But events pull her and Kel together and into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King who rules Castellane’s criminal underworld. Together, they’ll discover an extraordinary conspiracy. But can forbidden love bring down a kingdom? 

How (Not) to Have an Arranged Marriage

By amir khan.

Book cover for How (Not) to Have an Arranged Marriage

From Dr Amir Khan, this is a timely, heartfelt novel which looks at all aspects of modern arranged marriages. The golden child of his strict Pakistani parents, Yousef has his life planned out for him – medical degree, wife chosen by his family. . . Then Yousef meets Jess. A fellow medical student, Jess presents a complication to the plan. Suddenly, Yousef finds himself torn between two worlds – keeping each a secret from the other. Then, as graduation looms, Yousef’s mother informs him that she’s started looking for his wife.

The House of Fortune

By jessie burton.

Book cover for The House of Fortune

A glorious, sweeping story of fate and ambition, The House of Fortune is the sequel to Jessie Burton’s bestseller  The Miniaturist . Amsterdam, 1705. Thea Brandt is about to turn eighteen and she can't wait to become an adult. Walter, her true love, awaits Thea at the city's theatre. But at home on the Herengracht things are tense. Her father Otto and Aunt Nella bicker incessantly and are selling furniture so the family can eat. And, on her birthday secrets from Thea's past threaten to eclipse the present. Nella is feeling a prickling sensation in her neck, which recalls the miniaturist who toyed with her life eighteen years ago.

More Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up

By alexandra potter.

Book cover for More Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up

Thought things were all wrapped up for Nell? Think again. Falling in love may be easy, staying in love, however, can take work. . . Friendships are tested, the past won't stay there, celebrity-scented candles and Instagram filters are simply not working hard enough and it's time for Nell to escape to LA with her eighty-something best friend. Fortunately for us, it seems she has some more confessions to share. 

‘ The story of Nell Stevens’ struggle through her imperfect, messy life doesn’t just make brilliant fiction, it’s turning into a cultural revolution! ’ Matt Cain

A complete guide to Alexandra Potter's books

Christmas by candlelight, by karen swan.

Book cover for Christmas By Candlelight

As Christmas approaches and snow falls, high-flier Libby and her new boyfriend head home from a wedding to attend her university reunion at Archie Templeton's grand family estate. Stranded by the snowstorm, they're forced to spend the night. At first, being snowed in together is fun as the old friends wait in high spirits for the farmer to clear a path. But as hours pass with no news, everyone grows restless. Then the power goes out. Hunkered down together by candlelight, they reminisce about old times, and tensions soon start to rise. Secrets from the past begin to unravel and Libby is confronted with a truth she has long tried to deny.

The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything

By kara gnodde.

Book cover for The Theory of (Not Quite) Everything

Devoted siblings Mimi and Art Brotherton have always come as a pair, bound together by the tragic death of their parents. Art is a mathematical genius, and believes everything – even love –  can be boiled down to equations and algorithms. Then Mimi meets Frank, who definitely isn't algorithm approved and soon the siblings' relationship is pushed to breaking point. Something about Frank doesn't quite add up, and only Art can see it. This tale of love and loss is unique, funny and uplifting – true love, in all its forms, is more than a numbers game.  

by Sarah May

Book cover for Becky

Aspiring journalist Becky Sharp has one goal: to reach the top of the career ladder at the  Mercury , London’s top tabloid during the industry’s celebrity-obsessed 1990s heyday. But for Becky, no matter how many champagne-fuelled parties she covers or celebrity scoops she publishes, her past threatens to stop her from bagging her dream job. A nostalgia-filled trip through the heady, Britpop-obsessed world of 90s London Becky is a dark, witty novel that you won’t want to put down.

Young Mungo

By douglas stuart.

Book cover for Young Mungo

The extraordinary, powerful second novel from the Booker prize-winning author of  Shuggie Bain ,  Young Mungo  is both a vivid portrayal of working-class life and the deeply moving story of the dangerous first love of two young men: Mungo and James. Young Mungo  is a gripping and revealing story about the meaning of masculinity, the push and pull of family, the violence faced by so many queer people, and the dangers of loving someone too much.

Douglas Stuart on his favourite LGBTQIA+ books

Once a monster, by robert dinsdale.

Book cover for Once a Monster

Perfect for historical fiction fans who love a mythical twist, this imaginative retelling of the story of the Minotaur is steeped in the grime of Victorian London. Ten-year-old mudlark Nell discovers a body on the shore. It’s not the first corpse she’s encountered, but by far the strangest. Nearly seven feet tall, the creature has matted hair covering his legs, and on his head are the suggestion of horns. Nell’s fellow foragers urge her to steal his boots and rifle his pockets, but as she ventures closer it becomes clear that the figure is not dead after all. 

Stone Blind

By natalie haynes.

Book cover for Stone Blind

Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2023, this retelling of the famed myth of Medusa asks who the real monsters are. The sole mortal raised in a family of gods, Medusa is alone in her ability to experience change and to be hurt. Then, when the sea god Poseidon commits an unforgivable act in the temple of Athene, the goddess takes her revenge where she can – and she is changed forever. Writhing snakes replace her hair, and her gaze now turns any living creature to stone. Unable to control her new power, she is condemned to a life of shadows and darkness. Until Perseus embarks upon a quest . . .

by Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi

Book cover for The Centre

Anisa spends her days writing subtitles for Bollywood films in her London flat, longing to be a translator of literature. Her boyfriend, Adam, on the other hand, has an extraordinary aptitude for language – or so Anisa thinks. But after learning to speak Urdu practically overnight, Adam reveals his secret – the Centre: an elite programme that guarantees fluency in any language in just ten days. Anisa can't help but enrol and is quickly seduced by all that it's made possible, however, she soon realizes the disturbing, hidden cost of its services. This page-turning debut announces the arrival of an extraordinary new talent. 

Open Throat

By henry hoke.

Book cover for Open Throat

A queer and dangerously hungry mountain lion narrates this fever dream of a novel, carrying us on a universal journey through a wondrous and menacing modern day L.A. The lion spends their days protecting a nearby homeless encampment, observing hikers and grappling with the complexities of their own identity. When a man-made fire engulfs the encampment, the lion is forced from the hills down into the city where they confront the cruel inequalities of Los Angeles. But even when salvation finally seems within reach, they are forced to face the question: do they want to eat a person, or become one?

The Passenger

By cormac mccarthy.

Book cover for The Passenger

A sunken jet. Nine passengers. A missing body. The Passenger  is the story of a salvage diver, haunted by loss, afraid of the watery deep, pursued for a conspiracy beyond his understanding, and longing for a death he cannot reconcile with God. The first of two eagerly anticipated novels from literary great Cormac McCarthy The Passenger is followed by Stella Maris  –  both are too good to be missed. 

A guide to the literary great: Cormac McCarthy

The minuscule mansion of myra malone, by audrey burges.

Book cover for The Minuscule Mansion of Myra Malone

The Minuscule Mansion of Myra Malone  is a charming and magical debut novel, with a love story at its heart. Thirty-four year-old Myra Malone blogs about a dolls' house online. Across the country, Alex Rakes, heir of a furniture business, encounters two Mansion fans trying to recreate a room from Myra's stories. To his disbelief, Alex soon recognizes that it's his own bedroom being recreated, in minute scale. Searching for answers, Alex begins corresponding with Myra. Together, the two unwind the lonely paths of their twin worlds. 

by Kate Foster

Book cover for The Maiden

Edinburgh, October 1679. Lady Christian is arrested and charged with the murder of her lover, James Forrester. News of her imprisonment and subsequent trial is splashed across the broadsides, with headlines that leave little room for doubt:  Adulteress. Whore. Murderess. Only a year before, Lady Christian was newly married, leading a life of privilege and respectability. What led her to risk everything for an affair? And does that make her guilty of murder? Inspired by a real-life case, this is a remarkable story with a feminist revisionist twist, giving a voice to women otherwise silenced by history.

The Square of Sevens

By laura shepherd-robinson.

Book cover for The Square of Sevens

A historical fiction novel packed with fortune-telling, travels and mystery, The Sqaure of Sevens an epic and sweeping novel set in Georgian high society. A girl known only as Red, the daughter of a Cornish fortune-teller, travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient method: the Square of Sevens. When her father suddenly dies, Red becomes the ward of a gentleman scholar. But soon, she can't ignore the burning questions about her family. The pursuit of these mysteries takes her across the country in an tale of intrigue, heartbreak and audacious twists. 

‘ Can you name a book you have read so far this year that you know is 100% going to be in your top 10 books of the year list? This is mine. ’ @bookishreadsandme

Promise Boys

By nick brooks.

Book cover for Promise Boys

Thought-provoking and timely, Promise Boys is the new YA mystery novel that will have everyone talking in 2023. For J.B., Ramón, and Trey, attending the prestigious and ultra-strict Urban Promise Prep School is a golden ticket to college and avoiding the fates of many of the men they grew up around. That is until their principal is brutally murdered, and the boys emerge as the police’s main suspects. As they fight to investigate the crime and fight the prejudice of those around them, the trio are locked in a battle to find the real culprit and clear their names before it’s too late.

by J.F. Murray

Book cover for Fling

When Tara and Colin’s marriage starts to fall apart, they both find themselves looking to a controversial new dating app called Fling to find someone new. After meeting someone who is a 100% match, they both embark on affairs with who they believe are exciting new partners. A hilarious romance novel that will make you question what true love really means, Fling is a novel that asks – what if the person you were looking for was in front of you all along?

by Juan Gómez-Jurado

Book cover for Red Queen

Soon to be a major TV series, this serial-killer thriller is packed full of mystery with a fascinating lead character. Antonia doesn’t go outside much. Why would she when she can solve crimes from her attic in Madrid? She also never gets visitors. That's why she really doesn't like it when she hears unknown footsteps coming up the stairs. And whoever it is, Antonia is sure that they are coming to look for her. . .

Other Women

By emma flint.

Book cover for Other Women

Emma Flint’s evocative historical novels transport you to another time and place. In her new book, Other Women , the destination is London, devastated by the impact of the Great War. For unmarried Beatrice Cade, the war has robbed her of the chance to find true love and have a family, just like it has for millions of others. One day a chance encounter changes her life, and she falls head over heels in love with someone she should never have met. An enthralling tale of obsession, murder and lives intertwined by forbidden love, Other Women is a novel that you won’t be able to put down. 

Lessons in Chemistry

By bonnie garmus.

Book cover for Lessons in Chemistry

In the 1960s, Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant chemist, defies gender norms at Hastings Research Institute. Her unique bond with Calvin Evans, a Nobel-nominated scientist, sparks true chemistry. Later, she becomes an unlikely star on "Supper at Six," revolutionizing cooking with science. As her fame grows, she challenges the status quo, daring women to break barriers. Resistance follows, but Elizabeth remains unwavering in her quest for empowerment.

The best fiction of 2022

The atlas six, by olivie blake.

Book cover for The Atlas Six

Bestselling fantasy  sensation The Atlas Six  follows six young magical practitioners as they compete to join the secretive Alexandrian Society, whose custodians guard lost knowledge from ancient civilizations. Their members enjoy a lifetime of power and prestige. Yet each decade, only six practitioners are invited – to fill five places. Following recruitment by the mysterious Atlas Blakely, they travel to the Society’s London headquarters. Here, each must study and innovate within esoteric subject areas. And if they can prove themselves, over the course of a year, they’ll survive. Most of them.

Discover more unmissable reads from Olivie Blake

The lamplighters, by emma stonex.

Book cover for The Lamplighters

Inspired by true events, Emma Stonex’s debut novel is a riveting mystery which will grip the reader, and a beautifully written exploration of love and grief. In Cornwall in 1972, three keepers vanish from a remote lighthouse, miles from shore. The door is locked from the inside, and the clocks have stopped. What happened to those men, and to the women they left behind? 

The Murders at Fleat House

Book cover for The Murders at Fleat House

When a pupil suddenly dies at an exclusive boarding school in deepest Norfolk, the headmaster is keen to brand it a tragic accident. But the local police are not so sure, and Detective Inspector Jazmine ‘Jazz’ Hunter returns to the force to investigate. Together with trusty sergeant Alastair Miles, she enters the closed universe of the school. And as Jazz begins to probe Charlie Cavendish’s unsettling demise, things take a deeply troubling turn.

Discover Lucinda Riley's standalone books

By raven leilani.

Book cover for Luster

Raven Leilani is a funny and original new voice in fiction. Her razor-sharp yet surprisingly tender debut is an essential novel about what it means to be young now. Edie is messing up her life, and no one seems to care. Then she meets Eric, who is white, middle-aged and comes with a wife who has sort-of-agreed to an open marriage and an adopted black daughter who doesn’t have a single person in her life who can show her how to do her hair. And as if life wasn’t hard enough, Edie finds herself falling head-first into Eric’s family.

The Christie Affair

By nina de gramont.

Book cover for The Christie Affair

In 1926, Agatha Christie disappeared for eleven days. Only one person knows the truth of her disappearance – her husband's mistress. The world of Agatha Christie is glamourous parties full of socialites, and country house weekends. But the world of Nan O'Dea is very different. A tough London upbringing followed by a life in Ireland marred by tragedy, Nan has fought her way back to England – with her sights set on Agatha. Despite their differences, the two women will become the most unlikely of allies. And during the mysterious eleven days that Agatha goes missing, they will unravel a dark secret that only Nan holds the key to . . .

Disorientation

By elaine hsieh chou.

Book cover for Disorientation

When twenty-nine-year-old Ingrid Yang finally completes her dissertation on canonical poet Xiao-Wen Chou she never wants to hear about 'Chinese-y' things ever again. Finding a strange note in the Chou archives, she thinks she has found a way out of the academic labyrinth. But Ingrid is accidentally in deep, and the note leads to a huge discovery, one which upsets her life and the lives of those around her. With two trusty friends Ingrid sets off on a rollercoaster of campus protests and drug hallucinations, leading her to confront her relationships with white men and institutions – and herself.

The Attic Child

By lola jaye.

Book cover for The Attic Child

It's 1907, and twelve-year-old Celestine is locked in the attic of a house by the sea. He has been forcibly removed from his home in Africa and is treated as a servant. He dreams of home and family, even as his mother's face, and his real name, begin to fade. Decades later a young orphan girl is banished to the same attic. Under the floorboards she finds mysterious artefacts, and on a wall there is a sentence etched in a language she does not recognise. What she does recognise though, is that she is not the first child to be held captive in the attic. This must-read novel is a tale of love, loss and family secrets that shines a light on the early Black British experience. 

The Dance Tree

By kiran millwood hargrave.

Book cover for The Dance Tree

It's 1518 in Strasbourg, and in the intense summer heat a solitary woman starts to dance in the main square. She dances for days without rest, and is joined by hundreds of other women. The city authorities declare a state of emergency, and bring in musicians to play the devil out of the dancing women. Meanwhile pregnant Lisbet, who lives at the edge of the city, is tending to the family's bees. The dancing plague intensifies, as Lisbet is drawn into a net of secret passions and deceptions. Inspired by true events, this is a compelling story of superstition, transformative change and women pushed to their limits.

The Exhibitionist

By charlotte mendelson.

Book cover for The Exhibitionist

Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2022, in The Exhibitionist we meet the Hanrahan family. They are gathering for a momentous weekend as famous artist and notorious egoist Ray Hanrahan prepares for a new exhibition of his art. His three children will be there: beautiful Leah, sensitive Patrick, and insecure Jess. And what of Lucia, Ray’s steadfast and selfless wife? She is an artist, too, but has always had to put her roles as wife and mother first. But Lucia is hiding secrets of her own, and as the weekend unfolds and the exhibition approaches, she must finally make a choice. 

The Four Winds

Book cover for The Four Winds

Delia Owens, author of Where the Crawdads Sing , called Kristin Hannah's novel ‘powerful and compelling.’ Elsa Martinelli finally has everything she had wished for – a family, a home and a livelihood on a farm on the Great Plains. But when drought threatens her family and community, Elsa must decide whether to stay and fight for the land she loves or flee to California in search of a better life. 

A Guide to Kristin Hannah's books

By sally hinchcliffe.

Book cover for Hare House

On a crisp autumn day a woman travels to London, having left her post at a London girls school in murky circumstances. She starts to explore the land around her cottage on the isolated Hare House estate, walking the moors and woodland. And she begins to hear unsettling stories, of witches, strange clay figures, and young men scared out of their wits. Having made friends with her landlord Grant and his sister Cass, doubts begin to descend. And when a snowfall traps the inhabitants of the house together, the tension escalates . . .

The Paper Palace

By miranda cowley heller.

Book cover for The Paper Palace

In a picturesque Cape Cod setting, Elle Bishop starts her day with a swim near The Paper Palace, her family's vacation home as memories of a passionate secret encounter from the night before flood her mind. This defining moment sets off a chain of events that span twenty-four hours and fifty years, leading Elle to make a life-altering decision after a shocking betrayal. This page-turning summer read is both a No. 1 New York Times bestseller and a Reese Witherspoon Bookclub pick. 

How to Kill Your Family

By bella mackie.

Book cover for How to Kill Your Family

I have killed several people (some brutally, others calmly) and yet I currently languish in jail for a murder I did not commit. In prison, Grace Bernard reflects on her past actions with an unsettling mix of sadness and pride. Having taken the lives of several family members as revenge for her absentee millionaire father's callousness, Grace once reveled in her dark mission. With a calm ruthlessness, she executed her plan, leaving a chilling trail of death. However, fate now finds her behind bars, wondering if her twisted tale will ever be discovered – a story of vengeance, class, family, love, and murder.

The best fiction books of all time

By emma donoghue.

Book cover for Room

Shortlisted for both the Booker Prize and the Women’s Prize for fiction, Room is a unique novel, about survival and innocence. Jack lives with his Ma in Room, which has a locked door and a skylight, and measures 11 feet by 11 feet. He loves watching TV, and the cartoon characters he calls friends, but he knows that nothing he sees on screen is truly real – only him, Ma and the things in Room. Until the day Ma admits that there’s a world outside. Now also a major film, Room is the story of a mother and son, told in Jack's voice, whose love lets them survive the impossible. 

A complete guide to Emma Donoghue's books

A little life.

Book cover for A Little Life

Shortlisted for both the Booker Prize and the Women's Prize and now adapted into a West End play , A Little Life is undoubtedly one of the novels of the century. Hanya Yanagihara's flawless character development transports us into the lives of Jude, Willem, JB and Malcolm. We follow the central characters as they try to make their way in New York. Gradually, it is Jude and his unspeakable childhood that is revealed. By midlife he is both a terrifyingly talented litigator and an increasingly broken man, his mind and body scarred by trauma. The book follows Jude for decades, yet ultimately tells a story of love and friendship. 

The Miniaturist

Book cover for The Miniaturist

Beautiful, intoxicating and filled with heart-pounding suspense, Jessie Burton's historical novel set in Amsterdam is both a bestseller and a major BBC TV series. In 1686, Nella Oortman arrives at a lavish house to marry merchant trader Johannes Brandt. Instead of a warm welcome, she encounters his sharp-tongued sister, Marin. Johannes gifts her an intricate miniature replica of their home, to be furnished by a mysterious miniaturist whose creations eerily reflect reality. As Nella delves into the secrets of the Brandt household, she unveils escalating dangers. Is the miniaturist holding their fate?

Station Eleven

By emily st. john mandel.

Book cover for Station Eleven

On a snowy night in Toronto, renowned actor Arthur Leander dies on stage, coinciding with the arrival of a devastating virus in North America. Two decades later, Kirsten, a member of the Travelling Symphony, brings Shakespeare's words to life in the settlements that have emerged post-collapse. However, her newfound hope is jeopardized, prompting a critical question: in a world devoid of civilization, what is worth safeguarding? And to what lengths would one go to ensure its preservation? A dreamily atmospheric novel set in the eerie days of civilization's collapse, Emily St John Mandel's Station Eleven is also an HBO TV series. 

Emily St. John Mandel's books in order

Shuggie bain.

Book cover for Shuggie Bain

Douglas Stuart’s blistering, Booker Prize-winning debut is set in a poverty-stricken Glasgow in the early 1980s. Agnes Bain has always dreamed of greater things, but when her husband abandons her she finds herself trapped in a decimated mining town with her three children, and descends deeper and deeper into drink. Her son Shuggie tries to help Agnes long after her other children have fled, but he too must abandon her to save himself. But he believes that if he tries his hardest he can be like other boys and escape this hopeless place.

A Thousand Ships

Book cover for A Thousand Ships

While the names Odysseus, Achilles and Agamemnon are synonymous with epic tales of battle and bravery, the women of Homer’s epics have largely been sidelined, if not entirely forgotten. From Helen to Penelope, Natalie Haynes gives a voice to the women, girls and goddesses who have been silenced for so long in this retelling of the story of the Trojan War from an all-female perspective. Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction, A Thousand Ships is a historical must read and a feminist masterpiece . 

The Shape of Water

By andrea camilleri.

Book cover for The Shape of Water

The Shape of Water  is the first in Andrea Camilleri's wry, brilliantly compelling Sicilian crime series, featuring Inspector Montalbano. When two employees of the Splendour Refuse Collection Company discover the body of engineer Silvio Luparello, one of the local movers and shakers, apparently deceased  in flagrante  at the Pasture, the coroner's verdict is death from natural causes. But Inspector Salvo Montalbano, as honest as he is streetwise and as scathing to fools and villains as he is compassionate to their victims, is not ready to close the case – even though he's being pressured by Vigàta's police chief, judge, and bishop.

All the books in Andrea Camilleri's Inspector Montalbano series

Normal people, by sally rooney.

Book cover for Normal People

Normal People has sold over one million copies and been adapted into a hit TV series. The story follows Connell and Marianne who, despite being from different worlds, form an unspoken connection at school which then follows them to Trinity College. Marianne and Connell circle one another, straying toward other people and possibilities but always magnetically drawn back together. Then, as she veers into self-destruction and he begins to search for meaning elsewhere, each must confront how far they are willing to go to save the other. Sally Rooney's characteristically subtle yet intense prose marks her as one of the best writers of our times. 

Nineteen Eighty-Four

By george orwell.

Book cover for Nineteen Eighty-Four

One of the most influential fiction books of all time, 1984 is George Orwell's terrifying vision of a totalitarian future in which everything and everyone is slave to a tyrannical regime led by The Party. The novel has a fascinating history, from the phenomenon it became on publication to the impact it has had on the English language.

The Handmaid's Tale

By margaret atwood.

Book cover for The Handmaid's Tale

This novel has become a cultural byword for all things dystopian. The book is set in the fictional Republic of Gilead, a religious totalitarian state in what was formerly known as the United States. In an age of declining birth rates, Offred, along with her fellow Handmaids, are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Yet even a repressive state cannot eradicate hope and desire. Funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing,  The Handmaid's Tale  is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force.

The Great Gatsby

By f. scott fitzgerald.

Book cover for The Great Gatsby

Evoking the glitz, glamour and the dark side of 1920s,  The Great Gatsby  is a cynical look at the limits of the American Dream and a must read for all fans of fiction. Gatsby lives mysteriously in a luxurious Long Island mansion, playing lavish host to hundreds of people. And yet no one seems to know him or how he became so rich. He is rumoured to be everything from a German spy to a war hero. People clamour for invitations to his wild parties. But Jay Gatsby doesn't heed them. He cares for one person alone – Daisy Buchanan, the woman he has waited for all his life. Little does he know that his infatuation will lead to tragedy and end in murder.

Classic books to read at least once in your lifetime

By gillian flynn.

Book cover for Gone Girl

This twisty psychological thriller became a phenomenon when it was published, selling over twenty million copies worldwide and being adapted into a hit film starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. When Nick Dunne wakes up on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary to find his wife missing, he quickly becomes the police’s chief suspect. Amy’s friends reveal she was afraid of him, there are strange searches on his computer and persistent calls to his mobile phone, but Ben swears he knows nothing about any of this. So what really happened to Amy Dunne? 

Girl, Woman, Other

By bernardine evaristo.

Book cover for Girl, Woman, Other

This 2019 Booker Prize winner follows twelve characters on their personal journeys over the last one hundred years. From Newcastle to Cornwall and the beginning of the twentieth century to the modern day, each of them is searching for something. These wonderful interwoven stories address issues of race, identity and womanhood. Joyfully polyphonic and vibrantly contemporary, this is a gloriously new kind of history, a novel of our times: celebratory, ever-dynamic and utterly irresistible.

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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 New York Times Best Sellers - February 25, 2024

Authoritatively ranked lists of books sold in the united states, sorted by format and genre..

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THE WOMEN by Kristin Hannah

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by Kristin Hannah

In 1965, a nursing student follows her brother to serve during the Vietnam War and returns to a divided America.

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THE TEACHER by Frieda McFadden

THE TEACHER

by Frieda McFadden

A math teacher at Caseham High suspects there is more going on behind a scandal involving a teacher and a student.

HOUSE OF FLAME AND SHADOW by Sarah J. Maas

2 weeks on the list

HOUSE OF FLAME AND SHADOW

by Sarah J. Maas

The third book in the Crescent City series. Bryce wants to return home while Hunt is trapped in Asteri's dungeons.

BRIDE by Ali Hazelwood

by Ali Hazelwood

Issues of trust arise when an alliance is made between a Vampyre named Misery Lark and a Were named Lowe Moreland.

FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros

41 weeks on the list

FOURTH WING

by Rebecca Yarros

Violet Sorrengail is urged by the commanding general, who also is her mother, to become a candidate for the elite dragon riders.

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KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON by David Grann

115 weeks on the list

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

by David Grann

The story of a murder spree in 1920s Oklahoma that targeted Osage Indians, whose lands contained oil.

THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE by Bessel van der Kolk

180 weeks on the list

THE BODY KEEPS THE SCORE

by Bessel van der Kolk

How trauma affects the body and mind, and innovative treatments for recovery.

THE WAGER by David Grann

42 weeks on the list

The survivors of a shipwrecked British vessel on a secret mission during an imperial war with Spain have different accounts of events.

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT by Daniel James Brown

131 weeks on the list

THE BOYS IN THE BOAT

by Daniel James Brown

The story of the American rowers who pursued gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games; the basis of the film.

MEDGAR & MYRLIE by Joy-Ann Reid

MEDGAR & MYRLIE

by Joy-Ann Reid

The MSNBC host details how the wife of the civil rights leader Medgar Evers carried forward their legacy after his assassination in 1963.

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40 weeks on the list

IRON FLAME by Rebecca Yarros

14 weeks on the list

The second book in the Empyrean series. Violet Sorrengail’s next round of training might require her to betray the man she loves.

THE HEAVEN & EARTH GROCERY STORE by James McBride

25 weeks on the list

THE HEAVEN & EARTH GROCERY STORE

by James McBride

Secrets held by the residents of a dilapidated neighborhood come to life when a skeleton is found at the bottom of a well.

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OUTLIVE by Peter Attia with Bill Gifford

46 weeks on the list

by Peter Attia with Bill Gifford

A look at recent scientific research on aging and longevity.

OATH AND HONOR by Liz Cheney

10 weeks on the list

OATH AND HONOR

by Liz Cheney

The former congresswoman from Wyoming recounts how she helped lead the Select Committee to Investigate the Jan. 6. Attack on the United States Capitol.

THE WOMAN IN ME by Britney Spears

16 weeks on the list

THE WOMAN IN ME

by Britney Spears

The Grammy Award-winning pop star details her personal and professional experiences, including the years she spent under a conservatorship overseen by her father.

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THE HOUSEMAID by Freida McFadden

THE HOUSEMAID

by Freida McFadden

Troubles surface when a woman looking to make a fresh start takes a job in the home of the Winchesters.

ICEBREAKER by Hannah Grace

52 weeks on the list

by Hannah Grace

Anastasia might need the help of the captain of a college hockey team to get on the Olympic figure skating team.

TWISTED LOVE by Ana Huang

35 weeks on the list

TWISTED LOVE

by Ana Huang

The first book in the Twisted series. Secrets emerge when Ava explores things with her brother’s best friend.

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277 weeks on the list

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The story of a murder spree in 1920s Oklahoma that targeted Osage Indians, whose lands contained oil. The fledgling F.B.I. intervened, ineffectively.

153 weeks on the list

CASTE by Isabel Wilkerson

by Isabel Wilkerson

The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist examines aspects of caste systems across civilizations and reveals a rigid hierarchy in America today.

EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT LOVE by Dolly Alderton

34 weeks on the list

EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT LOVE

by Dolly Alderton

The British journalist shares stories and observations; the basis of the TV series.

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ATOMIC HABITS by James Clear

220 weeks on the list

ATOMIC HABITS

by James Clear

THE CREATIVE ACT by Rick Rubin with Neil Strauss

56 weeks on the list

THE CREATIVE ACT

by Rick Rubin with Neil Strauss

HOW TO KNOW A PERSON by David Brooks

HOW TO KNOW A PERSON

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DEAR BLACK GIRLS by A'ja Wilson

DEAR BLACK GIRLS

by A'ja Wilson

THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*CK by Mark Manson

320 weeks on the list

THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*CK

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HEROES by Alan Gratz

by Alan Gratz

The friends Frank and Stanley give a vivid account of the Pearl Harbor attack.

WONKA by Sibéal Pounder

8 weeks on the list

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The movie novelization and prequel to "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," written by Roald Dahl.

WONDER by R.J. Palacio

430 weeks on the list

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A boy with a facial deformity starts school.

REFUGEE by Alan Gratz

249 weeks on the list

Three children in three different conflicts look for safe haven.

THE SUN AND THE STAR by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

THE SUN AND THE STAR

by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

The demigods Will and Nico embark on a dangerous journey to the Underworld to rescue an old friend.

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LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S VALENTINE by Alice Schertle. Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

27 weeks on the list

LITTLE BLUE TRUCK'S VALENTINE

by Alice Schertle. Illustrated by Jill McElmurry

Little Blue Truck delivers Valentine's Day cards to all his farm animal friends.

LOVE FROM THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR by Eric Carle

55 weeks on the list

LOVE FROM THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR

by Eric Carle

A ravenous insect returns with its appetite intact.

LOVE FROM BLUEY by Suzy Brumm

7 weeks on the list

LOVE FROM BLUEY

by Suzy Brumm

The love between parents and their children.

HOW TO CATCH A LOVEOSAURUS by Alice Walstead. Illustrated by Andy Elkerton

12 weeks on the list

HOW TO CATCH A LOVEOSAURUS

by Alice Walstead. Illustrated by Andy Elkerton

The Catch Club Kids attempt to catch a dinosaur that wants to spread love and kindness.

LOVE FROM THE CRAYONS by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

24 weeks on the list

LOVE FROM THE CRAYONS

by Drew Daywalt and Oliver Jeffers

The Crayons show the colors of love.

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PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS by Rick Riordan

711 weeks on the list

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS

by Rick Riordan

A boy battles mythological monsters.

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney

778 weeks on the list

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID

written and illustrated by Jeff Kinney

The travails and challenges of adolescence.

HARRY POTTER by J.K. Rowling

777 weeks on the list

HARRY POTTER

by J.K. Rowling

A wizard hones his conjuring skills in the service of fighting evil.

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

314 weeks on the list

THE HUNGER GAMES

by Suzanne Collins

In a dystopia, a girl fights for survival on live TV.

A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER by Holly Jackson

124 weeks on the list

A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER

by Holly Jackson

Pippa Fitz-Amobi solves murderous crimes.

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DIVINE RIVALS by Rebecca Ross

DIVINE RIVALS

by Rebecca Ross

Two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection.

RUTHLESS VOWS by Rebecca Ross

RUTHLESS VOWS

In the sequel to "Divine Rivals," Roman and Iris will risk their hearts and futures to change the tides of the war.

POWERLESS by Lauren Roberts

by Lauren Roberts

Forbidden love is in the air when Paedyn, an Ordinary, and Kai, an Elite, become romantically involved.

MURTAGH by Christopher Paolini

by Christopher Paolini

Murtagh and his dragon, Thorn, must find and outwit a mysterious witch.

NIGHTBANE by Alex Aster

by Alex Aster

In this sequel to "Lightlark," Isla must chose between her two powerful lovers.

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The 100 best novels

top fiction books of all time

The best novels in English: readers' alternative list

top fiction books of all time

The best novels written in English: help us come up with a more diverse list

top fiction books of all time

Did the 100 best English language novels make enough room for the Irish?

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels written in English: the full list

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 100 – True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey (2000)

top fiction books of all time

100 best novels: one in five doesn’t represent over 300 years of women in literature

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: from Bunyan’s pilgrim to Carey’s Ned Kelly

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels written in English – quiz

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 99 – Disgrace by JM Coetzee (1999)

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 98 – Underworld by Don DeLillo (1997)

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 97 – Amongst Women by John McGahern (1990)

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 96 – Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler (1988)

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 95 – The Beginning of Spring by Penelope Fitzgerald (1988)

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 94 – An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro (1986)

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 93 – Money: A Suicide Note by Martin Amis (1984)

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 92 – Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson (1981)

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 91 – Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie (1981)

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 90 – A Bend in the River by VS Naipaul (1979)

top fiction books of all time

The 100 best novels: No 89 – Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison (1977)

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The Best Novels Ever Written

The Best Novels Ever Written

Ranker Community

As you embark on a quest to uncover the best novels of all time, you will find a treasure trove of literary masterpieces that have left indelible marks on the hearts of readers. Delving into the pages of these renowned works offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the depths of artistic expression and creativity that have shaped the world of fiction. 

The realm of the best novels of all time is populated by immensely powerful works of fiction, capturing hearts and minds alike with their unparalleled storytelling and captivating themes. Their gripping narratives, unforgettable characters, and profound themes captivate audiences, transporting them to realms of imagination and insight. From epic sagas to thought-provoking dystopias, these books represent the pinnacle of literary brilliance, captivating the hearts and minds of generations with their rich, immersive stories. 

The best books of all time include masterpieces like Nineteen Eighty-Four, The Lord of the Rings , and Frankenstein. Nineteen Eighty-Four 's harrowing portrayal of totalitarianism has proven hauntingly relevant, while The Lord of the Rings remains an enduring testament to the power of friendship and courage amid an epic battle between good and evil. Frankenstein , meanwhile, birthed the modern science fiction genre with its riveting tale of ambition, morality, and the consequences of playing God. The enduring appeal of these best novels is further evidenced by the numerous successful movie adaptations that cement their status in popular culture. 

Shining like beacons in the literary landscape, the best novels of all time illuminate the path towards understanding the complexity and beauty of human existence in all its forms. As they lure readers into their worlds, they offer vital insights into humanity's triumphs and struggles, enriching lives with their wisdom and beauty. While countless novels have graced the shelves of libraries and bookstores, these best books of all time remain unrivaled, continuing to inspire and enthrall generations of readers with their timeless allure. 

The Iliad / The Odyssey

The Iliad / The Odyssey

Crime and Punishment

Crime and Punishment

  • # 69 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read
  • # 133 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
  • # 1 of 41 on The Best Russian Novels

Nineteen Eighty-Four

Nineteen Eighty-Four

  • Dig Deeper... The Best Selling Books of All Time
  • # 9 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read
  • # 8 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time

The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo

  • # 35 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read
  • # 67 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
  • # 67 of 329 on Books That Changed Your Life

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol

  • # 3 of 72 on The 70+ Best Fairy Tale Books To Read
  • # 2 of 192 on The 190+ Best Novellas To Read
  • # 30 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time

The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings

  • # 1 of 92 on The 90+ Best High Fantasy Books You Should Read
  • # 10 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

  • # 3 of 154 on The Greatest American Novels
  • # 10 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
  • # 20 of 82 on Famous Novels With The Catchiest First Lines

The Hobbit

  • # 23 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
  • # 6 of 82 on Famous Novels With The Catchiest First Lines

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

  • # 3 of 63 on The 60+ Best Bildungsroman Books Everyone Should Read
  • # 12 of 154 on The Greatest American Novels
  • # 3 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read

To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird

  • # 1 of 154 on The Greatest American Novels
  • # 1 of 62 on The Best Pulitzer Prize Winning Novels

Pride and Prejudice

Pride and Prejudice

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

  • # 3 of 192 on The 190+ Best Novellas To Read
  • # 4 of 154 on The Greatest American Novels
  • # 6 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read

Frankenstein

Frankenstein

  • # 16 of 134 on The 130+ Best Gothic Fiction Books You Should Read
  • # 47 of 47 on The 45+ Best Epistolary Books
  • # 37 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time

Dracula

  • # 1 of 134 on The 130+ Best Gothic Fiction Books You Should Read
  • # 5 of 47 on The 45+ Best Epistolary Books
  • # 45 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time

Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland

  • # 13 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read
  • # 24 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time

Fahrenheit 451

Fahrenheit 451

  • # 1 of 162 on The 160+ Best Dystopian Novels To Prep For The End Of The World
  • # 13 of 154 on The Greatest American Novels
  • # 18 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Jane Eyre

  • # 1 of 63 on The 60+ Best Bildungsroman Books Everyone Should Read
  • # 7 of 134 on The 130+ Best Gothic Fiction Books You Should Read
  • # 20 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read

A Tale of Two Cities

A Tale of Two Cities

  • # 25 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read
  • # 58 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time

The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray

  • # 3 of 134 on The 130+ Best Gothic Fiction Books You Should Read
  • # 40 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read
  • # 80 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time

Great Expectations

Great Expectations

  • # 24 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read
  • # 69 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
  • # 56 of 329 on Books That Changed Your Life

Treasure Island

Treasure Island

  • # 55 of 590 on The 590 Best Business Books To Read
  • # 23 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read
  • # 44 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time

Animal Farm

Animal Farm

  • # 19 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
  • # 3 of 72 on The Greatest Dystopian Novels
  • # 1 of 66 on The Best Satirical Novels

Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web

The Fellowship of the Ring

The Fellowship of the Ring

The Return of the King

The Return of the King

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

  • # 14 of 91 on The 90+ Best The Best Drama Books Everyone Should Read
  • # 57 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
  • # 39 of 124 on The Scariest Horror Books of All Time

Les Misérables

Les Misérables

  • # 55 of 85 on 35+ Books Everybody Lies About Having Read
  • # 101 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
  • # 68 of 329 on Books That Changed Your Life

The Call of the Wild

The Call of the Wild

  • # 9 of 154 on The Greatest American Novels
  • # 40 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
  • # 67 of 115 on The Greatest Children's Books That Were Made Into Movies

The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles

  • # 64 of 271 on The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
  • # 74 of 329 on Books That Changed Your Life
  • # 4 of 56 on The Best Mystery Novels
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Ranking the best novels and non-fiction books of every genre.

Tough Reads That Are Worth It

The 20 most popular books of all time, according to Goodreads members

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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. 
  • Want more books? Check out the most popular books of 2021, based on Goodreads .

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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.

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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

top fiction books of all time

"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.

top fiction books of all time

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The 115 Best Books of All Time

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Blog – Posted on Wednesday, May 20

The 115 best books of all time.

The 115 Best Books of All Time

The written word is a pillar of human civilization — it signals complex thinking, it’s a tool to record history, and it allows for the development of ideas. Throughout our existence, so much has been written down, whether carved into stone or printed on paper, immortalizing thrilling tales and imparting wisdom. Many are lost, weathered by time or withered in flames like in the case of the Library of Alexandria; though plenty remain for us to peruse.

Let’s take a trip through time and discover the world’s literary trends by looking at 115 of the best books of all time! It took a while to compile this list (there is simply too much great writing!) but you’ll see that there’s a bit of everything: from poetry to plays to novels, from Chinese classics to Renaissance gems.

Feel free to skip to your favorite era using this table of contents:

Ancient civilizations

1. the story of sinuhe by unknown (c. 1800 bc) .

More than three thousand years before the Bard was born, the Egyptian Shakespeare wrote the Hathor worshipper’s answer to Hamlet — and we don’t even know their name. Anonymously authored, the elegant and haunting Story of Sinuhe has been hailed as ancient Egypt’s best. This epic poem follows the titular Sinuhe, an official who goes AWOL when he gets some explosive intel about the assassination of his king. His new life in Canaan brings him glorious victories, a high-society marriage, and honorable sons…. but the guilt of his exit continues to eat away at him, and he never stops longing for his homeland. 

2. Epic of Gilgamesh by Sin-liqe-unninni (c. 1700 BC) 

This four thousand year-old page-turner flies under the radar compared to high school staples like the Odyssey, but the Epic of Gilgamesh is nothing short of, well, epic . It’s a must-read whether you love the redemptive power of a good bromance or have a taste for quirky math (the titular Gilgamesh is one-third moral and two-thirds divine)! Our genetically improbable protagonist begins the story as a a king who brutalizes his people — in other words, a true antihero. He rules over the city of Uruk with an iron fist until the gods themselves mold the wild man Enkidu out of clay and water to strike the wicked king down. But when Enkidu  finally confronts his target, the two destined enemies become fast friends — inspiring Gilgamesh to mend his ways and go on a monster-hunting quest with his new bestie. 

3. The Odyssey by Homer (c. 700 BC) 

top fiction books of all time

4. Aesop’s Fables by Aesop (c. 500 BC)

City mouse and country mouse. Sour grapes. Slow and steady wins the race. Brought to life by an enslaved prisoner of war, Aesop’s Fables have shaped our everyday idioms and helped define how we see the world. These deceptively simple tales have clear moral messages that are served with a dash of darkness: in Aesop’s starkly enchanted world, anthropomorphic animals cavort, gambol, and sometimes die ignoble deaths, struck down by their own foolishness and arrogance. Whether you’re in the mood for Tweet-brief bedtime reading or hankering for a blunt reminder of life’s harshness, these timeless tales that have enriched the worlds of toddlers and philosophers alike will have you covered.

5. Oedipus the King by Sophocles (430 BC) 

This bleak masterclass in dramatic irony gave its name to the most famous of Freudian complexes, and it’s been reminding readers — and playgoers — for ages that sometimes you just can’t fight fate. The great tragedian Sophocles wrote it more than 2,000 years ago, so forgive us if we don’t issue any spoiler warnings. In any case, we all know how this story ends — with the unlucky Oedipus blinded and weeping blood, after accidentally killing his father and marrying his mother. The bitter fascination of reading Oedipus the King lies in following him to that grisly and inevitable conclusion. Trust us — the dread that grips you because you know exactly what’s coming will make your blood run colder than many a horror movie. 

6. The Mahabharata by Vyasa (c. 300 BC)

top fiction books of all time

If you’re not quite sure where to start, we recommend diving into the Bhagavad Gita . In this philosophically rich, 700-verse passage from the sixth book, the warrior prince Arjuna struggles to master his emotions on the eve of battle. His enemies, after all, are also his own kinsmen. Can his friend and charioteer — who also happens to be a reincarnated god — help him find a way out of his turmoil?

7. Adelphoe by Terence (160 BC)

This quirky Roman classic proves two things: the ancients knew how to get a laugh out of theatergoers, and bumbling fathers and rebellious sons are literally) an age-old recipe for comedy. Adelphoe kicks off with a parenting experiment: rural patriarch Demea has two sons, and he sends one to be raised by his city-dwelling brother Micio while rearing the other himself. Thus the two brothers grow up apart: Ctesipho lives it up in Athens with his indulgent uncle, while Aeschinus stays in the countryside, under his despotic father’s thumb. In short, one brother becomes repressed, and the other has become a louche. But when Ctesipho falls in love with an enslaved musician, he turns to his brother for help. When Demea and Micio find out what their boys are up to, will they finally agree on the right way to raise kids?

8. The Aeneid by Virgil (c. 20 BC)

For Odysseus, the Trojan War led to a ten-year nightmare involving six-headed monsters, vengeful sea-gods, and a scorned witch capable of turning men into pigs — and he was one of the winners! Which makes you wonder what it was like to be on the losing side. Let’s just ask the Trojan hero Aeneas, whose own post-war adventures spawned another epic poem.

The star of the Aeneid , he flees Troy just after the murder of its king. For a while, destiny seems to be on Aeneas’ side: a prophecy dictates he’ll establish a glorious nation in Rome, and his own mother is none other than Venus herself. But even with divine blood flowing through him, he can’t count on support from all the gods: Juno, in particular, seems intent on turning his journey to Italy into a real ordeal. We know that Aeneas will make it to Rome. But what will he suffer in the process — and who will suffer with him?

9. The Satyricon by Petronius (c. 90 AD) 

top fiction books of all time

10. The Tale of an Anklet by Unknown (c. 450 AD)

This Tamil answer to the Odyssey features one unforgettable heroine. Kannaki starts out as a long-suffering wife, but by the time the story’s done, she’s transformed into a goddess who sets cities on fire with her rage. But let’s rewind quickly to the start of The Tale of an Anklet , where she and the handsome Kovalan are married and living in bliss — as far as she’s concerned. Kovalan seems to feel differently: why else would he leave his wife at home to take up with a beautiful courtesan? 

But when Kovalan faces financial ruin, Kannaki swallows her betrayal and prepares to bail him out. She offers him a jeweled anklet to pawn — but he’s falsely accused of stealing it from the queen. Can Kannaki save him from a flawed justice system, or will she be forced to seek revenge for the husband who broke her heart? From the bitterness of love to the brokenness of law, this gorgeous, heartrending drama brings age-old issues to passionate life.

Post-classical literature

11. one thousand and one nights by unknown (c. 700)  .

This collection of Arabic-language folk tales shows the transformative power of a good cliffhanger — used right, it can apparently save your life! Over the course of, well, a thousand and one nights, the quick-witted storyteller Scheherazade (the latest in a long succession of King Shahryar’s unfortunate brides) draws on her imagination to stave off death. Embittered by a previous wife’s infidelity, King Shahryar has been marrying a new one every night — only to put her to death the next morning. Scheherazade, though, is different from these other one-night queens: she actually volunteered for the job. Every night, she regales her paranoid husband with a story but refuses to finish it — forcing him to push back her beheading in favor of the grand finale. And then she starts another one to keep him on the hook.

One Thousand and One Nights lets you listen in on these high-stakes bedtime stories. Scheherazade’s repertoire spans the spectrum from cozy childhood favorites ( Aladdin , anyone?) to historical, tragic, and erotic tales fit to stir a royal imagination. It turns out, the way to a king’s heart isn’t through his stomach — it’s through the magic of plot!

12. The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (c. 1010)

top fiction books of all time

Unfortunately for Genji, his gifts seem to bring him more sorrow than joy: he falls in love with the worst possible woman — his own stepmother, Lady Fujitsubo. Unable to forget her, he kidnaps her niece, the preteen Murasaki, to raise as a replacement Fujitsubo — all while continuing his affair with the real Fujitsubo. Elegant, immersive, and dense, this strange and captivating classic blurs the line between truth and fiction. Did Murasaki, the author, name herself after her heroine? Or is Muraski the character a reflection of the woman who brought her to life?

14. Lais by Marie de France (c. 1100) 

If you’ve ever wanted to live out a courtly romance or daydreamed about saving lives as a dragon-slaying knight, you can thank Marie. This 12th-century poet — the first woman in French history to write verse — virtually invented chivalry through her Lais . Though we sadly don’t even know her real name today, we do know that her view of romance was subtle and even sometimes sinister — never sappy. In these twelve short narrative poems, werewolves suffer heartbreak, vassals betray their lords, and jealous husbands lash out against innocent wives with unimaginable cruelty. Love, Marie knew, could be as corrupting as it was powerful, making cunning and sophisticated beasts out of men. 

15. The Knight in Panther’s Skin by Shota Rusteveli (c. 1190) 

Up to a century ago, The Knight in Panther’s Skin was a part of every Georgian bride’s dowry. In this heart-stirring epic, medieval Georgia’s premiere poet uses a fictionalized Middle Eastern setting to glorify Queen Tamar, who presided over the kingdom’s golden age.

The poem opens on the warrior Avtandil as he takes on an unusual mission. Normally tasked with commanding the Arabian king’s armies, he’s been asked to spearhead a strange manhunt. His target? A mysterious knight dressed in a panther’s skin, whom the king’s men found weeping by a river — before he killed them and disappeared. Dangerous as he is, is this shadowy stranger a friend or a foe? The answer may surprise the noble Avtandil — and force him to turn against the king he’s served so faithfully.

16. The Song of the Nibelungs by Unknown (c. 1200) 

top fiction books of all time

Beyond the fascinating plot, this poem immortalized Siegfried and Hagen, Gunther’s loyal right-hand man, as the embodiment of the German spirit when the country unified in the late 1800s. Its influence on European culture attests to its status as one of the most impressive works of German Medieval literature ever created. 

17. The Poetic Edda by Unknown (13th century) 

You can thank this anonymous batch of poems for The Hobbit — not to mention the superhero Thor. The Poetic Edda , one of the most important sources for Nose mythology, surfaced in Iceland sometime during the 13th century. It’s since cast a vast shadow on western literature, with writers from Tolkien to Jorge Luis Borges touting it as a major influence.

This verse collection brings the deeds of gods and heroes to life. You’ll hear a witch’s prophecy foretelling Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods, see the All-father Odin match wits with the wisest of giants, and follow Heimdall, the divine watchmen, as he journeys through the land of mortals — fathering many children along the way. In the starkly beautiful world these poems sketch out, vows are binding, honor is everything, and not even the gods are safe from a painful death. 

17. Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong (c. 1300)

If this glorious tale had to be described in three words, they would be: epic, tragic, and historical. One of the pillars of Chinese classical literature, Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a mythicized account of 80 years of political intrigue and warfare between three dynastic families over rulership of Northern China. As beloved generals and cunning strategists form leagues and battle it out, we learn of their love, their righteousness, and their camaraderie. The riveting plot ends with a twist that’s too well-crafted to be true — although the story is based on real events. 

This masterpiece and its philosophical explorations transcends time and borders, and it remains one of the most well-known novels in East Asian cultures today.  

18. Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri (1320)

top fiction books of all time

Dante’s lyrical and intricate depictions of immorality are pertinent throughout history, inspiring writers in the craft of storytelling while provoking reflection among readers. It’s truly one of the greatest literary works of all time.

19. Piers Plowman by William Langland (c. 1380)

Taking a large leap across France, Spain and the Channel from Italy we arrive in England, where Langland recorded his take on Christianity in a colossal, alliterated poem.

Rather than delving into death as Dante had several decades prior, this poem explores human behaviors and morality through the visions of a man called Will. In his dreamscape, Will meets all kinds of “people” who are personified virtues — from the Seven Deadly Sins to Dowel (“do well”) and Dobet (“do better”). The metafictional quality of presenting vision within vision, the complexity of Middle English literature, and the depth of theological knowledge make Piers Plowman a difficult but very rich and sophisticated text. 

20. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (c. 1400)

From knights to monks to cooks — Chaucer’s elaborate collection of 24 stories unravels the journey that people make to Canterbury and its majestic cathedral. While they embark on the same journey, the protagonists of these tales are as different as can be — each hails from a different background and represents a different tier in the social hierarchy of feudal society. 

The Canterbury Tales are fascinating to read on their own, providing a magical portal to medieval villages and quests that came to be the inspiration for countless Hollywood movies. These odysseys shine the most, however, when they are experienced together, because that’s when Chaucer’s brilliance at displaying the complexities of society reveals itself. 

21. The Book of the City of Ladies by Christine de Pizan (c. 1405)

top fiction books of all time

In The Book of the City of Ladies ,  Reason, Rectitude, and Justice appear to the narrator — Pizan herself — and ask her to build a city just for women. It turns out that building this city requires the dismantling of the narrator’s own preconceived notions of gender and societal norms. 

The resulting monumental literary work includes stories of legendary female figures in history and mythology — from the Virgin Mary to Helen of Troy — as Pizan reveals to readers that women are every bit as capable as men. Elegantly written and daringly conceived, this book will be a place of refuge for believers of gender equality. 

22. Hamlet by William Shakespeare (c. 1601)

Though you may be familiar with the plot by virtue of The Lion King, it’s always worth getting back to basics with the source material — inasmuch as you can call Shakespeare’s longest and arguably most influential play “basic.”

For those unfamiliar, we’ll back it up: Hamlet is the son of the recently deceased king of Denmark, whose sudden death has been hastily papered over by his brother and successor, Claudius. Hamlet, of course, is suspicious, especially after a vision of his father claims that Claudius murdered him to take the throne. To distract others from his plan of revenge, Hamlet pretends that he’s gone mad, and what follows is a tangled web of deceit, violence, and tragedy for the royal family and their compatriots — especially as it becomes increasingly difficult to tell whether Hamlet is still faking his madness, or has genuinely gone off the deep end.

23. The Plum in the Golden Vase by Unknown (c. 1610) 

Arguably the world’s most famous erotic novel, The Plum in the Golden Vase seems to shape-shift depending on the angle you view it from. It’s a lavishly illustrated handbook of sexual peccadilloes and a harshly punitive morality tale; an irreverent fanfic for a foundational novel and an eminent classic in its own right. You can think of it as the late Ming answer to Lolita : artful in its execution, perverse and learned in its tone.

The Plum in the Golden Vase shines a spotlight (or a blacklight) on a minor figure from The Water Margin , the adventuresome ancestor of Chinese martial arts fiction. This, however, is a very different novel: light on honor among thieves and heavy on steamy social satire, its characters are much more likely to die by aphrodisiac poisoning than by the sword. The fabulously wealthy, fatally dissolute merchant Ximen Qing shares his bed with a rotating cast of six lovers — and counting. Needless to say, his appetites don’t always make for the most…  harmonious of households. As the novel tracks his social life with savage wit, the women around him take center stage, in all their cruel, bawdy complexity. 

24. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (1615)

top fiction books of all time

Part two of the novel introduces an impostor — a writer who pretends to be Don Quixote the knight and publishes recounts of his imaginary adventures. As the metafiction develops, the lines and meanings of imagination and reality blurs even more, leaving only one thing crystal clear: Cervantes’ mastery of the art of storytelling. 

25. The Imposter by Molière (1644)

The Imposter is a satirical play that stars Tartuffe, a pious and well-respected man who has won the love and adoration of Orgon, the head of a well-to-do family. As Tartuffe wines and dines with this family, it quickly comes to light that Tartuffe is not who he pretends to be; that behind his facade of civility is an array of selfish intentions. As the story goes on, Orgon’s family make many attempts to reveal Tartuffe’s true nature.

In a time when religiousness was never a quality not deserving of respect, the preachy and pretentious character of Tartuffe was so well-crafted that his name came to mean “hypocrite” in contemporary French. Molière also faced backlash from the Church and Christain community at the time, but his brilliance as a playwright refuses to be disregarded, and his play stands as a literary classic. 

Literature in the modern age

26. robinson crusoe by daniel defoe (1719).

In a rebellious act that has inspired the wanderlust of many, Robinson Crusoe denies the stability of life in England to travel the world. Thankfully, his colonial adventures feature encounters foreign to modern travellers: slave trades, cannibalism, and shipwrecks on foreign islands. Through this flurry of events, Crusoe comes to appreciate his own upbringing and culture more.

First published under the pseudonym Robinson Crusoe, Defoe’s vivid narration fooled many of its contemporary readers into thinking it was a travel memoir, which back then was a very popular genre. Defoe’s creativity marks this stunning novel as a trailblazer for adventure fiction .

27. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift (1726)

top fiction books of all time

28. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding (1749)

Widely considered to be one of the earliest English comic novels, Tom Jones is also an elaborate bildungsroman detailing the upbringing of the titular Tom. Born to an unwed mother and raised by the kindhearted squire Allworthy, Tom grows into a spirited but similarly compassionate young man, eventually falling in love with a neighboring squire’s daughter, Sophia. But after being foiled by a rival for her affections, Tom sets off on a series of adventures through England that are equal parts thrilling and purely comical, from accidental encounters with both of his alleged parents to a very Oscar Wilde-esque ending (though of course, Fielding preceded Wilde by 150 years!) wherein his true parentage is revealed at last.

29. Candide by Voltaire (1759)

As a boy, Candide was taught that everything in the world happens for a reason: that things good and bad serve their purpose in the grand scheme of it all. But as he ventures out into the world and comes face to face with hardships and sufferings, Candide begins to wonder if this optimistic philosophy is a manifestation of ignorance and indifference. 

Underneath this coming-of-age story is Voltaire’s brave effort to hold a mirror up to society, and make it examine its flaws. Hardly any author in his time dared to oppose the accepted virtues of the educated class  — Voltaire even refused to take credit for this masterpiece until years after the publication — and none did it with as much wit and passion as Voltaire did. 

30. Tristram Shandy by Laurence Sterne (c. 1767)

top fiction books of all time

31. Dream of the Red Chamber by Cao Xueqin (1791) 

One of the longest and most treasured classics of Chinese literature, Dream of the Red Chamber centers around the life and loves of Jia Baoyu — heir of one of the most powerful families in the land. As with every dynastic family, there will always come a decline. And the Jias’ final days seem to be around the corner, as the political arena shifts and its heir appears bent on listening to his heart rather than his parents. 

From battles of the matriarchs, to noble garden parties and corrupt murder trials, this tale unravels the deepest and darkest corners of Chinese high society in the time of the Qing dynasty — all inspired by the author’s own prestigious upbringing. Dream of the Red Chamber ’s fame as a pillar of Chinese fiction extends far beyond its culture, astounding readers throughout the world with its thematic depth and allegorical intricacies. 

32. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

You are probably familiar with Pride and Prejudice , the love story of the bright and beautiful Elizabeth Bennet and the stoic and aristocratic Mr. Darcy. If you read it when you were younger, it perhaps presented itself as a mere love story set in Regency England. But of course, that barely scratches the surface of all the book holds. Austen had gracefully weaved snarky commentary about wealth, social class, and individuality into the narrative. Austen’s attention to detail and her wonderful wit ultimately show how thought-provoking and entertaining a story can become if it falls into the hands of the right author. 

33. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818)

top fiction books of all time

34. Ivanhoe by Walter Scott (1819)

Often credited with renewing modern interest in the medieval period and its “romantic” culture, Ivanhoe tracks the adventures of its eponymous hero, who is disinherited by his Anglo-Saxon father for his allegiance to Richard the Lionheart. Undeterred, Ivanhoe accompanies his king on the Crusades as tensions mount back in England — and this is only the beginning of a rollicking ride full of trials and tournaments, secret identities and stormed castles, hard-won loves and loyalties, and much more. Coupling nineteenth-century sensibilities and style with a story that could otherwise have come straight from the quill of Chrétien de Troyes, Ivanhoe is a historical masterpiece that will enthrall fans of action, politics, and chivalric romance alike.

35. Faust by Goethe (1832)

We’ve all heard the phrase “a deal with the devil” — or, if you’re sufficiently literary, “a Faustian bargain.” The notion of a cursed contract did indeed originate with Faust, and was immortalized in this play by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (though the story has much earlier roots). Goethe’s Faust, as he’s referred to, is a voracious scholar who desires to learn and achieve all that is possible in the human realm — yet suffers for the knowledge that he cannot. As another axiom goes, be careful what you wish for; Mephistopheles then appears to Faust, offering him all the worldly knowledge and pleasures that he can imagine, in exchange for Faust’s service in hell after death. Famously signing the contract in his own blood, Faust agrees… but how will their pact actually unfold? You’ll have to read this mesmerizing play to find out.

36. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (1844)

top fiction books of all time

37. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847)

Arguably the first ever female bildungsroman, Jane Eyre is the story of a frail orphan girl who grows into a highly principled young woman. After a difficult childhood, Jane’s luck takes a turn when she’s employed by the wealthy and mysterious Edward Rochester, whose company she comes to enjoy a great deal. But just as Jane and Rochester become engaged to be married, increasingly frequent and disturbing occurrences take a toll on their relationship, and the revelation of a shocking secret forces Jane to reevaluate everything she once believed. (But fear not, dear reader; for all its Gothic overtones, this novel is still a superb romance above all.)

38. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackery (1848)

An incisive satirist, William Makepeace Thackery intended this book as both social commentary and a deconstruction of conventional literary heroism. Vanity Fair follows the intertwined lives of two women, Amelia Sedley and Becky Sharp, as they forge their own paths in Regency society. Amelia is a sweet, simple girl who devotes herself to her husband, despite his flaws; Becky is a savvy social climber who uses her feminine wiles to further her personal interests, even after she is married. The stark contrast between them serves not so much to ridicule the characters, however, as to criticize the society that would make respectability so impossible — and to point out the rife ignorance, hypocrisy, and opportunism even in supposedly upper-class circles.

39. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (1850)

top fiction books of all time

40. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (1851)

“I hate metaphors. That’s why my favorite book is Moby-Dick .” Of course, anyone who’s actually read Moby-Dick will recognize the irony of this Ron Swanson quote — not only is the book packed with symbolism, but Melville’s prose is wonderfully ornate (albeit a little too descriptive when he gets into cetology, the study of whales). The surface story of Moby-Dick is thus: our narrator, Ishmael, boards a whaling ship and quickly discovers its maimed captain is bent on a mission of revenge. The captain, Ahab, spends the next three years searching for the white whale, Moby-Dick, unable to shake his convictions even as he and his crew start to unravel. A timeless tale of delusion and destruction, Moby-Dick does a particularly good job of juxtaposing the gritty everyday realities of whaling with the philosophical allegory of Ahab’s pursuit.

41. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo (1862)

Though a 1,500-page tome promising certain misery might sound like an untenable read, we implore you to tackle this brick of a book for Victor Hugo’s glorious and masterful depiction of politics and the inherent tragedy of the human condition. The plot incites, as many likely know, with the peasant Jean Valjean stealing bread to feed his family and being imprisoned for 19 years. Upon his release, he remakes himself as an honest businessman, eventually growing wealthy and even rescuing a young girl, Cosette, from her abusive caretakers the Thénardiers.

All this occurs on the brink of Paris’s June Rebellion of 1832, a cause for which a young revolutionary named Marius risks his life. This event unexpectedly and movingly brings together a number of figures from the rest of the book… which is honestly impossible to explain in a mere synopsis. Just know this: for all the astonishing beauty and gut-wrenching emotion of the musical, Hugo’s source material makes it look like a joke on a candy bar wrapper. If you’re interested in a truly transcendent portrayal of humanity and history (and have enough time on your hands to fully appreciate it), please read Les Misérables .

42. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (1865)

top fiction books of all time

43. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1866)

What is the true nature of man? According to Dostoyevsky, the answer might be “dark and twisted, yet still plagued by his conscience.” This is the tragic combination that befalls Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished young man who believes that he can rob and murder an elderly pawnbroker without any psychological consequences… only to botch the job and immediately begin agonizing over it (the “punishment” to which the title refers). As Raskolnikov descends further into madness and misery, he grapples with whether to turn himself in, especially with a policeman on his tail and his mother and sister’s reputations at risk. This classic tale of morality, mentality, and social values aptly criticizes the then-prominent notions of nihilism and egoism, while also making profound statements about what it means to be human.

44. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1877)

“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” Such is stated the first of many contentious issues addressed in Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina , considered by many to be the greatest and best book of all time. The plot revolves around a tumultuous affair between the high-society Anna and cavalry officer Vronsky, with a parallel narrative detailing the religious and ethical quandaries of country landowner Levin. But even as these characters’ lives become increasingly intertwined, and their circumstances increasingly desperate — especially for Anna, whose fate has become a well-known literary reference point — this novel is so much more than an 800-page soap opera. Tolstoy’s exploration of relationships, family, sin, virtue, and the cultural contrast between city and country produces incredibly nuanced and brilliant ideas, many of which are still relevant today.

45. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (1884)

top fiction books of all time

46. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886)

If you’ve ever heard someone referred to as “a real Jekyll and Hyde character,” you probably know this story has something to do with the duality of man… but what you may not know is how this duality comes to be. In Stevenson’s gothic novella , it’s the result of the scientific Dr. Jekyll’s attempts to indulge in his vices undetected — specifically, by drinking a potion that transforms him into the horrific Mr. Hyde. But the more frequently Jekyll yields to his alter-ego, the more powerful Hyde becomes, until even Jekyll cannot control him. The ensuing tale is both a thrilling feat of supernatural horror and a potent allegory that warns against giving into one’s dark side, even occasionally, for fear that one may never escape its compulsions.

47. Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)

Long before Twilight and True Blood, vampires were no cause for swooning — or rather, they were, but in a manner more alarming than amorous. This is the iteration of vampires introduced by Bram Stoker’s genre-defining Dracula , an epistolary novel that traces the history and horrific deeds of the one and only Count Dracula. As more humans come into contact with Dracula, they start to understand what he is, and that he aims to infect and drink the blood of as many people as possible. Only Abraham van Helsing, a professor and bona fide vampire expert, has the power to stop him — and aided by his intrepid cohorts, that’s exactly what they set out to do.

48. The Call of the Wild by Jack London (1903)

top fiction books of all time

49. Nostromo by Joseph Conrad (1904)

F. Scott Fitzgerald once said of this book, "I'd rather have written Nostromo than any other novel.” The story commences with the titular Nostromo, an Italian seaman, transporting a wealth of silver so that it cannot corrupt the local affairs of Sulaco (a port city in a fictional Colombia-like country). But when Nostromo’s ship is compromised, he stashes the silver on a nearby island, leading everyone to believe it was lost at sea. What follows is an incredibly affecting account of Nostromo’s increasing disillusionment and paranoia, as he realizes that other men see him as a pawn and grows obsessed with his hoarded silver. If you loved The Great Gatsby , but wanted it to be even darker and more geopolitical — as Fitzgerald apparently did — you’ll devour Nostromo faster than you can say “quicksilver.”

50. Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence (1913)

The third of his published novels, Sons and Lovers brought D.H. Lawrence a new level of success and acclaim. It also established his reputation for bucking social mores — a talent which would eventually see him indicted for obscenity. Drawing from the author’s working-class upbringing, the book tells the story of Paul Morel, the son of an abusive father and a beloved mother. Escaping the trappings of the mining town where he grew up, Paul leaves for London and begins climbing the social ladder, even finding romance. But as the book’s title suggests, his attempts to separate his emotional identities of son and lover are futile, especially as his mother’s once-treasured affection poisons Paul against other women.

51. The Trial by Franz Kafka (1915)

top fiction books of all time

52. Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham (1915)

A wrenching, partially autobiographical account of the author’s own life, Of Human Bondage follows young Englishman Philip Carey in his quest to find meaning and love. Traumatized by the deaths of his parents, Philip struggles throughout his childhood; in later years, he rebels and pursues art instead of attending Oxford, but eventually returns to England for medical school. It is there that he meets his femme fatale, Mildred Rogers, who will break his heart over and over as Philip flits from job to job. But this sorrowful tale has a surprisingly uplifting ending, containing a powerful message about the bonds of society and expectations and how we can shed them by taking life one day at a time.

53. The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford (1915)

With this book, Ford Madox Ford reinvigorated two crucial narrative elements that would go on to become huge parts of modern literature: flashbacks and the unreliable narrator. Basically, he was the original Gillian Flynn — a comparison that seems even more apt upon knowing the plot of The Good Soldier . It consists of domestic drama between two seemingly perfect couples: John and Florence Dowell, and Leonora and Edward Ashburnham. Edward, the soldier, seems committed to Leonora, but in truth she manipulates and controls him; Edward, meanwhile, is actually having an affair with Florence. John, the narrator, gravely recounts the deterioration of both marriages and the tragic repercussions of their repressive Edwardian era… but also, all is not as it seems, and what’s on the page is seen in a whole new light by the book’s end.

54. The Real Story of Ah-Q by Lu Xun (c. 1920)

top fiction books of all time

Accompanying The Real Story of Ah-Q in this collection are short stories just as poignant and impactful. Lu Xun’s unconventional view of development and his ability to flesh out nuances from simple plots makes his stories bleakly insightful.  

55. The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton (1920)

Newland Archer — one of 1900s New York’s most eligible bachelors, with his upper-crust background and his established career as a lawyer — has been looking for a beautiful, traditional wife, and it appears May Welland is just the girl. She also grew up in high society, understands etiquette, and fits perfectly into his picture-perfect family. And yet, it is May’s cousin, Ellen Olenska — a dynamic character returning from her failed marriage in Europe — who catches Newland’s attention. The Age of Innocence follows Newland and his unprecedented dilemma between the two women — and by extension his struggle between upholding the prestige of old money, and seeking the real value behind the labels of social class. 

56. Ulysses by James Joyce (1922)

If you are only going to read one book from this elephantine list, it should be James Joyce’s literary jewel Ulysses . The tale mirrors that of Homer’s the Odyssey (hence the title), only this time, it’s set entirely during one of Leopold Bloom’s days in Dublin. A cast of characters — namely Bloom’s friends and wife — make up others who draw comparisons to the mythical ones in the Odyssey. While Joyce’s ability to bring a literary classic and its themes into modernity is astounding, the true beauty of this action-packed novel is its writing. Scattered across his paragraphs are intertwining perspectives and puzzles enamelled with pun and alliterations. Joyce’s illustration of the human mind, its processes, and its guardians is impeccable and unmatchable. 

57. A Passage to India by E. M. Foster (1924)

top fiction books of all time

58. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

Is it possible to now think of the Roaring Twenties and not think of The Great Gatsby ? Fitzgerald’s magnum opus has been adapted to the big screen numerous times, and its “green light at the end of the dock” symbolism is perhaps too well-known to all of us. But let’s still go through a quick summary: Nick Carraway moves to West Egg in Long Island and learns about his new, mysteriously well-to-do neighbor, Jay Gastby. Through endless house parties, Nick comes to know this man, his odd past, and his tragic love story with the lady of East Egg, Daisy Buchanan. Fitzgerald’s tale of sightless dream-chasing is the epitome of something small and yet mighty: with his succinct prose, the extravagance of post-WWI America is stripped bare, revealing the heartlessness underneath it all. 

59. Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (1925)

When Mrs. Dalloway said she would buy the flowers herself, she had no idea what a momentous day was in store for her — though of course, much of this book’s momentousness must be attributed to Virginia Woolf’s brilliant prose. But even besides the writing, it’s a fantastic little slice-of-life story: Clarissa Dalloway, an upper-class, middle-aged woman in London, decides to host a party for her fellow society people, and spends most of the day prepping for said party. But what would have been a mundane tale in the hands of a less thoughtful author becomes remarkable in Woolf’s, her stream-of-consciousness narrative shifting ever so subtly between past and present, and rendering Clarissa’s emotions with unprecedented vibrancy.

60. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway (1926)

top fiction books of all time

61. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust (c. 1927)

Composed of seven volumes written throughout a decade, In Search of Lost Time is a long novel detailing the development of the unnamed narrator from childhood to adulthood and his struggles to define himself. Said protagonist desires to be an author but is unsure of how to get there, he is seeing his relationships with his family in a new light while he’s discovering new connections with others. Memory is a recurring theme in this novel, especially the involuntary ones, whereby Proust shows how little details can trigger an outpour of thoughts and emotions. His impressive narrative revolutionized the way novels are written — Proust’s emphasis lies not in creating an airtight and sensational plot, but in exploring with astonishing depth the emotional experiences and development of his protagonist. 

62. The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner (1929)

This classic Southern gothic novel might seem like a typical family saga, but its grim conditions and dark twists are unlike those of other tales. The story of The Sound and the Fury proceeds as follows: the Compson family are disgraced former aristocrats attempting to adapt now that they’ve lost their money, religion, and elevated reputation. Unfortunately, the four children of the Compson family perpetuate its fatal flaws of greed, selfishness, and outdated values and ideas about the world at large. As the story shifts among them, as well as back and forth in time, it becomes clear that the Compsons are beyond repair — but nevertheless, they continue to press on. With a tragic story on par with Macbeth (from which the book takes its title) and Faulkner’s revolutionary prose, it’s no wonder this story still looms so large in American literature.

63. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley (1932)

top fiction books of all time

64. I, Claudius by Robert Graves (1934)

When it comes to historical novels, none is as well-celebrated as Robert Graves’s story of the Roman emperor, Claudius. Written in the first person perspective, this novel feigns an autobiography written by the nervous leader. Claudius is unlike his predecessors — he critically examined theirs and the corrupt system’s failures, exposing all the dramatic intrigue and high politics of this lauded empire to the world. He himself is spun into this entangled battle for the throne, although perhaps less willingly that his opponents. If you enjoy the political battles of Game of Thrones , you’ll without a doubt enjoy this novel , which would not only provide you with a good bit of entertainment, but also introduce to you the intricate structures of Roman civilization. 

65. Tropic of Cancer by Henry Miller (1934)

Miller’s sombre novel was not well-received when it was first published — in fact it was banned in the US and not published until the late 1960s, decades after its conception. The basic storyline is simple — it’s a blend of Miller’s memories as a struggling writer in Paris, and fictional elements that he added. Miller focused on his feelings and perceptions, propelling the stream-of-consciousness style of writing that was gaining popularity among writers of the time. What made the book so controversial was its featuring of sexuality, which, along with descriptions of the desperation, the poverty, and the grief present in the lives of those without a clear sense of direction, is part of Miller’s candor. If a book can hold the soul of a writer, perhaps none is as potent as Tropic of Cancer . 

66. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell (1936) 

top fiction books of all time

67. Scoop by Evelyn Waugh (1938)

The controversial author of Brideshead Revisited , Evelyn Waugh also wrote this rip-roaring satire that made waves when it was published in 1938. This time, Waugh’s target is the media, particularly the newspaper industry. As a promising little civil war erupts in the African Republic of Ishmaelia, Lord Copper sends his reporter in the continent to cover it — to hilarious consequences. Wickedly funny and not at all politically correct as it skewers Fleet Street and its overeager occupants, Scoop is a comedy that will never be old news. 

68. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (1939) 

First, there were ten who arrived on the island. Among the guests of the house in And Then There Were None were Mrs. Rogers, a homely cook; Anthony Marston, a handsome and irresponsible young man; Emily Caroline Brent, an old and religious spinster; Dr. Armstrong, a Harley Street doctor; and Philip Lombard, a soldier with money. Strangers to one another, they nevertheless shared one similarity: they had all murdered in the past. And when people begin dropping like flies and their numbers begin to thin on the island, they begin to suspect that they are the ones being murdered. But who is the murderer in their midst? That’s the question that will leave your head spinning in this timeless example of a mystery novel done right by no other than the Queen of Mystery herself.

Contemporary literature

69. native son by richard wright (1940).

top fiction books of all time

70. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers (1940)

Carson McCullers’ debut novel — written when she was only 23! — was an instant classic when it was published. The author’s sheer prodigiousness is astonishing enough, but it is the rich wisdom and gentle insight that makes The Heart is a Lonely Hunter truly remarkable. You’ll probably never meet a protagonist quite as memorable as John Singer, a deaf and nonverbal man who sits in the same café every day. Here, in the deep American South of the 1930s, John meets an assortment of people: the café owner, Biff Brannon; Mick Kelly, a young girl who wants nothing more than to play music; Jake Blount, a desperate alcoholic; and Dr. Copeland, a frustrated and idealistic black doctor. 

John is the silent, kind keeper of their stories — right up until an unforgettable ending that will blow you away, placing The Heart is a Lonely Hunter squarely beside such southern classics as Grapes of Wrath and To Kill a Mockingbird. 

71. The Stranger by Albert Camus (1942)

Albert Camus’ own summary of The Stranger is perhaps the best way to describe this iconic book: “I summarized The Stranger a long time ago, with a remark I admit was highly paradoxical: ‘In our society any man who does not weep at his mother's funeral runs the risk of being sentenced to death.’ I only meant that the hero of my book is condemned because he does not play the game.” And so The Stranger duly opens with Meursault, our hero, learning of the death of his mother. From this point onward, the reader is led in a strange dance of absurdism and existentialism that makes Meursault confront something even crueler than mortality: society’s expectations. 

72. The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene (1948)

top fiction books of all time

73. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell (1949)

Big Brother is watching you: both the governmental slogan that has become synonymous with this iconic novel, and the eerie sense you’ll get as you’re reading it. George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four is a landmark work in the dystopian genre for its affecting portrayal of a totalitarian state that strictly controls and surveils its citizens — though of course, few are content with such an existence. Our narrator, Winston Smith, is one such citizen; employed by the “Ministry of Truth” (which actually serves the opposite cause), Winston fully grasps the corruption of the government, yet feels powerless to stop it. Yet what’s most compelling about this book isn’t Winston’s individual experience, but the exceptional detail and social commentary Orwell injects into the story — potently warning readers of a reality that could all too easily come to pass.

74. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (1951)

One of the most iconic coming-of-age novels in literature, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is still a must-read today — and Holden Caulfield is still one of the most recognizable protagonists ever. Told from Holden’s point of view, this classic at first seems like a simple tale about a boy wandering the streets of New York with no plan in mind and nothing to do. Yet any reader who digs deeper will encounter a cry of teenage disillusionment — not to mention a moving story that confronts the reality of growing up. 

75. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1952) 

top fiction books of all time

76. East of Eden by John Steinbeck (1952) 

One of the perennial staples on “Books You Must Read Before You Die” lists, and possibly the best of John Steinbeck's books , East of Eden fully deserves its acclaimed place in American literature today. A family saga that spans generations, it follows two families — the Trasks and the Hamiltons — whose fates desperately entwine in the wild American West. It’s also a modern retelling of the Book of Genesis — particularly the fabled and tragic story of Cain and Abel. Ambitiously epic and thought-provoking, East of Eden is simply Steinbeck at his masterful, astonishing best. 

77. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)

Firemen mean something different in Guy Montag’s world: they start fires. And (every bookworm out there, cover your eyes now) books are the illegal, radical property to be burned. As one such fireman, Guy is in charge of destroying every book remaining… until a series of events occurs in rapid succession, making Guy question the job for the first time. This is one of the most famous books ever written — a revolutionary and fiery work about the cost of censoring knowledge and the beauty of the written world. Just don’t read it next to your stove, because what’s the temperature at which books burn? Well, Fahrenheit 451 . 

78. In the Castle of My Skin by George Lamming (1953)

top fiction books of all time

Don’t walk into it expecting a straightforward story: Lammings’ style could be termed impressionistic, and he narrates many of his personal anecdotes and vignettes from the perspective of others. But this experimental effect is often dazzling, and it’s made In the Castle of My Skin one of the most important works of postcolonial literature in history. 

79. Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1954) 

Though William Golding’s Lord of the Flies wasn’t initially well-received and sold poorly, Golding had the last laugh: Lord of the Flies is today one of the must-read books in every school curriculum. Its story about a group of schoolboys who have crashed on a lonely island is enduring not only for its shocking plot developments, but also the way that it reveals the truths of human nature at our basest. Today, it remains one of the most terrifying depictions of how quickly a society can fail — and a reminder of the fragility of the systems that we build to reassure ourselves. 

80. Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien (c .1955) 

Lord of the Rings may be one of the most influential series ever written — not least for the way that it basically created the modern fantasy genre as we know it. The towering shadow that J.R.R. Tolkien cast over all fantasy books that followed in its path aside, Lord of the Rings should be read simply because it’s a rollicking good story. So if you also fall under the spell of Middle-Earth as you venture into Mordor with Frodo and his companions, don’t fear: there’s still a prequel ( The Hobbit ) and an origin story ( The Silmarillion ) to go. 

81. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov (1955)

top fiction books of all time

82. On the Road by Jack Kerouac (1957)

On the Road is the example of a good book that didn’t take years and years to produce: Jack Kerouac wrote it all in a mad three-week period in 1951. Decades later, it is regarded as a classic of the postwar Beat movement that captures the heart and soul of an entire generation. You’ll meet Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty: alter egos for Kerouac himself and his friend, Neal Cassady — On the Road is, at its heart, a semi-autobiographical account of Kerouac’s own travels across America. From New York to San Francisco, Sal and Dean tear through the streets  to a jazz rhythm all their own. Do they have any inkling of what they’re going to do with their lives? Heck no — but that’s the charm of On the Road , which will speak to the wanderlust in you, as it has done to millions of other readers since 1957.

83. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (1958) 

As the name of the novel suggests, protagonist Okonkwo might’ve had a good start in his youth as wrestling champion of his clan, but horrid things are waiting on the horizon for him. As he climbs to the top of the social hierarchy, Okonkwo faces tough decisions between his pride and his morality. Things become complicated as white men come in and begin tearing apart the fabric of his society. 

Things Fall Apart is a modern African classic: it’s poignant, nuanced, and moving. Okonkwo is not different from ancient literary heroes — he has virtues, he has gods to please, and he has obstacles to overcome. That’s a thought many wouldn’t have about Africans in the 50s and 60s, and Achebe was amongst the first writers who sought to challenge this. 

84. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)

top fiction books of all time

Set in rural Alabama, this book centers around Scout as her father, Atticus Finch, takes on an important trial. He’s been tasked with defending a black man falsely accused of sexually assaulting a white woman — not an easy case in the South in the 30s. Scout’s innocence may have been shaken by these events, but she comes to ground herself watching Atticus’s passionate defense, something that continues to inspire lawyers to this day. 

85. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller (1961) 

Although it takes place in World War II (and was loosely based on Heller’s own experiences), Catch-22 was actually a reaction to the Korean war and McCarthyism. This iconic satire follows Captain Yossarian, a bombardier who, along with his fellow service people, is attempting to navigate the absurdities of war in order to fulfill their service requirements so they can be sent home. Told in a non-linear, third person omniscient with plenty of anachronisms, it can seem a bit much to follow at first, but we promise it’s well worth the effort. This novel has been a staple of anti-war literature for decades, and with its perfectly tuned wit and wisdom, it’s not likely to be going anywhere anytime soon.

86. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark (1961)

It’s tempting to describe The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie as gender-bent Dead Poets Society , but that would be doing Jean Brodie a disservice — she predated the Robin Williams film by nearly three decades! Still, the comparison isn’t a bad one: set in Edinburgh during the 1920s and 30s, the novel explores what happens when a young teacher decides to take an active and unconventional interest in the futures of six of her students. Told through the eyes of these students, and full of tantalizing flashforwards, this book is a complicated, nuanced portrayal of mentorship and coming of age.

87. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey (1962)

top fiction books of all time

88. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess (1962)

Following in the chilling tradition set by 1984 and A Brave New World, Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange is its own terrifying vision of the future. In Anthony Burgess’ dystopia, the world is overrun by juvenile delinquents and ultra-violent gangs in the city. Anarchy reigns on any given day, but when Alex — a sociopathic “droog” who nevertheless longs for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony— is captured and taken in by the authorities, he’ll have to confront what free will really means to him, and what he’d give up himself to keep it. 

89. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (1967)

Written at the height of Stalin’s regime, The Master and Margarita is a daring, defiant satire that weaves together the spiritual and the supernatural to create a fantasy world at once chillingly real and utterly unique.

The story begins with the Devil arriving in atheistic Soviet Moscow, though the plot is split between those events and another thread taking place in ancient Jerusalem. As if that wasn’t surreal enough, there’s also a walking, talking black cat in league with the Devil, causing all sorts of trouble. This novel is a vivid portrait of life under Soviet regime, and an important reminder of the need for unfettered artistic expression.

90. Picnic at Hanging Rock by Joan Lindsay (1967)

top fiction books of all time

What follows is a gripping account of both the investigation as well as the impacts this event has upon the fate of the college itself. It’s a fascinating look into the impact that tragedy can have on ordinary circumstances, and a mystery that will leave you aching for answers that will never come.

91. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1967) 

In this surrealist tale, José Arcadio Buendía flees his city with his wife after committing murder, and is now seeking refuge. Rather than finding life in a new city, he decides to found his own utopia — Macondo. This little town functions in its own odd way, separate from the rest of the world, save for a few interactions via a band of gypsies. But solitude doesn’t necessarily mean peace, as José’s descendants would discover, and neither can that solitude remain forever… 

One Hundred Years of Solitude is an outstanding blend of the fantastical and the real. Marquez’s prose will take you on a magical and sensational journey to discover the complex political developments of Latin America .

92. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman (1974) 

In this rendition of reality, Earth is at war with the alien-kind called Taurans. In preparation for this drawn out conflict, William Mandella is drafted and enters a rigorous training program, starting first on Earth and then later on a foreign planet. Mandella hopes to survive the training and the war to return to his family, but his life will never be the same again, whether because of the time dilation between the planets, or because of the new lens that he will see life through, after participating in a lengthy and pointless war. 

Hats off to Haldeman for his creativity: he spectacularly spun his experiences as a drafted soldier in the Vietnam war into the moving interstellar story of The Forever War . 

93. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (1978) 

top fiction books of all time

94. So Long A Letter by Mariama Ba (1979)

So Long A Letter is a book of letters written by a Senegalese widow, Ramatoulaye Fall, to her friend during the time — four months and ten day, to be exact, as dictated by her religion and tradition — that she mourns her husband. As she explores her own emotions, Ramatoulaye reveals the complexities of the polygamous society that she lived in. Personal, raw, and unexpectedly relatable, this elegant novella extends beyond the illustration of the plight of women in 20th century Africa; Ramatoulaye’s sentiments and wonders are felt by all women. 

95. Collected Poems by Sylvia Plath (1981) 

Sylvia Plath’s Collected Poems collates 274 pieces that she wrote from 1956 to the time of her death. Her poetry is intense and personal; in her writing she explored her relationships with her family and the state of her mentality. At a time where depression and bipolar disorder is hardly talked about as serious conditions, Plath’s verses bring ringing clarity to the detrimental effects that they may have on a person’s life. If you are a lover of poems , if you want to be moved by powerful, intricate images, then you will not want to miss out on this collection of poems. 

96. Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie (1981)

top fiction books of all time

Using magical realism as a way to make the notion of common identity more tangible, Rushdie’s novel provides a fascinating inroad into the transition into modernity of a culture that has existed for many centuries. 

97. The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1982)

Set in early 1900s Georgia, The Color Purple is a striking story about the debilitating conditions of black women during the years of intense segregation. Celie and Nettie grew up in a broken household, and have long been separated and are living disparate lives. Despite the distance between them, they seek solace in one another through letters, and support each other through the abuses of domestic life and social tensions that they undergo as African American women. 

The Color Purple deservedly won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for Walker’s refusal to shy away from the difficult issues of violence and sexual abuse — problems that she presented from the perspective of the victims in the rawest and most powerful form available.

98. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera (1984)

In this philosophical novel, readers follow the “light” life of surgeon and womanizer Tomas. He lives to enjoy himself as much as possible because he believes his experience is a one-time and completely unique thing. In stark contrast to that is the perspective of Tereza, his wife, who’s a photographer who is faithful and puts “weight” on her every decision. Through the couple's struggles to harmonize themselves, with 1960s Czechoslovakia’s internal turmoil rife in the background, The Unbearable Lightness of Being reflects the intellectual rediscovery and transition into postmodernity that Eastern Europe at that historic time. 

99. Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987) 

top fiction books of all time

It follows Sethe, a woman who escaped slavery by fleeing to Ohio eighteen years before the novel starts. Still, “Sweet Home,” the picturesque farm that was the scene of her many living nightmares, continues to haunt her. And it’s not the only shadow casted over her life. Sethe’s home is also haunted by the ghost of her baby whose tombstone displays a lone word: Beloved.

Beloved is a suspenseful, heartbreaking, and intimate story. It deserves a spot on all “best books of all time” lists for the way it stands as a monument to the “Sixty Million and More,” as the book’s dedication reads, who lost their lives to the Atlantic slave trade.

100. The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (1989)

Kazuo Ishiguro is a Nobel Prize-winning author, and The Remains of the Day is a Man Booker Prize winner with a film adaptation starring Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson, and which received eight Oscar nominations. No big deal, right?

Ishiguro’s impressive novel centres on Stevens, a butler who’s spent most of his life in service at Darlington Hall, a stately home near Oxford, England. When Stevens receives a letter from an old colleague who now lives in Cornwall, he decides to set out on a motoring trip through the West Country to visit her. Along the way, he reflects on England’s past, his own past, and his long-standing career serving Lord Darlington.

101. Angels in America by Tony Kushner (1991)

Angels in America is a two-part play and exploration of homosexuality and the AIDS crisis in America in the 1980s. The plays can be presented together or separately, and have been adapted for Broadway and as an HBO miniseries. 

The story starts with a gay couple living in Manhattan — Prior and Louis. When Louis discovers that Prior has AIDS, he finds himself unable to cope. He leaves Prior to have an affair with Joe, a Mormon, Republican clerk whose valium-addicted, agoraphobic wife is desperate to save their marriage. Several other storylines blossom as the play unfolds, many of which intersect and involve angels and ghosts.

If you need any more convincing of the power behind Kushner’s work, John M. Clum, a playwright and professor of theatre studies has called Angels in America , "A turning point in the history of gay drama, the history of American drama, and of American literary culture.” 

102. The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992)

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The six protagonists of The Secret History are a group of Classics students studying at a small, elite college in Vermont. Under the guidance of their favorite professor, the students begin to collectively challenge the norms of academia and society as a whole, questioning the way they’ve been taught to see the world. They blur the lines between good and evil, looking for the morally grey around them. But as they start to push the boundaries they’ve always known, their own moral compasses begin to veer, and unspeakable acts follow.

103. A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry (1995) 

It’s 1975, and India has just declared a State of Emergency. In the midst of this bleak upheaval and political turmoil, the fates of four unlikely strangers intertwine: a courageous widow, a young, uprooted student, and two sailors who have escaped the violence of their native village — who all end up living in one, small apartment as they contend with their uncertain futures.

Just as the title suggests, A Fine Balance does a wonderful job paralleling the realism of the testing, cruel, and corrupt circumstances with compassion, humor, and insight into the power of love and friendship.

104. Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels (1996)

Written by Canadian poet Anne Michaels, Fugitive Pieces is a two-part novel that begins with an absolutely heart wrenching image: the war has just swept through a Polish city where seven-year old Jakob Beer’s family has just been murdered. The only reason he has survived is because he buried himself under mud until the coast was clear. A Greek geologist eventually comes across Jakob and rescues him — but the man doesn’t actually realize that Jakob is a human until the boy begins to weep.

The first part of the book continues to follow Jakob as he becomes a traveling artist, while the second explores different facets of WWII’s repercussions: it centers around Ben, a Canadian professor whose parents both survived the Holocaust. 

A New York Times Notable Book of the Year, Winner of the Lannan Literary Fiction Award, and Winner of the Guardian Fiction Award, Fugitive Pieces depicts tough subject matters with captivating elements of mystery and evocative prose. 

105. The World’s Wife by Carol Ann Duffy (1999)

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The World’s Wife is a modern, feminist reflection on many of history’s most well-known figures. Or rather, the great women behind those historical figures. From Mrs. Darwin to Queen Kong and Mrs. Midas, the counterparts of famous men are finally getting their day in the sun! 

Take it from publisher Pan Macmillan: “Original, subversive, full of imagination and quicksilver wit, The World's Wife is Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy at her beguiling best.”

106. Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri (1999)

Interpreter of Maladies is a collection of nine short stories, and winner of both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award.

From marriage problems to the peculiar experience of returning to a home you hardly remember, these stories provide a window into the culturally complex lives of first and second generation immigrants. The thread that weaves the story together is that of adaptation: they portray the lives of Indians and Indian Americans striving to find a connection between their roots and the “new world.”In the title short story, an Indian American family tours the India of their ancestors, accompanied by an interpreter who gets an unexpected insight into the family’s life. 

107. Atonement by Ian McEwan (2001) 

On a hot summer day in post-World War Two England, 13-year-old Briony Tallis witnesses — and misinterprets — a private moment between her older sister Cecilia, and the son of their housekeeper, Robbie Turner. But with the precocious confidence of a young storyteller, Briony begins to weave what she believes she saw into fantasies that have long-lasting and rippling effects on her family. Told in three parts — the latter two during the Second World War and present-day England — Atonement is a brilliant and provocative reflection on the nature of writing itself.

108. Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami (2002) 

top fiction books of all time

The even-numbered chapters are about an aging war-vet called Nakata, who has an uncanny ability to find lost cats. One of his searches leads him out onto the road for the first time.

Both odysseys are vividly mysterious, and populated with imaginative accomplices and unexpected encounters that are characteristic of Murakami’s distinct and bizarre style .

109. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon (2003) 

15 year-old Christopher John Francis Boone hates the color yellow and being touched by others. In fact, he’d much rather spend his time around animals and avoid complicated human emotions. He can also fire off all the countries of the world, their capitals, and every prime number up to 7,057. He thrives on logic, patterns, and carefully laid out rules. 

One day, in an unexpected turn of events, his neighbor’s dog dies. While Christopher is not a fan of plot twists, he decides to take a leaf out of his favorite, deerstalker-wearing detective’s book, and to solve — you guessed it — The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time .

110. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003) 

Set against a backdrop of chaos and tumult — such as the fall of Afghanistan's monarchy through the Soviet military intervention, the exodus of refugees to Pakistan and the United States, and the rise of the Taliban regime — this story details the unlikely friendship between Amir, the son of a well-to-do-family, and Hassan, the son of Amir’s father’s servant. 

A sweeping tale of family, love, and friendship, it’s not uncommon for someone to clutch their heart or take on a sombre expression when someone brings up The Kite Runner . It’s an emotionally devastating read that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

111. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2005)

top fiction books of all time

Zusak’s spectacular humanization of this ominous narrator emphasizes perfectly the inhumanity of war and discrimination in a never seen before lightm despite this commonly-used setting. 

112. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2006) 

“Epic,” “ambitious,” “triumphant,” “masterful” are all adjectives that have widely been used to describe Half of a Yellow Sun — and for good reason! Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s haunting (another adjective for you!) novel is dedicated to retelling a seminal moment in modern African history: the Nigerian Civil War in the 1960s, and Biafra’s struggle to establish an independent republic in Nigeria. 

Readers are guided through this conflict from the perspectives of three main characters: 13 year-old Ugwu, a revolutionary-minded houseboy who works for a university professor; Olanna, a young woman who’s abandoned her cushy life in Lagos to take up a passionate affair with said university professor; and Richard, a shy Englishman who quietly falls in love with Olanna’s twin sister. 

As the war unfurls around them, Ugwa, Olanna, and Richard are all forced to flee for their lives, facing challenges and struggles that test their spirits, ideals, and trust for one another.

113. The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz (2007)

Oscar Wao has big dreams: he wants to become the Dominican J. R. R. Tolkien, and to fall in love. But the fukú curse stands in his way, as it has for generations of Waos, dooming his family to ill fates for centuries. 

Told from the perspective of multiple characters, and interspersed with plenty of fantasy and sci-fi references, The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao manages to capture a number of themes with warmth and honesty — from heartbreak to loss, and most strikingly, the Domincan-American experience — earning it the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

114. The Forty Rules of Love by Elif Shafak (2009)

top fiction books of all time

One takes place in the thirteenth century, detailing the experiences of Rumi when he first met Shams of Tabriz, his mentor.

The other story is set in present day, and is about Ella Rubenstein, an unhappily married woman who’s just landed a job as a reader for a literary agent. One of the books she’s tasked to read is about Shams of Tabriz’s search for Rumi, and the transformation of the latter from an unhappy cleric into a passionate advocate of love. Ella becomes fascinated by the book, and as she reads, she can’t help but feel as though this book landed in her hands for a reason... 

115. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel (2014)

When performing King Lear on stage one night, a Hollywood actor drops dead. Shortly after, civilization begins to collapse. This event is the middleground of Station Eleven , as the book pendulates back and forth between the actor’s early years and a dystopian future in which the world as we know it has changed forever. 

Hauntingly real and spellbindingly imaginative, it charts a theatre troupe called the Traveling Symphony as they roam wastelands and attempt to hold onto what it means to be human.

If you’d rather look at the latest hits, check out the 21 best books written in this century . Also, you might find the Kindle Cloud Reader useful in helping you make a dent to your reading lists. 

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The 10 Best Fiction Books of 2023

top fiction books of all time

These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.

The best works of fiction published this year took us on all manner of journeys. There were big, physical trips across countries and continents, and, in one case, on foot through the untamed woods. And there were heavy, emotional treks to uncover answers about love and loss. In these books, the destination was often less important than the lessons learned along the way. From a bored copywriter in Berlin who follows a K-pop star to Seoul to a girl fleeing a colonial settlement , these protagonists were all searching for something, whether a shot at safety, a sense of purpose, or a chance to finally return home. Their quests were hopeful, daring, and at times devastating. Here, the 10 best fiction books of 2023.

More: Read TIME's lists of the best nonfiction books, songs , albums , movies , TV shows , podcasts and video games of 2023. Also discover the 100 Must-Read Books of the year.

10. Tremor , Teju Cole

top fiction books of all time

The protagonist of Teju Cole’s first novel in over a decade shares many similarities with the author. Like Cole, the incisive Tunde is a Nigerian American artist and photographer who teaches at a prestigious college in New England. Tremor begins in Maine as Tunde hunts for antiques with his wife Sadako while meditating on colonialism as it relates to the objects he sees. Tunde is always pulling at the loose threads of the history that surrounds him, contemplating how the world has been shaped by the past. Forgoing a traditional narrative structure, Tremor takes a philosophical form to investigate everything from how Americans view art to how a marriage can quietly unravel.

Buy Now: Tremor on Bookshop | Amazon

9. Y/N , Esther Yi

top fiction books of all time

In an age when parasocial relationships run rampant, Esther Yi’s daring debut couldn’t be more relevant. Y/N begins with an unnamed narrator living in Berlin whose boring job as a copywriter for an artichoke company leaves something to be desired. She spends much of her time in the fantasy worlds inside her head and online, where she writes fan fiction about a popular K-pop star named Moon. When the real-life Moon unexpectedly announces his retirement, the young woman feels compelled to drop everything and go to Seoul in search of the man she views as her soulmate. What ensues is a snarky and astute takedown of internet culture.

Buy Now: Y/N on Bookshop | Amazon

8. The Hive and the Honey , Paul Yoon

top fiction books of all time

The third short-story collection from Paul Yoon spans centuries of the Korean diaspora, with each piece centering on everyday people as they navigate what it means to belong and question how much of their identities are wrapped up in collective history. There’s an ex-con attempting to understand the world, a Cold War–era maid looking for the son she left behind in North Korea, and a couple living in the U.K. whose quiet existence is complicated by the arrival of a boy at their corner store. Yoon tells the stories of characters at odds with their relationships to home and explores how trauma can linger in the most unexpected ways.

Buy Now: The Hive and the Honey on Bookshop | Amazon

7. Tom Lake , Ann Patchett

top fiction books of all time

Don’t let the setting of Ann Patchett’s latest novel fool you. Yes, it’s the spring of 2020 and her characters are in COVID-19 lockdown, but this is no pandemic story. Tom Lake takes place in Michigan, where Lara and her husband are enjoying the rare opportunity to live once again with their three grown daughters. There, as the family passes the days tending to their cherry trees, Lara finally tells her girls the story they’ve been longing to hear—about how, in her young adulthood, she fell in love with a man who would go on to become a movie star.

Buy Now: Tom Lake on Bookshop | Amazon

6. Temple Folk , Aaliyah Bilal

top fiction books of all time

The 10 stories in Aaliyah Bilal’s collection examine the lives of Black Muslims in America. In one, a daughter is haunted by her father’s spirit as she writes his eulogy, and the ghost makes her reconsider his commitment to Islam. In another, an undercover FBI agent reckons with unexpected empathy for the Nation of Islam. Throughout, parents and their children learn about the limitations and possibilities of faith. The result is a collection of wide-ranging narratives that touch on freedom and belonging.

Buy Now: Temple Folk on Bookshop | Amazon

5. The Vaster Wilds , Lauren Groff

top fiction books of all time

When Lauren Groff’s novel opens, a young, unnamed girl has just escaped her 17th century colonial settlement. Starving and cold, she doesn’t know where she’s headed and is constantly on the verge of collapse. But, somehow, she finds the will to keep pushing forward. In Groff’s timeless adventure tale, the girl endures the physical threats and mental tests of navigating the woods, all while remaining determined that there is a life worth living on the other side.

Buy Now: The Vaster Wilds on Bookshop | Amazon

4. The Bee Sting , Paul Murray

top fiction books of all time

Paul Murray’s domestic drama follows the four members of the troubled Barnes family after an economic downturn sends patriarch Dickie’s car business hurtling toward bankruptcy. Feeling the crush of impending doom surround them, the once functional unit is falling apart. Dickie’s wife Imelda has become obsessed with selling her belongings on eBay, their teenage daughter Cass is drinking instead of studying for her final exams, and their preadolescent son PJ is talking to a stranger he met online. Murray probes what it means to love and be loved in a world that feels increasingly like it’s on the cusp of expiration.

Buy Now: The Bee Sting on Bookshop | Amazon

3. Our Share of Night , Mariana Enriquez

top fiction books of all time

In Mariana Enriquez’s transporting novel, translated from the original Spanish by Megan McDowell, a young boy and his father take a terrifying road trip. The boy’s mother has just died under mysterious circumstances, and the duo is traveling across Argentina to confront members of the Order, the cult she was born into. The Order is made up of wealthy families who will do anything to achieve immortality. And the boy just might have the skills they are looking for—a possibility that makes him vulnerable.

Buy Now: Our Share of Night on Bookshop | Amazon

2. The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store , James McBride

top fiction books of all time

It’s 1972 and a skeleton has just been found in Pottstown, Pa. The question of who the remains belong to—and how they made it to the bottom of a well—pulls James McBride’s narrative decades into the past, to a time when the Black and Jewish residents of the neighborhood came together to protect a boy from being institutionalized. As McBride makes connections between the two storylines, he spins a powerful tale about prejudice, family, and faith.

Buy Now: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store on Bookshop | Amazon

1. Biography of X , Catherine Lacey

top fiction books of all time

At the center of Catherine Lacey’s novel is the fictional writer and artist X, one of the most celebrated talents of the 20th century. Though she’s hugely popular, most of her background is unknown; not even X’s wife CM knows her real name. When X dies, CM finds herself incensed by an inaccurate biography of her late wife. So she decides to write her own. The mystery of X’s identity is just the beginning of this daring story that seamlessly blends fiction and nonfiction to question the purpose of art itself.

Buy Now: Biography of X on Bookshop | Amazon

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top fiction books of all time

10 of the Best Historical Fiction Books About Books

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Rachel Brittain

Rachel is a writer from Arkansas, most at home surrounded by forests and animals much like a Disney Princess. She spends most of her time writing stories and playing around in imaginary worlds. You can follow her writing at rachelbrittain.com. Twitter and Instagram: @rachelsbrittain

View All posts by Rachel Brittain

These historical fiction books about books span the ages, from seventeenth-century London to mid-twentieth-century Tehran. There are WWI and WWII books for the World War obsessed as well as books set in libraries, book clubs, and book binderies. Follow authors, librarians, or dictionary definition writers as their love of the written word leads them toward incredible journeys. Whatever your interests, whatever your taste, you can find a historical fiction book about books that is perfect for you among these titles.

The Bookbinder book cover

The Bookbinder by Pip Williams

A bookbinder working in Oxford during WWI longs to do more with her life but worries that if she follows her dreams, she’ll be leaving her twin sister behind. Maude is content with the routine and repetition of bookbinding, but Peggy has always harbored a not-so-secret desire to attend one of Oxford’s prestigious colleges. When Belgian refugees and wounded soldiers begin arriving by train, Peggy is exposed to horrors and desires she never could’ve imagined before — and she finally realizes that the only one holding her back from her dreams is herself.

the war librarian book cover

The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong

As a volunteer librarian, Emmaline finds herself on the frontlines of WWI in France. But it’s when she joins a book club sharing banned books that she finds her courage truly tested. Years later, a young woman joining the first coed class at the United States Naval Academy struggles against the belief that women shouldn’t be allowed in the military. That would be challenging enough without losing her beloved grandmother. But when Kathleen faces charges of treason and a court-martial, she’ll have to reach out to someone from her grandmother’s past to help her clear her name.

personal librarian book cover

The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, has become one of the most influential people in the book and art scene of New York. She’s also hiding a potentially life-altering secret: Belle is the daughter of the first Black man to graduate from Harvard. It’s a fact worthy of pride, but if anyone found out, her position and the power it grants her could all be lost in an instant. In order to protect herself, her family, and her legacy, Belle will have to go to great lengths to preserve her identity as a white woman in a racist society.

The Library of Legends book cover

The Library of Legends by Janie Chang

It’s 1937, and Japanese bombs are falling on the city of Nanking. Forced to flee, Hu Lian and her fellow classmates at the Minghua University set out on a dangerous 1,000-mile walk to China’s western provinces. But it’s not just their lives that are in danger. Lian and her fellow students have also been entrusted with the safekeeping of a priceless 500-year-old tome known as The Library of Legends . Shepherding it to safety is a task that will change Lian’s life for good.

The Liar's Dictionary book cover

The Liar’s Dictionary by Eley Williams

In this dual timeline story, a man writing definitions for the first edition of Swansby’s Encyclopaedic Dictionary begins adding his own entries just to make life a little more interesting. Many years later, an intern digitizing the encyclopedia realizes there are fake entries while simultaneously contending with repeated threatening phone calls directed at Swansby’s. It’s a story of life’s little — and big — absurdities.

The Stationery Shop book cover image

The Stationery Shop by Marjan Kamali

A teenager trying to escape the political turmoil of 1953 Tehran finds a surprising sanctuary in the neighborhood stationery shop full of books and pens. The shop owner, Mr. Fakhri, has an eye for matchmaking and introduces her to his other favorite customer, a boy with a passion for justice and love of the poet Rumi. But when violence erupts on the eve of what would have been their wedding, the two are torn apart, not to meet again for decades. When fate finally brings them back together, what answers will these two find about the love — and choices — of their youth?

The Wildest Sun book cover

The Wildest Sun by Asha Lemmie

Delphine Auber’s obsession with Hemingway goes deeper than that of a typical aspiring writer. It’s not just her writing she wants his approval of; it’s everything. That’s because she believes him to be her father. In an attempt to escape postwar France and finally meet the man she thinks holds the key to both her past and future, Delphine sets out on a quest that takes her from Paris to New York, Key West, and Cuba. The journey may teach her more than finding him ever could.

the weight of ink book cover

The Weight of Ink by Rachel Kadish

A young immigrant is permitted to work as a scribe for a blind Rabbi in seventeenth-century London. Ester writes for the Rabbi under the pseudonym “Aleph,” leaving behind a mysterious existence that sparks another woman’s interest hundreds of years in the future. Helen is a historian with a passion for uncovering Jewish history. When a former student introduces her to a cache of newly discovered Jewish documents from the 1600s, Helen becomes determined to find out who exists behind the pseudonym.

The Titanic Survivor's Book Club book cover

The Titanic Survivors Book Club by Timothy Schaffert (April 2, 2024)

A librarian meant to be on the Titanic discovers that he’s not the only one who narrowly escaped death when he receives an invitation to join a group of ticket-holders who didn’t board the ship that day. Haunted by their near miss, they decide to form a book club to confront their fears and feelings through literature. Yorick discovers friends and lovers amongst his fellow book club members, but with the First World War looming, the group’s time together is already ticking down.

The Library Thief book cover

The Library Thief by Kuchenga Shenjé (May 7, 2024)

Abandoned by the father who took her from Jamaica as a baby, Florence uses his reputation as a bookbinder to get work restoring the rare book collection at Rose Hall. Whispers of what happened to Lord Francis Belfield’s last wife fill the stacks. But when the library is broken into one night with only the half-burned diary of Lady Belfield left behind, Florence is determined to uncover the truth.

If you’re like me and can’t get enough of books about books, these other lists may also tickle your fancy:

20 Must-Read Books About Books

12 Books That Every Bibliophile Will Love

10 Books about Books for the Serious Bibliophile

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12 Perfect Dragon Books to Read During the Year of the Dragon

top fiction books of all time

Amazon's Most Sold charts rank books according to the number of copies sold and pre-ordered through Amazon.com, Audible.com, Amazon Books stores, and books read through digital subscription programs (once a customer has read a certain percentage – roughly the length of a free reading sample). Bulk buys are counted as a single purchase. Amazon's Most Read charts rank titles by the average number of daily Kindle readers and Audible listeners each week. Categories not ranked on Most Read charts include dictionaries, encyclopedias, religious texts, daily devotionals, and calendars.

Cover image of The Women by Kristin Hannah

Kindle readers finish The Women faster than similar books.

From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah's The Women —at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.

Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances “Frankie” McGrath hears these words, it is a revelation. Raised in the sun-drenched, idyllic world of Southern California and sheltered by her conservative parents, she has always prided herself on doing the right thing. But in 1965, the world is changing, and she suddenly dares to imagine a different future for herself. When her brother ships out to serve in Vietnam, she joins the Army Nurse Corps and follows his path.

As green and inexperienced as the men sent to Vietnam to fight, Frankie is overwhelmed by the chaos and destruction of war. Each day is a gamble of life and death, hope and betrayal; friendships run deep and can be shattered in an instant. In war, she meets—and becomes one of—the lucky, the brave, the broken, and the lost.

But war is just the beginning for Frankie and her veteran friends. The real battle lies in coming home to a changed and divided America, to angry protesters, and to a country that wants to forget Vietnam.

The Women is the story of one woman gone to war, but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. A novel about deep friendships and bold patriotism, The Women is a richly drawn story with a memorable heroine whose idealism and courage under fire will come to define an era.

Cover image of The Teacher by Freida McFadden

There were more pre-orders for The Teacher than any other book on this list.

Lesson #1: Trust no one. Eve has a good life . She wakes up each day, kisses her husband Nate, and heads off to teach math at the local high school. All is as it should be. Except… Last year, Caseham High was rocked by a scandal involving a student-teacher affair, with one student, Addie, at its center. But Eve knows there is far more to these ugly rumors than meets the eye. Addie can’t be trusted. She lies. She hurts people. She destroys lives. At least, that’s what everyone says. But nobody knows the real Addie. Nobody knows the secrets that could destroy her. And Addie will do anything to keep it quiet… From the New York Times bestselling author Freida McFadden comes a chilling story of twisted secrets and long-awaited revenge.

Cover image of House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas

Customers highlighted passages in House of Flame and Shadow more frequently than other books on this week's list.

The stunning third book in the sexy, action-packed Crescent City series, following the global bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath . Bryce Quinlan never expected to see a world other than Midgard, but now that she has, all she wants is to get back. Everything she loves is in Midgard: her family, her friends, her mate. Stranded in a strange new world, she's going to need all her wits about her to get home again. And that's no easy feat when she has no idea who to trust. Hunt Athalar has found himself in some deep holes in his life, but this one might be the deepest of all. After a few brief months with everything he ever wanted, he's in the Asteri's dungeons again, stripped of his freedom and without a clue as to Bryce's fate. He's desperate to help her, but until he can escape the Asteri's leash, his hands are quite literally tied. In this sexy, breathtaking sequel to the #1 bestsellers House of Earth and Blood and House of Sky and Breath , Sarah J. Maas's Crescent City series reaches new heights as Bryce and Hunt's world is brought to the brink of collapse-with its future resting on their shoulders.

Cover image of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world. At least, he's not a beast all the time. As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin-and his world-forever. From author Sarah J. Maas comes a seductive, breathtaking book that blends romance, adventure, and faerie lore into an unforgettable read.

Cover image of Iron Flame  by Rebecca Yarros

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But Threshing was only the first impossible test meant to weed out the weak-willed, the unworthy, and the unlucky. Now the real training begins, and Violet’s already wondering how she’ll get through. It’s not just that it’s grueling and maliciously brutal, or even that it’s designed to stretch the riders’ capacity for pain beyond endurance. It’s the new vice commandant, who’s made it his personal mission to teach Violet exactly how powerless she is–unless she betrays the man she loves. Although Violet’s body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else’s, she still has her wits—and a will of iron. And leadership is forgetting the most important lesson Basgiath has taught her: Dragon riders make their own rules . But a determination to survive won’t be enough this year. Because Violet knows the real secret hidden for centuries at Basgiath War College—and nothing, not even dragon fire, may be enough to save them in the end.

Cover image of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Cover image of First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

“This fast-paced read has everything you could want in a thriller: secret identities, a mysterious boss and a cat & mouse game that kept me guessing the whole way through.”—Reese Witherspoon Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist. The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job. Evie isn’t privy to Mr. Smith’s real identity, but she knows this job will be different. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she’s starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can’t make any mistakes--especially after what happened last time. Because the one thing she’s worked her entire life to keep clean, the one identity she could always go back to—her real identity—just walked right into this town. Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there’s still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn't be higher--but then, Evie has always liked a challenge...

Cover image of The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

“A murder mystery locked inside a Great American Novel . . . Charming, smart, heart-blistering, and heart-healing.” —Danez Smith, The New York Times Book Review“We all need—we all deserve—this vibrant, love-affirming novel that bounds over any difference that claims to separate us.” —Ron Charles, The Washington Post From James McBride, author of the bestselling Oprah’s Book Club pick Deacon King Kong and the National Book Award–winning The Good Lord Bird, a novel about small-town secrets and the people who keep themIn 1972, when workers in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, were digging the foundations for a new development, the last thing they expected to find was a skeleton at the bottom of a well. Who the skeleton was and how it got there were two of the long-held secrets kept by the residents of Chicken Hill, the dilapidated neighborhood where immigrant Jews and African Americans lived side by side and shared ambitions and sorrows. Chicken Hill was where Moshe and Chona Ludlow lived when Moshe integrated his theater and where Chona ran the Heaven & Earth Grocery Store. When the state came looking for a deaf boy to institutionalize him, it was Chona and Nate Timblin, the Black janitor at Moshe’s theater and the unofficial leader of the Black community on Chicken Hill, who worked together to keep the boy safe.    As these characters’ stories overlap and deepen, it becomes clear how much the people who live on the margins of white, Christian America struggle and what they must do to survive. When the truth is finally revealed about what happened on Chicken Hill and the part the town’s white establishment played in it, McBride shows us that even in dark times, it is love and community—heaven and earth—that sustain us.    Bringing his masterly storytelling skills and his deep faith in humanity to The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, James McBride has written a novel as compassionate as Deacon King Kong and as inventive as The Good Lord Bird.

Cover image of A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre has undergone more trials than one human woman can carry in her heart. Though she's now been granted the powers and lifespan of the High Fae, she is haunted by her time Under the Mountain and the terrible deeds she performed to save the lives of Tamlin and his people. As her marriage to Tamlin approaches, Feyre's hollowness and nightmares consume her. She finds herself split into two different people: one who upholds her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court, and one who lives out her life in the Spring Court with Tamlin. While Feyre navigates a dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms. She might just be the key to stopping it, but only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future-and the future of a world in turmoil. The author Sarah J. Maas's masterful storytelling brings this second book in her dazzling, sexy, action-packed series to new heights.

Cover image of The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

“Welcome to the family,” Nina Winchester says as I shake her elegant, manicured hand. I smile politely, gazing around the marble hallway. Working here is my last chance to start fresh. I can pretend to be whoever I like. But I’ll soon learn that the Winchesters’ secrets are far more dangerous than my own… Every day I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house top to bottom. I collect their daughter from school. And I cook a delicious meal for the whole family before heading up to eat alone in my tiny room on the top floor. I try to ignore how Nina makes a mess just to watch me clean it up. How she tells strange lies about her own daughter. And how her husband Andrew seems more broken every day. But as I look into Andrew’s handsome brown eyes, so full of pain, it’s hard not to imagine what it would be like to live Nina’s life. The walk-in closet, the fancy car, the perfect husband. I only try on one of Nina’s pristine white dresses once. Just to see what it’s like. But she soon finds out… and by the time I realize my attic bedroom door only locks from the outside, it’s far too late. But I reassure myself: the Winchesters don’t know who I really am. They don’t know what I’m capable of… An unbelievably twisty read that will have you glued to the pages late into the night. Anyone who loves The Woman in the Window , The Wife Between Us and The Girl on the Train won’t be able to put this down!

Cover image of House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas

Bryce Quinlan had the perfect life-working hard all day and partying all night-until a demon murdered her closest friends, leaving her bereft, wounded, and alone. When the accused is behind bars but the crimes start up again, Bryce finds herself at the heart of the investigation. She'll do whatever it takes to avenge their deaths. Hunt Athalar is a notorious Fallen angel, now enslaved to the Archangels he once attempted to overthrow. His brutal skills and incredible strength have been set to one purpose-to assassinate his boss's enemies, no questions asked. But with a demon wreaking havoc in the city, he's offered an irresistible deal: help Bryce find the murderer, and his freedom will be within reach. As Bryce and Hunt dig deep into Crescent City's underbelly, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear, and they find, in each other, a blazing passion-one that could set them both free, if they'd only let it. With unforgettable characters, sizzling romance, and page-turning suspense, this richly inventive new fantasy series by bestselling author Sarah J. Maas delves into the heartache of loss, the price of freedom-and the power of love.

Cover image of If Only I Had Told Her by Laura Nowlin

An intensely emotional and gripping companion novel to Laura Nowlin's USA Today and New York Times Bestselling novel If He Had Been With Me about the love that both breaks and heals us. Perfect for fans of Colleen Hoover and Jenny Han.

If only I'd told her that I loved her years ago, then I wouldn't be here now.

Finn has always loved Autumn. She's not just the girl next door or his mother's best friend's daughter, she is his everything. But she's not his girlfriend. That's Sylvie, and Finn would never hurt her, so there's no way Autumn could know how he truly feels. 

Jack, Finn's best friend, isn't so sure. He's seen Finn and Autumn together. How could she not know? And how is he supposed to support and protect Finn when heartache seems inevitable?

Autumn surrounds herself with books and wants to write her own destiny―but one doesn't always get a new chapter and fate can be cruel to those in love. 

Told through three different perspectives, If Only I Had Told Her is a love story brimming with truth, tragedy, and the unexpected bonds that heal us.

Cover image of Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Kindle readers finish Bride faster than similar books.

A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis. Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again... Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was…. Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

Cover image of A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's actions and learn what she can about the invading king threatening to bring her land to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit. One slip could bring doom not only for Feyre, but for everything-and everyone-she holds dear. As war bears down upon them all, Feyre endeavors to take her place amongst the High Fae of the land, balancing her struggle to master her powers-both magical and political-and her love for her court and family. Amidst these struggles, Feyre and Rhysand must decide whom to trust amongst the cunning and lethal High Lords, and hunt for allies in unexpected places. In this thrilling third book in the series from Sarah J. Maas, the fate of Feyre's world is at stake as armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy it.

Cover image of Little Blue Truck's Valentine by Alice Schertle

Spread the love with Little Blue Truck—a perfect Valentine's Day read-aloud in this best-selling series!

"Beep!" said Blue. "Happy Valentine's Day!"

Join Little Blue Truck as he delivers Valentine's Day cards to all his farm animal friends. But as Blue beeps along, he starts to wonder: will he get any cards of his own?

With brightly colored foil accents throughout and a large gatefold at the end, this book is the perfect Valentine's Day gift.

Cover image of House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas's sexy, groundbreaking CRESCENT CITY series continues with the second installment. Bryce Quinlan and Hunt Athalar are trying to get back to normal―they may have saved Crescent City, but with so much upheaval in their lives lately, they mostly want a chance to relax. Slow down. Figure out what the future holds. The Asteri have kept their word so far, leaving Bryce and Hunt alone. But with the rebels chipping away at the Asteri’s power, the threat the rulers pose is growing. As Bryce, Hunt, and their friends get pulled into the rebels’ plans, the choice becomes clear: stay silent while others are oppressed, or fight for what’s right. And they’ve never been very good at staying silent. In this sexy, action-packed sequel to the #1 bestseller House of Earth and Blood, Sarah J. Maas weaves a captivating story of a world about to explode―and the people who will do anything to save it.

Cover image of The Bad Weather Friend by Dean Koontz

Benny is so nice they feel compelled to destroy him, but he has a friend who should scare the hell out of them in this breathtaking new kind of thriller by #1 New York Times bestselling master of suspense Dean Koontz.

Benny Catspaw’s perpetually sunny disposition is tested when he loses his job, his reputation, his fiancée, and his favorite chair. He’s not paranoid. Someone is out to get him. He just doesn’t know who or why. Then Benny receives an inheritance from an uncle he’s never heard of: a giant crate and a video message. All will be well in time.

How strange—though it’s a blessing, his uncle promises. Stranger yet is what’s inside the crate. He’s a seven-foot-tall self-described “bad weather friend” named Spike whose mission is to help people who are just too good for this world. Spike will take care of it. He’ll find Benny’s enemies. He’ll deal with them. This might be satisfying if Spike wasn’t such a menacing presence with terrifying techniques of intimidation.

In the company of Spike and a fascinated young waitress-cum-PI-in-training named Harper, Benny plunges into a perilous high-speed adventure, the likes of which never would have crossed the mind of a decent guy like him.

Cover image of The Reason I Married Him by Meghan Quinn

From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn, comes a new marriage of convenience romantic comedy. This steamy, laugh out loud, enemies-to-lovers small town standalone delivers the perfect happily ever after. He proposed . . . and I said yes. Normally a jovial occasion for a couple in love, but this proposal has a very different feel. Because the man that I'll be calling my husband blew into town with one thing on his mind . . . to make my life a living nightmare. So why did I say yes? Well, because we both need something from each other. Namely, I want the farm land he currently owns, and he needs a wife in order to inherit his family cabin in his grandfather’s will. So as he so eloquently put it, my hand, for his land. At first, I thought the idea was nuts. Who really gets married out of convenience? Apparently, I do. And now we have to sell our relationship to the town. Meaning, we're holding hands, he's pinching my cheeks . . . upper and lower. We're even forced to share the one-bedroom guest house on the farm where his monstrous body is taking up a large percentage of the bed. But we’re so persuasive about our farse, that now I’m starting to think he actually might like me. Especially when he grabs me by the wrist and teases the shell of my ear as he whispers, “Mine.”

Cover image of A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly – proud, swift to anger and slow to forgive. And since the war – since being made High Fae against her will – she's struggled to  forget the horrors she endured and find a place for herself within the  strange and deadly Night Court. 

The person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred, winged warrior  who is there at Nesta's every turn. But her temper isn't the only thing  Cassian ignites. And when they are forced to train in battle together,  sparks become flame.

As the threat of war casts its shadow over them once again, Nesta and Cassian must fight  monsters from within and without if they are to stand a chance of  halting the enemies of their court. But the ultimate risk will be  searching for acceptance – and healing – in each other's arms.

Cover image of The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren

Readers can’t wait to share their thoughts on The Exception to the Rule — of all books on this list, The Exception to the Rule clocks the shortest time between when readers finish and leave a review.

On February 14, an accidental email to a stranger opens the door to an unexpected relationship in a captivating short story by the New York Times bestselling authors of The Unhoneymooners .

One typo, and a boy and girl connect by chance. Wishing each other a happy Valentine’s Day isn’t the end. In fact, it becomes a friendly annual tradition—with rules: no pics, no real names, nothing too personal. As years pass, the rules for their email “dates” are breaking, and they’re sharing more than they imagined—including the urge to ask… what if we actually met?

Christina Lauren’s The Exception to the Rule is part of The Improbable Meet-Cute , irresistibly romantic stories about finding love when and where you least expect it. They can be read or listened to in one sitting. Let’s make a date of it.

There are no corrections for this list.

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23 Non Fiction Books You Must Read In 2024

author-479257192

Updated Feb 18, 2024, 09:12 PM IST

23 Non Fiction Books You Must Read In 2024

23 Non Fiction Books You Must Read In 2024 (Image Credit: Pinterest)

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind book by Yuval Noah Harari (1988)

Knife by salman rushdie (2024), a brief history of time - stephen hawking (1988), the anarchy by william dalrymple (2019), the holocaust: an unfinished history by dan stone (2022), thinking, fast and slow - daniel kahneman (2021), atomic habits - james clear (2018), quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking by susan cain (2012), dispatches by michael herr (1977), mother island by jamie figueroa (2024), until august by gabriel garcia marquez (2024), the sixth extinction by elizabeth kolbert (2014), the emperor of all maladies by siddhartha mukherjee (2010), the happiest man on earth: the beautiful life of an auschwitz survivor (2020), a short history of nearly everything - bill bryson (2003), who’s afraid of gender by judith butler (2024), shattered by hanif kureishi (2024), man's search for meaning - viktor frankl (1946), choices by neel mukherjee (2024), it's your life: best of o-zone by vinita nangia (2012), the many lives of syeda x: the story of an unknown indian by neha dixit (2024), food path by pushpesh pant (2008), the diary of a young girl - anne frank (1947).

Henley Passport Index 2024 THESE 6 Nations Remain Tied For Top Spot US Passport Ranking Improves

Henley Passport Index 2024: THESE 6 Nations Remain Tied For Top Spot, US Passport Ranking Improves

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Reader's Digest

Reader's Digest

34 Best Audiobooks in Every Category to Listen To

Posted: July 28, 2023 | Last updated: February 9, 2024

<p>Whether reading is your new favorite pastime or you've always loved books, you're in luck. Because <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/what-happens-when-you-read-every-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer">when you read every day</a>, chances are you're doing more than just enjoying a good story: Reading is a workout for your brain that could lead to an improved IQ and vocabulary, as well as reduce your risk of dementia. But what if you don't have the time to pick up an actual book? Choosing the best audiobooks is a great hands-free alternative you can enjoy just about anywhere.</p> <p>Start your search for the best audiobooks by signing up for Audible's free trial via your Amazon account. In addition to the best Audible books, there are plenty of other <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/download-and-listen-to-free-audiobooks/" rel="noopener noreferrer">ways to listen to free audiobooks</a> (legally) if you don't want to commit to a subscription service. Regardless of your interests, schedule, or budget, there's something for you, be it <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/classic-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">classic books</a>, gripping <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-nonfiction-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">nonfiction books</a>, book series, or even some of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/books-read-before-die/" rel="noopener noreferrer">best books of all time</a>. If you want to make listening to storytelling a family affair, you can also find the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/family-audiobooks/" rel="noopener noreferrer">best family audiobooks</a> and a ton of <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/free-audiobooks-for-kids/" rel="noopener noreferrer">free audiobooks for kids</a>.</p> <h2>How we chose the best audiobooks</h2> <p>The audiobooks in our curated collection come from a variety of best-of lists, critically acclaimed titles, and award winners, mixed with some of our personal favorites. These selections include brilliant debuts from new authors, anticipated novels from your favorite writers, highly rated books, nonfiction written by experts in their fields, and a few tried-and-true classics. Our picks also reflect not just the book's merit, but also the quality of the audio narration—you'll recognize some celebrity voices here! Keep reading to find the best audiobooks in every category to start listening to today.</p>

Best audiobooks of all time

Whether reading is your new favorite pastime or you've always loved books, you're in luck. Because when you read every day , chances are you're doing more than just enjoying a good story: Reading is a workout for your brain that could lead to an improved IQ and vocabulary, as well as reduce your risk of dementia. But what if you don't have the time to pick up an actual book? Choosing the best audiobooks is a great hands-free alternative you can enjoy just about anywhere.

Start your search for the best audiobooks by signing up for Audible's free trial via your Amazon account. In addition to the best Audible books, there are plenty of other ways to listen to free audiobooks (legally) if you don't want to commit to a subscription service. Regardless of your interests, schedule, or budget, there's something for you, be it classic books, gripping nonfiction books, book series, or even some of the best books of all time.

If you want to make listening to storytelling a family affair, you can also find the best family audiobooks and a ton of free audiobooks for kids .

Join the free Reader’s Digest Book Club for great reads, monthly discussions, author Q&As and a community of book lovers.

How we chose the best audiobooks

The audiobooks in our curated collection come from a variety of best-of lists, critically acclaimed titles, and award winners, mixed with some of our personal favorites. These selections include brilliant debuts from new authors, anticipated novels from your favorite writers, highly rated books, nonfiction written by experts in their fields, and a few tried-and-true classics. Our picks also reflect not just the book's merit, but also the quality of the audio narration—you'll recognize some celebrity voices here! Keep reading to find the best audiobooks in every category to start listening to today.

Looking for your next great book? Read four of today’s bestselling novels in the time it takes to read one with  Reader’s Digest Select Editions . And be sure to follow the Select Editions page on Facebook !

<h3 class=""><strong><em>Cloud Cuckoo Land</em> by Anthony Doerr</strong></h3> <p>In Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Doerr's newest novel, five characters all have one thing in common, in spite of spanning almost 600 years: their love for a long-lost and, at times, nonsensical story written by the ancient Greek author Antonius Diogenes. For them, this story has a massive impact and is alternately entertaining, consoling, motivating, even life-saving. One of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-fiction-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">best fiction books</a> of the year, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Cuckoo-Land-A-Novel/dp/B08TX66JJ7" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Cloud Cuckoo Land</em></a> immediately won over critics and readers alike. It was on the <em>New York Times</em> best-seller list for 11 weeks and earned a spot in <em>AudioFile Magazine</em>'s Best Audiobooks of 2021. It has also been named a <em>New York Times </em>Notable Book, a Barack Obama Favorite, a National Book Award Finalist, and more.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Cuckoo-Land-A-Novel/dp/B08TX66JJ7">Shop Now</a></p>

Best fiction audiobook

Cloud cuckoo land by anthony doerr.

In Pulitzer Prize winner Anthony Doerr's newest novel, five characters all have one thing in common, in spite of spanning almost 600 years: their love for a long-lost and, at times, nonsensical story written by the ancient Greek author Antonius Diogenes. For them, this story has a massive impact and is alternately entertaining, consoling, motivating, even life-saving. One of the best fiction books of the year, Cloud Cuckoo Land immediately won over critics and readers alike. It was on the New York Times best-seller list for 11 weeks and earned a spot in AudioFile Magazine 's Best Audiobooks of 2021. It has also been named a New York Times Notable Book, a Barack Obama Favorite, a National Book Award Finalist, and more.

<h3><strong><em>Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law </em>by Mary Roach</strong></h3> <p>Can nature break the law? Popular science writer Mary Roach delves into the science behind human-animal conflict to answer just that in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fuzz-When-Nature-Breaks-Law/dp/B093TF9P25/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Fuzz</em></a>. She tagged along with animal-attack forensics investigators, human-elephant conflict specialists, bear managers, and "danger tree" faller blasters in attempts to uncover the best ways to solve or prevent conflicts between humans and wildlife. While talking about getting mugged by monkeys and taste-testing rat bait, she mixes plenty of her trademark humor with a wealth of scientific facts in her own narration, making it one of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/funniest-books-of-all-time/" rel="noopener noreferrer">funniest books</a> to listen to as well.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Fuzz-When-Nature-Breaks-Law/dp/B093TF9P25/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best nonfiction audiobook

Fuzz: when nature breaks the law by mary roach.

Can nature break the law? Popular science writer Mary Roach delves into the science behind human-animal conflict to answer just that in Fuzz . She tagged along with animal-attack forensics investigators, human-elephant conflict specialists, bear managers, and "danger tree" faller blasters in attempts to uncover the best ways to solve or prevent conflicts between humans and wildlife. While talking about getting mugged by monkeys and taste-testing rat bait, she mixes plenty of her trademark humor with a wealth of scientific facts in her own narration, making it one of the funniest books to listen to as well.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>Win</em> by Harlan Coben</strong></h3> <p>Fans of the Myron Bolitar series who already love the morally gray sidekick Windsor Horne Lockwood III are ecstatic that master of <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-thriller-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">thriller books</a> Harlan Coben has finally given <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Win/dp/B08L9K245G/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Win</em></a> his own set of spin-off novels. In this series starter, Win's suitcase and a long-lost stolen painting belonging to his family are discovered in the penthouse apartment of a murder victim. Win has no idea how they ended up there, but his personal connection to the case leads him to take up his own investigation using his own fortune and unique ideas of justice. The audiobook is read by actor and frequent Coben narrator Steven Weber.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Win/dp/B08L9K245G/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best thriller audiobook

Win by harlan coben.

Fans of the Myron Bolitar series who already love the morally gray sidekick Windsor Horne Lockwood III are ecstatic that master of thriller books Harlan Coben has finally given Win his own set of spin-off novels. In this series starter, Win's suitcase and a long-lost stolen painting belonging to his family are discovered in the penthouse apartment of a murder victim. Win has no idea how they ended up there, but his personal connection to the case leads him to take up his own investigation using his own fortune and unique ideas of justice. The audiobook is read by actor and frequent Coben narrator Steven Weber.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>A Court of Thorns and Roses</em> by Sarah J. Maas</strong></h3> <p>Whether you're lover of <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/the-best-fantasy-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">fantasy books</a> or have never before mingled with any high fae, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/A-Court-of-Thorns-and-Roses-audiobook/dp/B00WXS68T4/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>A Court of Thorns and Roses</em></a> is a must-read. In this novel, loosely based on <em>Beauty and the Beast</em>, readers will meet Feyre, a 19-year-old huntress whose skills are the only things keeping her family alive. But trouble comes to her cabin after she kills a wolf during one of her hunts—which wasn't a wolf at all, but rather a shape-shifting faerie whose high lord comes and steals her away as retribution. She finds herself captive at the cursed Spring Court, ruled by the immortal and beautiful Tamlin. As Feyre adapts to his world, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion, and she'll do anything she can to break the curse—or risk losing him forever.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/A-Court-of-Thorns-and-Roses-audiobook/dp/B00WXS68T4/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best fantasy audiobook

A court of thorns and roses by sarah j. maas.

Whether you're lover of fantasy books or have never before mingled with any high fae, A Court of Thorns and Roses is a must-read. In this novel, loosely based on Beauty and the Beast , readers will meet Feyre, a 19-year-old huntress whose skills are the only things keeping her family alive. But trouble comes to her cabin after she kills a wolf during one of her hunts—which wasn't a wolf at all, but rather a shape-shifting faerie whose high lord comes and steals her away as retribution. She finds herself captive at the cursed Spring Court, ruled by the immortal and beautiful Tamlin. As Feyre adapts to his world, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion, and she'll do anything she can to break the curse—or risk losing him forever.

<h3><strong><em>Neverwhere </em>by Neil Gaiman</strong></h3> <p>This 1996 book, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Neverwhere-Neil-Gaiman-audiobook/dp/B000XSAXXS/" rel="noopener noreferrer">debut novel</a> of now-science-fiction-superstar Neil Gaiman, is one of NPR's Top 100 fantasy and <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/science-fiction-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">science-fiction books</a> of all time. When a young man stops to help a girl on the streets of London, he inadvertently becomes invisible, losing his life as he knows it while getting pulled into the alternate, magical world of the London Below. This supernatural British tale is sure to captivate you while its read out loud by the author himself.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Neverwhere-Neil-Gaiman-audiobook/dp/B000XSAXXS/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best sci-fi audiobook

Neverwhere by neil gaiman.

This 1996 book, the debut novel of now-science-fiction-superstar Neil Gaiman, is one of NPR's Top 100 fantasy and science-fiction books of all time. When a young man stops to help a girl on the streets of London, he inadvertently becomes invisible, losing his life as he knows it while getting pulled into the alternate, magical world of the London Below. This supernatural British tale is sure to captivate you while its read out loud by the author himself.

<h3><strong><em>Outlander </em>by Diana Gabaldon</strong></h3> <p>They say that the books are always better, but if you're already a fan of the Starz series, listening to the original audiobook will make you realize that the show is done pretty darn well. Of course, it's nearly impossible to pack everything into a series of hour-long television episodes, so true <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Diana-Gabaldon-audiobook/dp/B000GW8NVA/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Outlander</em></a> fans will love having the gaps filled in and relationships further explored (not to mention even more steamy scenes involving Claire and her smoldering Scot, Jamie Fraser) by the unabridged <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-romance-novels-of-all-time/" rel="noopener noreferrer">romance novels</a> in this series.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Outlander-Diana-Gabaldon-audiobook/dp/B000GW8NVA/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best romance audiobook

Outlander by diana gabaldon.

They say that the books are always better, but if you're already a fan of the Starz series, listening to the original audiobook will make you realize that the show is done pretty darn well. Of course, it's nearly impossible to pack everything into a series of hour-long television episodes, so true Outlander fans will love having the gaps filled in and relationships further explored (not to mention even more steamy scenes involving Claire and her smoldering Scot, Jamie Fraser) by the unabridged romance novels in this series.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>Robin</em> by Dave Itzkoff</strong></h3> <p>When Robin Williams died in 2014, many of us felt like we lost a member of our own family. Author Dave Itzkoff combed through more than 100 original interviews with Williams's family, friends, and colleagues, and relied on extensive archival research to write this comprehensive <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-biographies/" rel="noopener noreferrer">biography</a> that delves into the life of the beloved comedian. Covering everything from Williams's unparalleled talent to his struggles with addiction and depression, <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Robin-Dave-Itzkoff-audiobook/dp/B07BB62KSZ" rel="noopener noreferrer">Robin</a></em> paints a stunning portrait of the legend that is Robin Williams.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Robin-Dave-Itzkoff-audiobook/dp/B07BB62KSZ">Shop Now</a></p>

Best biography audiobook

Robin by dave itzkoff.

When Robin Williams died in 2014, many of us felt like we lost a member of our own family. Author Dave Itzkoff combed through more than 100 original interviews with Williams's family, friends, and colleagues, and relied on extensive archival research to write this comprehensive biography that delves into the life of the beloved comedian. Covering everything from Williams's unparalleled talent to his struggles with addiction and depression, Robin paints a stunning portrait of the legend that is Robin Williams.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>In Order to Live</em> by Yeonmi Park</strong></h3> <p>Brainwashing. Starvation. Human trafficking. Rats feasting on the bodies that line the streets. To say that life in North Korea is grim is an understatement. In one of the most gripping <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-autobiographies/" rel="noopener noreferrer">autobiographies</a> you'll ever read, Yeonmi Park details her life in North Korea and the harrowing details of fleeing with her mother at just 13 years old. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0143PGHEU" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>In Order to Live</em></a> candidly recounts what it was like to be sold by human traffickers, to make a second escape through a brutal desert, and to know that death is the best option should she be caught. This incredible story of one girl's bravery, resilience, and desire for a better life will leave you reeling.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0143PGHEU">Shop Now</a></p>

Best autobiography audiobook

In order to live by yeonmi park.

Brainwashing. Starvation. Human trafficking. Rats feasting on the bodies that line the streets. To say that life in North Korea is grim is an understatement. In one of the most gripping autobiographies you'll ever read, Yeonmi Park details her life in North Korea and the harrowing details of fleeing with her mother at just 13 years old. In Order to Live candidly recounts what it was like to be sold by human traffickers, to make a second escape through a brutal desert, and to know that death is the best option should she be caught. This incredible story of one girl's bravery, resilience, and desire for a better life will leave you reeling.

<h3><strong><em>Educated </em>by Tara Westover</strong></h3> <p>Tara Westover's memoir was named one of the best of 2018 by the<em> Washington Post</em>, the New York Public Library, <em>TIME</em> magazine, and countless others. If you haven't read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Educated-Tara-Westover-audiobook/dp/B075F68BFV" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Educated</em></a> yet, now is a great time to listen to actress Julia Whelan recount one of the most moving <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/memoirs-everyone-should-read/" rel="noopener noreferrer">memoirs</a> of overcoming some of life's biggest obstacles, all in the name of getting an education.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Educated-Tara-Westover-audiobook/dp/B075F68BFV">Shop Now</a></p>

Best memoir audiobook

Educated by tara westover.

Tara Westover's memoir was named one of the best of 2018 by the Washington Post , the New York Public Library, TIME magazine, and countless others. If you haven't read Educated yet, now is a great time to listen to actress Julia Whelan recount one of the most moving memoirs of overcoming some of life's biggest obstacles, all in the name of getting an education.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>Finding Tamika</em> by Erika Alexander, Kevin Hart, Charlamagne Tha God, Ben Arnon, Rebkah Howard, David Person, and James T. Green</strong></h3> <p>In 2004, 25-year-old Tamika Huston disappeared. Her case, like so many others involving people of color, received little to no media attention. Actress and narrator Erika Alexander teamed up with Kevin Hart, Charlamagne Tha God, and a team of other talented people to produce this true crime <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Finding-Tamika/dp/B09R5FT6B7/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Audible original</a> in hopes of changing a system in which missing Black girls have been largely ignored. In this powerful and important audiobook, readers will hear chilling details about Huston's case along with eerie, beyond-the-grave commentary from Tamika herself. This is one of the best <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-true-crime-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">true crime books</a> that's only in audiobook form.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Finding-Tamika/dp/B09R5FT6B7/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best true crime audiobook

Finding tamika by erika alexander, kevin hart, charlamagne tha god, ben arnon, rebkah howard, david person, and james t. green.

In 2004, 25-year-old Tamika Huston disappeared. Her case, like so many others involving people of color, received little to no media attention. Actress and narrator Erika Alexander teamed up with Kevin Hart, Charlamagne Tha God, and a team of other talented people to produce this true crime Audible original in hopes of changing a system in which missing Black girls have been largely ignored. In this powerful and important audiobook, readers will hear chilling details about Huston's case along with eerie, beyond-the-grave commentary from Tamika herself. This is one of the best true crime books that's only in audiobook form.

<h3><strong><em>Imaginary Friend </em>by Stephen Chbosky</strong></h3> <p>A screenwriter and director in addition to author, Chbosky is best known for his beloved novel <em>The Perks of Being a Wallflower</em>. In 2019, 20 years after that book's release and infinite success, Chbosky penned one of the creepiest <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/scariest-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">horror books</a> in recent memory, about a seven-year-old boy who is sent on a terrifying mission by a "nice man" only he can hear. His encounters with the hissing lady, fanged deer, and an entire town gone mad make <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Imaginary-Friend-Stephen-Chbosky-audiobook/dp/B07WRDVDP9/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Imaginary Friend</em></a> a book you definitely won't want to listen to when the lights go out.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Imaginary-Friend-Stephen-Chbosky-audiobook/dp/B07WRDVDP9/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best horror audiobook

Imaginary friend by stephen chbosky.

A screenwriter and director in addition to author, Chbosky is best known for his beloved novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower . In 2019, 20 years after that book's release and infinite success, Chbosky penned one of the creepiest horror books in recent memory, about a seven-year-old boy who is sent on a terrifying mission by a "nice man" only he can hear. His encounters with the hissing lady, fanged deer, and an entire town gone mad make Imaginary Friend a book you definitely won't want to listen to when the lights go out.

<h3><strong><em>Atlas Shrugged </em>by Ayn Rand</strong></h3> <p>If you've never read the classic dystopian novel <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Shrugged-Ayn-Rand-audiobook/dp/B001MXQ7AQ/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Atlas Shrugged</em></a> by controversial author Ayn Rand, now's the time. See (or, rather, hear) what happens when one man sets out to show what would happen to the world if all the heroes of innovation and industry went on strike. This book will challenge everything you think you know about economics, government, and morality, and ultimately leave you questioning your own world views. It's also one of the most notable <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/books-written-by-female-authors/" rel="noopener noreferrer">books written by female authors</a>.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Shrugged-Ayn-Rand-audiobook/dp/B001MXQ7AQ/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best classic audiobook

Atlas shrugged by ayn rand.

If you've never read the classic dystopian novel Atlas Shrugged by controversial author Ayn Rand, now's the time. See (or, rather, hear) what happens when one man sets out to show what would happen to the world if all the heroes of innovation and industry went on strike. This book will challenge everything you think you know about economics, government, and morality, and ultimately leave you questioning your own world views. It's also one of the most notable books written by a female author .

<h3><strong><em>The Goldfinch </em>by Donna Tartt</strong></h3> <p>This coming-of-age novel won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2014—and if you haven't had time to read it, try listening to it, because it's also one of the best audiobooks in literary fiction. A haunting story that begins with a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a boy who survives along with the title painting, the acclaimed audiobook lets you take Donna Tartt's crystalline prose and intricate storytelling on the go. Winner of Audie Awards for Solo Narration-Male and Literary Fiction, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Goldfinch-Donna-Tartt-audiobook/dp/B00ELMSEJC/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Goldfinch</em></a> is narrated by actor David Pittu.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Goldfinch-Donna-Tartt-audiobook/dp/B00ELMSEJC/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best coming-of-age audiobook

The goldfinch by donna tartt.

This coming-of-age novel won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 2014—and if you haven't had time to read it, try listening to it, because it's also one of the best audiobooks in literary fiction. A haunting story that begins with a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a boy who survives along with the title painting, the acclaimed audiobook lets you take Donna Tartt's crystalline prose and intricate storytelling on the go. Winner of Audie Awards for Solo Narration-Male and Literary Fiction, The Goldfinch is narrated by actor David Pittu.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>Golden Girl</em> by Elin Hilderbrand</strong></h3> <p>Is summer even summer without an Elin Hilderbrand book? In her novel <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Girl/dp/B08YLK6W85/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Golden Girl</a>,</em> Nantucket author Vivian Howe is killed in a hit-and-run accident while out jogging. In the afterlife, Vivi is assigned to another woman, Martha, who allows her to watch over her loved ones for one last summer. She is also given three "nudges," which she can use to help guide her three children as they begin to navigate life without her. But it's hard for Vivi to find peace as she learns about the struggles her children have kept hidden from her and worries about one of her own hidden truths coming to light. Lying on a towel with your audiobooks playing is heavenly, so remember to line up your <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/beach-reads/" rel="noopener noreferrer">beach reads</a> in advance!</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Girl/dp/B08YLK6W85/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best beach read audiobook

Golden girl by elin hilderbrand.

Is summer even summer without an Elin Hilderbrand book? In her novel Golden Girl , Nantucket author Vivian Howe is killed in a hit-and-run accident while out jogging. In the afterlife, Vivi is assigned to another woman, Martha, who allows her to watch over her loved ones for one last summer. She is also given three "nudges," which she can use to help guide her three children as they begin to navigate life without her. But it's hard for Vivi to find peace as she learns about the struggles her children have kept hidden from her and worries about one of her own hidden truths coming to light.

<h3><strong><em>The Light of Days </em>by Judy Batalion</strong></h3> <p>Looking for stories about some of the bravest women to have ever lived? Look no further than this powerful and enlightening tale of the Jewish women who became resistance fighters during World War II. Their stories haven't been told often, but thanks to <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Light-Days-Resistance-Fighters-Hitlers/dp/B07ZPGV1CG" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Light of Days</a></em>, which was written by the granddaughter of Polish Holocaust survivors and has already been optioned by Steven Spielberg for a major motion picture, their bravery will live on.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Light-Days-Resistance-Fighters-Hitlers/dp/B07ZPGV1CG">Shop Now</a></p>

Best audiobook for women

The light of days by judy batalion.

Looking for stories about some of the bravest women to have ever lived? Look no further than this powerful and enlightening tale of the Jewish women who became resistance fighters during World War II. Their stories haven't been told often, but thanks to The Light of Days , which was written by the granddaughter of Polish Holocaust survivors and has already been optioned by Steven Spielberg for a major motion picture, their bravery will live on.

<h3><strong><em>How to Be a Woman </em>by Caitlin Moran</strong></h3> <p>Need some humorous empowerment during this weird time? Journalist, author, and narrator Caitlin Moran provides that in spades with one of the funniest <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/feminist-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">feminist books</a> in recent memory. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/How-to-Be-Woman-Caitlin-Moran-audiobook/dp/B009GBXLBO/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>How to Be a Woman</em></a> is an exploration of how far women have come, how much further there is to go, and the seemingly endless "rules" for being a woman—and how to break them.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/How-to-Be-Woman-Caitlin-Moran-audiobook/dp/B009GBXLBO/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best feminist audiobook

How to be a woman by caitlin moran.

Need some humorous empowerment during this weird time? Journalist, author, and narrator Caitlin Moran provides that in spades with one of the funniest feminist books in recent memory. How to Be a Woman is an exploration of how far women have come, how much further there is to go, and the seemingly endless "rules" for being a woman—and how to break them.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>The Hate U Give</em> by Angie Thomas</strong></h3> <p>Angie Thomas's important debut novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Hate-U-Give-Angie-Thomas-audiobook/dp/B01N6DZ5W9" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Hate U Give</em></a>, tackles racism, injustice, and activism and is now being taught in schools across the country. Starr Carter is a 16-year-old Black student from a poor neighborhood who attends a predominantly white prep school. Though she normally feels out of place in her neighborhood, Starr attends a party where she runs into her childhood best friend, Khalil Harris. The party is cut short when gunshots are fired during a gang fight, and Khalil offers to drive Starr home. On the drive home, Khalil is pulled over and searched by a white police officer. When Khalil opens the door to check on Starr, the officer opens fire. Khalil's death becomes a national headline, as protesters take to the streets to demand justice while others are determined to paint Khalil as a trouble-making thug.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Hate-U-Give-Angie-Thomas-audiobook/dp/B01N6DZ5W9">Shop Now</a></p>

Best audiobook about racism

The hate u give by angie thomas.

Angie Thomas's important debut novel, The Hate U Give , tackles racism, injustice, and activism and is now being taught in schools across the country. Starr Carter is a 16-year-old Black student from a poor neighborhood who attends a predominantly white prep school. Though she normally feels out of place in her neighborhood, Starr attends a party where she runs into her childhood best friend, Khalil Harris. The party is cut short when gunshots are fired during a gang fight, and Khalil offers to drive Starr home. On the drive home, Khalil is pulled over and searched by a white police officer. When Khalil opens the door to check on Starr, the officer opens fire. Khalil's death becomes a national headline, as protesters take to the streets to demand justice while others are determined to paint Khalil as a trouble-making thug.

<h3><strong><em>Becoming </em>by Michelle Obama</strong></h3> <p>The former First Lady sold out stadiums for her book tour when she rolled out this memoir at the end of 2018. If by chance you haven't read (or listened to) it yet, now should be the time, as it's one of the best <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/books-by-black-authors/" rel="noopener noreferrer">books by Black authors</a>. Michelle Obama narrates her own story, from growing up in Chicago to her time at Harvard Law School to her eight years as First Lady. Not to mention, it's one of the best audiobooks you could listen to: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Michelle-Obama-audiobook/dp/B07B3JQZCL/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Becoming</em></a> won the 2020 Grammy for Best Spoken World Album. Is there anything she can't do?!</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Michelle-Obama-audiobook/dp/B07B3JQZCL/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best audiobook by a Black author

Becoming by michelle obama.

The former First Lady sold out stadiums for her book tour when she rolled out this memoir at the end of 2018. If by chance you haven't read (or listened to) it yet, now should be the time, as it's one of the best books by Black authors . Michelle Obama narrates her own story, from growing up in Chicago to her time at Harvard Law School to her eight years as First Lady. Not to mention, it's one of the best audiobooks you could listen to: Becoming won the 2020 Grammy for Best Spoken World Album. Is there anything she can't do?!

<h3><strong><em>A Carnival of Snackery</em> by David Sedaris</strong></h3> <p>Let's get snarled in every kind of traffic delay while we listen to these seriously funny diary entries written and read by the deliciously subversive <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Carnival-Snackery-Diaries-2003-2020/dp/B09BBS56KS/" rel="noopener noreferrer">David Sedaris</a>, author of some of the best <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/lgbtq-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">LGBTQ+ books</a>. He shares his commentary on everything from people-watching to politics, with a generous helping of dirty and dirtier jokes. Funny woman Tracy Ullman joins Sedaris in narrating this intriguing and often hilarious collection of anecdotes and observations.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Carnival-Snackery-Diaries-2003-2020/dp/B09BBS56KS/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best LGBTQ+ audiobook

A carnival of snackery by david sedaris.

Let's get snarled in every kind of traffic delay while we listen to these seriously funny diary entries written and read by the deliciously subversive David Sedaris , author of some of the best LGBTQ+ books . He shares his commentary on everything from people-watching to politics, with a generous helping of dirty and dirtier jokes. Funny woman Tracy Ullman joins Sedaris in narrating this intriguing and often hilarious collection of anecdotes and observations.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>The Four Winds </em>by Kristin Hannah</strong></h3> <p>Author Kristin Hannah has written some of the best <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/historical-fiction-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">historical fiction books</a> of all time, and now she has one of the best audiobooks as well. Her latest novel, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Four-Winds-A-Novel/dp/B0882VNQKS/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Four Winds</em></a>, takes you back to the Great Depression of the 1930s, in which Elsa Martinelli discovers the real meaning of love, family, and survival. There's a reason this novel, which was released in February 2021, has been named a number one best seller by the<em> Wall Street Journal, USA Today, </em>and the<em> New York Times</em>.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Four-Winds-A-Novel/dp/B0882VNQKS/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best historical fiction audiobook

The four winds by kristin hannah.

Author Kristin Hannah has written some of the best historical fiction books of all time, and now she has one of the best audiobooks as well. Her latest novel, The Four Winds , takes you back to the Great Depression of the 1930s, in which Elsa Martinelli discovers the real meaning of love, family, and survival. There's a reason this novel, which was released in February 2021, has been named a number one best seller by the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and the New York Times .

<h3 class=""><strong><em>The Shadow of the Wind</em> by Carlos Ruiz Zafon</strong></h3> <p>If you love <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/mystery-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">mystery books</a>, listen to this gripping historical entry set in 1945 Barcelona. When Daniel is 11 years old, his father, an antiquarian book dealer, initiates him into the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a secret library guarded by the city's guild of rare-book dealers as a place for books forgotten by the world. Daniel falls in love with a book titled <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Shadow-of-Wind-audiobook/dp/B0009MZ7F2" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Shadow of the Wind</em></a> by an author named Julian Carax. When Daniel sets out to read other works by the long-dead Carax, he discovers that someone has been destroying them. But who? And why? This beautifully written story is filled with mystery, love, and a reminder of how powerful books can truly be.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Shadow-of-Wind-audiobook/dp/B0009MZ7F2">Shop Now</a></p>

Best mystery audiobook

The shadow of the wind by carlos ruiz zafon.

If you love mystery books , listen to this gripping historical entry set in 1945 Barcelona. When Daniel is 11 years old, his father, an antiquarian book dealer, initiates him into the Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a secret library guarded by the city's guild of rare-book dealers as a place for books forgotten by the world. Daniel falls in love with a book titled The Shadow of the Wind by an author named Julian Carax. When Daniel sets out to read other works by the long-dead Carax, he discovers that someone has been destroying them. But who? And why? This beautifully written story is filled with mystery, love, and a reminder of how powerful books can truly be.

<h3><strong><em>Afterlife</em> by Julia Alvarez</strong></h3> <p>It's been almost 15 years since readers have been treated to a new novel for adults by Julia Alvarez, who's written some of the most significant <a href="https://www.rd.com/article/books-by-latinx-authors/" rel="noopener noreferrer">books by Latinx authors</a>, but it was worth the wait. In <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Afterlife/dp/B085W9ZZGC/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Afterlife</em></a>, Antonia Vega's life is completely turned upside down when, after she retires from her job as an English professor, her husband dies, her sister disappears, and an undocumented, pregnant teen shows up at her doorstep. For once, Antonia is unable to find solace in the literature she loves. Rather than fall apart, she is determined to keep her husband's memory alive while navigating her relationship with her sisters and just trying to figure out what, exactly, we owe one another.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Afterlife/dp/B085W9ZZGC/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best audiobook by a Latinx author

Afterlife by julia alvarez.

It's been almost 15 years since readers have been treated to a new novel for adults by Julia Alvarez, who's written some of the most significant books by Latinx authors , but it was worth the wait. In Afterlife , Antonia Vega's life is completely turned upside down when, after she retires from her job as an English professor, her husband dies, her sister disappears, and an undocumented, pregnant teen shows up at her doorstep. For once, Antonia is unable to find solace in the literature she loves. Rather than fall apart, she is determined to keep her husband's memory alive while navigating her relationship with her sisters and just trying to figure out what, exactly, we owe one another.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>The Every</em> by Dave Eggers</strong></h3> <p>What would happen if the world's largest and most influential Internet company merged with the world's most dominant e-commerce site? Would it bring a sense of order to our chaotic world, or would it mean the final days of free will? Either way, life as we know it would be over. Welcome to <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Every-A-Novel/dp/B08WYHMCR3/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Every</em></a>. Tucked away on its own island, this massive company is rife with surveillance, outlandish outfits, and the overall devolution of our species. Delaney Wells is determined to take it down from the inside with the help of her friend, Wes Makazian. Audie Award winner Dion Graham narrates this dystopian novel, which raises questions about memory, history, privacy, democracy, and the limits of human knowledge. It could end up being one of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/books-that-predicted-the-future/" rel="noopener noreferrer">books that predicted the future</a>.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Every-A-Novel/dp/B08WYHMCR3/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best dystopian audiobook

The every by dave eggers.

What would happen if the world's largest and most influential Internet company merged with the world's most dominant e-commerce site? Would it bring a sense of order to our chaotic world, or would it mean the final days of free will? Either way, life as we know it would be over. Welcome to The Every . Tucked away on its own island, this massive company is rife with surveillance, outlandish outfits, and the overall devolution of our species. Delaney Wells is determined to take it down from the inside with the help of her friend, Wes Makazian. Audie Award winner Dion Graham narrates this dystopian novel, which raises questions about memory, history, privacy, democracy, and the limits of human knowledge. It could end up being one of the books that predicted the future .

<h3><strong><em>Brave New World </em>by Aldous Huxley</strong></h3> <p>Sex, drugs, and a predetermined caste system rule in this disturbing yet relevant novel written in 1932. It's set in the year 2450, when humans are grown in bottles and then conditioned to belong to one of the World State's five castes. Mass media suppresses the possibility of any original thought. Art and religion no longer exist, and consumerism is king. If that sends chills up your spine, you're not alone. Not only is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Brave-New-World-Aldous-Huxley-audiobook/dp/B0012QED5Y/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Brave New World </em></a>one of the most famously <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/banned-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">banned books</a>, but it's also one of the best science-fiction novels ever written, read here by acclaimed British actor Michael York.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Brave-New-World-Aldous-Huxley-audiobook/dp/B0012QED5Y/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best banned audiobook

Brave new world by aldous huxley.

Sex, drugs, and a predetermined caste system rule in this disturbing yet relevant novel written in 1932. It's set in the year 2450, when humans are grown in bottles and then conditioned to belong to one of the World State's five castes. Mass media suppresses the possibility of any original thought. Art and religion no longer exist, and consumerism is king. If that sends chills up your spine, you're not alone. Not only is Brave New World one of the most famously banned books , but it's also one of the best science-fiction novels ever written, read here by acclaimed British actor Michael York.

<h3><strong><em>Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone</em> by J.K. Rowling</strong></h3> <p>No list of book recommendations would be complete without <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Sorcerers-Stone-Book/dp/B017V4IMVQ/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Harry Potter</em></a>, one of the best <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/the-best-childrens-books-ever-written/" rel="noopener noreferrer">children's books</a> ever written. Kids and adults of all ages will relish the magical world of the title character, an orphaned wizard who lives in a cupboard under the stairs in his cruel (non-magic) aunt and uncle's house. That is, until mysterious letters begin to arrive from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In this timeless classic, Harry embarks on a fantastical adventure in which he learns the truth about his identity, what it means to belong, and the meaning of friendship. It's also one of the best audiobooks ever, read by Grammy and Audie Award winner Jim Dale.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Harry-Potter-Sorcerers-Stone-Book/dp/B017V4IMVQ/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best children's audiobook

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

No list of book recommendations would be complete without Harry Potter , one of the best children's books ever written. Kids and adults of all ages will relish the magical world of the title character, an orphaned wizard who lives in a cupboard under the stairs in his cruel (non-magic) aunt and uncle's house. That is, until mysterious letters begin to arrive from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. In this timeless classic, Harry embarks on a fantastical adventure in which he learns the truth about his identity, what it means to belong, and the meaning of friendship. It's also one of the best audiobooks ever, read by Grammy and Audie Award winner Jim Dale.

<h3><em>The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials </em>by Philip Pullman</h3> <p>If you picked up these considerably sized fantasy <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-books-for-teens/" rel="noopener noreferrer">young adult novels</a>—<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Compass-Dark-Materials-Book/dp/B0000W6SPE/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Golden Compass</em></a> and its two sequels—in high school, maybe it's time to do so again, or listen with your own teens. The author is the narrator, with every character played by a different actor, making the audiobook "like watching a movie in your head," says one user. And that's saying something, considering the books were also turned into an HBO series with James McAvoy and Lin-Manuel Miranda.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Compass-Dark-Materials-Book/dp/B0000W6SPE/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best young adult audiobook

The golden compass: his dark materials by philip pullman.

If you picked up these considerably sized fantasy young adult novels — The Golden Compass and its two sequels—in high school, maybe it's time to do so again, or listen with your own teens. The author is the narrator, with every character played by a different actor, making the audiobook "like watching a movie in your head," says one user. And that's saying something, considering the books were also turned into an HBO series with James McAvoy and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>Broken (in the Best Possible Way) </em>by Jenny Lawson</strong></h3> <p>In <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Best-Possible-Way/dp/B089YW6VLC/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Broken (in the Best Possible Way)</em></a>, Jenny Lawson, aka The Blogess, narrates her experiences living with mental illness, and she does it in the most candid, humorous, and relatable way possible. Laugh out loud as Lawson shares ideas she'd like to pitch to <em>Shark Tank</em>, argues why she is more full-grown mammal than actual adult, and lets you know that it's totally okay to eat floor onion rings because, at the end of the day, being who you are, quirks and all, is the best way to be.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Best-Possible-Way/dp/B089YW6VLC/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best audiobook by a blogger

Broken (in the best possible way) by jenny lawson.

In Broken (in the Best Possible Way) , Jenny Lawson, aka The Blogess, narrates her experiences living with mental illness, and she does it in the most candid, humorous, and relatable way possible. Laugh out loud as Lawson shares ideas she'd like to pitch to Shark Tank , argues why she is more full-grown mammal than actual adult, and lets you know that it's totally okay to eat floor onion rings because, at the end of the day, being who you are, quirks and all, is the best way to be.

<h3 class=""><strong><em>As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of </em>The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes</strong></h3> <p>Although it's not specifically written for kids, fans of all ages will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/funny-family-movies/" rel="noopener noreferrer">funny family movies</a>—and what better way to get youngsters interested in nonfiction? Westley himself, Cary Elwes, narrates <a href="https://www.amazon.com/As-You-Wish-Cary-Elwes-Christopher-Guest/dp/B00NLKFVRS" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>As You Wish</em></a> (which he also wrote) chronicling the making of the classic. He also snagged interviews with castmates including Billy Crystal, Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, and Carol Kane, plus director Rob Reiner. Perfect for listening to during a family road trip!</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/As-You-Wish-Cary-Elwes-Christopher-Guest/dp/B00NLKFVRS">Shop Now</a></p>

Best nonfiction audiobook for kids

As you wish: inconceivable tales from the making of the princess bride by cary elwes.

Although it's not specifically written for kids, fans of all ages will enjoy this behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beloved funny family movies —and what better way to get youngsters interested in nonfiction? Westley himself, Cary Elwes, narrates As You Wish (which he also wrote) chronicling the making of the classic. He also snagged interviews with castmates including Billy Crystal, Robin Wright, Wallace Shawn, and Carol Kane, plus director Rob Reiner. Perfect for listening to during a family road trip!

<h3><em>The Trial of Lizzie Borden </em>by Cara Robertson</h3> <p>If you think you know anything about <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Trial-of-Lizzie-Borden-audiobook/dp/B07H43L44T/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lizzie Borden</a>, who went on trial for two grisly axe murders in 1892, think again. Author Cara Robertson dives into more than 20 years of research and newly unearthed evidence into the crime that enthralled the world. This story, hailed by <em>Publisher's Weekly</em>'s starred review as a "definitive account to date of one of America's most notorious and enduring murder mysteries," allows the listener to act as judge to the infamous Lizzie Borden.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Trial-of-Lizzie-Borden-audiobook/dp/B07H43L44T/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best historical true crime audiobook

The trial of lizzie borden by cara robertson.

If you think you know anything about Lizzie Borden , who went on trial for two grisly axe murders in 1892, think again. Author Cara Robertson dives into more than 20 years of research and newly unearthed evidence into the crime that enthralled the world. This story, hailed by Publisher's Weekly 's starred review as a "definitive account to date of one of America's most notorious and enduring murder mysteries," allows the listener to act as judge to the infamous Lizzie Borden.

<h3><strong><em>Redefining Anxiety: What It Is, What It's Not, and How to Get Your Life Back</em> by Dr. John Delony</strong></h3> <p>Scratch everything you thought you knew about <a href="https://www.thehealthy.com/mental-health/anxiety/manage-anxiety/" rel="noopener noreferrer">how to deal with anxiety</a>: This is one of the best <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/best-self-help-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">self-help books</a> to inspire and motivate you. Millions of people suffer from anxiety, and if you're one of them, author and narrator Dr. John Delony does a great job letting you know that you're not broken. In <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Redefining-Anxiety-What-Isnt-Your/dp/B08PL37912/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Redefining Anxiety</em></a>, he breaks down our culture's myths about anxiety, practical steps you can take to reclaim your life and calm what he refers to as your body's alarm system, and long-term strategies for moving forward.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Redefining-Anxiety-What-Isnt-Your/dp/B08PL37912">Shop Now</a></p>

Best self-help audiobook

Redefining anxiety: what it is, what it's not, and how to get your life back by dr. john delony.

Scratch everything you thought you knew about how to deal with anxiety : This is one of the best self-help books to inspire and motivate you. Millions of people suffer from anxiety, and if you're one of them, author and narrator Dr. John Delony does a great job letting you know that you're not broken. In Redefining Anxiety , he breaks down our culture's myths about anxiety, practical steps you can take to reclaim your life and calm what he refers to as your body's alarm system, and long-term strategies for moving forward.

<h3><strong><em>The Infinite Game </em>by Simon Sinek</strong></h3> <p>Want to make sure your business is in it for the long haul? Simon Sinek's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek-audiobook/dp/B07DKHFTB7" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>The Infinite Game</em></a> explains, in detail, the strategies that work to keep companies going strong for generations. A must-read for every business owner, executive, and leader.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Infinite-Game-Simon-Sinek-audiobook/dp/B07DKHFTB7">Shop Now</a></p>

Best business audiobook

The infinite game by simon sinek.

Want to make sure your business is in it for the long haul? Simon Sinek's The Infinite Game explains, in detail, the strategies that work to keep companies going strong for generations. A must-read for every business owner, executive, and leader.

<h3><strong><em>The Total Money Makeover</em> by Dave Ramsey</strong></h3> <p>Ready to stop living paycheck to paycheck? Finance guru Dave Ramsey's <a href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Total-Money-Makeover-audiobook/dp/B0845YKM1P/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Total Money Makeover</em></a> offers simple yet effective strategies, also known as the baby steps, that will allow you to take control of your finances and ultimately achieve financial freedom. Could it be one of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/self-made-millionaires-favorite-books/" rel="noopener noreferrer">books that make you rich</a>? Maybe!</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/The-Total-Money-Makeover-audiobook/dp/B0845YKM1P/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best finance audiobook

The total money makeover by dave ramsey.

Ready to stop living paycheck to paycheck? Finance guru Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover offers simple yet effective strategies, also known as the baby steps, that will allow you to take control of your finances and ultimately achieve financial freedom. Could it be one of the books that make you rich ? Maybe!

<h3><strong><em>Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief</em> by David Kessler</strong></h3> <p>You may already be familiar with the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, acceptance, and depression. But did you know there's a sixth stage? Grief expert David Kessler narrates <em><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Meaning-David-Kessler-audiobook/dp/B07P88B6J6/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Finding Meaning</a></em>, which was inspired by the sudden death of his own son. He acknowledges that grief will never go away completely, but we can lessen the pain when we find meaning in our loss. Since no two losses are the same, this book is filled with a variety of stories, insights, and emotions that will help validate your own feelings and help you on your healing journey. It might be one of the <a href="https://www.rd.com/list/books-that-will-make-you-cry/" rel="noopener noreferrer">sad books</a> that make you cry—but that's part of getting through loss.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Meaning-David-Kessler-audiobook/dp/B07P88B6J6/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best audiobook about grief

Finding meaning: the sixth stage of grief by david kessler.

You may already be familiar with the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, acceptance, and depression. But did you know there's a sixth stage? Grief expert David Kessler narrates Finding Meaning , which was inspired by the sudden death of his own son. He acknowledges that grief will never go away completely, but we can lessen the pain when we find meaning in our loss. Since no two losses are the same, this book is filled with a variety of stories, insights, and emotions that will help validate your own feelings and help you on your healing journey.

<h3><strong><em>Lincoln in the Bardo </em>by George Saunders</strong></h3> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-in-Bardo-George-Saunders-audiobook/dp/B01N1NU4K2/" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Lincoln in the Bardo</em></a> is the first novel by acclaimed short story writer George Saunders. He narrates the audiobook with the help of 166 others, including big names such as Susan Sarandon, Julianne Moore, Ben Stiller, and Don Cheadle, in this 2018 winner of the Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year. It's a groundbreaking work of historical fiction that explores a lesser-studied period of Honest Abe's life during the first year of the Civil War, when Lincoln was also dealing with a far more personal tragedy: the death of his 11-year-old son, Willie. This experimental novel, which won the 2017 Man Booker Prize, takes place over the course of one evening in a space between life and death called the bardo, where ghosts contemplate their existence.</p> <p class="listicle-page__cta-button-shop"><a class="shop-btn" href="https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-in-Bardo-George-Saunders-audiobook/dp/B01N1NU4K2/">Shop Now</a></p>

Best supernatural audiobook

Lincoln in the bardo by george saunders.

Lincoln in the Bardo is the first novel by acclaimed short story writer George Saunders. He narrates the audiobook with the help of 166 others, including big names such as Susan Sarandon, Julianne Moore, Ben Stiller, and Don Cheadle, in this 2018 winner of the Audie Award for Audiobook of the Year. It's a groundbreaking work of historical fiction that explores a lesser-studied period of Honest Abe's life during the first year of the Civil War, when Lincoln was also dealing with a far more personal tragedy: the death of his 11-year-old son, Willie. This experimental novel, which won the 2017 Man Booker Prize, takes place over the course of one evening in a space between life and death called the bardo, where ghosts contemplate their existence.

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COMMENTS

  1. 12 Novels Considered the "Greatest Book Ever Written"

    Written by Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy, the eight-part towering work of fiction tells the story of two major characters: a tragic, disenchanted housewife, the titular Anna, who runs off with her young lover, and a lovestruck landowner named Konstantin Levin, who struggles in faith and philosophy.

  2. The 50 Best-Selling Books of All Time, From Novels to Non-Fiction

    1. " Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes, available at Amazon and Bookshop, from $15.30 Copies sold: 500 million The highest selling and most translated book of all time, "Don Quixote", is...

  3. The Greatest Books of All Time

    The Greatest Books of All Time This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books in literature. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 183 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed literary works.

  4. Time Magazine's All-Time 100 Novels (100 books)

    198 friends 903 books | flag message 17: by David (last edited Aug 19, 2011 07:46AM) (new) Aug 19, 2011 07:27AM These titles all seem to have made the Modern Library's List of the "Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century," another English language list which I very much prefer, at http://www.modernlibrary.com/top-100/....

  5. Readers Pick the Best Book of the Past 125 Years

    606 606 In October, as we marked the Book Review's 125th anniversary, we invited readers to nominate the best book published during that time. This was a nod to our history: In its first...

  6. The 47 Best Fiction Books of All Time

    War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy - Often called the best novel ever written. Dozens of characters, stretching from Muscovite peasants all the way to Napoleon himself. The modern epic. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy - A hundred years ahead of its time, Tolstoy's investigation of the silent, stifling life of women is an all-time great.

  7. The 100 greatest novels of all time: The list

    10. Frankenstein Mary Shelley. Inspired by spending too much time with Shelley and Byron. Robert McCrum's 100 best novels: Frankenstein. 11. Nightmare Abbey Thomas Love Peacock. A classic ...

  8. The 60 best fiction books of all time

    The 60 best fiction books of all time From gripping sequels to debuts by fresh new voices, discover the best new fiction books of 2024. We also look back at the best fiction books of 2023 and share our edit of some of the best novels of all time.

  9. The Goodreads 100—Fiction (100 books)

    Reflecting the amazing diversity of the Goodreads community, this list blends highbrow literature and mainstream fiction, stretching from historic greats like Homer and Shakespeare to modern favorites like Cormac McCarthy and J.K. Rowling.

  10. The 10 Best Books Through Time

    DEACON KING KONG By James McBride. HAMNET By Maggie O'Farrell. HOMELAND ELEGIES By Ayad Akhtar. THE VANISHING HALF By Brit Bennett. Nonfiction. HIDDEN VALLEY ROAD By Robert Kolker. A PROMISED ...

  11. The 75 Best Books Of All Time For Your Book Bucket List

    Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte. Dark and brooding, Wuthering Heights is a classic but tragic romance tale, full of drama, tension and power. The book was controversial at the time of publishing ...

  12. Best Sellers

    The New York Times Best Sellers are up-to-date and authoritative lists of the most popular books in the United States, based on sales in the past week, including fiction, non-fiction, paperbacks ...

  13. The 100 best novels

    The 100 best novels: No 97 - Amongst Women by John McGahern (1990)

  14. Best Books of All Time

    50 LISTS Bibliophilia The Greatest Novels Ever Written Tough Reads That Are Worth It Novels to Change Your Whole Life Books with Movie Adaptations Books Everyone Should Read The Most Overrated Books Ever Books No One Ever Finishes The Greatest Great American Novels The Best Science Fiction Novels The Best Selling Books of All Time

  15. The 20 Most Popular Books of All Time, According to Goodreads

    Bookshop "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 ...

  16. 37 Best Books of All Time You Must Read

    37 Best Books of All Time You Must Read Fiction 37 Paperback Books We Think Are Must Reads By Elani Wilson / February 26, 2022 at 2:00 am In life, there are things you could do, things you should do, and things you must do. These same categories apply to the choice of book you read next.

  17. The 115 Best Books of All Time

    44. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1877) "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.". Such is stated the first of many contentious issues addressed in Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, considered by many to be the greatest and best book of all time.

  18. The Top 10: The Greatest Books of All Time

    All the books on the list "The Top 10: The Greatest Books of All Time" from The Top 10 (Book). The Top 10 book chosen by 125 top writers from the book "The Top 10" edited by J. Peder Zane. ... 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 ...

  19. The 10 Best Fiction Books of 2021

    Klara and the Sun, Kazuo Ishiguro The eighth novel from Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro, longlisted for the Booker Prize, follows a robot-like "Artificial Friend" named Klara, who sits in...

  20. The Greatest Fiction of all Time (101 books)

    On the lists that are actually ranked, the book that is 1st counts a lot more than the book that's 100th. List on GR only includes Top 100. flag. All Votes Add Books To This List. 1. The Great Gatsby. by. F. Scott Fitzgerald. 3.93 avg rating — 5,163,194 ratings.

  21. 20 of the Best Book Series of All Time

    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.

  22. The 10 Best Fiction Books of 2023

    Here, the 10 best fiction books of 2023. More: Read TIME's lists of the best nonfiction books, songs , albums , movies , TV shows , podcasts and video games of 2023. Also discover the 100 Must ...

  23. 10 of the Best Historical Fiction Books About Books

    10 of the Best Historical Fiction Books About Books Rachel Brittain Feb 15, 2024. ... Historical fiction books about books is such a popular subgenre, in fact, that I could probably fill a hundred lists — or at least a list of one hundred books — on the subject. ... the group's time together is already ticking down. The Library Thief by ...

  24. Most Sold Fiction

    Unputdownable. Kindle readers finish The Women faster than similar books.. ABOUT THE BOOK. From the celebrated author of The Nightingale and The Four Winds comes Kristin Hannah's The Women—at once an intimate portrait of coming of age in a dangerous time and an epic tale of a nation divided.. Women can be heroes. When twenty-year-old nursing student Frances "Frankie" McGrath hears these ...

  25. List of The New York Times number-one books of 2024

    The American daily newspaper The New York Times publishes multiple weekly lists ranking the best-selling books in the United States. The lists are split in three genres—fiction, nonfiction and children's books. Both the fiction and nonfiction lists are further split into multiple lists.

  26. 23 Non Fiction Books You Must Read In 2024

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