With millions of books and titles to read today, your entire life will fall short to quench your inner bibliophile’s thirst. However, you can narrow down your options by selecting the best titles or classics and reading them first. Since there are several options to explore later, begin with the best titles in your literary journey. Here are 6 of the top must-read books of all time.
- Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
One of the most controversial yet appraised works of all time, Lolita is considered a masterpiece due to its innovative style. The book can sweep you off the ground, for many reasons. At first, you may find it humorous. You may also find some glimpses of sadness, pity, and immorality. Humbert Humbert, the academic protagonist, falls in love with a 12-year-old girl, Lolita, which seems like a tender love story but is extremely disturbing. Even though you will question the protagonist’s intentions throughout the book, you will undeniably appreciate the beautiful language and narration of this novel, which makes it a must-read title.
- The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is one of the few books converted into a film due to its timeless insight into society, culture, and human nature. Fitzgerald brilliantly portrays the early 1920s and lets us peek into Gatsby’s life and his house. The author also subtly slips in some valuable life lessons that are otherwise difficult to comprehend until you experience them. The introduction and the ending are extremely well-written, which is another reason why this novel is considered a classic. When reading this book, pay attention to the details and language to grab the tale’s essence.
- 1984 by George Orwell
More like a prophecy and less like a novel, 1984 talks about the future envisioned by George Orwell for the year 2020. The story revolves around Winston Smith, the main character of the novella, who is a part of the party but wants to rebel against its notions. The story also emphasizes the fearful future that every human may face if they did not rebel against the ever-growing omnipresence of dictators. In a way, it is an alarm for the human race to open their eyes. If you are always up for rereading your favorite books, 1984 will surely lure you into picking it up again after a few years.
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
If you are a cosmology nerd, this book is definitely for you. Physicist Stephen Hawking’s spectacular findings of the universe and existence have been put together in an easy-to-comprehend book format. When listing the top fiction and nonfiction book recommendations of all time, A Brief History of Time takes the plunge into the nonfiction category due to its phenomenal explanation. It covers all parts, right from the universe’s development to Ancient Greece. The analogy, wit, and deft humor in some parts of the book make it more engaging. Surprisingly, this scientific non-fiction book is one of the biggest best setters in pop culture.
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
This list is incomplete without adding this classic masterpiece by Mark Twain. The humorous author picks the character, Huckleberry Finn, from the famous book, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and spins the plot around Huck’s life and moral struggles. The novel is a roller coaster ride and raises several questions in the readers’ minds as they flip every page. Despite being controversial, this book is a must-read due to its satirical take on some sensitive topics. It’s an age-old classic that makes one curious about the past. Pick this book if you want to take a deeper look at the social climate during the 19th century.
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Leo Tolstoy has been one of the greatest storytellers to date. First published in 1869, this novel is a blockbuster among philosophy lovers. The book revolves around a set of people trying to tackle their lives while fighting a war and dramatic political changes. Tolstoy touches on sensitive topics like existential agony and spiritual confusion, which have made lives difficult for the main characters in the novel. In a way, this book serves as a self-help guide, leading lost people and helping them find inner strength and confidence. It also touches and describes the societal transformation that took place during and after the war.
If you haven’t had a chance to read any of these books, it is time to give these popular reads a shot. All of these titles are super engaging and inspiring. Before you jump onto other titles, finish this list first and fulfill your inner bibliophile’s desire.
