The world is filled with a lot of amazing books. It will take years to read most of them which is why you need to be picky about which books you read. Which is why we made this list of the five books that you must read once in your life. Keep reading to find out which books made our list!
We chose these five books because they are novels that stayed with us years after we read them. And when you revisit these books, you take something new away. That is a hallmark of a classic novel.
Whether you like sci-fi, comedy, or horror; there is something for you on this list.. These are just some the many amazing books out there that you must read. You can see the full list below!
Five Books That You Must Read Once in Your Life
- 1984 by George Orwell
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Catcher in the Rye by S.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye
A novel that is taught in school is The Catcher in the Rye. This novel also tackles the loss of innocence like To Kill a Mockingbird in its own way. Holden Caulfield has been suspended from school and instead of going home, he stays in a hotel in New York City and navigates the city as he meets old and new acquaintances.
There are a lot of themes in this novel that Salinger explores that many readers relate to. The novel was intended for adults but ended up being consumed mostly by adolescents. It is also considered one of the best novels of all time.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Like most readers, I first read To Kill a Mockingbird in school and couldn’t put the novel down. The story is told by the viewpoint of Jean Louise Finch and tells the story of Atticus Finch defending Tom Robinson, a black man who has been accused of raping a white woman in Maycomb Alabama.
The novel was an instant success and went on to win a Pulitzer prize the following year. It is considered one of the best works of fiction. The writing, plot, characters, and storytelling make this a must read and a story unlike any other.
Frankenstein
A novel that everyone should read once is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Many people have heard of it but few have actually picked it up and read it. It is considered to be the first sci-fi book written. The novel has elements of philosophy and makes the reader ask questions that are not easy to answer.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Not every novel has to be a heavy read. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams is a sci-fi comedy that will have you laughing throughout the series. The writing is brilliant, the plot is wild, and you will forget everything else. Books like this one remind you how fun reading can be.
1984
The first novel on the list is 1984 by George Orwell. It is a dystopian novel that imagines a totalitarianism world where mass surveillance is the norm and people’s freedom is limited. It was a cautionary tale by Orwell and when parts of the novel became reality, people said Orwell was right.
Conclusion
These are the five books that you must read once in your life. They are regarded as classics and have a lot to offer. How many of these books have you read? Let us know in the comments below!
A Confederacy of Dunces–a must read.
Bible the most important book !
Shariyat Ki Sugmad book 1 & 2 far, far better⚡
Shariyat Ki Sugmad book 1 & 2 far, far better…
Right up ther with all th other fiction books
TU so much very Vintage relicts
The Bible is an important work of fiction or fantasy.
My List would be:
1. Catcher in the Rye
2. Slaughter House Five – Kurt Vonnegut
3. To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
4. Ham on Rye – Charles Bukowski
5. Why I’m not a Christian – Bertrand Russell
Right up there with all th other fiction
Have not read any of these novels.
READ THE BIBLE! YOU WILL BE BLESSED FOREVER!
I read To Kill a Mockingbird my first year in high school. It remains my favorite of all time reads. I am well past 60.
Jitterbug perfume is another great book. Lots of depth.
Three were required reading at my high school, read the other two on my own. Tragic that 2 of the 3 that were required reading are now being banned by narrow minded prudes who are afraid to let young people be exposed to ideas that they should be exploring.
Three must read books: 1) The Mahabharata 3) The Ramayana 3) The Thousand and One Nights
Catcher in the Rye is one of those novels people either love or hate. I admit to belonging to the second category. A relentlessly whiny boy in a story with no plot and no character development is bound to leave some readers frustrated.
Agree with four of the five. Would add Tale of Two Cities and The Grapes of Wrath.
“Tiger’s Fang” by Paul Twitchell first published over 60 years ago probably the most electrifying book I ever read so far this lifetime…
I will add “The Prophet” by Gibran Kahlil Gibran.
Sweden
Surely the author could probed the wide world of literature a tad further to offer up some suggestions by a single author who isn’t white!
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison, surely?
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison, surely?
It is J.D. Salinger not S.D. Salinger, author of The Catcher in the Rye. Good suggestions. Thanks.