As most readers know, there are some books that you read that will stay with you for the rest of your life. That made us wonder which novels readers should read. Which is why we made a list of four books that you must read once in your life. Keep reading to find out which books made the list!
Not everyone is a fan of the classics. Many readers will come across some classics is school and avoid them for the rest of their lives. But once you give these novels a chance, you will realize why they are taught in school and should be read for fun.
This list focuses on four novels that are going to make you think and feel different emotions. Novels are powerful and even if they stories are not real, the message resonates with the reader. You can see the full list below.
Four Books That You Must Read Once in Your Life
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- The Catcher in the Rye by S.D. Salinger
- The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep
The first novel I chose for this list is a classic sci-fi novel is Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep. You may have watched the movie that was based off the novel called Bladerunner. The novel follows protagonist Rick Deckard as he must kill six androids who rebelled that resemble humans.
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.
The Catcher in the Rye
Another novel taught in schools 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.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
When thinking about novels that I think about often to this day, it is hard not to include The Grapes of Wrath. The novel takes place during the Great Depression and follows the Joads, a poor family that has to leave their home because of a multitude of reasons. Like thousands of other people, they head to California for jobs and a future.
Steinbeck’s novel captured an important moment in history that gives us a vivid look at what millions of people who experienced the Great Depression. The novel went on to win the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
Conclusion
These are the four books that you must read once in your life. Four classics that are timeless and will stay with you for years after. How many of these books have you read? Let us know in the comments below!
Have read all four of these but they are not in my top ten books to read.
I’ve read three of four.
I’m concerned because if the book banners get their way, no one will be able to read them.
TKAM is always on the ‘books that should be banned’ lists.
I highly doubt the people who want to ban them have ever read them.
Most definitely not my 4 top books.
Ahaqir compiles the list of essential reads. All of his lists are spot on. A truly erudite, well-read journalist. Keep turning those pages; reading increases the world’s supply of empathy. Thank you, Ahaqir
The Bible has to be on that list… Everyone needs to read the Bible and get greater knowledge of the Truth and be saved.😃 Know your loved and that a high price was paid to save your soul.❤
Bible is great but I can’t get over all the sex, rape and killing.
The Bible tells the story of evil men, good men, and God who loves them all. It is a story of all kinds of people and God’s desire to redeem them.
I’ve read all four and say three are worth. Catcher’s take on the existential angst of a privileged young white male is tired. Most of it is Caufield wandering around Manhattan, hoping someone will hop into bed with him.
You left out ( good country people) by Flannery O’ Conner !
I haven’t read Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep.