The world is filled with thousands of amazing books. Unfortunately, reading most of them is impossible. That is why we made a list of seven books that you must read once in your life. Keep reading to find out which books made the list!
These seven books were chosen because they have a lot to offer. All of them are classics and while a book doesn’t have to be a classic to make this list, they are amazing works of fiction that should be read.
Whether you like sci-fi, comedy, or horror; this list has something for you. These are just some of the many amazing books out there. You can see the full list below!
Seven 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
- 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
1984 by George Orwell
The first novel that made our 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 turned to this book, making it a mainstream stay in our culture.
Set in a totalitarian future ruled by Big Brother, 1984 follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party who secretly despises the regime’s constant surveillance and manipulation of truth. As he begins a forbidden love affair with Julia, Winston dares to rebel against the oppressive system, seeking freedom and individuality.
However, the Party’s control is absolute, and through psychological manipulation and brutal punishment, Winston is forced to confront the terrifying power of a government that can reshape reality itself.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Not every novel has to be a heavy read. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy 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.
This comedic science fiction novel follows Arthur Dent, an ordinary man whose life is turned upside down when Earth is unexpectedly destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass.
Rescued by his alien friend Ford Prefect, Arthur embarks on a bizarre journey through space, encountering eccentric characters like Zaphod Beeblebrox and Marvin the paranoid android. Guided by the titular electronic book, Arthur navigates absurd adventures that humorously explore the meaning of life, the universe, and everything.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A novel that everyone should read once is Frankenstein. Many people have heard of it but few have actually picked it up and read it. It is considered to be one of the first sci-fi book ever written. The novel has elements of philosophy and makes the reader ask questions that are not easy to answer.
Frankenstein tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who becomes obsessed with creating life and succeeds in bringing a creature to life from assembled body parts.
Horrified by his creation’s appearance, Victor abandons it, leaving the creature to navigate a world that rejects and fears him. As the creature grows increasingly lonely and vengeful, he seeks out his creator, leading to a tragic chain of events that explores themes of ambition, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
One of the novels on the list is the 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 made me fall in love with sci-fi novels and I haven’t come another novel like this.
In a post-apocalyptic world where most animals are extinct and androids are nearly indistinguishable from humans, bounty hunter Rick Deckard is tasked with “retiring” rogue androids who have escaped to Earth.
As he tracks these lifelike beings, Deckard begins to question what truly defines humanity, especially as androids display emotions and desires that seem genuine. The novel delves into themes of empathy, identity, and the blurred line between human and machine.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Like most readers, I first read To Kill a Mockingbird in school and couldn’t put the novel down. 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.
Set in the racially segregated American South, To Kill a Mockingbird follows young Scout Finch as she observes her father, lawyer Atticus Finch, defend a Black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman.
Scout’s perspective tells us the story and touches on themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and compassion. As the trial unfolds, Scout and her brother Jem confront the harsh realities of prejudice and learn important lessons about empathy and integrity.
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger
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.
This coming-of-age novel centers on Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager who has just been expelled from his prep school. Wandering through New York City, Holden grapples with feelings of alienation, grief, and frustration with what he perceives as the “phoniness” of the adult world.
Through his introspective and often cynical narration, the novel explores themes of identity, innocence, and the struggle to find meaning in a confusing and often disappointing society.
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. 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.
During the Great Depression, the Joad family is forced off their Oklahoma farm due to economic hardship and environmental disaster. They journey west to California in search of work and a better life, only to face exploitation, poverty, and harsh living conditions.
Through their struggles, Steinbeck portrays the resilience of the human spirit while highlighting social injustice and the plight of migrant workers in America.
Conclusion
These are the seven books that you must read once in your life. Once you read them, you will see why they appear on many lists. If you haven’t given them a read, I hope this article encourages you to do so because they are amazing works of literature.
How many of these books have you read or plan to read? What other books should we have added to this list? Let us know in the comments below. Until next time, happy reading!
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Now that USA is being invaded by hundreds of thousands of Latinos, thank you Biden, it is high time Quetzalcoatl becomes a household name or word….
Can’t you think about a novel or book that at least mentions “Quetzalcoatl?”
I have read six of these books
Thank you so much for that insightful comment.
Read the reissued copy of “Jonathan Livingston Seagull” which includes the fourth missing chapter by Richard Bach.
Same list over and over.
One of my high schoolers was required to read 1984. I think it’s better as a college book. Perhaps worse, one junior high student had to read TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD—most of the class couldn’t understand the nuance. I think PRIDE AND PREJUDICE should be read in college as a must-read because it’s satirical, witty, and always on top romantic reads.