There are some books that stay with you long after you’ve finished them; the kind that shape how you think, challenge your perspective, or simply remind you why reading is so powerful. That’s exactly what this list is about.
We’re back with 17 more books that everyone should read at least once in their lives. If you caught our first list, you already know we’re trying to build something meaningful here, a collection of essential reads that span generations, genres, and cultures. And if you didn’t see the first list, you might want to check that out before wondering why certain titles aren’t here.
This time around, we paid close attention to your recommendations while also revisiting some classics we couldn’t believe we initially left out. The result is a list filled with literary heavyweights, emotional stories, and thought-provoking novels that deserve your time.
Let’s get into it.
17 Books Everyone Should Read at Least Once
- Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
- War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
- East of Eden by John Steinbeck
- Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
- Gulliver’s Travel by Jonathan Swift
- Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K Dick
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt
- Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
- The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank
- The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
- Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
- Watership Down by Richard Adams
- The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Why These Books Matter
Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
This was one of the most requested additions and it’s easy to see why. Catch-22 is a brilliant, satirical look at war that somehow manages to be both hilarious and deeply unsettling. Its nonlinear storytelling and absurd logic mirror the chaos of war itself, making it a truly unique reading experience.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
If there’s one book on this list that defines epic storytelling, it’s this one. Revenge, betrayal, transformation, The Count of Monte Cristo has it all. It’s a long novel, but every page feels earned. This is the kind of story that reminds you just how immersive literature can be.
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Yes, it’s massive. And yes, it can feel intimidating. But War and Peace is widely considered one of the greatest novels ever written for a reason. It blends history, philosophy, and deeply personal stories into something that feels incredibly human despite its scale.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Few books explore the human psyche as intensely as Crime and Punishment. Dostoevsky puts you inside the mind of a man who commits a terrible act and forces you to sit with the consequences. It’s dark, philosophical, and impossible to forget.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Steinbeck’s masterpiece is a sweeping family saga that explores good, evil, and everything in between. What makes it stand out is how deeply personal it feels, even with its grand scope. Many readers consider this Steinbeck’s finest work—and it’s hard to argue with that.
Books You May Have Read in School (But Should Revisit)
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
A coming-of-age story that captures the struggles and resilience of growing up in poverty. It’s emotional without being overwhelming and deeply relatable, even decades after its release.
The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
This isn’t just a book, it’s a historical document and a deeply personal account of life during one of history’s darkest periods. Anne Frank’s voice is powerful, honest, and unforgettable.
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner
Faulkner’s writing style isn’t always easy, but it’s worth the effort. This novel experiments with time, perspective, and narrative structure in ways that were groundbreaking and still feel fresh today.
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
Often mistaken for a simple adventure story, this is actually a sharp satire of politics and human nature. Swift’s observations remain surprisingly relevant.
Modern Classics and Contemporary Favorites
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
This might seem like an unusual addition next to older classics, but it earns its place. Tartt’s novel helped define the “dark academia” subgenre, and its exploration of morality, obsession, and elitism makes it feel timeless.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
A chilling dystopian novel that feels more relevant with each passing year. Atwood’s vision is both terrifying and thought-provoking, making it essential reading.
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Told through multiple perspectives, this novel examines culture, religion, and family dynamics in a way that feels both intimate and expansive.
Stories That Stay With You
Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison
Morrison’s writing is powerful, lyrical, and deeply meaningful. This novel explores identity, history, and community in a way that resonates long after you’ve finished it.
Watership Down by Richard Adams
At first glance, a story about rabbits might not seem like essential reading but Watership Down is so much more. It’s a tale of survival, leadership, and freedom that carries surprising emotional weight.
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Another Tolstoy masterpiece, this novel focuses more on personal relationships than grand historical events. It’s a deeply human story about love, society, and choices.
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick
A cornerstone of science fiction, this novel explores what it means to be human. It’s thought-provoking, philosophical, and still incredibly relevant.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
An adventure classic that has influenced countless stories. Pirates, treasure maps, and unforgettable characters make this a fun but important read.
Final Thoughts
Building a list of books everyone should read is no easy task—and it’s never truly finished. There will always be more stories worth discovering, more voices worth hearing, and more perspectives worth exploring.
But with this list, we’re now 40 books deep into what we believe are essential reads. These are the novels that have stood the test of time, sparked conversations, and shaped literature as we know it.
So where do you go from here? Start anywhere. Pick the book that speaks to you most and dive in.
And of course—what should we include next? Until next time, happy reading!
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Another sign this is generate by a bot – John Steinbeck wrote East of Eden, not Ernest Hemingway. And it’s Ernest, not Earnest. Or maybe you’re reading too much Oscar Wilde.
perhaps they meant The Garden of Eden by Hemingway, a better book in my opinion than the Steinbeck (though I think mist readers rate them the other way around)
One and one only: Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. Too often missed. Damned shame.
Or maybe a human is capable of making mistakes…Shocking, I know.
Gone with the Wind!! Nothing like the movie!!!
I would have liked if the book links were to used online bookstores or bookshop.org that helps support local bookstores. Amazon does not need the sales but local small business owners do.
It is Gulliver’s Travels; not Gulliver Travels.
Also, in just two short sentences the word “book” is used four times. No human who reads would do this. I believe it is AI.
None of these stupid lists include “A Confederacy of Dunces”, a Pulitzer Prize winner and a fabulous read
It’s a disgrace that this book is omitted, especially considering that the poor author was ignored during his lifetime. And yet trash like “Watership Down” and Steinbeck’s worse novel are singled out.
Add “Gulliver’s Travels” to the list.
“Travel” should be plural.
Yep can’t read an article with so many errors.
Glad others noticed the errors! Good grief!
Ditto. Sad to see such an error, Mr. Malaprop.
Only ONE book by an African-American author???!!!!!
I very much hope Mr. Ahaqir you will next mention Gibran Kahlil Gibran book “The Prophet”
As I mentioned to you earlier it is translated into 22 languages and is the most read book world wide after the Bible and the Qur’an.
Stockholm – Sweden.
Could this have been compiled by AI? When you use CHATGPT, you should always check the facts (and the spelling).
Do we have some books free to read
No, 1984?
Too English
A list with no reasons *why*; what a FAIL.
A list with North American writers and the odd Russian, a slightly biased bot
Atlas Shrugged is my all time favorite.
All Quiet on the Western Front (Im Western Nights Neues in the original German) should have been listed.
I would definitely add Caste, Sapeiens, and the Warmth of Other Suns
Thank you for including WATERSHIP DOWN on your list! It’s one of my favorite 20th Century British novels (along with Orwell’s 1984 and A CLOCKWORK ORANGE by Anthony Burgess). Kudos!
What most people need to read “Animal Farm”
Any list of novels everyone should read in their lifetime that doesn’t include Kurt Vonnegut is not worth reading or writing.
Henry miller
Can a pig eat bacon by carmine Gagootz
“The River Why,” by David James Duncan
I read this in HS, it still resonates today.
“That is a total of 40 books in total so far.” Come on!! “Total” twice in one short sentence? The bot should have its English improved.
I believe that your list is pretty good however I think you should add Robert Heinlein’s ” A stranger in a strange land” and Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”
Confederacy of Dunces.
Maybe not everyone but everyone who writes or reads these articles and comments. To those leaving comments, if you haven’t read this one do so. I am really not in your league in literature but that one is legitimate.