23 Books Everyone Should Read Before They Die

There are thousands upon thousands of books out there to read. Every year, more novels get added to an already endless pile of recommendations. Between BookTok, bestseller lists, celebrity book clubs, Goodreads ratings, and social media debates, figuring out what is actually worth reading can feel impossible.

That is why I decided to put together this list of 23 books everyone should read before they die.

Now before anyone gets upset that their favorite book is missing, let me explain something. This list is completely based on feeling. I wasn’t trying to create the most “academic” list possible or pretend these are objectively the 23 greatest books ever written. That conversation changes depending on who you ask.

Instead, I thought about impact.

I thought about books that changed literature. Books that stay with readers years after finishing them. Books that continue to influence culture decades later. And most importantly, books that feel essential to the reading experience.

Some of these novels are heartbreaking. Some are hilarious. Others are uncomfortable or emotionally exhausting. But every single one of them leaves an impression.

Here are 23 books everyone should read before they die.

Books Everyone Should Read Before They Die

• 1984 by George Orwell
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
• Beloved by Toni Morrison
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
• Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• The Color Purple by Alice Walker
• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
• Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
• The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
• The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
• The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

1984 by George Orwell

There are very few novels that feel more relevant every single year than 1984 by George Orwell.

Originally published in 1949, Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece explores surveillance, propaganda, censorship, and authoritarianism in a terrifying future society where every aspect of life is controlled by the government.

What makes this novel stand out is how many concepts from it became part of everyday language. Terms like “Big Brother,” “thoughtcrime,” and “doublethink” are still referenced constantly because of how influential this novel became.

The scariest part about 1984 is not the futuristic setting. It is how believable everything feels.

This is one of those books that completely changes the way readers look at power, truth, and media.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is one of the most beloved novels ever written for a reason.

The story follows Santiago, a shepherd boy who dreams about discovering treasure near the pyramids of Egypt. Instead of ignoring the dream, he decides to leave behind everything familiar and pursue it.

Along the journey, he meets strangers who shape his understanding of purpose, fear, destiny, and happiness.

Some people find the novel overly simple while others see it as life-changing. Personally, I understand why it resonates with so many readers around the world. The themes feel universal. Almost everyone reaches a point in life where they question whether chasing their dreams is worth the risk.

That is what makes The Alchemist timeless.

Beloved by Toni Morrison

Beloved by Toni Morrison is one of the most powerful novels ever written.

The story follows Sethe, a formerly enslaved woman haunted by both her past and the ghost of her dead daughter. Morrison blends history, trauma, memory, and emotion together in a way that feels unlike anything else in literature.

This is not an easy novel emotionally. But it is absolutely essential reading.

Morrison’s writing is beautiful while also being devastating at the same time. There are moments in this novel that stay with readers forever.

There is a reason Toni Morrison is considered one of the greatest writers of all time.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

One of my favorite novels of all time has to be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

Set during World War II in Nazi Germany, the novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds comfort in books while living with foster parents hiding a Jewish man in their basement.

What immediately separates this novel from others is the narrator: Death.

That single creative decision changes the tone of the entire story. Death feels strangely human throughout the novel, observing both the beauty and cruelty of humanity.

The writing is incredible, emotional, and unforgettable. This is one of those books that readers recommend years after finishing because of how much it sticks with them.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Catch-22 is one of the funniest and most frustrating novels ever written.

Joseph Heller’s satirical war novel follows Captain John Yossarian as he tries to survive the insanity of war and military bureaucracy during World War II.

The phrase “catch-22” became part of everyday language because of this novel. The entire concept revolves around impossible situations where every option works against you.

What makes the book brilliant is how it balances absurd humor with genuine horror. One moment you are laughing and the next you are reminded how devastating war truly is.

Few novels capture chaos this effectively.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most divisive classics ever written.

Readers either connect deeply with Holden Caulfield or cannot stand him. Honestly, I understand both reactions.

When I first read the novel, I appreciated it. Revisiting it later made me understand why it became so iconic.

Salinger perfectly captures teenage alienation, insecurity, loneliness, and the fear of growing up. Holden’s voice feels authentic even decades later.

I do think parts of the novel have aged less gracefully than other classics, but its emotional honesty still resonates with readers today.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Like many readers, I first read To Kill a Mockingbird in school and immediately understood why it became a classic.

Told through the perspective of Scout Finch, Harper Lee’s novel explores racism, justice, morality, and empathy in the American South during the 1930s.

Atticus Finch became one of literature’s most respected characters because of the integrity and compassion he represents.

What makes the novel timeless is how relevant its themes still feel today. Readers continue returning to this book because the conversations surrounding prejudice and justice never stopped mattering.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is one of the most emotionally powerful books on this list.

Told through letters, the novel follows Celie as she navigates abuse, racism, trauma, and eventually self-discovery.

The emotional journey throughout this novel is incredible. Watching Celie slowly find her voice and identity is what makes the story unforgettable.

Walker explores pain and resilience with remarkable honesty. Even though parts of the novel are difficult to read, there is also beauty and hope throughout the story.

It is a book that leaves an emotional impact long after finishing it.

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

If someone says classics are boring, give them The Count of Monte Cristo.

Alexandre Dumas created one of the greatest revenge stories ever written. The novel follows Edmond Dantès, a man betrayed by those closest to him and wrongfully imprisoned for years before escaping and carefully planning revenge.

Despite being published in the 1800s, the novel still feels incredibly entertaining today.

The twists, betrayals, emotional payoffs, and adventure elements make it difficult to put down. It is also surprisingly readable considering its massive length.

This is easily one of my favorite classics of all time.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Crime and Punishment is one of the most psychologically intense novels ever written.

The story follows Raskolnikov, a former student who convinces himself he can commit murder for moral reasons and avoid guilt afterward.

Of course, things do not work out that way.

Dostoyevsky explores morality, guilt, redemption, and psychological collapse in a way that still feels modern.

This is not a fast-paced thriller despite the premise. Instead, it becomes a deep exploration of the human mind and conscience.

It is a challenging read at times but one that rewards patient readers.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is proof that short novels can still leave a massive impact.

Set during the Roaring Twenties, the novel follows Nick Carraway as he becomes fascinated with his mysterious millionaire neighbor Jay Gatsby.

Underneath the glamorous parties and wealth is a tragic story about obsession, class, loneliness, and the illusion of the American Dream.

One of the craziest things about this novel is that it was originally considered a commercial failure. Fitzgerald died believing his work would eventually be forgotten.

Instead, The Great Gatsby became one of the defining American novels ever written.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

One of the most important dystopian novels ever written has to be The Handmaid’s Tale.

Margaret Atwood creates the Republic of Gilead, a totalitarian society where women lose their rights and are forced into strict societal roles.

The novel follows Offred as she navigates survival within this oppressive system.

What makes The Handmaid’s Tale so unsettling is how realistic it feels. Atwood based many aspects of the society on real historical events and systems of oppression.

That realism is exactly why the novel continues resonating with modern readers.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

Heart of Darkness is one of the most influential literary works ever written.

The novella follows Charles Marlow as he travels into the Congo searching for the mysterious Kurtz.

Joseph Conrad explores imperialism, corruption, greed, and the darkness hidden within humanity itself.

This is not always the easiest book to analyze because discussions surrounding it have evolved significantly over time. But its influence on literature and storytelling remains undeniable.

Many modern stories still borrow themes and ideas introduced in this novella.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

One of my all-time favorite books and series has to be The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Douglas Adams created one of the funniest sci-fi novels ever written. After Earth is unexpectedly destroyed, Arthur Dent is dragged into a bizarre adventure through space involving aliens, absurd situations, and unforgettable humor.

The writing is brilliant because Adams somehow balances intelligent satire with complete nonsense.

This book changed how I viewed science fiction entirely. It proved sci-fi could be hilarious while still being creative and thought-provoking.

Even decades later, the humor still works.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Fantasy literature would not exist in its current form without The Hobbit.

J.R.R. Tolkien introduced readers to Middle-earth through Bilbo Baggins, a reluctant hero dragged into an adventure involving dwarves, dragons, treasure, and danger.

What makes the novel timeless is the sense of adventure. Reading it feels like stepping into another world entirely.

Bilbo’s growth throughout the story is also incredibly satisfying. He begins as someone terrified of leaving home and slowly becomes brave and resourceful.

It remains one of the best fantasy novels ever written.

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

A Wrinkle in Time introduced generations of readers to science fiction and fantasy.

The story follows Meg Murry as she travels across space and time searching for her missing father.

The novel blends imagination with emotional depth surprisingly well. Beneath the sci-fi elements is a story about love, family, individuality, and courage.

It is one of those books that works for younger readers while still offering enough depth for adults.

That balance is difficult to achieve.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre feels remarkably ahead of its time.

Charlotte Brontë created a protagonist who values independence, intelligence, and self-respect in an era when women were rarely allowed those freedoms.

The novel follows Jane through hardship, love, identity, and moral conflict.

Beyond the gothic atmosphere and romance, what truly makes the novel special is Jane herself. Readers continue connecting with her resilience and emotional honesty nearly two centuries later.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The Little Prince is technically considered a children’s book, but adults often connect with it even more deeply.

The novel follows a young prince traveling between planets and meeting various strange adults along the way.

Through its simplicity, the story explores loneliness, imagination, love, and what truly matters in life.

This is one of those rare books that changes depending on when you read it. Different stages of life completely reshape how readers interpret the story.

Its emotional simplicity is exactly what makes it so powerful.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck somehow managed to create one of the most emotionally devastating novels ever written in fewer than 120 pages.

Of Mice and Men follows George and Lennie, two displaced ranch workers trying to build a better life during the Great Depression.

The friendship between the two characters is what makes the novel unforgettable.

Steinbeck captures loneliness, hope, vulnerability, and tragedy in a brutally honest way.

Even readers who know the ending often find themselves emotionally destroyed by it anyway.

The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

The Old Man and the Sea proves that simple storytelling can still feel profound.

The novel follows Santiago, an aging fisherman struggling to catch a giant marlin after enduring terrible luck.

Hemingway’s writing style is famously minimalistic, but there is incredible emotional depth beneath the surface.

The story becomes about endurance, pride, perseverance, and dignity in the face of struggle.

It is one of those books that feels straightforward initially but becomes more meaningful the more you think about it afterward.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

One Hundred Years of Solitude is one of the most ambitious novels ever written.

Gabriel García Márquez blends fantasy, politics, history, tragedy, and magical realism together through the story of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo.

The novel feels dreamlike in the best possible way.

It can be funny, heartbreaking, surreal, and emotionally overwhelming all within the same chapter.

Its influence on literature cannot be overstated.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice remains one of the most entertaining classics ever written.

Jane Austen’s observations about relationships, class, marriage, and human behavior still feel incredibly modern centuries later.

Elizabeth Bennet remains one of literature’s most beloved protagonists because of her wit and intelligence.

Of course, the romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy became iconic for a reason. But the novel succeeds because Austen understood people so well.

That understanding keeps the story timeless.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights is chaotic, emotional, and unforgettable.

Emily Brontë created a gothic story centered around obsession, revenge, love, and destruction through the complicated relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine.

What makes the novel fascinating is that nearly every character feels flawed and emotionally messy.

There are no perfect heroes here.

The atmosphere throughout the novel feels dark and haunting, which is exactly why readers continue discussing it generations later.

Final Thoughts

This list could easily have been much longer.

There are countless books that deserve recognition and every reader will have their own personal favorites missing from this list. That is part of what makes reading so personal in the first place.

But the novels listed above continue to matter because they leave an impact.

Some challenge readers intellectually. Others completely change how readers view storytelling. A few simply remind us how powerful literature can be.

At the end of the day, the best books are the ones readers never fully forget.

And every book on this list earns that distinction.

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