One of the most influential is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It shows the power of love and the importance of looking beyond first impressions. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' which imparts lessons about justice, racism and moral courage. 'The Alchemist' is also very inspiring as it encourages readers to follow their dreams and listen to their hearts.
Well, 'Jane Eyre' is a great inspirational classic novel. It tells the story of a strong - willed woman who overcomes many difficulties in life, including class differences and inequality. 'The Little Prince' is also quite inspiring. Through the simple yet profound story, it makes readers think about the true meaning of life, friendship and love. And don't forget 'Moby - Dick', which can be seen as a story about man's struggle against nature and his own obsessions.
One of the most well - known classic cyberpunk novels is 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson. It's often considered a seminal work in the cyberpunk genre, introducing many of the concepts like cyberspace that are now iconic in cyberpunk. Another is 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson, which combines elements of Sumerian mythology with a near - future dystopian society. And 'Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?' by Philip K. Dick, which was the basis for the movie 'Blade Runner' and explores themes of artificial intelligence and what it means to be human in a world filled with androids.
One of the most well - known is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It powerfully portrays the life of African - American women in the South, dealing with themes like racism, sexism, and the power of love and sisterhood. Another is 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison, which explores the identity of a black man in a predominantly white society. And 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison is also a great classic. It delves into the legacy of slavery, as a mother kills her daughter to save her from slavery, and then has to deal with the ghost of the daughter.
I think 'The Pilgrim's Progress' is highly influential. It has been widely read for centuries and has influenced Christian thought and literature. 'Ben - Hur' is also very important. Its story of redemption and the portrayal of Jesus in the background has made it a significant work. 'The Robe' too has had an impact as it brings the story of the crucifixion to life in a fictional yet thought - provoking way.
The Lord of the Rings is highly influential. Its detailed world - building has inspired countless other fantasy works. Another is 'The Chronicles of Narnia'. It has influenced the way we view magical portals and alternate worlds in fantasy. And 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, while also a horror classic, has had a huge impact on the idea of creating life in literature, which is relevant to fantasy as well.
I think 'Dracula' is very influential. It has defined the modern vampire myth in so many ways, from the appearance of vampires to their powers and weaknesses. It has been adapted countless times in movies, TV shows, and other forms of media. 'Frankenstein' is also highly influential. It started the whole idea of a mad scientist creating a living being, which has become a staple in science - fiction and horror ever since.
Definitely 'The Brothers Karamazov' by Dostoevsky. It's a profound exploration of faith, family, and morality. The complex relationships between the Karamazov brothers and their father are a highlight. It also poses many philosophical questions about good and evil.
I think 'The Iliad' and 'The Odyssey' are highly influential. They have shaped Western literature and storytelling for centuries. Their tales of heroes, gods, and great adventures have been a source of inspiration for countless works.
One of the most influential dystopian novels is '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a totalitarian society where the government controls every aspect of people's lives. Another is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley, which depicts a future society based on pleasure and genetic engineering. 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is also highly influential, showing a patriarchal and oppressive regime.
Some very influential American novels include 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison. It tells the story of an African - American man's search for identity in a racist society. 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac was a significant influence on the Beat Generation. And 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, which examines sin, guilt, and society in Puritan New England.
The 100 most influential novels typically have strong storylines. Take 'The Great Gatsby' for instance. The story of Jay Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy is both tragic and engaging. They are also known for their cultural impact. 'The Catcher in the Rye' has influenced generations of young readers with its exploration of teenage angst. Moreover, these novels often use rich language, which helps to create vivid images in the reader's mind.