The Best Books of All Time: 41 Can’t Miss Titles for Every Genre February 9, 2022 by Bobby Kania
Standalone vs. Series
Some of the most-read books are series, like Lord of the Rings, where several books are broken down into installments to complete the storyline. In every book, the author may introduce new characters and plotlines. On the other hand, standalone novels are self-contained, meaning the whole story ends in one book.
What Are the Best Fiction Books of All Time?
From novels penned by great American authors to books that broke boundaries and made a cultural impact, here are the top seven best fiction books of all time that you should read:
Ulysses by James Joyce
Ulysses is a timeless classic that needs no introduction. The book takes place on a single day (June 16, 1904) and follows the thoughts and musings of Mr. Leopold Bloom and his encounters with other Dublin locals.
Although not an easy book to read, Ulysses' 18 chapters (structured like Homer's Odyssey) and Joyce's complexity to discuss religion, adultery, and nationalism have made this 1920 book a masterpiece and the best novel of the 20th century.
WEALTH OF GEEKS
The Best Books of All Time: 41 Can't Miss Titles for Every Genre
February 9, 2022 by Bobby Kania
SHARE ON TWITTERSHARE ON FACEBOOKSHARE ON LINKEDINSHARE ON PINTEREST
From riveting thrillers to inspiring true-to-life experiences, these best books of all time won the hearts of millions of avid readers and literary critics. So much so that some have never been out of print since its first publication.
How Do You Choose the Next Book To Read?
There is no shortage of books to read, and for many, that overabundance can turn into a chaotic struggle of finding the next book to read. Here are three tips to point you in the right direction, whether you are looking for books like Harry Potter or want a faster way to choose a book.
Find Your Genre
Most people have a sense of what type of book they like. Even if you already know what genre speaks to you, it can be fun to expand your horizons. Maybe dystopian fiction calls to you or a bubbly, fun romance that you can breeze through on vacation.
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Consider Your Reading Preferences
Tone and style can be deciding factors as well. Some people love reading books with rich and evocative language, while others prefer light and easy-to-read writing. Find a book or book series that fits your needs if the page count is important.
Standalone vs. Series
Some of the most-read books are series, like Lord of the Rings, where several books are broken down into installments to complete the storyline. In every book, the author may introduce new characters and plotlines. On the other hand, standalone novels are self-contained, meaning the whole story ends in one book.
What Are the Best Fiction Books of All Time?
From novels penned by great American authors to books that broke boundaries and made a cultural impact, here are the top seven best fiction books of all time that you should read:
Ulysses by James Joyce
Ulysses is a timeless classic that needs no introduction. The book takes place on a single day (June 16, 1904) and follows the thoughts and musings of Mr. Leopold Bloom and his encounters with other Dublin locals.
Although not an easy book to read, Ulysses' 18 chapters (structured like Homer's Odyssey) and Joyce's complexity to discuss religion, adultery, and nationalism have made this 1920 book a masterpiece and the best novel of the 20th century.
So much so that every June 16, people celebrate and commemorate Joyce's book.
The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age story told through the eyes of cynical 16 years old Holden Caulfield. Holden spends three days wandering Manhattan, attempting to distance himself from superficial peers and the consequences of his expulsion from school.
He searches for human closeness throughout his trip while pushing back against adulthood, conformity, and commercialism. In a world full of fakes, Holden longs to preserve the innocence in the world and be the "catcher in the rye," especially for his sister Phoebe.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby centers around Jay Gatsby and his story as a mysteriously wealthy man.
Now settling on Long Island, he attempts to risk everything he has to win back his love, Daisy Buchanan.
This book chronicles a group of "haves" and "have nots" as they grapple with the American Dream. Fitzgerald portrays Jay's struggles of chasing the past and changing the future within the landscape of America's post-war economic boom.
1984 by George Orwell
1984 takes place in the future time of 1984 when the totalitarian government watches over everyone and directs all activities. Winston, the main protagonist, works for the government, rewriting history to match the superstate's wishes.
WEALTH OF GEEKS
The Best Books of All Time: 41 Can't Miss Titles for Every Genre
February 9, 2022 by Bobby Kania
SHARE ON TWITTERSHARE ON FACEBOOKSHARE ON LINKEDINSHARE ON PINTEREST
From riveting thrillers to inspiring true-to-life experiences, these best books of all time won the hearts of millions of avid readers and literary critics. So much so that some have never been out of print since its first publication.
How Do You Choose the Next Book To Read?
There is no shortage of books to read, and for many, that overabundance can turn into a chaotic struggle of finding the next book to read. Here are three tips to point you in the right direction, whether you are looking for books like Harry Potter or want a faster way to choose a book.
Find Your Genre
Most people have a sense of what type of book they like. Even if you already know what genre speaks to you, it can be fun to expand your horizons. Maybe dystopian fiction calls to you or a bubbly, fun romance that you can breeze through on vacation.
Latest Videos
This ad will end in 7
Consider Your Reading Preferences
Tone and style can be deciding factors as well. Some people love reading books with rich and evocative language, while others prefer light and easy-to-read writing. Find a book or book series that fits your needs if the page count is important.
Standalone vs. Series
Some of the most-read books are series, like Lord of the Rings, where several books are broken down into installments to complete the storyline. In every book, the author may introduce new characters and plotlines. On the other hand, standalone novels are self-contained, meaning the whole story ends in one book.
What Are the Best Fiction Books of All Time?
From novels penned by great American authors to books that broke boundaries and made a cultural impact, here are the top seven best fiction books of all time that you should read:
Ulysses by James Joyce
Ulysses is a timeless classic that needs no introduction. The book takes place on a single day (June 16, 1904) and follows the thoughts and musings of Mr. Leopold Bloom and his encounters with other Dublin locals.
Although not an easy book to read, Ulysses' 18 chapters (structured like Homer's Odyssey) and Joyce's complexity to discuss religion, adultery, and nationalism have made this 1920 book a masterpiece and the best novel of the 20th century.
So much so that every June 16, people celebrate and commemorate Joyce's book.
The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age story told through the eyes of cynical 16 years old Holden Caulfield. Holden spends three days wandering Manhattan, attempting to distance himself from superficial peers and the consequences of his expulsion from school.
He searches for human closeness throughout his trip while pushing back against adulthood, conformity, and commercialism. In a world full of fakes, Holden longs to preserve the innocence in the world and be the "catcher in the rye," especially for his sister Phoebe.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby centers around Jay Gatsby and his story as a mysteriously wealthy man.
Now settling on Long Island, he attempts to risk everything he has to win back his love, Daisy Buchanan.
This book chronicles a group of "haves" and "have nots" as they grapple with the American Dream. Fitzgerald portrays Jay's struggles of chasing the past and changing the future within the landscape of America's post-war economic boom.
1984 by George Orwell
1984 takes place in the future time of 1984 when the totalitarian government watches over everyone and directs all activities. Winston, the main protagonist, works for the government, rewriting history to match the superstate's wishes.
Although the "future" of 1984 has passed, the themes of this book still resonate over 70 years later. The threats of violation of free speech, constant surveillance, and the condemnation of free-thinking are still omnipresent in today's society.
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood spins a timeless, dark vision of an oppressive government and abhorrent human rights violations. The lead character, Offred, is a handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, a society where women are oppressed and are valued only for their reproductive capabilities.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird, a Pulitzer-prize winner, takes a closer look at racism, inequality, and segregation. The story revolves around Atticus Finch, a sympathetic and just lawyer, and his two daughters (Scout and Jem) and their journey of understanding the world's injustices.
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes
After reading many chivalric romances, the book's protagonist Alonso Quijano embarks on a quest to revive chivalry. Longing to be like his literary heroes, Quijano eventually loses touch with reality — mistaking windmills as giants and women of the night as princesses.
This book was written in 1605 and is considered one of the founding works of modern Western literature.
What Are the Best Non-fiction Books of All Time?
From shocking war stories to inspiring true-to-life experiences, you will find many great non-fiction books as captivating as any other genre.
In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
True crime at its finest. Truman Capote draws you into Holcomb, Kansas, and the brutal slaying of an entire family. When Capote hears about the quadruple murder, he heads out to Kansas to investigate. Capote documents his discoveries, interviews, and the psyches of killers Perry Smith and Richard Hickock as if it was a novel.
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
Stephen King penned many well-loved fictional books such as It, The Shining, and The Stand. His memoir, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, takes a different approach. King touches on how writing has helped him through difficult times.
Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
Science continually makes headlines, but sometimes those topics are challenging to understand. Neil deGrasse Tyson, America's top astrophysicist, penned the Astrophysics for People in a Hurry to fill the information gap.
Each chapter is a bite-sized, concise look at a topic that will help you understand the basics. These tidbits can be squeezed into any pocket of time in a busy day and may open the door to further learning and deeper understanding.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson
Science can be downright terrifying to some and positively dull to others. In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson presents the subject in an engaging, approachable, and entertaining way.
Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity by Katherine Boo
Katherine Boo is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer from The New Yorker and a former reporter and editor for The Washington Post.
Boo visited the Annawadi slums every day for four years, researching this book. She unflinchingly writes of the daily lives of the people living in the slums. This book highlights the struggles of the individuals and their response to the demands of everyday life.
What Are the Best Romance Novels of All Time?
When life gets tough, the best place to turn can be the soothing respite of a good romance novel. And these six romance novels of all time can bring that soothing and heartfelt feeling whenever you want to.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Any list of best romance novels of all time wouldn't be complete without Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice, even if it was published over 200 years ago.
This book follows the life of the Bennet sisters and the turbulent relationship of strong-willed and independent Elizabeth Bennet and rich, aristocratic, yet snobbish Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
Romeo and Juliet, a romantic tragedy, views the lives of star-crossed lovers caught between their warring families. Shakespeare portrays love in unfortunate circumstances by exploring the ideologies of fate, timing, light, and darkness.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
This modern-day classic will have you reaching for tissues. The book follows the love story of Noah and Allie, who was torn apart by war and disapproval. After 14 years, Allie shows up at his doorstep, and romance ensues.
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Heartbreaking and life-affirming at the same time, Audrey Niffenegger's unconventional love story will draw you in and keep you riveted until the unexpected ending. Henry DeTamble is a librarian who involuntarily travels through time, and Clare