10 Books and Novels That Everyone Should Read in Their Lifetime

So many books, so little time! If you’re looking for a master list of the best books that everyone should read in their lifetime, this is a great place to start. Featuring iconic classics, timeless bestsellers, and life-changing nonfiction, these are the books that will stay with you for your entire life. Take a look at our recommendations for the best books to read, and you’re sure to find your next good read!

Best Fiction & Nonfiction Books That Everyone Should Read

From timeless classics like To Kill a Mockingbird to recent bestsellers like The Kite Runner, here’s an ultimate list of fiction & nonfiction books everyone should read.

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Often imitated but never duplicated, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is a British classic and one of the most beloved books of all time. Detailing the social mores of 19th-century England, Austen crafts a novel that is amusing, timeless and utterly delightful. If you haven’t met Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy yet, now is the time, for this is surely a book that everyone should read!

2. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthoney Doerr

This New York Times bestseller centers on the lives of Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, an orphaned German boy. Beautifully written and richly detailed, All the Light We Cannot See is a crowning achievement in historical fiction. Doerr captures the devastation of World War II and the ways in which good triumphs over evil in even the darkest circumstances.

3. The Call of the Wild by Jack London

First published in 1903, The Call of the Wild remains the quintessential wilderness tale. Set during the Klondike Gold Rush, Buck is a mixed breed dog caught between domesticity and the wild. He bonds with a prospector but his survival depends on his primitive instincts. Call of the Wild is a harrowing adventure story for all ages!

4. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

A book club favorite since its release, The Lovely Bones is told from the perspective of a murdered young girl named Susie Salmon. The heart-wrenching story unfolds as Susie comes to terms with her new home in heaven while watching the events following her death unfold on earth. An incredibly suspenseful story about the hope found in the aftermath of tragedy.

5. The Color Purple by Alice Walker

Alice Walker’s The Color Purple has earned a Pulitzer Prize and a National Book Award, and has been adapted for both film and theater. This is the story of Celie, a young African American woman who faces life’s hardships with unwavering grit and determination. The Color Purple is more than an award-winning novel, it’s a cultural touchstone and a literary masterpiece by one of the finest writers of our time.

6. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

You’re never too old for Harry Potter! If you haven’t yet met Harry and his friends, Ron and Hermione, there is no time like the present to dive into the first book of J.K. Rowling’s fantastic series about wizards, magic and muggles. This contemporary classic sets a new standard for children’s literature and has won fans of all ages from all over the world.

7. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin

Winter is an alien world whose inhabitants can change their gender at will. A human ambassador arrives to negotiate Winter’s return to the larger intergalactic civilization, but how can he bridge the gap between his own beliefs and this strange new world? Le Guin’s thoughtful exploration of human psychology, identity, and gender blends beautifully will her imaginative world-building, giving The Left Hand of Darkness a well-deserved place in the canon of classic science fiction.

8. Outliers by Malcom Gladwell

Nonfiction author Malcolm Gladwell is renowned for challenging traditional thinking and making readers uncomfortable (in the best possible way). In Outliers, Gladwell dismantles the term “luck” and argues that success is merely based on two things: your background and effort. This book analyzes various success stories — from The Beatles to Canadian hockey players — and uses a mix of research and anecdotes to provide a fresh perspective on their accomplishments. Outliers is a truly eye-opening read that will put your prejudice to the test.

9. Unbroken by Laura Hilenbrand

Unbroken tells the story of Louis Zamperini: His rebellious childhood; his career as a runner that took him all the way to the Olympics; and his World War II military service, during which he was taken as a prisoner of war. Through his captivity, Zamperini faced horrific situations with ingenuity and humor. This moving biography is an ode to resilience, hope, and the will to overcome even the darkest of moments. Zamperini’s unbreakable spirit will stick with you for years to come.

10. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People became a cultural phenomenon with its release in 1989. It’s one of those rare self-help books that has influenced people from all walks of life, including business leaders, educators, and politicians. Timeless in its approach, the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People offers insightful lessons on the most effective ways to improve your life, both professionally and personally.