Top Books You Must Read In Your Lifetime!
90Top Books - Recommended
Do you like to read? I am one of those American’s that read all the time. I have books scattered around my house and reading probably 4-5 books at a given time. But the fun part is sitting down an actually reading. Absorbing myself inside a book that I am actually living within it is the ultimate experience. As I turn each page I am reacting to the book as it becomes a part of who I am. My brain is playing on high and I am feeling every emotion the author is revealing in each section of the book that I am consuming. The unfiltered emotions that are created in my body from the response of the pages I am turning are a journey like no other. When you are intensely in a book, immerse yourself within and tune out everything else, this is when you go to that place where the author wants you to go.
Reading and books are a gift, one I cherish every day that I get to sit down and read. Encourage others to read and continue to learn. Life is full of mysteries, poems, literature and history, find your niche and enjoy the kind of books that takes you to another place, another time and another life. That is what reading is about, expanding your mind!
Books, Read and then Read More!
Pick Yours, Start Reading Today
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Top Books - To Kill A Mocking Bird
Top 15 Must Read Books
These are the top15 most recommended books that you must read before you die. Yes, they have also touched my soul, scared me senseless and pissed me off. I didn’t put them in any order just the best books of all times that have reached out and spoken to me, they made me feel the raw emotion that is being written page by page. Hopefully, you understand my meaning with each of these books; I hope they have touched you in a deep dark place that very few times you get to go.
Follow the River Book by James Alexander Thom
This is the story of Mary Ingles, a 23 year old married woman, pregnant with her third child. In 1755 the Shawnee Indians raided her peaceful settlement and kidnapped her. The bloody savages destroyed her settlement and took her away from all that she had known. This is her amazing story of escaping the Indians after being captive, how she followed the Ohio River and walked thousands of miles to get back to her family. This book portrays her hardships, determination and dedication to getting back to her family. Follow the River, astounding story of survival.
Who Moved My Cheese Book by Spencer Johnson and Kenneth Blanchard
This book will help you learn the art of change. How to accept change as it happens in your work place and/or live. The little mice will show you the positive way of change and how your attitude should adapt to change. Short read but a must read for all. The mouse is not a pet, but helpful for us all in his journey.
The Little Engine That Could Book by Watty Piper and Loren Long
Every child, teen or adult should read this amazing story of the little engine that could. This is an incredible book for all ages, so buy it and keep it forever! Encouragement to all of any age that you can do it!
My Sister’s Keeper Book by Jodi Picoult
This is the story of Anna, which has a younger sister that is sick and Anna has often help with bone marrow and blood transfusions. Anna parent’s wants her to give one of her kidney’s to her older sister, to help save her life. This is the remarkable story of Anna and her sister Kate, a beautiful story about two sisters and their journey of life, boys and sickness.
Little Women Book by Louisa May Alcott
This is a classic book that women of all ages should read (men too). This story is based off true life events of Ms. Alcott, the story of four sisters, little women, talented tomboy an author-to-be Jo, tragically frail Beth, beautiful Meg, and romantic, spoiled Amy, united in their devotion to each other and their struggles to survive in New England during the Civil War.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Book by Mark Twain
Story of a teenage boy that finds himself floating down the Mississippi River with a slave that has escaped. This is their course of adventure, danger and many other hilarious characters that just keep you on the edge of your seat. This is truly a classic book and a must read for all ages.
Pride and Prejudice Book by Jane Austen
Yes, this is a classic tale too but really take the time to read it. It’s beautiful, about a boy and a girl and life. Few have charmed Mr. Darcy but Elizabeth’s wit and independent spirit penetrated through Mr. Darcy’s pride. The characters jump out of the pages, they are real and raw to the readers. Marvelous book and wonderful classical author as well.
Gone With The Wind Novel by Margaret Mitchell
One of the most favorite books of all times, plus, one you will never forget after you read it. The two main characters, the white-shouldered, irresistible Scarlett and the flamboyant, scornful Rhett, Margaret Mitchell not only conveyed a timeless story of survival under the harshest of circumstances, she also created two of the most famous lovers in the English-speaking world since Romeo and Juliet.
To Kill A Mocking Bird Novel by Harper Lee
A gripping, heart-wrenching, and wholly remarkable tale of coming-of-age in a South poisoned by virulent prejudice, it views a world of great beauty and savage inequities through the eyes of a young girl, as her father, a crusading local lawyer risks everything to defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.
Band of Brothers Book by Stephen Ambrose
The men of E Company, 506th Regiment, 101st Airborne, volunteered for this elite fighting force because they wanted to be the best in the army--and avoid fighting alongside unmotivated, out-of-shape draftees. The price they paid for that desire was long, arduous, and sometimes sadistic training, followed by some of the most horrific battles of World War II. This book is absolutely a MUST read!
Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume
The preteen girl’s book but one of the funniest books I have ever read. It’s about girls filling out their training bras, Puberty and when all of it’s going to happen. The weird things that girls do all the fun stuff about growing up and talking to God about it. So much fun to read.
The Wolf and The Dove Book by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss
One of the most romantic books I have ever read. The old historian romance between the bad guy and the good girl. But the bad guy, the master turns in to a good guy. The sexual feeling is magnificent throughout this book. The wanting and panting is raw and express within this book that you will be sweating when you’re done.
Montana Sky Book by Nora Roberts
This is the story about Jack Mercy's three daughters which are strangers to each other, but to inherit his huge ranch they must live there together for a year -- a year that will bring them together against a terrifying unknown enemy as well as bringing each of them someone to make their dreams sweeter. A rich, stunning story of family, death, and love.
Clan of the Cave Bear Book by Jean M. Auel
When her parents are killed by an earthquake, 5-year-old Ayla wanders through the forest completely alone. Cold, hungry, and badly injured by a cave lion, the little girl is as good as gone until she is discovered by a group who call themselves the Clan of the Cave Bear. This is the journey of the little girl’s life, remarkable and spiritual.
Chocolat Novel by Joanne Harris
Try me...Test me...Taste me. When an exoticstranger, Vianne Rocher, arrives in the French village of Lansquenet and opens a chocolate boutique directly opposite the church, Father Reynaud identifies her as a serious danger to his flock. A mysterious story of love, romance, trust and determination.
I realize there are more books you would probably put on this list of most highly recommended books to read but I am here to tell you that each of these books above bring something special and you will learn something new from each one. Each of these books should be read during your lifetime, feel them, breathe them, go deep within the pages and read, then learn from them and you will understand what I mean once you have finished the books.
PS; some of the comments below offer some great other reads that are so important so I encourage you to review the comments. Thank you ALL for this wonderful additions!
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Mac, thank you so much, I just love books, happy that others agree. Thanks again.
Nice list of very good books. I have read most of them. Thanks for the list.
Well-written reviews of each...Picking the Greatest anything is so very subjective. The only two to make my list of top 15 would be " To Kill a Mockingbird " and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn "...Just for comparison, here are my top 15 books of all time :
1 Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
2. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
6. Don Quixote by Cervantes
7. The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
8. A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens
9. The Brothers Karamazov by Dostoevsky
10. Middlemarch by George Eliot
11. Lolita by Nabokov
12. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
13. A Rage to Live by John O'Hara
14. 1984 by George Orwell
15. Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
So many writers, so many books, few that stand the test of time...few that are timeless in their message and connection with the reader...Thank you for your personal list...Larry
I read about half of the books you recommended and plan to read more. Remember that episode of the Twilight Zone: "Time Enough at Last?"
I have my own list too, but from the looks of it, Larry/Maven and I have practically the same tastes. I'd add Animal Farm in there somewhere too.
Thanks, Ladybird33!
@dohn....re Twight Zone, I loved that episode, probably my favorite...to not have the ability to read would be devastating to me...Larry
Pamela99, Thank you for commenting, I am sure I am missing several but I just read these over and over.
Larry, I love your list and there are a couple that I debated on putting on mine so I am thrilled you added them here. Catcher in The Rye and of course, Lolita. YOu are such a dear, hope your Holidays are very good. Many wishes.
dohn, Awww, I am getting to know your likes and dislikes, what does that say :) As always you are a sweetheart to read and comment. Love your thoughts. Happy Holidays my friend.
studyo, I have not read Animal Farm but I am thinking I need to. Thanks for commenting.
I was disappointed not to see any mention of Cormac McCarthy, Samuel Beckett, Thomas Bernhard, Jack Gilbert, Virginia Woolf, Flannery O'Connor, or Don Delillo in anybody's comments. Truly these writers also stand up to all of the ones listed above. And three of these are still with us!
Thanks for this list! There are a few that I have not read. The Judy Blume mention made me giggle! Memories! Best, GPAGE
mewlhouse, I am sorry to hear you are disappointed, but your list was a wonderful reminder. Thank you for sharing and I will have to look them up again, been many years.
GPAGE, THANK you so much, love Judy Blume :)
Ladybird....I noticed a cut and paste comment from Studyo, above, lifted from dohn's comment, and was curious who this might be...It appears to be a Turkish website promoting god knows what, since it is all in Turkish...Strange world...Larry
Larry, very strange world no double. Truly I am not sure, but had to delete anyway, got a virus from it. :(
Great HUB. I read a lot as well. Never have been much on TV. I only see three on your list that I've read. I have read half of those listed by Maven. Looks like between the two of you I have a pretty good reading list!
C.J. I love to read and I do watch TV but I want my son to know the importance of reading. Maven/Larry has a great list that I have to start reading a couple that I haven't in the past. I appreciate your comments.
I love to read! And I wish that I could just around and read and write all day long! I would if I could. Too bad cleaning the house, working, school and other necessities of life get in the way of that....
Thanks for this list of books! I love the ones that I have read (except Huck Finn...I feel that book went downhill the second half...just my opinion.) But the others are great. And the ones I have not read...I hope to in the future!
I really love to read and your site has just given me a few more reasons to visit the library. Thanks so much for writing this hub!
Simply Brit, Thank you so much for sharing and reading my article. I hope you get to read the other ones.
Scott Yates, yep, the library is the best, keep going and keep reading. Thanks for stopping by!
Perhaps the most important book around at the moment is Flat Earth News by Nick Davies - read it and you will never, ever look at the news the same way again. Simply staggering. Then, if you want to become white with anger get 'A bright Shining Lie' by Neil Sheehan and draw all the parallels between Vietnam and Iraq and Afghanistan. Proof, if ever it was needed, that the lessons of history are rarely learnt. Has anyone read either?
Nicks, I have not read that book but I think I need to look into it. Thanks for the tips!
Cool, I remember that book Are You There God it's Me Margaret. I read that in school! Also the way you described these books sounds exactly like the kind of book I want to write. Awesome hub!
I love reading too, although I can only manage one book at a time. Great list I love some of these books and the rest I will certainly try some of the others.
I read My sister's keeper recently and loved it. It really is a great book.
Your list is very good. No doubt about it. But I would also include Wuthering Heights because it is a masterpiece.
Great list ; try ' Life of Pie' a booker prize winner and when you read it you realise why it won a prize.
I have read only a couple of these books but I can tell from your post that you are passionate about what you read and that is really the most important part of any list. Not everyone will agree with your list but as long as they are all important to you says a lot about what a caring person you are. Thank you for the insight.
AuthorLMS, thank you for the awesome compliment! yes, I love Judy Blume so much, she is very good as a young reader writer.
wrenfrost56, if you find time, read these books, they are that good. Let me know what you think.
Xook, wuthering heights is no doubt, excellent and a classic masterpiece. thanks for sharing.
RosWebbART, I have not read "Life of Pie" but will, thanks for the tip!
Kathy, you are so right in what you say and each one of us has our own opinion, thank you for reading mine, much appreciated!
I have only read a few of these books, but I think that we have ll read books that have moved us in some way and that we we always remember.
CMHypno, thanks for commenting and I hope you do read some more of these books, they are that good. Thanks again!
I've read 13 of these! I guess I'd better pick up the rest and start reading! I also liked Atlas Shrugged, Ayn Rand, very thought provoking. Also John Dunnings books are good reads, he has a series about a rare book dealer that's excellent! Suggest The Great Gatsby be added too. I read a lot of Russian Lit too, but those are pretty heavy, also Theodore Drieser's books. Also enjoy biographies by Doris Kerns Goodwin, they offer some unique insights.
brainiack, Wow, you read more then others that have responded. That is awesome and since we seem to like the same things, I am going to try and read the ones that you mention above. Thanks for sharing!!!
Thanks for the recommendation.
online scam check, thank you for reading and commenting. Appreciate it.
Very good choices!!!!!
grannygoodearth, thanks so much. I appreciate you reading.
hi friend
nice hub
brittoads, thank you so much.
Nice hub :-) I love reading as well :-) And it isn't easy to pick the best books of all time, is it? Haven't read all the books that you have listed..I would pick 'Pride and Prejudice' as my most favourite book in your list..
I have read Who Moved My Cheese. You are right. It is an excellent book concerning change in our lives.
Great hub, my book club has read 3 on the list and many other great books. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Ladybird33.
Great Suggestions! I have read a number of these books as well and really enjoyed them. My personal favorite was Little Women. I am a songwriter and I try to convey a story in every song, reading really helps to inspire me. Thanks!
ezhuntukari, yes Pride and Prejudice is one of my very, very favorites!!! Thanks for reading!
samboiam, yes, that book all should read when going through change...hope they do. Thanks for coming to see me.
MPG, we must have the same taste if our books are listed...or we are just smart :) Thanks for stopping by.
songwriter, love little women, love your name and I wish you all the best in your songwriting, keep it up, it will pay off!
Great list. I feel so lame though - I've only read two of your suggestions! Is "Les Miserables" a suitable sub?
Tell me which your top ten books are.... and I will tell you who YOU are!
So many great books...so little time.I always enjoy reading other people's top ten lists! There are never two the same!
kea, thank you, I thought it was a good list as well. yes, Les Miserables is a suitable sub!!!
Marieryan, glad you liked them! I agree so many books still to read too. Thanks for coming by!
Great hub. I too love to read and understand the absorbing oneself into a good book.
It is so nice of you to comment on the books you have read so far. Excellent piece of personal experience. Keep it up.
Shiva
lovelypaper, thank you so much, I am a huge reader, glad others share that passionate trait!
esolefl, thank you for the great compliment! and for coming by!
Great choices! I've actually read every one of these and though my 15 may look a little different, I can't agree more that each of these books is a true masterful work! Thanks for the reviews!
I also love to read and your top 15 is a great mix of some of the best.
bonnebartron, I am so happy you liked my choices, it's hard to decide but worth it once I did! Thank you again for reading, commenting and stopping by!!
auntpappy, I hope you get to read some of these, or have. I appreciate you coming by to see this! My best.
They all sound like great books. Love how you describe your love for reading. Wish I had more time to enjoy books. With two young children it's kind of hard to make time for that. take care :)
lilypjmom2122, thank you for the great comment! I read at night and it is hard to find the time. My best to you and thank you again for commenting!
Great list! I was surprised how many of your favorite books I haven't read. I'm going to have to get to work. I've been trying to read all the Russian authors lately, so maybe I'll have to come back home and try some of these.
Good list but you've forgotten The Answer and The Mindbody Prescription. The other books are good, but these two will change your life.
LadyBird,
Very good list! There is some on there I haven't read yet, but not many. I would put To Kill A Mockingbird and Huck Finn right at the top, along with one I have read many times in my life, a personal favorite, The Winter of Our Discontent by Steinbeck. I'm not sure why that book grabs me so much, but it really captivates me.
Cap
Great choices Ladybird --Louisa May Alcott-Jane Austin-Mark Twain-Harper Lee are familiar classics...but the rest of your recommended books are unfamiliar to me...will have to look them up. This hub could go one forever with the endless list of 'must read books'...though I take it- this is a perdsonal list of must read books.
I really liked your selection of Books. I would have to add:
16)Catcher in the Rye: Author, JD. Salinger
17)Hit Man: Author, Rex Feral
I look forward to reading your next post.
rnbguru, thank you so much for commenting and reading. Plus, stopping by to see me!
brettb, thanks for the recommendations, I will be looking for these! Thanks again.
CaptainCorelli, I will have to read your recommendation, I love learning of new books so I do appreciate it so.
Simple Tim, it was so hard to pick the top favorites because I could have made a much longer list. Thanks for your comment, much appreciated!
WriterStuckey, I will get these books too, thank you for listing for me too. I appreciate you reading this hub!
Plato
Albert Pike
Oswald Spengler
Friedrich Nietzsche
Genrikh Yagoda
Edward Bernays
But the weak dont read such books.
PrometheusKid, interesting and a little, how should I put this, someone looking for something they don't have. Appreciate your comment and reading this hub. The beauty of our world, we can learn something new from others. My best to you.
Honestly I am not into reading books but the titles and overviews stated above are interesting enough for me to consider reading. Nice hub! Keep it up!
Hi Nicole, you should read, it's a wonderful and exciting journey to read and let your mind go. I hope this hub helps you to want to read more! Thank you for reading this and commenting!
The Little Engine That Could! Great pick! Even my 8 year-old still loves it. Nice list!
M. Evereset, yes, that is the best book! My seven year old son loves it too. Thanks for reading!
=) i agree with most of them - but i don't think My Sister's Keeper should be on the list. Just my opinion, but i didn't like the book at all - yes it was very well written, had a good plot, and i basically liked it until i read the ending. I wont spoil it just incase someone hasn't read it yet, but the ending totally killed the whole thing for me.
Fruffles, we all have different opinions which makes this so much fun. I loved my sister's keeper and for the ending mostly, but because you didn't doesn't mean either of us is wrong, just personal choice. I appreciate your comment!
Crime and Punishment by Dostoevsky is the greatest book I've ever read.
Really? I will have to read it! Thanks!
Really? I will have to read it! Thanks!
Really? I will have to read it! Thanks!
5 Must Reads before you die :
- The Bible - by (A Genius!)
- 48 Laws of Power - by Robert Greene
- Genesis of Our Demise - by Anthony Bathelus
- Pillars of the Earth - by Ken Follett
- The Prince - by Niccolo Machiavelli
KFox, thank you for your list and I am going to read the ones I have never read. I appreciate you sending to me!!
I like what you wrote.
For many of the old books you list, some of them belong to public domain already. You can download them free from www.gutenberg.org
tamiran, how are you? I appreciate the tip on gutenberg, had no idea but will certainly use it. Thanks for stopping by!
Oh it is good what you wrote. It is really list of books that I need to read.
I have to add the trilogy by the unfortunate Stieg Larsson, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, The Girl who Played with Fire and the Girl who kicked the Hornets Nest. All are unforgetable reads.
Neverletitgo, read these, they are so wonderful. Thanks for reading my hub!
Hi Gypsy, how are you? I will definitely read these books. I appreciate the tip! Hope you are well and thanks for visiting!
Love this list I have read most of the books on it and would like to suggest a book I have not seen mentioned on anyones list. Mr God this is Anne by Fynn I read this first almost 30 years ago and bring it out every three years or so to re-read. give it a try and let me know what you think
oops sorry should read Mr God this is Anna
mom4, thanks for sharing your tips and I will look into it. I appreciate you reading this!!!
u forget dostoyvesky, tolstoy and gorky they are the torch bearers of literature
my favorite out of these : little women and pride
& prejudice. :)
try Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montegomery... its really good
An old fashioned girl by louisa may alcott is awesome too!!!
I could go on.....
thanks for the list...haven't read most of them yet!!!
Add some Faulkner and Vonnegut and you've got yourself a list.
Thanks for the time and effort, nice list. Always looking for quality books to read.
Thanks for the list. I've read a few of them and will try to read the rest of them as recommended
these are nice and please add five point someone is also a nice one
I want to read now thanks very much
Have read several of the books on your list, Ladybird, and concur with your regard for them.
You might like to try a few of the titles below, if you haven't already.
"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon.
"A Sunday by the pool in Kigali" by Gil Courtemanche.
"A LONG WAY GONE. Memoirs of a Boy Soldier". By Ishmael Beah.
"Tess of The D'Urbervilles" (my favourite...) Thomas Hardy.
"Great Expectations" (my favourite...) Charles Dickens.
"Animal Farm" by George Orwell. Simply a masterpiece.
"Catch 22" by Joseph Heller.
i think Jane eyre by charlotte bronte is a great novel of all time, and should be listed here...
I am glad to see Little Women on the list! I just re-read it recently, and it is truly a lovely and meaningful story, that holds up over time.
Hey.. Thanks for sharing your list of favorite books. :)
I'm 17..and would be starting college in 2 months. So, could u recommend some good books for me to read during this break i have?
Thanks!
where's teh classics? i'm fond of that kind of books, so if u pls can recomend more classics
redone, thanks for commenting! I do appreciate you reading my hub! My best, ladybird
Olivia93, you have a GREAT list here and some I have read and absolutely should add to this list! Thank you for commenting.
Dustin, thank you for adding a couple great authors to this list, certainly appreciate it! Thanks for reading.
Steve, I do appreciate your input so much!
webgain, thank you for the added input, love it!
Martina, just read, it's the most wonderful thing to do!
Thatguypk, GREAT list! You are so right in these choices. Thank you for sharing! I do appreciate it so!
Amy, these are a couple of my favorite! I am glad you listed them!
Laurie, I love Little Women, a classic but a great one! Thanks for commenting.
Ashley, enjoy college, it's a great time and you can learn so much! Thanks for stopping by to see me.
redouane, how are you? I will tell you that all of these books are somewhat of classics in their own way. Thank you for stopping by and reading my hub!
Quite a variety indeed! Some sound allot of fun to read?
So many of these are my long time favorites too. Im glad to see they're still listed as must reads!
Oldies but goodies! Thx!
I remember reading The Adventures of Huck Finn when I was young and what an effect it had on me becoming a lover of literature. Thanks for reminding me of that wonderful book.
Wow! So many comments. I've read a few of the books. A book I'd like to recommend as a research book is The Book of Great Books by Barnes and Noble.It lists 100 of the greatest books.
It's a kind of guide and a great help to know what to download from Amazon on the Kindle. Many of these are either free or relativey inexpensive.
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These are beautiful books i have read few but not last 3... thanks for the same