100 Best Books of the 21st Century: Your Next Read Awaits

18. Lincoln in the Bardo – George Saunders (2017)

📖 Synopsis: A genre-bending novel about Abraham Lincoln grieving his son, narrated by ghosts in the afterlife.

📌 Why Read It? It’s weird, poetic, and completely original—like nothing else you’ve ever read.

19. Say Nothing – Patrick Radden Keefe (2019)

📖 Synopsis: A gripping true crime/history book about the Troubles in Northern Ireland, centered on a woman’s mysterious disappearance.

📌 Why Read It? Reads like a thriller but delivers a deep, nuanced history lesson.

20. Erasure – Percival Everett (2001)

📖 Synopsis: A Black intellectual writes a satirical “stereotypical” novel to expose the publishing industry’s racism—and it becomes a bestseller.

📌 Why Read It? It’s darkly funny and painfully relevant, especially in today’s literary world.

21. Evicted – Matthew Desmond (2016)

📖 Synopsis: A deeply researched nonfiction book about housing insecurity in America, following eight struggling families.

📌 Why Read It? It puts a human face on poverty and makes you rethink housing as a basic human right.

22. Behind the Beautiful Forevers – Katherine Boo (2012)

📖 Synopsis: A stunning nonfiction account of life in a Mumbai slum, told through real stories of its residents.

📌 Why Read It? It’s immersive and deeply moving—one of the best works of narrative journalism ever.

23. Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage – Alice Munro (2001)

📖 Synopsis: A collection of short stories about love, loneliness, and the unexpected turns life takes.

📌 Why Read It? Munro is a master of quiet, deeply insightful storytelling—every sentence is a gem.

24. The Overstory – Richard Powers (2018)

📖 Synopsis: An epic novel about trees, climate activism, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.

📌 Why Read It? It makes you look at the natural world in a whole new way—profound and poetic.

25. Random Family – Adrian Nicole LeBlanc (2003)

📖 Synopsis: A nonfiction book following a family in the Bronx over a decade, capturing their struggles with poverty, love, and survival.

📌 Why Read It? It reads like a novel but is real life—an intimate and unforgettable look at urban America.

26. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire – J.K. Rowling (2000)

📖 Synopsis: The fourth installment in the Harry Potter series follows Harry as he competes in the deadly Triwizard Tournament while Voldemort’s return looms.

📌 Why Read It? This is where the series takes a darker, more mature turn—packed with mystery, action, and heartbreak.

27. The Fifth Season – N.K. Jemisin (2015)

📖 Synopsis: In a world plagued by catastrophic earthquakes, a woman with powerful abilities searches for her kidnapped daughter amid societal collapse.

📌 Why Read It? Jemisin’s storytelling is groundbreaking—she blends fantasy, science fiction, and social commentary in a way that’s utterly mesmerizing.

28. Nothing to Envy – Barbara Demick (2009)

📖 Synopsis: A nonfiction book that follows the lives of North Korean defectors, revealing the harsh realities of life under the Kim regime.

📌 Why Read It? It’s an eye-opening, human-centered account of a place often shrouded in secrecy.

29. The Constant Gardener – John le Carré (2001)

📖 Synopsis: A British diplomat investigates his wife’s murder and uncovers a sinister pharmaceutical conspiracy in Africa.

📌 Why Read It? It’s a gripping political thriller with emotional depth—classic le Carré at his best.

30. Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn (2012)

📖 Synopsis: A wife goes missing, and her husband becomes the prime suspect—but nothing is as it seems.

📌 Why Read It? The twists are insane. If you love psychological thrillers, this is the one.

31. On Writing – Stephen King (2000)

📖 Synopsis: Part memoir, part masterclass on writing, King shares his journey and the craft lessons he’s learned along the way.

📌 Why Read It? Whether you’re a writer or just love great stories, this book is full of wisdom, humor, and inspiration.

32. Mother’s Milk – Edward St Aubyn (2006)

📖 Synopsis: A brutally honest novel about family dysfunction, privilege, and the challenges of parenthood.

📌 Why Read It? St Aubyn’s sharp, witty writing makes even dark themes entertaining.

33. Underland – Robert Macfarlane (2019)

📖 Synopsis: A poetic exploration of the hidden worlds beneath our feet, from underground caves to buried histories.

📌 Why Read It? It’s both a travel book and a philosophical journey—beautiful, eerie, and profound.

34. Brooklyn – Colm Tóibín (2009)

📖 Synopsis: A young Irish woman emigrates to Brooklyn in the 1950s and struggles between two worlds.

📌 Why Read It? It’s a quiet, moving novel about love, home, and the immigrant experience.

35. Oryx and Crake – Margaret Atwood (2003)

📖 Synopsis: A dystopian novel about genetic engineering gone wrong, told through the eyes of the last surviving human.

📌 Why Read It? Atwood’s vision of the future is chillingly plausible—dark, weird, and thought-provoking.

36. Atonement – Ian McEwan (2001)

📖 Synopsis: A single lie by a young girl changes the course of multiple lives, with devastating consequences.

📌 Why Read It? The storytelling is chef’s kiss—romantic, tragic, and hauntingly beautiful.

37. Normal People – Sally Rooney (2018)

📖 Synopsis: A love story between two Irish teenagers that follows them through years of misunderstandings and emotional turmoil.

📌 Why Read It? It perfectly captures modern relationships—the messiness, the longing, and the unspoken words.

38. Tenth of December – George Saunders (2013)

📖 Synopsis: A collection of darkly funny, deeply human short stories that explore morality, class, and love.

📌 Why Read It? Saunders is a genius at mixing humor with heartbreaking realism—these stories will stick with you.

39. Sapiens – Yuval Noah Harari (2011)

📖 Synopsis: A sweeping history of humankind, exploring how we evolved from hunter-gatherers to modern society.

📌 Why Read It? It’s one of the most fascinating, mind-expanding books you’ll ever read.

40. Cloud Atlas – David Mitchell (2004)

📖 Synopsis: Six interconnected stories spanning centuries, from the past to a post-apocalyptic future.

📌 Why Read It? It’s an ambitious, genre-blending masterpiece that makes you rethink time, fate, and human nature.

41. The Amber Spyglass – Philip Pullman (2000)

📖 Synopsis: The thrilling conclusion to His Dark Materials, where Lyra and Will face their ultimate fate in a war between worlds.

📌 Why Read It? It’s epic, emotional, and philosophical—a fantasy novel that’s also deeply profound.

42. To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee (1960)

📖 Synopsis: Set in the racially segregated South during the 1930s, this classic novel tells the story of Scout Finch, a young girl whose father, lawyer Atticus Finch, defends a Black man falsely accused of raping a white woman.

📌 Why Read It? It’s one of the most powerful stories about racial injustice, empathy, and growing up. Atticus Finch remains one of literature’s most iconic moral heroes.

43. 1984 – George Orwell (1949)

📖 Synopsis: In a dystopian society ruled by a totalitarian regime, Winston Smith, an employee of the Party, begins to question the oppressive government and its control over truth, history, and reality.

📌 Why Read It? Though it was published in 1949, 1984 remains one of the most powerful, chilling critiques of authoritarianism and the dangers of surveillance. Orwell’s insights are as relevant today as ever, especially in our digital age.

44. The Book Thief – Markus Zusak (2005)

📖 Synopsis: Set in Nazi Germany, The Book Thief follows Liesel, a young girl who steals books to escape the harsh reality of her life, with Death himself as the narrator.

📌 Why Read It? It’s a beautifully written and deeply emotional novel that explores the power of words, survival, and human kindness in the face of unimaginable horror.

45. Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury (1953)

📖 Synopsis: In a dystopian future where books are banned, Guy Montag, a firefighter who burns books for a living, begins to question the oppressive society he’s part of.

📌 Why Read It? It’s a timeless, thought-provoking novel about censorship, freedom, and the importance of critical thinking—still highly relevant today.

46. The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold (2002)

📖 Synopsis: After being murdered, 14-year-old Susie Salmon watches from her own personal heaven as her family and friends cope with her death and search for her killer.

📌 Why Read It? It’s heartbreaking, hopeful, and deeply emotional—tackling grief, healing, and the impact of loss from a unique perspective.

47. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

📖 Synopsis: The classic tale of Jay Gatsby, his elusive love for Daisy Buchanan, and the decadence and disillusionment of the Jazz Age.

📌 Why Read It? A dazzling exploration of wealth, love, and the American Dream, The Great Gatsby remains as relevant today as ever, with its hauntingly beautiful prose and tragic themes.

48. The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood (1985)

📖 Synopsis: In a dystopian future where women’s rights are stripped away, Offred, a woman forced into a life of servitude, grapples with the harsh realities of her existence under a totalitarian regime.

📌 Why Read It? Atwood’s chilling tale remains an urgent commentary on gender, power, and resistance—its relevance only grows stronger in today’s political climate.

49. The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath (1963)

📖 Synopsis: A semi-autobiographical novel following Esther Greenwood, a young woman who struggles with mental illness while trying to find her place in a world that doesn’t understand her.

📌 Why Read It? Poignant and raw, Plath’s only novel is a brilliant, unflinching exploration of the pressures faced by women, mental health, and the search for identity.

50. The Goldfinch – Donna Tartt (2013)

📖 Synopsis: After surviving a bombing at an art museum that kills his mother, Theo Decker steals a priceless painting and spends years grappling with the consequences.

📌 Why Read It? This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel weaves an epic narrative of grief, art, love, and the search for meaning—rich in detail and unforgettable.

51. East of Eden – John Steinbeck (1952)

📖 Synopsis: A multi-generational saga about the Trask family, set against the backdrop of California’s Salinas Valley, exploring themes of good vs. evil, sibling rivalry, and personal redemption.

📌 Why Read It? Steinbeck’s masterpiece is a deep dive into human nature, filled with complex characters and timeless moral dilemmas that resonate with readers today.

52. Wuthering Heights – Emily Brontë (1847)

📖 Synopsis: The passionate and tragic love story of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, set on the remote Yorkshire moors.

📌 Why Read It? It’s a dark, brooding tale of obsession, revenge, and the destructive power of love, still one of the most intense and haunting books you’ll ever read.

53. Frankenstein – Mary Shelley (1818)

📖 Synopsis: A scientist, Victor Frankenstein, creates a living being from dead tissue, only to abandon it, leading to tragic consequences for both creator and creature.

📌 Why Read It? Shelley’s novel is an iconic tale of scientific ambition, ethics, and the monster within us all—a Gothic classic that continues to provoke thought about creation and responsibility.

54. Little Women – Louisa May Alcott (1868)

📖 Synopsis: The coming-of-age story of four sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—growing up in Civil War-era Massachusetts, dealing with love, loss, and finding their own paths in life.

📌 Why Read It? A timeless, heartwarming classic that explores family, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams—perfect for anyone who loves stories about strong, complex women.

55. Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret – Judy Blume (1970)

📖 Synopsis: This beloved coming-of-age novel follows Margaret Simon, an eleven-year-old girl grappling with puberty, identity, and her religious upbringing. As she navigates the challenges of adolescence, Margaret seeks answers from God, her family, and herself.

📌 Why Read It? Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret is a timeless and honest exploration of the complexities of growing up, particularly for young girls. Blume’s relatable and heartfelt portrayal of Margaret’s journey through self-discovery and the search for belonging has resonated with generations of readers. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s ever felt the growing pains of adolescence.

56. The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins (2008)

📖 Synopsis: In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen must fight in a brutal televised event where children are forced to battle to the death.

📌 Why Read It? A thrilling, action-packed dystopia that also tackles complex themes like survival, sacrifice, and the abuse of power. It’s an addictive read from start to finish.

57. Eat, Pray, Love – Elizabeth Gilbert (2006)

📖 Synopsis: After a divorce, Elizabeth Gilbert embarks on a year-long journey around the world to find herself, focusing on spirituality, food, and love.

📌 Why Read It? It’s an inspiring and uplifting memoir about self-discovery, healing, and the quest for happiness—perfect for anyone seeking a little personal transformation.

58. The Diary of a Young Girl – Anne Frank (1947)

📖 Synopsis: The poignant and powerful diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl in hiding during the Holocaust, as she documents her thoughts, fears, and dreams in the secret annex.

📌 Why Read It? Anne Frank’s voice transcends time, and her courage, wisdom, and resilience make this diary a must-read that’s deeply moving and eye-opening.

59. Angela’s Ashes – Frank McCourt (1996)

📖 Synopsis: A heartbreaking yet inspiring memoir about Frank McCourt’s childhood in poverty-stricken Ireland, where he struggles with loss, hardship, and his family’s resilience.

📌 Why Read It? McCourt’s writing is full of wit and humor despite the grim circumstances, making this memoir a powerful story of survival, love, and hope.

60. A Brief History of Time – Stephen Hawking (1988)

📖 Synopsis: A landmark work that explores complex concepts in cosmology, including black holes, time, and the origin of the universe, in a way that is accessible to the general reader.

📌 Why Read It? It’s a mind-expanding journey into the mysteries of the universe, perfect for anyone curious about the nature of existence and our place in the cosmos.

61. I Am Malala – Malala Yousafzai (2013)

📖 Synopsis: The courageous memoir of Malala Yousafzai, who defied the Taliban in Pakistan and fought for girls’ education, surviving an assassination attempt to become an international symbol of resistance.

📌 Why Read It? Malala’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of education, activism, and standing up for what’s right in the face of oppression.

62. Moby Dick – Herman Melville (1851)

📖 Synopsis: The iconic American novel about Ishmael, a sailor aboard the whaling ship Pequod, led by the obsessive Captain Ahab, whose mission is to track down the legendary white whale, Moby Dick.

📌 Why Read It? A masterpiece of American literature, Moby Dick explores themes of fate, revenge, and the human condition, with beautiful, often philosophical prose.

63. The Scarlet Letter – Nathaniel Hawthorne (1850)

📖 Synopsis: In Puritan New England, Hester Prynne, condemned for having an affair, is forced to wear a scarlet letter “A” as punishment, as she grapples with the societal shame and her own personal guilt.

📌 Why Read It? Hawthorne’s exploration of sin, guilt, and social judgment is deeply insightful, offering timeless commentary on the complexities of human nature and morality.

64. A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens (1843)

📖 Synopsis: The classic holiday tale of Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man who is visited by three ghosts on Christmas Eve, leading him to reconsider his life and values.

📌 Why Read It? A heartwarming, moral tale that’s perfect for the holiday season, A Christmas Carol is a classic reminder of the importance of generosity, kindness, and redemption.

65. A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens (1859)

📖 Synopsis: Set during the French Revolution, this novel follows the lives of Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton as they navigate love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of revolution.

📌 Why Read It? It’s a gripping story about the chaos of political upheaval, the power of sacrifice, and the possibility of redemption, all wrapped in Dickens’ sharp social critique.

66. Dracula – Bram Stoker (1897)

📖 Synopsis: The legendary tale of Count Dracula, a vampire who comes to England in search of new blood, and the group of people who must stop him.

📌 Why Read It? Dracula is the quintessential gothic novel, filled with suspense, horror, and atmosphere—perfect for lovers of classic horror and supernatural tales.

67. 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – Jules Verne (1870)

📖 Synopsis: Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus, take three men on an underwater adventure to explore the mysterious and fantastic creatures of the sea.

📌 Why Read It? A visionary novel of exploration and discovery, Verne’s work is a thrilling journey into the depths of the ocean, filled with excitement, mystery, and science.

68. The Picture of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde (1890)

📖 Synopsis: Dorian Gray, a handsome young man, makes a pact to remain youthful forever while his portrait ages in his stead, allowing him to indulge in every vice without consequence.

📌 Why Read It? Wilde’s only novel is a dark and fascinating exploration of vanity, morality, and the consequences of a life of excess. With witty prose and timeless themes, it remains a classic.

69. The Complete Sherlock Holmes – Arthur Conan Doyle (1892-1927)

📖 Synopsis: A collection of all 56 short stories and four novels featuring the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. Watson, as they solve mysteries in Victorian England.

📌 Why Read It? For any fan of mystery, crime, or detective fiction, Sherlock Holmes remains one of the most iconic and enduring literary creations, with gripping plots and sharp, unforgettable characters.

70. Pinocchio – Carlo Collodi (1883)

📖 Synopsis: The story of a wooden puppet who dreams of becoming a real boy, Pinocchio explores themes of morality, identity, and the consequences of one’s choices.

📌 Why Read It? A classic Italian tale of adventure and growth, Pinocchio is filled with timeless lessons about honesty, responsibility, and the importance of personal transformation.

71. Anne of Green Gables – L.M. Montgomery (1908)

📖 Synopsis: Orphaned Anne Shirley is adopted by Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert, and her vibrant imagination and fiery spirit transform the town of Avonlea.

📌 Why Read It? Anne’s endless optimism and fierce determination make this coming-of-age novel a heartwarming and timeless favorite, beloved for its themes of friendship, family, and belonging.

72. Black Beauty – Anna Sewell (1877)

📖 Synopsis: The life story of a horse named Black Beauty, told from his perspective, as he moves from owner to owner, experiencing kindness and cruelty along the way.

📌 Why Read It? A powerful and compassionate tale, Black Beauty highlights the treatment of animals and the importance of empathy, making it a moving read for all ages.

73. Lord of the Flies – William Golding (1954)

📖 Synopsis: A group of boys stranded on a deserted island slowly descend into savagery as they attempt to form a society, with disastrous consequences.

📌 Why Read It? A haunting exploration of the darkness within human nature, Lord of the Flies examines the fragility of civilization and the brutality that can emerge when societal structures collapse.

74. The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger (1951)

📖 Synopsis: The classic tale of Holden Caulfield, a disillusioned teenager wandering New York City while grappling with grief, identity, and the complexities of adulthood.

📌 Why Read It? Salinger’s novel captures the voice of alienation, rebellion, and confusion in a way that still resonates with readers, making Holden’s journey one of the most iconic in modern literature.

75. Gone with the Wind – Margaret Mitchell (1936)

📖 Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction, Gone with the Wind follows the life of Scarlett O’Hara as she navigates love, loss, and survival.

📌 Why Read It? A sweeping historical epic, Gone with the Wind is an unforgettable tale of resilience, passion, and the changing tides of history, with its complex characters and dramatic narrative.

76. The Decameron – Giovanni Boccaccio (1353)

📖 Synopsis: A collection of 100 short stories told by a group of young people who retreat to the countryside to escape the Black Plague, exploring themes of love, wit, and morality.

📌 Why Read It? A cornerstone of Italian literature, The Decameron is a lively and thought-provoking exploration of human nature, packed with humor, satire, and timeless themes.

77. The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown (2003)

📖 Synopsis: A gripping thriller that follows Robert Langdon as he uncovers secret codes and conspiracies hidden in famous works of art, ultimately uncovering a centuries-old mystery.

📌 Why Read It? If you’re a fan of fast-paced mysteries and historical puzzles, The Da Vinci Code is a rollercoaster of suspense, combining intrigue, art, and religious history in a truly captivating way.

78. Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White (1952)

📖 Synopsis: The heartwarming tale of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with Charlotte, a wise and caring spider, who works to save him from being slaughtered.

📌 Why Read It? This beloved children’s classic is an emotional and uplifting story about friendship, sacrifice, and the circle of life, making it a must-read for readers of all ages.

79. The Swiss Family Robinson – Johann David Wyss (1812)

📖 Synopsis: A family is shipwrecked on a deserted island and must use their wits, resourcefulness, and teamwork to survive and build a new life.

📌 Why Read It? A thrilling adventure tale, The Swiss Family Robinson is filled with excitement, ingenuity, and the spirit of adventure—perfect for young readers and anyone who enjoys stories of survival and discovery.

80. One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel García Márquez (1967)

📖 Synopsis: A multi-generational saga set in the fictional town of Macondo, One Hundred Years of Solitude chronicles the Buendía family’s complex, magical, and tragic history. Combining the surreal with the real, it weaves together themes of love, solitude, power, and the passage of time.

📌 Why Read It? A masterpiece of magical realism, One Hundred Years of Solitude is a profound exploration of history, memory, and fate. García Márquez’s lyrical writing and vivid world-building make it an essential read for anyone interested in the power of storytelling and the intersections of the real and the fantastic.

81. Lolita – Vladimir Nabokov (1955)

📖 Synopsis: The controversial and complex story of Humbert Humbert, a middle-aged man’s obsession with the 12-year-old Dolores Haze, known as Lolita. Told from Humbert’s perspective, the novel explores themes of obsession, manipulation, and moral ambiguity.

📌 Why Read It? Nabokov’s prose is stunningly beautiful, and despite the dark subject matter, the novel invites reflection on desire, power, and the nature of morality.

82. Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy (1877)

📖 Synopsis: This epic novel explores the life of Anna Karenina, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage, who embarks on an affair with the dashing Count Vronsky. As Anna’s passion leads to societal rejection and personal turmoil, Tolstoy explores themes of love, loyalty, and moral choices.

📌 Why Read It? A masterful exploration of human relationships, Anna Karenina is a timeless classic that dissects the intricacies of love, marriage, and social expectations, making it one of the greatest novels ever written.

83. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll (1865)

📖 Synopsis: The whimsical and surreal tale of Alice, a young girl who falls down a rabbit hole into a fantastical world full of bizarre creatures and absurd logic.

📌 Why Read It? A timeless children’s classic that appeals to both young and adult readers, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland is a journey through imagination, absurdity, and the playful power of language.

84. The Divine Comedy – Dante Alighieri (1320)

📖 Synopsis: A poetic journey through Hell (Inferno), Purgatory (Purgatorio), and Heaven (Paradiso), where Dante encounters historical and mythological figures, learning moral and spiritual lessons along the way.

📌 Why Read It? An essential work in the Western literary canon, The Divine Comedy explores themes of sin, redemption, and divine justice. It’s a profound meditation on the human soul and its journey toward God.

85. Mrs. Dalloway – Virginia Woolf (1925)

📖 Synopsis: The novel takes place in a single day, following Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a party while reflecting on her past decisions, relationships, and the effects of World War I.

📌 Why Read It? Woolf’s exploration of time, memory, and inner consciousness makes Mrs. Dalloway a groundbreaking work of modernist literature, offering a delicate yet powerful look at life’s fleeting moments.

 

86. Invisible Man – Ralph Ellison (1952)

📖 Synopsis: The narrator of this novel, a Black man who feels invisible in a racially divided society, journeys through experiences of alienation, oppression, and self-discovery.

📌 Why Read It? Invisible Man is a deeply thought-provoking exploration of race, identity, and social invisibility in America, marking it as one of the most important novels in American literature.

87. On the Road – Jack Kerouac (1957)

📖 Synopsis: A semi-autobiographical novel chronicling the cross-country road trips of Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty, capturing the spirit of the Beat Generation.

📌 Why Read It? A manifesto of youthful rebellion and the search for freedom, On the Road encapsulates the restless energy and anti-establishment ethos of the 1950s counterculture.

88. Dune – Frank Herbert (1965)

📖 Synopsis: Set in a far-future desert world, Dune follows Paul Atreides as he becomes embroiled in political intrigue, religion, and the struggle for control over the spice melange, a substance that gives psychic powers and is vital to the galaxy’s economy.

📌 Why Read It? A monumental work in science fiction, Dune offers a complex blend of politics, religion, ecology, and philosophy, making it a rich and immersive world to explore.

89. In Cold Blood – Truman Capote (1966)

📖 Synopsis: A true-crime novel that investigates the brutal murders of a Kansas family and the subsequent capture and trial of the killers, blending investigative journalism with literary fiction.

📌 Why Read It? Capote’s groundbreaking book is both a compelling crime story and a meditation on the nature of crime and punishment, offering an intricate look at both the victims and the perpetrators.

90. Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier (1938)

📖 Synopsis: The unnamed narrator marries the wealthy Maxim de Winter, only to be haunted by the presence of his first wife, Rebecca, whose memory lingers in their home, Manderley.

📌 Why Read It? A classic gothic tale of love, jealousy, and obsession, Rebecca is both a thrilling mystery and a psychological study of how the past can shape and haunt the present.

91. The Leopard – Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa (1958)

📖 Synopsis: A dying Sicilian prince observes the decline of his family’s aristocratic status during the unification of Italy in the 19th century, reflecting on the changes in society and the inevitable passage of time.

📌 Why Read It? The Leopard is a profound and poetic exploration of the transformation of a society, blending personal reflections with the political upheaval of 19th-century Italy.

92. The Talented Mr. Ripley – Patricia Highsmith (1955)

📖 Synopsis: Tom Ripley, a charming but morally ambiguous young man, is sent to Europe to bring back a wealthy man’s son but instead becomes envious of his lifestyle and seeks to take it for himself.

📌 Why Read It? A brilliant psychological thriller, The Talented Mr. Ripley examines identity, greed, and the lengths one will go to achieve personal desires, all wrapped in Highsmith’s sharp, suspenseful writing.

93. A Clockwork Orange – Anthony Burgess (1962)

📖 Synopsis: Set in a dystopian future, A Clockwork Orange follows Alex, a teenage delinquent, who undergoes controversial behavior modification therapy to eliminate his violent tendencies.

📌 Why Read It? A powerful and disturbing exploration of free will, violence, and societal control, A Clockwork Orange remains a provocative and important work in modern literature.

94. And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie (1939)

📖 Synopsis: Ten strangers are invited to a remote island, where they are systematically murdered, one by one, as they try to uncover the identity of the killer.

📌 Why Read It? Agatha Christie’s most famous novel is a masterclass in suspense, intricate plotting, and psychological tension, keeping readers guessing until the very last page.

95. The Prince – Niccolò Machiavelli (1532)

📖 Synopsis: A political treatise that offers advice to rulers on how to gain and maintain power, focusing on pragmatism and realpolitik rather than idealism.

📌 Why Read It? A foundational work in political philosophy, The Prince remains relevant for its sharp observations about power, leadership, and the complexities of political rule.

 

96. Fairy Tales and Stories – Hans Christian Andersen (1835-1872)

📖 Synopsis: A collection of beloved fairy tales, including The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, and The Emperor’s New Clothes, filled with moral lessons, whimsical characters, and unforgettable images.

📌 Why Read It? Andersen’s fairy tales have endured for generations, enchanting readers with their simple yet profound storytelling, making them an essential part of world literature.

97. Valley of the Dolls – Jacqueline Susann (1966)

📖 Synopsis: A scandalous and gritty portrayal of the lives of three women—actresses, models, and singers—who navigate the pressures of fame, love, and addiction. The novel explores the dark side of the entertainment industry in the 1960s.

📌 Why Read It? Valley of the Dolls is an eye-opening look at fame’s destructive impact, highlighting themes of ambition, addiction, and the pursuit of happiness. Its shocking content and colorful characters make it a compelling read for fans of historical fiction and celebrity culture.

98. The Shining – Stephen King (1977)

📖 Synopsis: Jack Torrance, an aspiring writer and recovering alcoholic, takes a job as the winter caretaker of the isolated Overlook Hotel. Along with his wife and son, he becomes increasingly affected by the malevolent forces lurking in the hotel, pushing him toward madness.

📌 Why Read It? The Shining is a masterclass in horror and psychological suspense. King’s exploration of isolation, madness, and the supernatural is unforgettable, making this one of the most iconic horror novels of all time.

99. The Fault in Our Stars – John Green (2012)

📖 Synopsis: Two teenage cancer patients, Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, fall in love as they bond over their shared struggles with illness and the fleeting nature of life. Their story is one of love, loss, and the beauty of living even when faced with mortality.

📌 Why Read It? A touching and emotional novel, The Fault in Our Stars resonates with readers of all ages, offering an honest portrayal of love and grief. Green’s humor and sensitivity create a beautiful balance that makes this novel incredibly impactful.

100. The Exorcist – William Peter Blatty (1971)

📖 Synopsis: When a young girl named Regan MacNeil begins to exhibit strange and violent behavior, her mother seeks help from Father Karras, a priest who is struggling with his faith. What follows is a terrifying battle between good and evil as Regan undergoes a brutal exorcism.

📌 Why Read It? The Exorcist is a terrifying and thought-provoking exploration of faith, possession, and the battle between good and evil. Blatty’s chilling storytelling and psychological depth elevate it beyond mere horror, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.