World Book Day is celebrated every year on April 23rd to promote the enjoyment of reading and books worldwide.
Reading books has been a cherished pastime of people for centuries, and books have played a vital role in shaping our world. Throughout history, books have provided stories, myths, and epic tales that have been a source of knowledge, wisdom, and entertainment across many cultures.
In honor of World Book and Copyright Day, we have compiled a list of 30 must-read books of all time.
These books are still relevant today and are often seen on the timeless classics lists. They have influenced generations of readers and continue to inspire us today. Let’s get right to it, shall we:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
2. 1984 - George Orwell
3. War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
4. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
5. The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
6. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
7. The Lord of the Rings - J.R.R. Tolkien
8. One Thousand and One Arabian Nights - Middle Eastern/ South Asian folk tales
9. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
10. The Divine Comedy - Dante Alighieri
11. The Harry Potter Series - J.K. Rowling
12. Don Quixote - Miguel de Cervantes
13. Alice's Adventure In Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
14. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - Mark Twain
15. The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
16. Moby-Dick - Herman Melville
17. Frankenstein - Mary Shelley
18. The Brothers Karamazov - Fyodor Dostoevsky
19. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
20. Les Miserables -Victor Hugo
Each of these books has a unique and compelling story to tell, and they offer something for every type of reader. From the romance of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice to the epic adventure of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, these books have held the hearts of readers captive for many years. They have also been adapted into movies, plays, and TV shows, proving their enduring popularity.
Non-fiction books offer a wealth of knowledge and can be just as compelling as works of fiction. Here are 10 non-fiction books that belong on our list of must-read books:
1. The Diary of a Young Girl - Anne Frank
2. The Origin of Species - Charles Darwin
3. The Richest Man In Babylon - George S. Clason
4. The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
5. Ikigai - Michiko Kumano
6. The Second Sex - Simone de Beauvoir
7. A Brief History of Time - Stephen Hawking
8. The Autobiography of Malcolm X - Malcolm X and Alex Haley
9. The Surrender Experiment: My Journey into Life's Perfection - Michael Singer
10. Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
Each of these non-fiction books is a masterpiece in its own right, offering insights into history, science, society, and more. The Autobiography of Malcolm X provides a firsthand account of the civil rights movement in the United States, while The Diary of a Young Girl offers a powerful and heartbreaking glimpse into the life of a young girl during the Holocaust. The Origin of Species lays out the theory of evolution meanwhile The Second Sex challenges traditional views of gender roles, whereas, A Brief History of Time explores the mysteries of the universe.
Together, these 10 non-fiction books and 20 works of fiction showcase the diversity of human experiences and the power of the written word to inspire, educate, and entertain.
Reading these books can transport you to different worlds, introduce you to new ideas, and challenge your perspectives.
They can also improve your vocabulary, enhance your critical thinking skills, and boost your empathy. So, whether you’re a seasoned reader or a newcomer to the world of books, these 30 must-read books of all time are a great place to start.
Happy World Book Day!
