8 Books That Everyone Should Read At Least Once

Reading is one of the most enriching activities that one can indulge in, offering a unique blend of knowledge, wisdom, and perspectives. Below I made a list of 8 books that everyone should read at least once to gain a better perspective on life, thought, and the literary world.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

One of the most celebrated American novels, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is not just a compelling narrative but a profound commentary on social justice, racial inequality, and the loss of innocence. Set in the Depression-era South, this novel follows the story of young Scout Finch, whose father, Atticus Finch, takes on the defense of an African American man falsely accused of raping a white woman.

This book remains a timeless classic because of its powerful themes of morality, courage, and empathy. Through Scout's eyes, we see the prejudices embedded in society and how they shape the lives of individuals. The novel urges readers to challenge societal norms and fight for justice in the face of adversity.

2. Beloved by Toni Morrison

Beloved by Toni Morrison is a haunting, multi-layered novel that tells the story of Sethe, an escaped slave living in post-Civil War Ohio. Haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter, Beloved, Sethe is forced to confront her traumatic past and the horrors of slavery that continue to haunt her and those around her.

Morrison’s lyrical prose and exploration of memory, trauma, and the legacy of slavery make Beloved a deeply emotional and powerful work. The novel examines the long-lasting psychological scars of slavery, the struggles of African American identity, and the power of family and community.

3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen, is a brilliant work of romantic fiction that also offers a sharp critique of the social and gender dynamics of 19th-century England. The novel centers on the intelligent and independent Elizabeth Bennet, who, despite her family’s financial struggles, navigates the complex world of love, marriage, and societal expectations.

Austen’s mastery of wit, social commentary, and character development makes this novel not only a beloved classic but also an insightful exploration of the complexities of human relationships. It remains one of the most enduring works in English literature, showcasing the nuances of class, family, and personal integrity.

4. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is an iconic coming-of-age novel that explores the struggles of adolescent alienation and the quest for identity. Narrated by the disillusioned teenager Holden Caulfield, the book delves into his deep sense of confusion and isolation as he grapples with the world around him.

With its raw portrayal of teenage angst and discontent, this book resonates with readers of all ages who can relate to Holden's desire to preserve innocence in a world that seems full of hypocrisy and uncertainty.

5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Set during the Roaring Twenties, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald paints a vivid picture of the American dream and its disillusionment. The novel tells the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy but enigmatic man who spends his life pining for the love of Daisy Buchanan, a woman he cannot have.

Through Gatsby's pursuit of unattainable dreams and the moral decay of society, Fitzgerald critiques the superficiality of wealth, the fragility of love, and the illusory nature of the American Dream.

6. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Road by Cormac McCarthy is a haunting and beautifully written post-apocalyptic novel that follows a father and son as they struggle to survive in a bleak and desolate world. With its sparse prose and vivid imagery, McCarthy captures the depth of human suffering, hope, and love in the face of unimaginable disaster.

The novel is a poignant meditation on the fragility of civilization, the strength of familial bonds, and the will to survive. Through the father and son’s journey, readers are reminded of the inherent human desire to protect and preserve hope, even when the world has collapsed around them.

7. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë is one of the most passionate and tragic love stories ever written. The novel tells the tale of Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, whose intense, all-consuming love drives them to the brink of madness and destruction. Set on the bleak Yorkshire moors, Brontë’s only novel explores themes of obsession, revenge, and the destructive power of love.

Brontë's innovative narrative structure, where the story is recounted through the perspective of multiple narrators, adds to the haunting atmosphere of the novel. Wuthering Heights is an exploration of human emotions at their most extreme, showcasing the complex relationships between love and vengeance, as well as the inherent darkness in the human psyche. This book remains one of the most revered works in English literature, transcending time with its vivid portrayal of human passion and torment.

8. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood is a powerful and chilling exploration of a totalitarian society where women have been stripped of their rights and reduced to their reproductive function. The story is narrated by Offred, a handmaid in the dystopian Republic of Gilead, who struggles to survive and reclaim her sense of identity in a world where her body is no longer her own.

Atwood’s fierce critique of patriarchy, control, and the subjugation of women makes this novel an urgent and thought-provoking read. The themes of power, resistance, and individual agency continue to resonate with readers, particularly in today’s world, where women’s rights remain under scrutiny in various parts of the globe.

Conclusion

These 8 books are essential for anyone looking to expand their intellectual horizons and gain insights into the depths of human experience. Each of these books offers a unique perspective on life, offering timeless wisdom and profound commentary on the world around us.