25 Books to Read Before You Die

Reading a good book and getting lost in its universe is a way to escape the reality. This sensual feeling of being a part of an author’s world triggers bibliophiles. Even if digital technology and devices have taken our world by storm, book lovers still find solace in finding a gem amidst the chaos.

Looking for new suggestions might sound daunting when you are busy with your daily life. Worry not as we have made a list of books to read before you die. Check these timeless pieces framed by the best authors of all time and watch how a new real unfolds.

25 Best Books to Read Before You Die

1. To Kill a Mockingbird

• Author: Harper Lee
• Genre: Thriller, Domestic fiction, legal story
• Date of Release: 11 July 1960

Not every debut novel wins a Pulitzer but Harper Lee made it happen with his magical words. ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is an all-time classic and is one of the best books to read. It is based on a racially-charged dating back to the 1930s. It follows the journey of a young girl named Scout Finch, born in Maycomb, Alabama.

The novel encircles racial injustice, moral growth, and empathy around a young man named Tom Robinson. He is a black man accused of molesting a white woman. Scout’s father Atticus Finch is the defense attorney appointed for Tom. The story is based on how Scout witnesses the apathy and hostility from the townspeople.

Her innocent eyes perfectly explain the then situation depicting discrimination and prejudice, the harsh realities. It also explains why standing up for what is right is crucial despite overwhelming opposition.

2. Pride and Prejudice

• Author: Jane Austen
• Genre: Romance novel, satire, domestic fiction
• Date of Release: 28 January 1813

‘Pride and Prejudice’ by Jane Austen is one of the most popular books to read before you die. This beloved classic follows the lives of the members of the Bennet Family. Elizabeth Bennet is an independent and spirited woman, the protagonist of this story.

This story describes early 19th-century England with social class, wealth, marriage, and the importance of love and compatibility. The story takes a marvelous turn when the wealthy and aloof Mr. Darcy enters her life. She forms a strong prejudice against him due to his reserved nature. She thought he was arrogant.

The story unfolds with excellent dialogue when both Elizabeth and Darcy confront their pride and prejudice to discover true happiness in love and compatibility.

3. Don Quixote

• Author: Miguel de Cervantes
• Genre: Novel, satire, parody
• Date of Release: 28 January 1813

‘Don Quixote’ is a masterpiece created by Miguel de Cervantes in 1605. It is a classic novel that depicts the adventures of Alonso Quixano who renamed himself Don Quixote. His obsession with the chivalrous tales of knights made him go on a series of misadventures with his loyal squire Sancho Panza.

His delusional thoughts made him think that windmills are giants and ordinary inns are castles. This satire gradually dives deeper blending two worlds of reality and fantasy. The author carefully mixes the nature of madness and sanity to create such a hilarious character. The interaction between the wannabe knight and his squire shows how Cervantes has chosen his words to depict humor and irony in human nature.

4. The Lord of the Rings

• Author: J. R. R. Tolkien
• Genre: Fantasy fiction, heroic fantasy
• Date of Release: 29 July 1954 (first book release)

‘The Lord of the Rings’ is a timeless classic from the world of J. R. R. Tolkien. This is an epic saga depicting a monumental fantasy world with lots of fictional characters. The story circles Frodo Baggins, a hobbit. A powerful ring was made by Sauron, the dark lord, to rule all the rings.

The massive story depicts the adventures and misfortunes Frodo faced in his perilous journey to destroy the ring. He aimed to prevent Sauron from enslaving the entire world. During his journey, he was accompanied by humans, dwarves, elves, and other hobbits. The story has magic, friendship, sacrifice, courage, loyalty, and most of all the battle between good and evil.

5. 1984

• Author: George Orwell
• Genre: Science fiction, dystopian fiction, political fiction
• Date of Release: 8 June 1949

‘1984’ is an all-time classic created by George Orwell. It is based on a totalitarian future society ruled by the oppressive ‘Party’ headed by Big Brother. The story’s protagonist Winston Smith is a low-ranking member of the same party who has rebellious thoughts against this oppressive regime.

Individuality is suppressed in this bleak world as the ‘Party’ controls every aspect of life. Every independent thought is considered a ‘thought crime’ and is policed. Winston’s love affair with Julia birthed their urge to resist this control.

6. Great Expectations

• Author: Charles Dickens
• Genre: graphic novel, gothic fiction, fictional autobiography
• Date of Release: August 1861

‘Great Expectations’ is the timeless masterpiece from the world of Charles Dickens. It is based on the life of an orphan named Pip. He lives with his sister and her husband Joe Gargery. The husband is a blacksmith in rural England.

His life takes a turn when he helps an escaped convict named Magwitch to steal food and a file. He was then invited to play with Estella, Miss Havisham’s daughter, in her wealthy yet decaying mansion. Miss Havisham has taught her daughter to remain cold and break men’s hearts.

In the course of the story, Pip receives money from a benefactor moves to London, and thinks of winning Estella’s love. However, he became entangled with his newfound fame and wealth as he explored the complexities of the then society.

7. Frankenstein

• Author: Mary Shelley
• Genre: Science fiction, horror fiction
• Date of Release: 1 January 1818

Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’ is one of the books to read before you die. This is a gothic novel based on Victor Frankenstein who has an ambition to create life. He succeeds in combining alchemy and electricity to successfully design a creature and bring a creature to life.

The appearance of this creature is horrifying which makes Victor abandon him. The creature then seeks revenge and confronts his creator. Victor then made him a companion to omit isolation and loneliness. This science fiction is the perfect mix of human nature, the pursuit of knowledge, playing god, and its consequences.

8. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

• Author: Betty Smith
• Genre: Domestic fiction
• Date of Release: 1943

‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn’ by Betty Smith is one of the top choices to read. This novel is based on the early 20th Century in Brooklyn, New York. The protagonist of this novel Francie Nolan is a young girl growing up in that neighborhood. She and her family are working hard to make ends meet. Her mother Katie and her father Johnny are facing the adversities of poverty.

Despite the upstream situations, the family sticks together. Francie finds solace and inspiration from the simple joys of life. She loves to read and write while facing the challenges of adolescence. Throughout this novel, she learns lessons about perseverance, resilience, and hope.

9. The Color Purple

• Author: Alice Walker
• Genre: Domestic fiction
• Date of Release: 1982

‘The Color Purple’ is the master creation of Alice Walker. This novel won her a Pulitzer and is based on the 1930s America. It is based on Celie, an African American woman who writes letters to God in her diary.

The dark story revolves around her hardship and abuse from her father. She was forcibly married to a cruel man who also turned out to be abusive. Despite her challenging life, she finds strength and resilience. Her sisters Nettie and Sofia are also a [part of her journey. She makes friends with other women and discovers her true self.

10. Harry Potter

• Author: J. K. Rowling
• Genre: Fantasy literature, urban fantasy
• Date of Release: 1997 – first book release

‘Harry Potter’ is a beloved series of fantasy novels written by J. K. Rowling. It all begins when Harry finds out that he is a wizard and so were his parents. He was then admitted to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

His exemplary adventures and friendship with Hermione and Ron are what entice the readers. His arch-enemy, Lord Voldemort is the antagonist of this epic series of novels. According to legend, Harry Potter is the one who can destroy Voldemort and the antagonis knows. He tries to get rid of Harry in many ways. Find out how Harry escapes the ploys with the help of his friends.

Other Books You Must Read

11. One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel García Márquez

12. Catch-22 – Joseph Heller

13. The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood

14. Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy

15. Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro

16. Things Fall Apart – Chinua Achebe

17. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – Agatha Christie

18. My Brilliant Friend – Elena Ferrante

19. The Rabbit Hutch – Tess Gunty

20. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte

21. Wuthering Heights – Emile Bronte

22. A Passage to India – E. M. Forster

23. Hamlet – William Shakespeare

24. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott. Fitzgerald

25. Brave New World – Aldous Huxley

Select a Genre and Start Picking Books to Read

Read book reviews before you choose one. Read the synopsis of the book to get a context and then make a decision. Dive into a genre you like and start picking from this list of books to read before you die. Live in the worlds created with words and fuel your imagination. These books will unfold new mysteries of human nature and will give you ideas to ponder upon. Look into the real world with the eyes of these authors by savoring these masterpieces.

FAQs – Books to Read Before You Die

Is there a book based on a ‘thriller and mystery’ theme?

‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd’ written by Agatha Christie is the best one to start with. When you are done, move on to her other masterpieces like Murder on the Orient Express, Death on the Nile, The A. B. C. Murders, etc.

Which novel series based on fantasy, magic, and mythology will be ideal to read?

Go for ‘The Lord of the Rings’. This novel series will take you to a new world of fantasy, fiction, and mythology. For urban fantasy and fiction, read the novel series of Harry Potter.

What are the benefits of reading books?

Reading books offers the following benefits.

• Reduces stress
• Improves cognitive functioning
• Sharpens memory
• Improves literacy
• Improves concentration
• Increases attention span
• Improves reading skills