50 unforgettable books to read in your lifetime

There's something special about losing yourself in the pages of a good book. Reading is a powerful way to broaden your horizons, especially when learning a language. Each book opens the door to new worlds — whether you choose to read in your native language or the language you’re learning. 

How reading across genres can strengthen your language skills

The world of literature exposes you to different writing styles, vocabulary, and perspectives, all of which are essential for strengthening your grasp of language. The language used across genres varies greatly. From the rich, descriptive language of classic novels to the fast-paced, conversational tone of modern fiction — each genre brings its challenges and rewards. 

Slang, dialects, and different narrative techniques all help you develop a deeper understanding of the language you’re reading in. By exploring a wide range of books, you gain greater exposure to the nuances of a language and strengthen your understanding of elements like grammar and tone.

What’s more, many books offer insights into history, politics, and different societies. These books help you see the world through someone else's eyes — a powerful tool to gain insights into different cultures.

Let’s dive in

To get you started on your literary journey, here’s our list of 50 must-read books. Discover a mix of modern and classical literature, that will inspire you and boost your language skills. 

Classics

1. 1984 by George Orwell – Dive into a dystopian world where an evil Big Brother watches your every move.

2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee – Experience the powerful story of racial injustice through the innocent eyes of a young girl.

3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger – Navigate the complexities of teenage angst and rebellion with Holden Caulfield.

4. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – Enter a world of romantic tension and witty social commentary in 19th-century England.

5. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald – Witness the decadence and tragedy of the American Dream in the Roaring Twenties.

Fantasy

6. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling – Embark on a magical journey with Harry and his wizard friends at Hogwarts as they fight evil.

7. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern – Lose yourself in a magical, time-twisting competition between two young illusionists.

8. Dune by Frank Herbert – Get lost in an epic tale of politics, religion, and survival on a desert planet.

9. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett – Enjoy a hilarious and apocalyptic tale of an angel and a demon teaming up to save the world.

10. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien – Embark on an epic quest through Middle-earth to destroy a powerful ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron.

11. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett – A lonely girl discovers a hidden, magical garden that transforms her life.

12. Circe by Madeline Miller – Dive into a feminist retelling of the life of Circe, the enchantress from Greek mythology.

13. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – Follow a shepherd's journey to find a worldly treasure and his true destiny.

Romance

14. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – Feel the heart-wrenching and uplifting journey of two teens battling cancer.

Coming of age

15. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky – Discover the highs and lows of growing up through the letters of a sensitive teen.

16. Looking for Alaska by John Green – Uncover the mysteries and heartbreaks of first love and loss.

Historical fiction

17. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – Experience World War II through the eyes of a young girl who finds solace in stealing books.

18. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – Follow a journey of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s turbulent history.

19. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini – Witness the strength and resilience of two women in war-torn Afghanistan.

20. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller – Navigate the absurdities and horrors of World War II through the eyes of a bombardier.

21. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Explore the challenges of identity and belonging through the eyes of a Nigerian immigrant in America.

22. The Help by Kathryn Stockett – Unveil the courageous stories of African-American maids speaking out against racial injustices in 1960s Mississippi.

Dystopian

23. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – Join Katniss Everdeen in a fight for survival in a dark, dystopian future.

24. The Road by Cormac McCarthy – Travel through a post-apocalyptic landscape with a father and his son as they seek to find civilization.

25. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury – Enter a future where books are banned and "firemen" burn them.

26. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley – Explore a chilling vision of a genetically engineered society driven by pleasure and control.

27. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood – Enter a terrifying dystopian world where women are stripped of their rights.

28. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel – Witness a post-apocalyptic world where a traveling symphony keeps hope alive through art.

29. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro – Reflect on the ethical dilemmas of cloning and what it truly means to be human.

Science fiction

30. The Martian by Andy Weir – Cheer for an astronaut stranded on Mars as he uses his wits to survive.

Thriller

31. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – Unravel the twisted mysteries of a missing wife and a suspicious husband.

32. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins – Experience a psychological thriller through the eyes of an unreliable narrator.

33. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón – Discover a hidden library of forgotten books and a dark mystery in post-war Barcelona.

34. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt – Follow the turbulent life of a boy who survives a terrorist attack and clings to a stolen painting.

35. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut – Experience the chaos of World War II and time travel with a soldier named Billy Pilgrim.

Fiction

36. Normal People by Sally Rooney – Follow the intricate relationship of two Irish teenagers from high school to adulthood.

37. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty – Delve into the dark secrets and lies of a perfect suburban community, where not everything is as it seems.

38. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens – Uncover the secrets of a mysterious "Marsh Girl" who is accused of murder in the swamps of North Carolina.

39. The Secret History by Donna Tartt – Follow a group of elite college students who become involved in a murder.

40. Wonder by R. J. Palacio – Follow the story of a boy with a genetic condition as he experiences school for the first time and confronts the challenges.

41. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman – Follow the quirky and touching journey of a socially awkward woman finding her way.

42. Quiet by Susan Cain – Celebrate the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking.

43. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng – Explore the complexities of family dynamics and racial tensions in a suburban community.

44. Life of Pi by Yann Martel – Survive a deadly shipwreck with a young boy and a Bengal tiger as they navigate to shore on a lifeboat.

Non-fiction

45. Becoming by Michelle Obama – Get inspired by the former First Lady’s journey from the South Side of Chicago to the White House.

46. Educated by Tara Westover – Discover the transformative power of education in a memoir about growing up in a strict and abusive household.

47. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman – Explore the dual systems of thought that drive the way we think and make decisions.

48. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay – Reflect on modern feminism, culture, and identity through a collection of sharp and witty essays.

Graphic novel

49. Maus by Art Spiegelman – A powerful graphic novel where Nazis are cats and Jews are mice.

50. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi – Follow Satrapi’s real-life journey from childhood to adulthood in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution. 

Happy reading!