Book lovers will agree there is nothing better than reading a good book. No matter how many interesting books you have read, it is never enough. Not enough to re-read your favourite one in extreme boredom. A book worm doesn’t mind reading a book once more if there isn’t a choice for a better one. Reading, in general, is a good habit, helpful in gaining knowledge and improving vocabulary. To reap the maximum benefits of reading, start it from the early years. We must foster this habit in children during their formative years. It helps them in improving the language, written skills and spoken skills. Besides, people across age learn immensely through reading. Years ago, before motion pictures took over the entertainment industry by storm, book reading was one of the most loved sources of entertainment. Later, as people had plenty of options, reading took a back seat, or people became picky in their choices. Some of the bestselling books have also been adapted into motion pictures. While it is hard to choose from the ocean of books, here is how one should select a book.
- Select the genre that interests you.
- Pay attention to the pace
- Look at the storyline
- Frame and tone
- Style
- Characters
Once you select a book, just lay on your bed, grab a cup of coffee or tea and go on till you reach the end. While there are umpteen books, here is a list of the 20 greatest books of all times to buy, a purist should not miss.
1. To Kill a Mockingbird
Reading a classic book like ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ could be exciting for a reading enthusiast. Authored by Harper Lee, this Pulitzer Price winning novel is a must on your bucket list if your love for reading is immense. Interestingly, this popular novel has been translated into over 40 languages. Moreover, Harper Lee’s classic has sold over 40 million copies globally from the time it first came out. The book was later adapted into a motion picture. Also, it was voted one of the best novels of the 20th century by librarians across the county. A print length of 336 pages means enough material for spending a weekend reading one of the greatest books of all times.
- Classic
- Interesting
- English Language
- Fiction Genre
- Written by Harper Lee
- Pulitzer Prize Winner
2. The Great Gatsby
The second novel on the list of the 20 greatest books of all times if the Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. Set in the early 1920s in America, this is a tale of improvidence and selfishness. It uncovers the wealthy, how they influenced people’s lives and played a role in their success. Buy this cult book and add to your collection of classics. This is a must-have in your house library, one you must not miss out on. First published in 1925, it has been on the list of every book worm. Much later, in 2013, it was adapted into a motion picture featuring Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role.
- Available in Kindle Edition, Audiobook and Hardcover
- Timeless Classic
- Set in the 1920’s
- Authored by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- Haunting Classic
- Adapted into a Motion Picture
3. 1984
Written by George Orwell, the novel came into in 1948. The dystopian novel depicts the vision of the government to control circumstances and turn opinions in its favour. This novel is way ahead of its times, with most of the shocking prophecies turning true in recent times. It is for all generations a gripping fiction work purists must not skip. Whether you like the paperback version, hardcover for your collection or the kindle edition, get all at competitive prices and experience the masterpiece from George Orwell. A 254 page read is good enough for a weekend. If you don’t have any plans for the coming weekend, get cosy and read through the engrossing novel.
- English Language
- Print Length of 254 Pages
- Available in all Formats, Kindle, Paperback and Audio Book
- First Published in 1949
- Authored by George Orwell
- Dystopian Tale
4. Wuthering Height
Another classic on our list is the Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. The novel, which is over a century old, was originally published in 1847. A mix of romance and fiction, the story revolves around a beautiful girl and an orphan boy. Romance brews between them, which turns sour after she chooses another boy from an affluent family. In his attempt to reclaim his lost love, he turns evil, destroying people he blames for his broken relationship. The revenge tale encapsulates emotions like passion and greed. Suggested a must-read, this timeless novel is available in kindle edition, paperback, hardcover, and audio book.
- By Emily Bronte
- Compelling
- First Published in 1847
- English Language
- Published by Macmillan Collector’s Library
- Available in Kindle, Audiobook and Hardcover
5. Invisible Man
First published in 1952, the ‘Invisible Man’ by Ralph Ellison is his first creation, which continues giving contemporary writing a run for their money. It entails the story of a man, invisible ‘because people refuse to see me’. Set in 1952, when the society (in America), was evolving, witnessing the transition. This book voices black Americans through a man. ‘The Times’ referred to it as one of the most prominent novels in the 20th century. It is available in Kindle edition, audiobook and hardcover.
- By Ralph Ellison
- Based in Mid-Century
- Compelling Writing Style
- Available in Kindle, Audiobook and Hardcover
- Published in 1952
- Print Length-602 Pages
6. Hamlet
Hamlet is one of the greatest plays which entails the tragic life of the prince of Denmark. It continues charming audiences and readers across the globe even today. The masterpiece from William Shakespeare remains of his best works to date. It maintains its reign at the theatre. For enthusiasts who like adding cult and timeless books to their collection can buy the paperback and hardcover versions. Kindle edition and audiobook are also available. Each edition features copiously explained notes for better understanding and an interpretive essay on film adaptations of the play, along with an extensive filmography.
- By William Shakespeare
- With Comprehensive Explanatory Notes
- Clean, Modernized Spelling and Punctuation
- Updated Version
- Length-52 Pages
- Available in Audiobook, Kindle, Hardcover, Paperback Versions
7. The Lord of the Rings
‘The Lord of the Rings’, by J.R.R Tolkien, was first published in 1954. It is available in three parts, ‘The Lord of the Rings-The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers & The Return of the King. All these can be downloaded at once including the definitive text edition, page references and hyperlinked footnotes. It also includes a detailed map of the Middle-earth. An audiobook and hardcover are also available. Now also adapted into globally revered motion film in three epic fantasies. Experience the classic fantasy and indulge in quality reading.
- Fantasy Genre
- Authored By J.R.R. Tolkien
- Adapted into a Motion Film
- English Language
- Print Length-1209 Pages
- First Published in 1954
8. The Color Purple
Awarded by the prestigious Pulitzer award, ‘The Color Purple’ is a courageous take on the harsh lives of the African-American women during the 1930s who lived in rural Georgia. It revolves around social evils such as slavery, racism, inequality and class. People are still trying to get it banned after a decade of its release. A must-read for a book lover, it has earned praises from celebrities like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Tayari Jones, Jesmyn Ward and Oprah Winfery among others. Gradually Celie discovers the power and joy of her own spirit, freeing her from her past and reuniting her with those she loves.
- Pulitzer Prize Winner
- Print Length-306 pages
- Authored by Alice Walker
- Available in Kindle, Hardcover and Audiobook
- Published by Orion
- Came out in 2011
9. Catch 22
It comes in various buying choices including the kindle edition, audiobook, hardcover for those who like to collect cult books and a paperback version for people who still enjoy reading the conventional way. The eBook features highlights and notes from the book. It has a length of 519 pages. Joseph Killer’s ‘Catch 22’, captures the hilarious and tragic elements of the military people and their lives. Set in the closing months of World War II, it entails challenges faced by Yossarian as he encounters death closely.
- Hilarious & Tragic Satire
- Authored by Joseph Heller
- Available in Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover and Paperback Versions
- Engrossing
- Gripping
- Entertaining
10. Gone with the Wind
Gone with the wind is one of the most heard about books from the older times. The timeless book was first published in 1936, and was adapted into a motion film in 1939. The author was awarded the prestigious Pulitzer prize for this book in 1937. The story is set in Georgia during the American Civil war. It is a story about a spoiled daughter of an affluent father. However, the novel has become a reference point for subsequent writers about the South, both black and white. The book has been a bestseller from its release and continues to charm people with its gripping story.
- Authored by Margarest Mitchell
- Print Length 619 Pages
- English Language
- Available in Kindle, Hardbook and Audiobook
- Total Five Parts
- Published in 1936
11. The Catcher in the Rye
Originally published in 1951, J.D Salinger’s first novel is realistic fiction. Often regarded as a coming-of-age story depicting angst and alienation on society. Over the years, the book has witnessed a whopping sale of over sixty-five million copies, with around a million copies sold a year. It was on the list of Time Magazine’s best English novels authored since 1923 revealed in 2005. Besides, it also deals with issues such as depression, sex, innocence, belonging, etc.
- Authored by J.D Salinger
- Available in Kindle, Paperback and Hardcover Editions
- Contemporary American Novel
- Print Length-234 Pages
- Realistic Fiction
- Published in 1951
12. The Lord of the Flies
The iconic book from Nobel Prize winner William Golding was published in 1954. It is a tale of a group of British boys stuck on an uncharted island and how things proceed as the story takes you through several emotions. The book has been received well from the time it was first published. It was named among the 100 best novels by Modern Library and was also on BBC’s The Big Read Poll. In 2005, Time Magazine included it in the 100 best English-language novels. In 2016, it ranked number three in a poll conducted in the UK for nation’s favourite books from school.
- Written by Willian Golding
- Published in 1954
- Print Length 189 Pages
- Unforgettable Classic
- Allegorical Novel
- Available in Kindle, Hardbook and Paperback Editions
13. The Grapes of the Wrath
The American realist novel by John Steinbeck first came out in 1939. It has a print length of 464, a perfect read for the weekend. For Kindle readers, it can be availed at a reasonable cost. Audiobook and hardcover are also available for the novel. The book entails the story of a poor family of tenants and their hardships, fighting the wrath of drought in their home town Oklahoma. Revered for its storyline, character sketch and writing style, the book won National Book Award and also bagged the Pulitzer award.
- Written by John Steinbeck Jr.
- Available in Kindle, Audiobook and Hardcover Editions.
- Print Length-464 Pages
- English Language
- American Realist Novel
- Pulitzer Prize Winner
14. Slaughterhouse-Five
The first edition of the novel came out in March 1969. Authored by Kurt Vonnegut, it has shades of dark comedy, postmodernism and metafiction. The war novel is a satire with elements of science fiction, which makes it popular among readers. It entails the experiences and life excerpts of Billy Pilgrim. His role in World War II as chaplains assistant. Also, his capture by the German Army made Kurt Vonnegut a cult hero in American literature, a reputation that only strengthened over time.
- Among Modern Library’s 100 Books
- American Classic
- Science Fiction
- Authored By Kurt Vonnegut
- Dark Comedy
- War Novel
15. A Passage to India
The book by E.M Forster is set in the pre-Independence era of India. It entails the relationship between the British and the native Indian population. The novel first came out in June 1924. It is among the 100 great English-language books of the 20th century by the Modern Library. The author was awarded the James Tait Black Memorial Prize for the best fiction in 1924. It collates Foster’s experiences in India. It’s an important text for anyone interested in understanding the British involvement in colonial India.
- Authored by E.M Forster
- Available in Kindle, Hardcover and Audiobook Versions
- Print Length 240 Pages
- Set in the Backdrop of British Occupied India
- Gripping
- Engrossing
16. Lolita
Written by the Russian-American novelist, the novel is a classic capturing the obsession of a middle-aged professor with a 12-year old girl. The two get sexually involved after he becomes her step-father. It was originally published in English language in 1955. Afterwards, it was translated into Russian language. It became an instant classic and continues to charm readers with its gripping storyline and characters. Writer skill with imagery and coined terms is magical, while the vehicle of his unreliable narrator carries you deep into and around the edges of madness and obsession.
- Available in Kindle, Audiobook and Hardcover Edition
- Written by Vladmir Nabokov
- Print Length 306 Pages
- Published in 1955
- Classic Novel
- Gripping & Engrossing
17. The Curious Incident of Dog in the Night Time
The mystery novel by British author Mark Haddon first released in 2003. It also has elements of fun and wisdom, which makes it highly readable. Over the year post-release, it has sold more than 10 million copies globally. It is available in Kindle, Audiobook and Hardcover versions. The story revolves around the death of a pet dog and the quest of a boy to find its killer. The novel is being published simultaneously for adults by Jonathan Cape and for children by David Fickling, publisher of Philip Pullman.
- Mystery Novel
- Published in 2003
- Written by Mark Haddon
- Print Length 274 Pages
- Available in Kindle, Hardcover and Audiobook Editions
- Radically Imaginative
18. Things Fall Apart
‘Things Fall Apart’, a novel by Chinua Achebe was originally published in 1958 followed by its second part, released in 1960, No Longer Ease and Arrow of God in 1964. It was one of the first novels to receive global acclaim. The book a part of the school syllabus across Africa, and fondly read in English-speaking countries. Readers can avail the hardcover and Kindle edition.
- Available in Paperback and Hardcover Editions
- Among BBC’s 100 Novel that Shapes our World
- English Language
- Published in 1958
- Total Three Parts
- Adapted into a Motion Film
19. Watchmen
Written by Alan Moore, the book released in September 1986-October 1987 is soon going to be an HBO original series. The book captures the influence of American superheroes and how they changed history in the US. Felicitated by the prestigious Hugo Award, it is one of the greatest graphic novels. It is the compelling story of one man’s battle to protect his community against the forces of change. Avid readers can find the kindle edition and those who still swear by the traditional hardcover can add it to their collection of books.
- Written By Alan Moore
- Print Length 449 Pages
- English Language
- Published in 1986-87
- Soon to be Adapted into a Television Series
- Available in Kindle, Hardcover & Paperback Editions
20. Beneath a Scarlet Sky
Written by Mark Sullivan, the book, ‘Beneath a Scarlet Sky’ will soon be a major television series starring Tom Holland. It memoirs the life events of a forgotten hero who journeys through various emotions during one of the most unforgettable events in history. The book captures his resilience and courage. You can buy the audiobook, the Kindle edition or the traditional hardcover version. The book’s popularity can also be attributed to the fact that World War II was the last time there were clear good guys and bad guys.
- Print Length 525 Pages
- Authored by Mark Sullivan
- Based on a True Story
- Available in Kindle, Hardcover and Audiobook Editions
- Absorbing
- A Gripping Tale