60 of the Best Books of All Time + a Quiz to Match You with Your Next Read

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Why we seek out the "best books of all time"
• Self-discovery quiz: What kind of reader are you? 
• 60 of the best books of all time, categorized by what you're looking for
• How to rethink your own "best books" list

Why we seek out the "best books of all time"

Self-discovery quiz: What kind of reader are you?

Before diving into a list of the greatest books of all time, take a moment to reflect on why you’re here. What draws you to these lists? What do you hope to find? Your reading motivations shape the books you love and the books you’ll discover next.

Answer the following questions to see which type of reader you are.

1. What excites you most about a “best books” list?

A) Finding books that have stood the test of time

B) Discovering something deeply moving and emotionally rich

C) Challenging myself with complex ideas and literary depth

D) Finding a truly entertaining, can’t-put-down read

E) Expanding my literary knowledge and filling in gaps

2. When you finish an incredible book, what do you usually say?

A) “Wow, that was timeless. Everyone should read this.”

B) “I felt that in my soul.”

C) “This changed the way I think about the world.”

D) “That was a wild ride. I need more like it!”

E) “That was an important book. I feel more well-read now.”

3. What’s your biggest frustration with new releases?

A) Too trendy. Will anyone still care in 10 years?

B) Too superficial. Where’s the emotional depth?

C) Not intellectually challenging enough.

D) Boring or slow-paced. I want something I can devour.

E) I keep seeing the same books over and over. I want variety.

4. What kind of book do you always recommend to others?

A) A classic that has endured for generations.

B) A book that made you feel deeply.

C) A book that changed your perspective.

D) A gripping page-turner.

E) A book that’s critically acclaimed or influential. 

5. When choosing your next book, what’s most important to you?

A) Its reputation and long-term significance.

B) Its emotional impact and storytelling depth.

C) How much it will challenge my thinking.

D) If it’s engaging and fun to read.

E) If it expands my literary knowledge.

Your reader type

• Mostly As: The Timeless Reader. You seek books that have proven their worth over time. You value literary legacy and want books that will still matter decades from now.

• Mostly Bs: The Emotionally-Driven Reader. You read for deep, resonant storytelling. Books that touch your heart and make you feel are the ones you cherish most.

• Mostly Cs: The Intellectual Reader. You love books that challenge you, make you think, and expand your mind. You’re drawn to philosophical, complex, and thought-provoking works.

• Mostly Ds: The Escapist Reader. You read for the thrill of a great story. Page-turners, compelling plots, and immersive worlds are what keep you hooked.

• Mostly Es: The Literary Explorer. You want a broad, diverse reading experience. You love uncovering hidden gems, reading across genres, and always becoming well-versed in literary staples, old and new.

60 of the best books of all time, categorized by what you're looking for

Curating a book list like this is no easy task. “Best” is inherently subjective, as reading preferences vary widely. Countless lists already exist, showcasing incredible fiction and nonfiction. TheGreatestBooks.org, for example, ranks books based on their presence across multiple reputable lists, weighting each list by its quality, influence, and alignment with other sources.

Despite the difficulty of curating this list, I took on the challenge for three key reasons. I wanted to:

• Explore the literary world and my own passion for reading and storytelling.
• Re-evaluate my own criteria for what makes a book the "best of all time."
• Inspire you to discover new titles and gain fresh appreciation for old favorites.

I set out to compile a list that spans the full range of human experience: love, sacrifice, life, death, justice, the search for truth, creativity, redemption, and morality, and hope. Rather than relying on an algorithm, this list is a human-led, intentionally subjective selection, one that reflects my own values while remaining mindful of universal appeal. Here are two key factors I considered when adding a title to my list: 

• Appears on "best books" lists created by Reedsy, Reader's Digest, Modern Library, Time Magazine, Goodreads and other popular voices in the book world.
• Offers literary value, life lessons anyone can appreciate, and an unflinching look at what it means to be human. 

I also sought to balance fiction and nonfiction, blending enduring classics with newer masterpieces, all originally written in English.

Excluded from this list are collections of poetry, short stories, and essays, as I focused solely on works that are continuous and unified from page one to "THE END." I also left out religious and sacred texts, though some selections may explore spiritual themes.

How to use this list

Whatever your motivation, this guide will help you find the right book for your current moment. It's organized by common reasons people seek out new reads, whether for inspiration, intellectual growth, emotional depth, or an unforgettable experience. Explore the categories that resonate with you and discover the titles that will speak to your soul.

Seeking books that have stood the test of time?

These novels and nonfiction books remain powerful across generations, capturing universal themes of love, survival, human nature, as well as how to connect and communicate effectively with others.

1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (p. 1884) by Mark Twain (fiction): A sharp, satirical novel following Huck and the runaway slave Jim as they journey down the Mississippi River, challenging societal norms, racism, and the meaning of freedom.

2. Pride and Prejudice (p. 1813) by Jane Austen (fiction): A witty and enduring romance that critiques class, marriage, and social expectations in Regency-era England.

3. Wuthering Heights (p. 1847) by Emily Brontë (fiction): A dark and passionate tale of obsessive love and revenge set on the Yorkshire moors.

4. The Grapes of Wrath (p. 1939) by John Steinbeck (fiction): A powerful novel depicting a struggling family’s journey during the Great Depression and their fight for dignity. 

5. How to Win Friends and Influence People (p. 1936) by Dale Carnegie (nonfiction): A timeless guide to human connection, persuasion, and personal success.

6. The Elements of Style (p. 1959) by William Strunk Jr. & E.B. White (nonfiction): A classic, concise handbook for effective writing and clear communication.

Want a high-quality reading experience?

These books are literary masterpieces, known for their stunning prose and storytelling.

7. The Great Gatsby (p. 1925) by F. Scott Fitzgerald (fiction): A lyrical, tragic critique of wealth and the American Dream in the Jazz Age.

8. Beloved (p. 1987) by Toni Morrison (fiction): A haunting novel about a formerly enslaved woman whose past refuses to stay buried.

9. The Sound and the Fury (p. 1929) by William Faulkner (fiction): A groundbreaking, stream-of-consciousness novel that unravels the decline of a Southern family.

10. The Year of Magical Thinking (p. 2005) by Joan Didion (nonfiction): A deeply personal, beautifully written memoir about grief and loss.

11. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (p. 1969) by Maya Angelou (nonfiction): A poetic and powerful memoir about identity, trauma, and resilience.

Want newer releases, but tired of trendy, overhyped titles?

If you’re looking for 21st-century books with substance beyond the latest bestseller hype, these are for you.

12. The Road (p. 2006) by Cormac McCarthy (fiction): A bleak yet moving post-apocalyptic novel about a father and son’s survival journey.

13. The Girls of Atomic City (p. 2013) by Denise Kiernan (nonfiction): A fascinating true story of the women who worked on the secret Manhattan Project without knowing it.

14. The White Tiger (p. 2008) by Aravind Adiga (fiction): A darkly satirical novel told through letters from a poor Indian driver who rises into entrepreneurship, exposing India's economic divide, corruption, and the harsh realities of social mobility.

15. Three Women (p. 2019) by Lisa Taddeo (nonfiction): An intimate, real-life portrait of desire, agency, and societal expectations of women.

16. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (p. 2010) by Rebecca Skloot (nonfiction): A riveting true story about a researcher and a woman whose cells revolutionized medical science.

17. Atonement (p. 2001) by Ian McEwan (fiction): A beautifully written novel about a fateful lie and its lifelong consequences.

Want to feel a sense of literary accomplishment?

These books demand your full attention and deep engagement, but the rewards are immense: expanding your mind, deepening your reading skills, and leaving you with a lasting sense of accomplishment. 

18. Heart of Darkness (p. 1899) by Joseph Conrad (fiction): A gripping psychological journey into colonial exploitation and moral decay.

19. A Brief History of Time (p. 1988) by Stephen Hawking (nonfiction): A mind-expanding exploration of black holes, relativity, and the origins of the universe.

20. Atlas Shrugged (p. 1957) by Ayn Rand (fiction): A dense but provocative novel about capitalism, individualism, and the role of government.

21. Guns, Germs, and Steel (p. 1997) by Jared Diamond (nonfiction): A sweeping analysis of how geography shaped civilizations.

Need to fill gaps in your personal reading history?

If you’ve missed these essential, iconic books, now’s the time to catch up.

22. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (p. 1962) by Ken Kesey (fiction): A sharp exploration of mental health, institutional control, and rebellion.

23. In Cold Blood (p. 1966) by Truman Capote (nonfiction): A chilling, novelistic true-crime account of a brutal murder.

24. Sophie’s Choice (p. 1979) by William Styron (fiction): A haunting novel that follows a young writer’s entanglement with a Holocaust survivor, revealing the harrowing secret behind the unthinkable decision she was forced to make during WWII.

25. Up from Slavery (p. 1901) by Booker T. Washington (nonfiction): The inspiring autobiography of a formerly enslaved man who overcame immense hardships to become a leading educator and advocate for Black advancement in post-Civil War America.

26. The Diary of Anne Frank (p. 1947) by Anne Frank (nonfiction): The real-life account of a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis.

27. My Bondage and My Freedom (p. 1855) by Frederick Douglass (nonfiction): A gripping narrative of escape from slavery and the pursuit of justice.

28. Lord of the Flies (p. 1954) by William Golding (fiction): A dark, allegorical novel about the breakdown of civilization among stranded boys.

29. The Catcher in the Rye (p. 1951) by J.D. Salinger (fiction): A coming-of-age novel about teenage alienation and rebellion.

Want to explore controversial books?

These works sparked debate and continue to challenge readers with bold ideas.

30. Lolita (p. 1955) by Vladimir Nabokov (fiction): A masterfully written yet deeply unsettling novel that delves into the mind of a manipulative narrator as he rationalizes his predatory obsession with a young girl.

31. Gone with the Wind (p. 1936) by Margaret Mitchell (fiction): A sweeping historical epic following the indomitable Scarlett O’Hara as she navigates love, loss, and survival during the Civil War and Reconstruction, offering a romanticized yet deeply problematic portrayal of the Old South.

32. On the Origin of Species (p. 1859) by Charles Darwin (nonfiction): The groundbreaking book that introduced the theory of evolution, challenging long-held religious beliefs about creation and reshaping our understanding of the natural world.

33. To Kill a Mockingbird (p. 1960) by Harper Lee (fiction): A poignant coming-of-age story about a young girl in the Deep South whose lawyer father defends a Black man falsely accused of rape, exposing the deep-seated racism and injustice of the time. 

Looking for a book that will change your perspective?

These books will challenge your worldview and deepen your understanding of life.

34. Nineteen Eighty-Four (p. 1949) by George Orwell (fiction): A prophetic, dystopian novel warning about surveillance, propaganda, and authoritarian control.

35. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind (p. 2011) by Yuval Noah Harari (nonfiction): A sweeping exploration of human history, culture, and societal evolution.

36. Thinking, Fast and Slow (p. 2011) by Daniel Kahneman (nonfiction): A fascinating deep dive into the biases and thought processes that shape our decisions.

37. How to Do Nothing (p. 2019) by Jenny Odell (nonfiction): A thought-provoking critique of productivity culture and how to reclaim attention.

38. How to Grow a Human (p. 2019) by Philip Ball (nonfiction): This book explores the science behind human development, including the ethical and philosophical questions surrounding genetic engineering, cloning, and the potential for creating life through biological means.

39. Basic Economics (p. 2000) by Thomas Sowell (nonfiction): This book offers a straightforward explanation of economic principles, challenging common misconceptions and showing how understanding economics can change the way we view policies, markets, and societal choices.

40. A Short History of Nearly Everything (p. 2003) by Bill Bryson (nonfiction): A witty and engaging exploration of the history of science, from the Big Bang to the present day, making complex topics like physics, biology, and geology accessible and entertaining, while revealing the incredible discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the world.

Feeling philosophical?  

These books tackle existential questions about identity, meaning, and human nature. 

41. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (p. 1974) by Robert M. Pirsig (nonfiction): A blend of philosophy and memoir exploring the nature of quality and self-discovery.

42. Memories, Dreams, Reflections (p. 1962) by Carl Jung (nonfiction): A blend of autobiography and psychological insight, this book delves into Jung’s personal experiences, dreams, and theories, offering a deep exploration of the unconscious mind, spirituality, and the development of his groundbreaking ideas in analytical psychology.

43. Man’s Search for Meaning (p. 1946) by Viktor Frankl (nonfiction): A deeply moving memoir and psychological exploration, this book recounts Frankl’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor in Nazi concentration camps and presents his theory that finding meaning in life, even in suffering, is the key to resilience and survival.

44. When Breath Becomes Air (p. 2016) by Paul Kalanithi (nonfiction): A poignant memoir by a brilliant neurosurgeon who, after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, reflects on his journey from doctor to patient and grapples with questions of identity, purpose, and what truly makes life meaningful.

Want to feel inspired?

These books provide motivation, creative insight, and strategies for meaningful growth.

45. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (p. 1989) by Stephen R. Covey (nonfiction): A life-changing guide to productivity, leadership, and personal effectiveness.

46. Atomic Habits (p. 2018) by James Clear (nonfiction): A practical and science-backed approach to building better habits and breaking bad ones.

47. The War of Art (p. 2002) by Steven Pressfield (nonfiction): A must-read for creatives on overcoming resistance and self-doubt.

48. On Writing (p. 2000) by Stephen King (nonfiction): Part memoir, part masterclass on the craft and discipline of writing.

Crave an unforgettable story?

These novels transport readers into extraordinary worlds and deeply compelling narratives.

49. The Lord of the Rings (p. 1954) by J.R.R. Tolkien (fiction): A legendary fantasy epic about heroism, power, and the battle between good and evil.

50. Charlotte’s Web (p. 1952) by E.B. White (fiction): A beloved children’s novel about the unlikely friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a wise spider named Charlotte, who uses her web to save him from being slaughtered, exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and the passage of time.

51. Deliverance (p. 1970) by James Dickey (fiction): An intense tale of four men on a canoe trip in the Georgia wilderness that turns into a brutal fight for survival, forcing them to confront violence, masculinity, and the thin line between civilization and savagery.

52. The Glass Castle (p. 2005) by Jeannette Walls (nonfiction): A powerful memoir recounting the author's tumultuous childhood, growing up in poverty with eccentric, neglectful parents, and her journey of resilience as she forges her own path to stability and success.

53. Dune (p. 1965) by Frank Herbert (fiction): A science fiction epic set on the desert planet Arrakis, where political intrigue, ecological struggles, and prophecy collide over control of a powerful resource.

Need a conversation starter for your book club?

These books spark strong opinions and lively discussions. 

54. Fight Club (p. 1996) by Chuck Palahniuk (fiction): A dark and provocative story about a disillusioned man who forms an underground fight club, exploring themes of consumerism, masculinity, and the search for meaning in modern life.

55. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck (p. 2016) by Mark Manson (nonfiction): A brutally honest take on self-improvement, emphasizing values over toxic positivity.

56. Invisible Man (p. 1952) by Ralph Ellison (fiction): A powerful exploration of race, identity, and social invisibility in America.

57. A Clockwork Orange (p. 1962) by Anthony Burgess (fiction): A provocative dystopian novel following a teenage delinquent who undergoes a controversial treatment to suppress his violent impulses, raising questions about free will, state control, and the morality of using force to "cure" evil.

58. Tobacco Road (p. 1932) by Erskine Caldwell (fiction): A controversial novel depicting the struggles and depravities of a poverty-stricken Southern family.

59. Waiting for the Barbarians (p. 1980) by J.M. Coetzee (fiction): Set in an unnamed empire, this novel follows a magistrate's internal conflict as he confronts the brutal treatment of so-called "barbarians" and grapples with the moral implications of colonial rule and his own complicity in injustice. 

60. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (p. 2007) by Junot Diaz (fiction): A bold, multi-generational tale of love, history, and the Dominican-American experience. 

How to rethink your own "best books" list

I've included this personal reading challenge to encourage you to re-evaluate your own list of the "best books." What are your must-reads, the stories that have shaped you? What makes a book earn its place among your favorites? Is it the depth of literary craft, the emotional impact, its universal themes, an intellectual challenge, or sheer entertainment value?

While we often feel loyal to our longtime favorites, our tastes evolve as we grow, experience life, and develop new skills as readers. There will come times when you can lovingly let go of old favorites that no longer resonate, thank them for what they gave you, and make room for new books that speak to who you are now.

Start by making a list of your current favorites and then ask yourself these questions to re-evaluate:

1. Why does this book still resonate with me? Is it nostalgia, or does it continue to offer new insights?

2. How has my perspective on this book changed over time? Do my old views still hold up, or do I have new views today?

3. Which of my favorites have challenged me the most? Have I embraced books that push me outside my comfort zone?

4. Do I favor certain genres or styles? Am I open to books that break my usual reading patterns?

5. Which books have truly changed me? Which stories or ideas have influenced my thinking, beliefs, or actions?

6. Do I value craft, message, or emotional connection more? What makes a book unforgettable to me?

7. Is there a book I’ve outgrown? Is there a past favorite that no longer speaks to me in the same way it used to?

8. Have I read anything recently that belongs on my list of all-time favorites? What made it stand out? How does it compare to books I already consider "the best"?

9. What books am I excited to read next? Could one of them become a new favorite? How will I approach my to-be-read pile differently, knowing my reading tastes change over time?

Track your evolving "best books" list