10 Best Books of All Time: Greatest Books Ever Written
10 Best Books of All Time: Greatest Books Ever Written
There are millions of books in the world, but a very small number of people read, discuss, and recommend them from generation to generation.
The best books of all time aren't supposed to be the most popular books. It all depends on person to person, based on their genre choices and all. There are a lot of books that have influenced literature, or changed the way readers tend to think about the world.
The best/greatest books list is completely subjective. Everyone has a different taste in literature. Rather than presenting a perfect ranking, we brought you a list of 20 books, and it is also ranked, but we assume it varies according to cultures, genres, and all.
If you are here for a list of the books that everyone must read, this could be a good place to start.
What makes a book the best book of all time?
A good or a bad book can be different based on multiple reasons.
This influences other writers also, helping them with new ideas, telling stories that stay with the readers, or it simply remains relevant for generations to generations.
For this list, we have considered the influence of literature, their relevance, and all, and what made their writings last longer.
1. Don Quixote — Miguel de Cervantes
The story of Don Quixote follows a character named Alonso Quixana, a man who wants to become a knight and likes stories about them.
He follows funny, strange, and surprising adventures. This novel plays with ideas of imagination and reality, and great storytelling.
It is considered one of the most important works in the development of the modern novel.
Why read it: Its influence on literature and an unusual mix of comedy and deeper ideas.
2. Pride and Prejudice — Jane Austen
Jane's Pride and Prejudice is known for the relationship between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
It is not only about the romance, it also plays with deeper ideas, money, family expectations, and the way people judge each other.
Why read it: It is a great choice if you love classics with romance and social commentary.
3. 1984 — George Orwell
1984 is all about the idea that the government wants to control everything, not only what they do, but what they think.
The novel deals with surveillance, propaganda, censorship, power, and freedom.
Its multiple ideas still feel relevant, which is one reason the book continues to be one of the greatest books of all time.
Why read it: For its powerful ideas on government and freedom.
4. The Great Gatsby — F. Scott Fitzgerald
At first, The Great Gatsby looks like a story about a mysterious millionaire.
But behind Jay's wealth, it is also the story of trying to win back Daisy Buchanan.
The story explores love, ambition, social class, identity, and the American Dream. It is also a short novel that makes it one of the favourites to introduce readers to literature.
Why read it: It's short and simple to read.
5. One Hundred Years of Solitude — Gabriel García Márquez
The story of One Hundred Years of Solitude follows the Buendía family through multiple generations in the made-up town of Macondo.
This deals with family, loneliness, memory, and history.
Why read it: For its imaginative storytelling.
6. The Lord of the Rings — J.R.R. Tolkien
This is one of the best fantasy books of all time, and no one can question the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien.
The Lord of the Rings follows Frodo as he and his followers try to destroy a Ring.
Why read it: If you love fantasy and adventure, of course you do, this is an essential read.
7. Crime and Punishment — Fyodor Dostoevsky
Have you ever thought, what will happen when someone convinces himself that he has the right to break the rules?
This is the main question behind this classic.
The story mainly explores guilt, morality, suffering, and redemption.
Why read it: For a deep look at human psychology and dilemmas.
8. The Alchemist — Paulo Coelho
I think this novel is one of the best to start reading, because of its simple and straightforward storytelling, and the adventures of Santiago in search of hidden treasure.
Its short storytelling makes it a good starting point for non-readers.
Why read it: It's simple and short.
9. Frankenstein — Mary Shelley
You all know Frankenstein as the story of a monster, but it is more than that. Victor creates a living creature with a scientific experiment and then abandons it.
I think anything else written after that will make it a spoiler, so go for it.
Why read it: It's a classic.
10. The Little Prince — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
First of all, it is not a children's book. Its storytelling and ideas go much deeper.
This story talks about friendship, love, and loneliness. It is a story about a young prince who visits multiple different planets and meets different characters throughout.
It is one of the books which have immense re-readability, as its meaning changes after multiple rereads.
Why read it: Simple to read, but it goes deeper.
Where Should You Start?
You don't have to start with the longest or the difficult ones. But to go with the legendary ones, The Alchemist, The Little Prince, and The Great Gatsby are good places to start.
There is no perfect book for everyone. You have to understand your type, and you must go with trial and error. Just go with it.
Final Thoughts
The best books of all time are not the final list that you have to read anyway. Just take a look and go on. And if you love any books, go for it.
Every reader has a different taste, which makes this list subjective.
Don't read all. This time, you must judge the book by its cover. The title that amazes you, go for it.
Ready to start your next read? Find and buy these books at BookPangs.com.