You’ve got a lifetime of amazing stories waiting for you, all bound up in the pages of unforgettable books. From epic fantasy worlds and heartwarming coming-of-age tales to chilling psychological thrillers and poetic works of literary fiction, these 80 novels will sweep you away and stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page. So clear your schedule, stock up on snacks, and dive into a lifetime of stories 80 Books. You’ve got old favorites you’ll want to revisit as well as new classics you’ll wonder how you missed. No two readers will have the same list of favorites, so discover your own and build a library of books you’ll cherish for years to come. The journey begins now—start turning pages and enjoy!
Must-Read Novels From Childhood Classics to Modern Literature
Your earliest reading memories probably include classics like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Corduroy, and Where The Wild Things Are. These childhood favorites ignite a lifelong love of reading and inspire imagination.
As you get older, dive into timeless coming-of-age stories.
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
Follow Tom and Huck Finn’s escapades along the Mississippi River. This American classic captures the spirit of childhood in the mid-19th century.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Scout’s loss of innocence in racially divided Alabama will stay with you. Lee’s moving and influential novel tackles injustice, morality, and human nature.
When you’re in the mood for epic fantasy, pick up:
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien’s genre-defining work chronicles Frodo’s quest to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. This intricately imagined world ignited a fervor for fantasy fiction.
As a teen, get lost in angsty romances and coming-of-age stories like:
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Holden Caulfield’s rebellious and disaffected teen voice defined a generation.
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Charlie’s letters chronicle his freshman year of high school, his friendship with Sam and Patrick, and his mental health struggles.
Dive into dystopias, mysteries, historical fiction, and memoirs. With so many captivating genres and subjects, you’ll never run out of tales to spark your imagination.
Page-Turning Mystery and Thriller Novels That Will Keep You Guessing
Nothing beats the thrill of an engaging mystery or mind-bending thriller to keep you up all night feverishly turning pages. Here are some page-turners guaranteed to get your adrenaline pumping:
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
The first in the Millennium series, featuring the unforgettable duo of journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they work to solve the decades-old disappearance of a woman from a wealthy family.
- The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
FBI trainee Clarice Starling matches wits with the diabolical Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer. A chilling psychological thriller that will haunt you long after finishing.
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
When Amy Dunne mysteriously vanishes on her 5th wedding anniversary, the subsequent investigation reveals secrets, betrayals and conspiracies in a masterfully twisted tale of psychological suspense.
- Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
A U.S. marshal travels to a isolated asylum for the criminally insane to find an escaped patient, but ends up struggling with his own sanity in this mind-bending mystery set in 1954.
- And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
Considered Christie’s masterpiece, with one of the most clever murder mysteries ever devised. Ten strangers are lured to an island under false pretenses, and are murdered one by one. A true whodunit classic.
With plots full of twists, betrayals and revelations around every corner, these thrillers will pull you in and never let go until the final shocking conclusion. Sweet dreams!
Epic Fantasy and Science Fiction Books to Transport You to Other Worlds
Transport yourself to epic fantasy worlds and galaxies far, far away with these page-turning science fiction and fantasy novels.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
This classic epic fantasy series follows the hobbit Frodo Baggins as he and a fellowship embark on a quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the dark lord Sauron. Tolkien’s masterwork defined the genre and inspired countless other books, movies, and games. Lose yourself in the richly imagined world of Middle-earth, with its unforgettable characters and timeless themes of good vs. evil.
Dune by Frank Herbert
This landmark 1965 science fiction novel, the first in a series, is set on the desert planet Arrakis. It features political intrigue, human evolution, and man vs. nature themes. The original Dune novel and its sequels have captivated generations of readers with a compelling story of complex characters and layered philosophies, all set on the backdrop of Herbert’s vividly imagined world.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
This hilarious science fiction comedy follows the intergalactic adventures of Arthur Dent and his friend Ford Prefect. When Earth is demolished to make way for a hyperspace bypass, Arthur embarks on a journey through space and time, encountering dangerous aliens and maniacal robots along the way. Adams’ absurdist sense of humor and witty social commentary have cemented this book as a comedic science fiction classic.
•The Expanse series by James S.A. Corey – A gripping space opera set in our solar system 200 years in the future.
•Hyperion by Dan Simmons – On a distant planet, seven strangers embark on a legendary journey to meet the mysterious Shrike.
•Old Man’s War by John Scalzi – At age 75, John Perry enlists in the interstellar Colonial Defense Force to fight mysterious alien enemies.
•Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson – The first in a hard science fiction trilogy about the colonization and terraforming of Mars.
Romance Novels Guaranteed to Make Your Heart Flutter
Romance novels are the perfect escape, transporting you to exotic locations and passionate encounters. Here are four page-turners sure to make your heart flutter.
The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks
This 1996 novel launched Nicholas Sparks’ career and inspired the hit movie of the same name. Set in 1940s North Carolina, it follows teenagers Noah and Allie who fall in love one summer. Torn apart by Allie’s parents, Noah writes her a letter every day for a year. They reunite years later, but Allie is engaged to another man. This emotional story of lost love and second chances will tug at your heartstrings.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
The Outlander series has sold over 20 million copies for good reason. In 1945, Claire Randall travels back in time to 1743 Scotland where she finds adventure and romance with Jamie Fraser, a dashing young Scotsman. Filled with historical detail, time travel, and steamy scenes, this eight-book series (and Starz TV show) has something for everyone. Start with the first novel, Outlander, to follow Claire and Jamie’s epic love story.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
No list of romance novels is complete without this comedy of manners set in early 19th-century England. Witty Elizabeth Bennet forms a prejudice against the aloof Mr. Darcy, but comes to realize his virtues. Austen’s clever satire of the landed gentry and witty prose have made Pride and Prejudice a beloved classic. If you’ve only seen the movie and TV adaptations, the novel showcases Austen’s brilliant talent with humor and social commentary.
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
This poignant 2012 novel from Jojo Moyes became a major motion picture. Louisa Clark takes a job as a caretaker for Will Traynor, a former banker left quadriplegic after an accident. At first, Will’s cynical and caustic nature challenges Louisa’s bubbly personality. But she begins to break through his defenses, and they develop a deep bond and affection for one another. A moving story of love, courage and sacrifice, Me Before You will tug at your heartstrings and linger with you long after finishing.
Powerful Literary Fiction Exploring the Human Condition
Literary fiction is powerful for its ability to delve deep into human experiences and the complexities of existence. These thought-provoking stories stay with you long after you’ve closed the book. Here are some novels exploring the depths of human relationships and life’s deepest questions.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
This post-apocalyptic tale follows a father and son struggling to survive after an unnamed cataclysmic event. As they make their way across a ravaged American landscape, you feel the depth of the father’s love for his son and desire to protect him. It’s a moving story of humanity, morality and the bonds between family in the face of a hopeless world.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
This science fiction novel is set in an alternate history of 1990s England. It follows students at a boarding school who discover a sinister purpose to their isolated upbringing. The story is a poignant exploration of love and what it means to be human. The slowly unfolding mystery and relationships between the students will pull you into their world and stir you with difficult questions.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
This powerful novel set in Afghanistan follows the life of Amir, the privileged son of a Kabul merchant, and his unlikely friendship with the son of his father’s servant, Hassan. As political upheaval and violence tear through Afghanistan, Amir is haunted by a betrayal of Hassan that shows the immense cruelties human beings inflict on one another. Hosseini’s writing is haunting and poetic, shining a light on humanity’s capacity for evil as well as redemption.
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
This debut novel from Indian author Roy is a lyrical masterpiece. Set in Kerala, India, it follows fraternal twins whose lives are shaped by the “Love Laws” that govern who should be loved, and how much. Exploring how the small things affect people’s behavior and lives, the story is a portrait of human complexity and the tragedies wrought from society’s prejudices. Roy’s poetic language and rich imagery draw you into the wonder and despair of the human experience.
Conclusion
You’ve now got 80 amazing novels to dive into and get lost within their pages. With classics, mysteries, sci-fi, romance, and more, you’ll never run out of stories to experience 80 Books. A lifetime of adventures awaits you with unforgettable characters and tales of the human experience. So pick up that first book, get cozy on the couch or in your favorite reading spot, and enjoy the journey these authors are about to take you on. Before you know it, you’ll be turning that final page, sad to say goodbye but thrilled you discovered these worlds between the covers. Reading is a gift, so unwrap these stories and find worlds you never want to leave.
