Finding the best books to read are simply a gateway to a world full of knowledge and wisdom. It is the easiest way to grasp as much as you can and continue to explore more. You understand and gain a better perspective of various aspects of life. If we talk about the books related to history, polity, geography, etc. they give us an insight into our past and help us to contemplate our future.
There is a plethora of rich texts available to widen the horizon of your knowledge base.
On the other hand, various learned authors and writers have penned down their thoughts in the form of stories that are a delight to read. Such novels have won several accolades and some highest rewards.
If you are a curious reader and wish to know about some of the best books that you should not miss, then we have got your back!
In this article, we are going to enlist the 10 best books that are masterpieces in their own way. To know more, let’s get started!
10 Best Books to Read Once In A Lifetime
1. Song of Solomon
Highlights
Author: Toni Morrison
Publication Year: 2004
Publisher: Vintage
Description
This remarkable novel is a brilliant example of a unique imagination followed by the writer Toni Morrison. It is a great work of literature.
The author has deftly written about the past and present. He has neatly described the images and themes in the story. In addition, the author has written about various human conditions, different ways by which families evolve, the nature of liberty, The way we treat our dear ones, or they treat us, and much more.
There is an inclusion of subjects like violence, language, and sex. The story is about Macon ‘Milkman’ Dead lll. He is a spoiled young boy who has no affection for others but everyone loves him. He lives in a small Michigan town with his African-American family. There is a lot of turbulence in his family but he stays unconcerned due to that.
The writer has slowly shown evolution in his behavior and thinking. The depiction of how he discovers his reluctance to be affectionate or involved or his own ignorance is remarkable.
If you wish to unfold this awe-inspiring story, you must get your hands on this best books to read!
Buy this book here.
2. War and Peace
Highlights
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Last published: 2008
Publisher: Vintage
Description
Written by Leo Tolstoy, this book is undoubtedly a treat for the readers. It tells you about Napoleon’s invasion of Russia with some graphics and detailing. Furthermore, there is a meticulous description of the Napoleonic Era in Tsarist Society.
The entire book is the explanation as per the five Russian aristocratic families who have seen all this with their naked eyes.
In the battle scenes, Tolstoy portrays how the individual is just a tiny speck of the galaxy. How this all becomes insignificant when it comes to life. Even the have’s, such as the rulers and emperors have to deal with some unfortunate and unpredictable events in case of war.
On the contrary, when the author writes about intimate scenes, the whole perspective changes. There, nothing is more important than individual consciousness. This is a stunning juxtaposition of the two scenarios!
You must read this epic novel!
Buy this book here.
3. The Shadow of the Wind
Highlights
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon (Author), Lucia Graves (Translator)
Last published: 2005
Publisher: Penguin Books
Description
The author takes you back to Barcelona in 1945. The time when the city had just encountered a deadly war. On the birthday morning, Daniel, a young boy, suddenly realizes that he cannot remember his mother‘s face. His father is an antiquarian book dealer who spells out the secret of a library known as the cemetery of forgotten books.
His father takes him there and asks to choose a book from the shelves that would consist of a special meaning for the boy. He picks up The Shadow of the Wind by Julian Carax and realizes that someone is destroying each book written by this author.
The story here takes an epic turn including magic, madness, murder, and love altogether. Daniel has to initiate a quest to know the truth about Julian. If he doesn’t, then he and the people closest to him would suffer.
Overall it’s a highly intriguing historical mystery and a great example of mystical books. Purchase your copy now to explore more!
Buy this book here.
4. Ulysses
Highlights
Author: James Joyce
Last published: 2010
Publisher: Wordsworth Editions Ltd
Description
Ulysses is a great novel written by an Irish writer. This book is known to be a great achievement in the field of literature of the 20th century. It is somewhat based on the Odyssey that follows Dubliners. It depicts the incidents that took place in a single day of Dubliner Leopold Bloom, his friends, and his wife.
The inclusion of Celtic lyricism to a different level is neatly knitted in the book. It is further loaded with tons of experimental techniques regarding wordplay, monologues, and humour.
If you want to read something unique yet remarkable, you must grab the copy now.
Buy this book here.
5. The Satanic Verses
Highlights
Author: Salman Rushdie
Last published: 2008
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Description
This is one of the most remarkable works by Salman Rushdie. This book is like a bumpy ride of imagination.
The Satanic Verses opens up with the story of two Islamic men who are ambiguous whether to follow the west or not. The first person returns to his roots, I.e. Islam, whereas the second person kills himself due to the inability to follow his faith again.
The journey from here binds satire, imagination, magical realism, and enjoyment together. Although, there were huge controversies that occurred afterward. There are sections where the book criticizes some of the teachings of Islam. The characters mentioned in the book make such criticisms but do not vilify the Prophet or God.
Salman Rushdie has praised a lot of hues and cry over this book but over time it settled down.
Interestingly, this book was banned in India due to its controversial blast for me against the Prophet Muhammad.
6. The Lord of the Rings
Highlights
Author: J.R.R Tolkein
Last published: 2007
Publisher: Harpercollins
Description
The Lord of the rings is a remarkable and highly intriguing mystical tale that you must not miss. You must have heard about the movie series Lord of The Rings. Well, it all started with this novel.
There are three different books namely, The Fellowship of The Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of The King. The book was first published in 1954. This magnificent tale is about love, friendship, and heroism. It has set a benchmark for the rest of the fantasy novels to be written in the future. The beautiful description of the journey covered by the protagonist Frodo and his friend stays with us for a long time.
The Lord of the Rings is truly groundbreaking. These novels were then converted into a movie that won several accolades and is still watched as the most breathtaking fantasy movie ever.
If you love to read and watch fantasy, then you must purchase these spectacular novels now.
Buy this book here.
7. The Golden Compass
Highlights
Author: Philip Pullman
Last published: 2003
Publisher: Laurel Leaf
Description
The Golden Compass is named as the all-time greatest novel by Entertainment Weekly. Moreover, it is also under the list of the top hundred books of all time by Newsweek. What makes this novel great?
Well, it is the power of imagination by the author wherein he has created a world wherein parallel universes are reachable.
The protagonist of the story Lyra is shown in a world where armored beers and witch clans rule. She has a friend named Roger. Interestingly, her uncle Asriel is described as rude and clever and is building a bridge that connects to a parallel world.
The thoughts of Asriel are not wise and hence, Lyra commences to go against his doings. The story beautifully describes how a small girl faces terrible incidents and endeavors with her bravery. She is extremely fierce, a savage, and a champion in the true sense.
This novel is the first of the series named his dark materials. There are two more additions namely the subtle knife and the amber spyglass.
Buy this book here.
8. Don Quixote
Highlights
Author: Miguel De Cervantes Saavedra
Last published: 2003
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Description
This book is an incredible example of Spanish literature that influences the viewers with great literary works. The story is about a man known as Don Quixote de La Mancha and his love for romantic novels concerning chivalry.
As soon as this novel was published, the main character became an idol that influenced various sets of artworks in the fields such as music, art, and literature.
The character was so influential that the word quixotic was derived from his name that meant someone who is impractical in approach to his ideals.
We recommend you to go through this book at least once in life.
Buy this book here.
9. The Fountainhead
Highlights
Author: Ayn Rand
Last published: 2007
Publisher: Penguin UK
Description
The Fountainhead is simply a masterpiece with an amazing theme and plot. The style of writing speaks for itself and wraps the story remarkably. Even if you complete reading it, it will stay in your mind for a long time.
The pace of the book is slow at first but if you continue, you will find it really interesting. The story revolves around a relationship between Howard Roark and his girlfriend. Roark is an architect and his spirit is worth admiration. However, there are many important lessons that books teach us. For instance, it beautifully depicts how a man can be whatever he wants to be and how we should be hungry for achievement.
Moreover, the crux of the theme of this novel is how it’s a constant struggle for people who are creative and possess a free mind against the ones who are not.
The book is filled with exciting ideas and the writing is spectacular. Grab your copy to unfold the story now!
Buy this book here.
10. Catch-22
Highlights
Author: Joseph Heller
Last published: 2011
Description
Catch-22 is a fine example of American literature with humorous content. It is also one of the most celebrated books ever. Newsweek, Times, London Observer, and the Modern Library have named it under the best novels list.
The novel talks about the time during World War II where Yossarian, the hero of the story, gets agitated after learning that several people were after his life. It’s a greatly timed humorous novel with some unexpected incidents revolving around the lead character.
Do grab your copy to unravel the comic adventure now!
Buy this book here.
Conclusion
There are a great number of incredible novels for you to explore. Novels with different genres talk about literature, art, music, history, and much more. This article curated the top 10 best books available with intriguing concepts and the ones that have gained accolades internationally.
Such books help you to gain a better perspective about life in general.
If you are an avid reader who wants to understand and know more about such interesting books then you must purchase your copies from the list mentioned in the article.
Keep learning, keep exploring!
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