11 Fiction books that you must read in your lifetime
Some books stick with you for decades. They shape how you think about people, morality, love, and loss. I’ve read hundreds of fiction books over the years, and the ones on this list aren’t just “good reads.” They’re the kind of stories that fundamentally change how you see the world.
I’m not listing 50 books and hoping you pick one. This is a tight list of 11 fiction books that I genuinely believe every person should read at least once. Some are classics you probably heard about in school. Others are modern novels that deserve way more attention than they get. All of them are worth your time in 2026 and beyond.
Whether you’re a lifelong reader or someone who’s just getting back into books, this list has something for you. I’ve included everything from Austen’s razor-sharp social commentary to Hosseini’s gut-wrenching storytelling to Rowling’s magical universe. If you’re looking for productivity books, I’ve got a separate list for that. This one is purely about fiction that stays with you.
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- One of the most beloved novels in English literature
- Jane Austen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect to love this book as much as I did. Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice over 200 years ago, and it still reads like a masterclass in character development. The story follows Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy through misunderstandings, pride (obviously), and the ridiculous marriage market of 19th-century England.
What makes this book timeless isn’t the romance. It’s the way Austen captures human flaws with such precision that you’ll recognize people from your own life in every chapter. Elizabeth’s stubbornness, Darcy’s arrogance, Mrs. Bennet’s desperation, they’re all drawn with a wit that most modern writers can’t match. If you’ve only seen the movie, you’re missing about 80% of what makes this story brilliant.
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
This is one of those books that wrecked me emotionally and I’m grateful for it. The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir and Hassan, two boys growing up in Kabul before the Soviet invasion. Their friendship is complicated by class, ethnicity, and a terrible act of cowardice that haunts Amir for decades.
Hosseini doesn’t just tell a story about Afghanistan. He puts you inside a world that most of us have only seen through news headlines. You’ll experience what daily life looked like before and after the Taliban, and you’ll understand the weight of guilt, redemption, and the bonds that survive even the worst betrayals. I’ve recommended this book to at least 20 people over the years, and every single one came back saying it changed something in them. It’s that powerful.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women is one of those novels that people dismiss because it sounds “old-fashioned.” That’s a mistake. Louisa May Alcott wrote a story about four sisters growing up during the American Civil War, and the themes, ambition vs. convention, poverty vs. dignity, individual dreams vs. family duty, are just as relevant now as they were in the 1860s.
Each March sister has a distinct personality that you’ll either relate to or recognize in someone you know. Jo is the rebellious writer. Meg wants stability. Amy chases beauty and status. Beth is the quiet heart of the family. Alcott doesn’t sugarcoat life either. There’s real grief in this book, real sacrifice, and real consequences for the choices these characters make. At under $6, this is one of the best deals on this entire list. If you enjoy character-driven fiction, you’ll love this.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
If you haven’t read To Kill a Mockingbird, stop whatever you’re doing and get a copy. Harper Lee won the Pulitzer Prize for this novel, and she earned it. The story is told through the eyes of Scout Finch, a six-year-old girl in Alabama whose father Atticus is defending a Black man falsely accused of rape. It’s a book about racism, injustice, and moral courage, told with a child’s innocence that makes the ugly truths even harder to swallow.
What I love about this book is that it doesn’t preach. Lee lets you see the world through Scout’s eyes, and you draw your own conclusions. Atticus Finch remains one of the most compelling characters in all of fiction, not because he’s perfect, but because he does the right thing even when his entire town turns against him. This novel taught me more about empathy than any self-help book ever could. It belongs on every bookshelf, period. If you enjoy books that challenge your thinking, check out my list of books every programmer must read too.
Harry Potter Complete Series by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter Complete Book Series Special Edition Boxed Set
- J.K. Rowling (Author)
- Complete 7-book special edition boxed set
I grew up reading Harry Potter, and I still re-read the series every few years. Yes, as an adult. The thing about Rowling’s world is that it works on multiple levels. When you’re 12, it’s a magical adventure about a boy who escapes a miserable life under the stairs. When you’re 30, it’s a deeply layered story about sacrifice, power, prejudice, and the choices that define who you are.
This boxed set gives you all seven books in a special edition format, and at around $78 it’s an incredible value. If you’ve only watched the movies, you’re getting maybe half the story. The books have subplots, character depth, and emotional weight that the films simply couldn’t fit into two-hour runtimes. I’d especially recommend reading books 4 through 7 if you want to see Rowling at her best. The series gets progressively darker and more complex, and that’s where the real magic is.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Roald Dahl (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
Roald Dahl had a gift for writing children’s books that adults secretly enjoy even more. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is pure imagination, but underneath the whimsy there’s a sharp commentary on greed, entitlement, and what happens when terrible kids meet consequences. Willy Wonka isn’t just an eccentric candy maker. He’s a moral judge delivering poetic justice.
Charlie Bucket, the poorest kid in town, wins a golden ticket and gets to tour Wonka’s factory alongside four spoiled brats who get exactly what they deserve. Dahl’s writing is witty, fast-paced, and genuinely funny. At $5.44, this is a no-brainer purchase. Buy it for your kids, but read it yourself first. You’ll finish it in a single sitting and smile the entire time.
Stone Mattress: Nine Tales by Margaret Atwood
If you know Margaret Atwood from The Handmaid’s Tale, Stone Mattress will show you a completely different side of her talent. This collection of nine short stories is dark, witty, and psychologically sharp. The topics range from revenge and mental illness to vampires and aging, and Atwood ties them all together with her signature dry humor.
I love short story collections because they’re perfect for busy people. You can read one story in 30 minutes and feel like you’ve consumed a complete, satisfying narrative. Atwood doesn’t waste a single word. Each tale is tight, surprising, and occasionally terrifying. The title story alone, about a woman who plans the perfect murder on an Arctic cruise, is worth the price of the book. If you’re new to Atwood, this is actually a great place to start before tackling her longer novels.
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
You might know Big Little Lies from the HBO series, but the book is even better. Liane Moriarty crafts a murder mystery set in a quiet Australian suburb, and she wraps it in the everyday drama of school politics, competitive parenting, and marriages that look perfect from the outside but are crumbling on the inside.
What makes this book addictive is Moriarty’s writing style. She’s funny, observant, and genuinely suspenseful. You’ll fly through the pages trying to figure out who died and who did it, and when the answer finally hits, it’s both shocking and completely logical. The novel tackles serious issues like domestic abuse and bullying without ever feeling heavy-handed. It’s one of those rare books that’s both entertaining and meaningful. I read it in two days and immediately wanted more.
Song of the Shank by Jeffery Renard Allen
Song of the Shank: A Novel
- Jeffery Renard Allen (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
This is the hidden gem on this list. Song of the Shank is a fictionalized account of Thomas Greene Wiggins, a real historical figure who was a blind, autistic piano prodigy and also a slave in Civil War-era America. Jeffery Renard Allen takes this incredible true story and builds a sprawling, ambitious novel around it.
The writing is dense and poetic, so this isn’t a quick beach read. But if you’re willing to invest your attention, the payoff is extraordinary. Allen explores themes of race, genius, exploitation, and what it means to be seen as both a miracle and a commodity. This book deserves far more recognition than it gets. If you enjoy literary fiction that challenges you and stays in your head for weeks afterward, Song of the Shank is the one to pick up.
The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
The Silkworm (Cormoran Strike Book 2)
- J.K. Rowling writing as Robert Galbraith
- Cormoran Strike mystery series, Book 2
- English (Publication Language)
Here’s a fun fact: J.K. Rowling published The Silkworm under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, and it was a bestseller before anyone even knew she wrote it. That tells you something about the quality. This is the second book in the Cormoran Strike detective series, and it’s a gripping mystery about a private investigator hired to find a missing novelist.
Rowling proves here that she’s not just a fantasy writer. Her plotting is tight, her characters are complex, and the twists actually surprise you. Strike is a fantastic protagonist, a war veteran with a prosthetic leg who’s brilliant but deeply flawed. If you enjoy detective fiction and want something smarter than the average thriller, the entire Strike series is worth reading. Start with The Cuckoo’s Calling if you want to go in order, but The Silkworm works perfectly well on its own.
Adultery by Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho is one of the most widely read authors on the planet, and Adultery shows a different side of his writing compared to The Alchemist. The story follows Linda, a seemingly successful journalist in Geneva who has a loving husband, two kids, and a comfortable life. The problem? She feels absolutely nothing. No joy, no excitement, no sense of purpose.
When Linda runs into an ex-boyfriend and starts an affair, Coelho doesn’t write it as a romance. He writes it as a psychological unraveling. You watch Linda make increasingly reckless decisions, and you understand exactly why she’s making them even while you’re screaming at her to stop. This isn’t Coelho’s most popular book, but I think it’s one of his most honest. It asks uncomfortable questions about happiness, desire, and whether having everything on paper is enough. If you’ve read The Alchemist and want something darker from Coelho, this is it.
How to Pick Your Next Fiction Book
With 11 very different books on this list, here’s a quick guide to help you choose based on what you’re in the mood for.
If you want something emotionally devastating in the best way, go with The Kite Runner. If you’re looking for sharp wit and social commentary, Pride and Prejudice is unbeatable. For pure escapism and magic, the Harry Potter series delivers every time. If you want a fast-paced mystery, Big Little Lies or The Silkworm will keep you turning pages late into the night.
For literary fiction that makes you think, Song of the Shank and Stone Mattress are excellent choices. And if you want something philosophical about the human condition, Coelho’s Adultery will get under your skin. I’d also suggest checking out some calculus books if you’re a student, or my programmer book recommendations if you want to balance fiction with technical reading.
The best part about fiction is that there’s no wrong choice. Every book on this list will give you something valuable, whether that’s a new perspective, a deeper sense of empathy, or simply a few hours of pure enjoyment. Pick one, start reading, and don’t stop until the last page. That’s the only rule.
Best Devices for Reading Fiction
You don’t need a Kindle to read fiction. But once you try it, you won’t want to go back. The Paperwhite weighs less than most paperbacks, holds thousands of books, and the backlight means you can read in bed without disturbing anyone.
The Kindle Colorsoft is the premium option if you want color covers and illustrations. For pure text, the standard Paperwhite is my recommendation. It costs $130 and the battery lasts weeks, not hours. For more book recommendations, check out my biology books if you’re into science, or my calculus books guide for academic titles.
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- Read in any light – Adjust the display from white to amber to read in bright sunlight or in the dark.
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- Escape into your books – Your Kindle doesn’t have social media, notifications, or other distracting apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fiction book to read first if you’re new to reading?
I’d recommend starting with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Both are easy to read, incredibly engaging, and short enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed. Once you build the reading habit, move on to something like To Kill a Mockingbird or The Kite Runner.
Which fiction book on this list is the most emotionally impactful?
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. It deals with friendship, betrayal, guilt, and redemption against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s political turmoil. Most people I’ve recommended it to say it’s one of the most emotionally powerful books they’ve ever read.
Are these fiction books suitable for teenagers?
Most of them are, yes. Harry Potter, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Little Women, Pride and Prejudice, and To Kill a Mockingbird are all great for teens. Big Little Lies and Adultery deal with more mature themes and are better suited for adult readers.
Should I read the Harry Potter books even if I’ve seen all the movies?
Absolutely. The movies cut out a huge amount of plot, character development, and subplots. Books 4 through 7 especially have entire storylines that never made it to the screen. The reading experience is significantly richer than the films.
What makes To Kill a Mockingbird a must-read fiction book?
It’s a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that addresses racism, injustice, and moral courage through the innocent eyes of a child. Harper Lee’s writing is accessible yet profound, and the themes are just as relevant today as they were when the book was published in 1960.
Is Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood a good starting point for her work?
Yes, it’s actually a great entry point. Since it’s a collection of nine short stories, you get a taste of Atwood’s range without committing to a 400-page novel. If you enjoy her style here, you’ll love The Handmaid’s Tale and Oryx and Crake.
What is the cheapest fiction book on this list?
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl is currently the cheapest at $5.44, followed closely by Little Women at $5.56. Both are incredible value for books that have stood the test of time for decades.
Can I read The Silkworm without reading the first Cormoran Strike book?
Yes, you can. While The Silkworm is the second book in J.K. Rowling’s Cormoran Strike series, it works as a standalone mystery. You’ll miss some character backstory, but the central murder mystery is fully self-contained and satisfying on its own.
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Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I'm so excited to read these books. And I'm pretty sure these books gonna help me lot. Thanks again