20 classic books people say are must-reads

The ultimate classic, you can’t call yourself a fan of American fiction unless you’ve read The Great Gatsby. F. Scott Fitzgerald has other notable works, too, but this one stands alone thanks to its enduring themes and undeniable glamour. 

A coming-of-age story, plenty of young readers have found The Catcher in the Rye relatable, as have many adults. J. D. Salinger did some of his best work — and some of the best work of all time — with this one. 

It’s rare for a single person to coin a catchphrase, but that’s what Joseph Heller did with Catch-22. Whether you’ve read the book or not, you know what the phrase means, and that speaks to how important and pervasive this piece of work still is. 

Poor Sylvia Plath is remembered more for her cause of death than her work, but she made major literary contributions during her life, The Bell Jar being one of them. To understand her tragic end a bit more, read this book, as it’s partially autobiographical. 

You may be turned off by Pride and Prejudice, considering the typical demographic that loves the 2005 film, but trust the literary experts who say this book is worth reading. It’s over 200 years old, but it resonates just the same. 

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is another old novel that has stood the test of time. It’s a repeat read for many, especially around the holidays, because it’s the literary equivalent of a cozy blanket. Sure, there’s heartbreak and suspense, but that’s part of its charm. 

To Kill a Mockingbird is required reading for many American students, but if you eked by high school without opening this Harper Lee classic, give it a shot. It’ll feel just as relevant today as it did when it was written.

Frankenstein might seem like an October-only read, but fans of horror and fans of good literature will appreciate this book outside the confines of Halloween. The book was borne out of a challenge for Mary Shelley to write the scariest story she could, and she ended up with an American classic. 

1984 is another book so influential that its themes precede its content. If you’d like more context for George Orwell’s views on authoritarianism, give this book a go. 

A book considered greatly ahead of its time, Wuthering Heights made major waves when published thanks to its intense themes. Although it was once a banned book, modern readers know that it’s an important piece of literature. 

Beloved by Toni Morrison is a rather recent book, especially compared to the others on this list, but it’s that important. The novel was an instant classic, winning multiple awards and speaking on a harrowing theme that’s necessary for all Americans to discuss. 

To some, Moby Dıck is just a story about a fish. To others, it's one of the greatest pieces of literature of all time. Read for yourself and see which side you land on. 

When it comes to American classics, none seem to have captured the culture of the South in the mid-1800s quite as well as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Thanks to his contributions such as this one, Mark Twain is still one of the most celebrated authors of all time. 

If there’s one thing the Brontë sisters could do, it’s writing. Jane Eyre was published just months before Wuthering Heights, making it a great year for the family. Both books have remained lasting favorites among literature fans.  

If you don't read the entire book, at least read the first paragraph of A Tale of Two Cities, so you understand what all the hype is about. But try to read at least one novel by Charles Dickens. The man could write. 

A harrowing tale that will potentially rip your heart out of your body, The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a must-read for anyone living in the 21st century. If it wasn't a required read in school, add it to your list immediately. 

If you're a fan of dystopian novels, check out one of the very best: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. If any book will make you want to read more of the genre, it'll be this one. 

Reading Gone with the Wind is no easy feat because it's crazy long. But you'll feel incredibly accomplished when you finish it, and you'll have read what's considered one of the best books ever. 

Experts claim that Lewis Carroll was not under the influence while writing Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, and we'll take their word for it. But he had to have been an eccentric fellow to have written this book. 

Though not technically a novel, Romeo & Juliet is a classic, and it's definitely worth the read. The good news is that if you don't catch everything while reading, there are plenty of resources to read later to get the gist.