The 10 Most Important Books You Should Read in Your Lifetime

You might think that with all the options available online there’s not much left to discover in the world of books. But trust us, this is just the tip of the iceberg. The world of literature is so much bigger than you might have imagined, and the benefits of exploring it further are limitless. 

From boosting your vocabulary and teaching you great writing skills, to inspiring you to take up a new hobby, reading will have a profound effect on you and everyone you come into contact with. So, whether you’re a bookworm or a curious newbie, we’ve rounded up a list of the 10 most important books you should read in your lifetime.

“Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck

Steinbeck’s groundbreaking novel about the Great Depression follows the Joad family as they migrate from the Midwest to California. Along the way, the family stops at a farm where the workers have formed a union and, as a result, are experiencing some success. But when the farmer who owns the farm tries to take advantage of the workers’ success by raising wages, the Joad family is drawn into the conflict between the union and the farmer. This novel is filled with unforgettable characters and indelible descriptions, and it’s a great choice if you’re interested in learning more about farming in the United States during the 1930s.

“1984” by George Orwell

“1984” has been called “a novel of tremendous power, a polemic of furious intensity, and a work of art of the highest order.” Set in a dystopian future, “1984” follows the life of Winston Smith, a Ministry of Truth employee who works to Newspeak, the official language of the Party, and who dreams of rebellion against the Party. Through Smith, the reader comes to understand the insidious nature of the Party and the oppression that people must necessarily feel if they are forced to live in a totalitarian society. This novel is filled with shocking and controversial ideas that are still very relevant today, more than 60 years after it was published.

“Animal Farm” by George Orwell

“Animal Farm” is about a group of animals who take over an idyllic farm, only to find themselves held captive by the farmer. Through a series of events, the animals come to realize that the revolution they have taken part in is neither free nor democratic, but rather a sham. This satirical novel is full of memorable characters, snappy dialogue, and striking imagery, and it’s a great choice if you’re interested in learning more about revolutions and the propaganda they are used to keep the masses in line.

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a story of a small-town lawyer who defends a black man unjustly accused of rape. Through this trial, the novel follows Atticus Finch, an idealistic man who advocates for equality and justice, as he comes into contact with many characters from the town. This is a classic novel about the American legal system and the importance of standing up for what is right, and it’s a great choice if you’re interested in thinking about race relations in the United States today.

“Catch-22” by Joseph Heller

Heller’s novel tells the story of World War II as experienced by a group of soldiers who are confined to a strange flying airport that is run by a Catch-22 bureaucracy. This novel is filled with memorable characters, notably Yossarian, who is fed up with the insanity in the army, and Milo, who is often the victim of Yossarian’s stunts. This is a great choice if you’re interested in the horrors of war and the human toll it can take.

“The Death of Ivan Ilyich” by Leo Tolstoy

In this short story, Tolstoy tells of a man who dies and returns to Earth as a ghost, and how he attempts to discover the secret of happiness. This story is full of fantastical elements, but Tolstoy weaves interesting themes through his exploration of life and death. This is a great choice if you’re interested in the afterlife, or the connections between life and death and our present existence.

“Blessed Are the Peacemakers” by Martin Lloyd Jones

“Blessed Are the Peacemakers” tells the story of a little girl who makes a wish that falls on deaf ears. But the message the girl leaves behind teaches her mother the importance of reaching out to others, and the rest of the family slowly comes to realize the value of peace. This is a beautiful story about the transformative power of love and the healing power of forgiveness.

Conclusion

Reading is one of the great pleasures in life, both for the bookworm in all of us and for those who want to learn more about the world and the people around them. There are plenty of books out there to satisfy both cravings, and the above are just a few of our favorites. Reading opens your mind and allows you to explore new ideas and concepts, both from the author’s perspective and from other cultures’ views. Books can also be a great source of inspiration, and many of the above are excellent sources of both entertainment and enlightenment. Reading is a wonderful activity, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re a casual reader or a dedicated scholar, you’re sure to find something that interests you among these 10 most important books.