15 Best Fiction Books of All Time That Will Stay With You
Want to escape to another world with a classic novel that will stay with you forever? Here are the best fiction books of all time you probably should have read already.
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Many famous novels have impacted our culture, lifestyles, and the world as a whole. But how can you determine which ones are the best fiction books to read for you?
Well, the best fiction novels are the ones that you will want to re-read over and over again, and that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
Whether you are looking for good fiction books to read this year, good books to expand your library, or the best fiction books to start reading habit, I've got you covered! This post will introduce you to some of the best fiction books of all time that have inspired many eras and stood the test of time.
15 Best Books of All Time (Fiction)
Below are some of the best fiction books of all time loved by readers for generations after generations:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960)
GENRE: Southern Gothic, Thriller, Domestic Fiction
A classic that you probably read in High School written by American author Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the South in the mid-1930s. The book might be considered a work of fiction. It is, however, based on real-life people. The story has been told from the perspective of a young girl named Scout - raised by Atticus Finch, her father and an attorney who tries to prove the innocence of a black man. The book is still relevant today and definitely something you would always want to revisit.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)
GENRE: Romance Fiction, Satire, Novel of Manners
Jane Austen's beloved classic, with the most iconic opening line, hooks you right away. It tells the story of quick-witted Elizabeth Bennet's love/hate relationship with socially awkward Mr. Darcy. And how they overcome their pride and prejudice. The novel offers a pure joy of reading throughout and is definitely worth revisiting.
3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (2005)
GENRE: Historical Fiction, Bildungsroman
This historical fiction novel by Markus Zusak is an engaging read about the life of people amidst World War II, with brilliantly portrayed characters. The book begins with an unusual opening in which the narrator introduces himself as Death...! It follows the story of Liesel, a little girl growing up in Germany during the war. Her only escape from the war was the solace she found in the books she collected.
4. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (1988)
GENRE: Quest, Fantasy, Drama, Adventure
Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist is a book that not everyone will connect with in the same way. It is, nevertheless, jam-packed with wisdom and thought-provoking experiences. It tells the story of Santiago, a humble shepherd boy troubled by a recurring dream, who is set on a journey to the pyramids. The book will surely inspire you to be passionate and always listen to your heart.
5. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien (1954)
GENRE: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
The Fellowship of the Ring is the first of the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings fantasy series by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is set in Middle-earth (a fictional world). The story revolves around the Dark Lord's one long-lost ring that holds much of his power. And so begins the quest of young Frodo Baggins (the ring bearer) and his friends to destroy the ring and overcome its dark power.
You probably might have already watched The Lord of the Rings movies, but don't be mistaken that it would spoil your experience of reading this epic tale.
6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K Rowling (1997)
GENRE: Fantasy Fiction
Yet another epic fantasy series - this book, also known as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the first installment of the Harry Potter Book Series by J.K Rowling. As young Harry joins Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, this book will truly introduce you to the world of magic. If you haven't already read this book, now is the time - after all, you are never too old to read Harry Potter!!
7. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2018)
GENRE: Mystery, Literary Fiction
Delia Owen's first novel Where the Crawdads Sing makes a great summer read. The book follows a captivating tale of Kya (the 'marsh girl' as they call her). She has survived alone in the marshes of North Carolina for years after being abandoned by her mother at a young age. It is a coming-of-age story of bravery and survival, with a mix of mystery and adventure.
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8. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
GENRE: Literary Fiction, Modernism
A beautifully written book by American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald set in the Jazz Age. The Great Gatsby is a tragic tale of self-made Jay Gatsby rising from poverty to wealth and his obsession with his old sweetheart, a demure Daisy Buchanan, from a family of the American elite. It's a story you'll want to read again and again.
9. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (1868)
GENRE: Bildungsroman, Domestic Fiction
One of the most famous novels of Louisa May Alcott, which you most likely read as a child, is partly based on the author's own life. It follows the journey of four March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy - from childhood to womanhood. This book inspired numerous movies, including the latest Greta Gerwig's 2019 adaptation of the same name.
10. Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945)
GENRE: Allegory, Political Satire, Dystopian Fiction
This classic political satire by George Orwell is a short novel that may appear to be one of those children's books at first. However, if you go deeper into it, you'll realize it has a powerful message to convey to its readers. Animal Farm is a story of a group of farm animals who revolt against their owner and take control of their farm. The book illustrates how the ambition to build an ideal society is corrupted by greed for power.
11. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (1847)
12. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (2003)
GENRE: Drama, Bildungsroman, Literary Realism
The Kite Runner, Khaled Hosseini's debut novel, is not for the faint-hearted. The story revolves around Amir, who grew up in a wealthy family, and his friendship with Hassan, the son of the household servant. It's a moving narrative of friendship, love, lies, guilt, sacrifice, tragedy, and forgiveness.
13. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (1892)
GENRE: Mystery, Detective Novel, Crime Fiction
If you like reading mystery and crime fiction; or want to start reading without being intimidated, then The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes could be just what you need. It is a compilation of twelve short stories written by Arthur Conan Doyle. Each of the stories features criminal investigations; the only common characters who appear in all of them are Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. The stories are not in any sort of order, so you can read as you please.
14. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens (1861)
GENRE: Bildungsroman, Fictional Autobiography
Great Expectations is one of Charles Dickens' finest accomplishments, with remarkable characters and their development. It follows the story of Pip (from his childhood) and his great expectations in life. The book explains that loyalty and integrity are always greater than wealth and social status.
15. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (2012)
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove is a story of a grumpy old man who has a hidden heart of gold. Ove is a 59-year-old widower struggling to find purpose in his life. The book is hilarious and very moving at the same time. It will definitely make you laugh and cry, and both at times!
This concludes my list of the best books of all time. I hope this post on the best fiction books of all time has helped you find a good book for yourself.
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