World book day — is reading trendy?

Must-read books: There are so many out there – so don’t waste your time on average books!

Still, it can take time to find books worth reading. That’s why we’ve compiled this epic must-read book list to make your life easier. It features 40 top books to read in popular categories, such as fiction, business, personal development, travel, and more.

So, if you’re wondering, “what book should I read next?” we’ve got you covered. This list is with great books to read!

Now, let’s get into it. Just use the contents to jump to the section you’re most interested in, or start scrolling.

Classic Novels to Read

1984 tells the futuristic story of a dystopian, totalitarian world where free will and love are forbidden. Although the year 1984 has long since passed, the prophecy of a society controlled by fear and lies is arguably more relevant now than ever.

The Lord of the Rings by J. Tolkien

Tolkien’s fantasy epic is one of the top must-read books out there. Set in Middle Earth – a world full of hobbits, elves, orcs, goblins, and wizards – The Lord of the Rings will take you on an unbelievable adventure.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner is a moving story of an unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant. Set in Afghanistan during a time of tragedy and destruction, this unforgettable novel will have you hooked from start to finish.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J. Rowling

This global bestseller took the world by storm. So, if you haven’t read J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter, now may be the time. Join Harry Potter and his schoolmates as this must-read book transports you deep into a world of magic and monsters.

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. Lewis

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief is a story of bravery, hope, and friendship in a time of Nazi tyranny. Narrated by Death itself, this novel will have you holding your breath for chapters at a time.

Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte

The Catcher in the Rye by J. Salinger

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Orwell tells a fairy tale of a revolution against tyranny that ends in even more unjust totalitarianism. The animals on the farm are rife with idealism and desire to create a world of justice, equality, and progress. However, the new regimen attempts to control every aspect of the animals’ lives.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury’s dystopian world shines a light on Western societies’ dependence on the media. The main character’s job is to find and burn any books he can find – until he begins to question everything. Considering the state of current politics and world affairs, this is one of the absolute must-read books in life.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

This is a tale of four sisters with their own very different and very prominent personalities. The novel draws the reader deep into their lives as we get to know each of their flaws, joys, struggles, and fears.

Charlotte’s Web by E. White

Charlotte’s Web is a great reminder to be kind to all living creatures. This magical story takes place on a farm where a little girl tries to save her piglet from slaughter. Fern, the little girl, enlists the help of her farm friends to execute her clever plan.

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

English author Mary Shelley tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a monster and brings it to life. This gripping novel evokes questions about what makes us human and what love and kindness truly mean.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men should be on every must-read book list. Set in the Great Depression, this is a controversial tale of friendship between two migrant workers in California. Filled with hope and tragedy, the two work towards the dream of owning land and pets.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

In Guardians of the Galaxy, Arthur Dent sets off on a hilarious and fantastic adventure across the stars. He learns not to take the universe seriously as he meets all kinds of interesting characters.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is said to be the quintessential novel of the Jazz Age. Set in 1922 amongst unfathomable indulgence and decadence, the novel highlights a man’s struggle to earn the love of the woman he’s obsessed with.

Business and Money Must-Read Books

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Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Think and Grow Rich is a classic bestseller that has sold millions of copies worldwide. It’s packed full of money-making tips, techniques, and strategies. If you want to improve your mindset around money, this book can potentially change your life completely.

What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Rich Dad Poor Dad explains how wealthy people and poorer people think differently. It challenges commonly held beliefs about money and explains how you don’t need to have a high income to become rich.

The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

If you want to learn how to invest, add this to your list of must-read books. Author Benjamin Graham is considered one of the greatest investment advisors of the twentieth century. In The Intelligent Investor, you’ll learn about Graham’s philosophy of ‘value investing’ and how to develop long-term strategies that are used by the most successful investors in the world.

Life and Work by Ray Dalio

The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini

In this New York Times bestseller, DR. Robert B. Cialdini reveals the psychology behind influence – and how to apply the principles of persuasion in business and everyday life.

Personal Development Books Everyone Should Read

Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg

If you’ve ever tried to change a habit unsuccessfully, this should be one of your must-read books. In The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg reveals the empowering nature of how habits are formed and – crucially – how you can change them.

A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now has sold more than two million copies and has been translated into over 30 languages. This groundbreaking book has the potential to completely revolutionize how you experience life – making life far more joyous and prosperous in the process.

Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma – something that virtually everyone experiences to some degree. The Body Keeps the Score unravels the science behind emotional and psychological trauma and offers new paths to recovery.

Science and Technology Books You Must-Read

Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time is one of the most famous books in science. It discusses the history of cosmology and its development from Ancient Greece through to the 1980s.

A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt

If you’re interested in the truth behind controversial social issues, this book should be on your must-read book list. The authors reveal the facts behind issues, such as crime, shopping, and drugs.

The Fight for a Human Future at the New Frontier of Power by Shoshana Zuboff

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism is one of the top must-read books on technology. The author gives us a look at how personal data has become a new form of capital.

Uncanny Valley by Anna Wiener

Anna Wiener writes about the frantic, self-important, and often delusional work culture in Silicon Valley, and how millennials in tech are consumed by living a productive life. The Uncanny Valley is one of those books everyone should read.

Travel and Adventure Books You Must-Read Before You Die

Inspired by Kerouac’s real-life adventures, On the Road tells the tale of two friends searching for meaning and rich experiences on a cross-country road trip.

Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson

Vagabonding by Rolf Potts

Vagabonding is perhaps the only travel guide you’ll ever need. This must-read book provides practical tips on how to travel safely and spontaneously – and the philosophies you’ll need to enjoy the trip of a lifetime.

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Cheryl Strayed thought she’d lost everything at 22. Then, her mother’s passing, family trouble, and divorce drove her to an impulsive decision – to walk more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail. Wild will inspire you to see your true self-worth and capabilities.

History and Biography Books Worth Reading

If you’re looking for interesting books to read, Sapiens should be on your list. It details the development of human beings from the earliest stages until now. The author also shows how our current world systems will banish natural selection and adaptation.

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Lists of must-read biographies almost always include this wonderful book. Mandela started writing this autobiography in prison and finished it right before becoming the president of South Africa. This inspiring story provides a glimpse into the end of apartheid and the blatant inequality in the country.

A New History of Their Lost World by Steve Brusatte

Do you find dinosaurs fascinating? If so, this is one of the must-read books on the subject. Steve Brusatte reveals the different dinosaurs that roamed the planet – and the different worlds in which they lived.

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bryson attempts to summarize the history of the Earth. He talks about nearly every aspect of the planet – how it formed, how much it weighs, it’s size, the stages it went through, the dangers inherent to it, and how humans have evolved. If you love science and history, this is a must-read book for you.

What Should I Read Next?

If you’re wondering “what book should I read next,” look no further. In summary, here are 40 must-read books of all time:

Must-Read Biographies and History Books

Have we missed any must-read books? If so, leave a comment below to recommend some top books to read!

People meet their first books in their early childhood. First books have colorful and attractive illustrations. With the help of these books little kids learn about the world around them.
While a child is growing, he or she gets acquainted with new genres of literature. As everyone is different, there exists a huge variety of genres. Some people like to read adventure books, for example books like «Children of captain Grand» written by Jules Verne. Others like magic, so they choose Harry Potter.
Eventually children become teenagers and then adults who have their literary tastes formed.

A lot of the people of all ages prefer detective stories. I think it’s because they fascinate people with the intricacy of the plot. There are hundreds of variations of Sherlock Holmes, but people still can’t get enough.

Besides detective stories there is a whole range of classical literature. Russian literature is considered one of the best in the world. It is studied in best universities, for example, in Harvard. We’ve got such excellent writers as Pushkin, Tolstoy, Gogol, Dostoyevsky. And we are lucky to be able to read them in the original language.

I remember myself reading “Anna Karenina” by Tolstoy. I was so impressed after I finished it, that I couldn’t sleep at night lost in my thoughts. “The brothers Koromazov” novel by Dostoyevsky influenced me a lot, and I started to look on lots of life events under a different angle.

Besides classics such genres as science fiction and fantasy become more and more popular. World of fiction is a special world, that gives us an opportunity to meet another civilizations and races, to see the fu­ture.

Books help us to improve. Detective stories make us more attentive to details, improve our analytical skills. Classics books help to develop our feelings. And science fiction develops our imagination. So I can reach а conclusion, that «there is no friend so faithful as a good book».

Перевод:
Люди знакомятся со своими первыми книгами в своем раннем детстве. Первые книги имеют яркие и привлекательные иллюстрации. С помощью этих книг детки узнают о мире вокруг них.

В то время, как ребенок растет, он или она знакомится с новыми жанрами литературы. Так как каждый человек неповторим, существует огромное разнообразие жанров. Некоторые люди любят читать приключенческие книги, например, такие книги, как «Дети капитана Гранта», которая написана Жюлем Верном. Другие любят волшебство, так что они выбирают Гарри Поттера.

Постепенно дети становятся подростками, а затем взрослыми, которые имеют свои сформированные литературные вкусы. Многие люди всех возрастов предпочитают детективы. Я думаю, это потому, что они увлекают людей закрученным сюжетом. Есть сотни вариаций на тему Шерлока Холмса, но людям всё мало.

Кроме детективов нам доступно всё разнообразие классический литературы. Русская литература считается одной из лучших в мире. Ее изучают в лучших университетах, например, в Гарварде. У нас есть такие великолепные авторы, как Пушкин, Толстой, Гоголь, Достоевский. И нам повезло, что мы можем читать эти книги в оригинале.

Я помню себя, как я читала «Анну Каренину» Толстого. Я была под таким впечатлением после того, как закончила книгу, что я не могла ночью спать из-за мыслей (по поводу книги). Роман Достоевского «Братья Карамазовы» сильно повлиял на меня, так что я начала смотреть на многие события в жизни под другим углом.

Кроме классики такие жанры, как фантастика и фэнтэзи набирают все большую популярность. Фантастический мир – это особый мир, который дает нам возможность познакомиться с другими цивилизациями и расами, увидеть будущее.

Книги помогают нам стать лучше. Детективы делают нас более внимательными к деталям, улучшают наши аналитические способности. Классическая литература помогает развить наши чувства. А фантастика развивает нашу фантазию. Так что я могу сделать вывод: «Нет более верного друга, чем хорошая книга».

Vocabulary:
childhood – детство
attractive – привлекательный
get acquainted – познакомиться
genre of literature – литературы
exist – существовать
a huge variety – огромное разнообразие
adventure books – приключенческие книги
magic – магия, волшебство
teenager – подросток
adult – взрослый человек
literary tastes – литературные вкусы
detective stories – детективы
fascinate – завораживать, увлекать
intricacy – запутанность
plot – сюжет
can’t get enough – не могу насытиться, недостаточно, мало
a whole range – все разнообразие
classical literature – классическая литература
consider – считать, полагать
excellent – прекрасный
to read in the original language – читать в оригинале
be impressed – быть под впечатлением
lost in thoughts – задуматься, уйти в свои мысли
novel – роман
event – событие
under a different angle – под другим углом
science fiction — фантастика
fantasy – фэнтэзи
give an opportunity – давать возможность
civilization – цивилизация
race – раса
the future – будущее
influence – влиять
improve – улучшать, становиться лучше
attentive to details – внимательный к деталям
analytical skills – аналитические способности
develop – развивать
imagination – фантазия
make а conclusion – делать вывод
reach а conclusion – сделать вывод
faithful – верный

There are so many benefits to reading books.

But let’s face it: It can be challenging to motivate ourselves to read a 382-page book when we can watch the movie, listen to the audiobook, or watch a YouTube video summary instead.

Am I right?

So, what are the benefits of reading books?

If you’re interested in reading more books but need some motivation, this article’s for you. After all, when you understand the importance of reading books, you’re more likely to do it.

What Are the Benefits of Reading Books?

Here are 10 benefits of reading that illustrate the importance of reading books. When you read every day you:

Now, let’s dive a little deeper to better understand the advantages of reading.

Gain Valuable Knowledge

One of the most obvious benefits of reading every day is learning.

Which do you think you’ll absorb more from? Which do you think is more likely to help change your habits? Books, of course!

Going beyond the surface of a subject is essential to success, too. This is probably why the author Roald Dahl once said, «If you are going to get anywhere in life, you have to read a lot of books.»

Plus, you can learn from books. For example, whenever anybody asks Elon Musk, the founder of SpaceX, how he learned to build rockets, , «I read books.»

So, what do you want to learn?

Perhaps you want to learn how to code, paint, or start a successful business? Maybe you want to learn how to stop procrastinating? Or perhaps you want to figure out how to change your life completely

Whatever it is, reading can help.

Exercise Your Brain

Why is reading important? As the 17th century English writer Joseph Addison once wrote, «Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.»

So, what does reading do to your brain?

Research has confirmed that reading stimulates a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain. Plus, as you improve your reading ability, these networks become stronger and more sophisticated.

, researchers measured how reading a novel affects our brains. The study’s participants read the novel «Pompeii» by Robert Harris, and as tension in the story developed, more areas of the brain were activated.

Want to know the best part?

The scans showed that brain connectivity increased while reading for days afterward, demonstrating the enormous benefits of reading books every day.

Bottom line, our brains have a «use it or lose it» policy, just like our muscles. In other words, if we don’t exercise our minds regularly, our cognitive abilities may decline. However, when we read every day, we can keep them strong and healthy.

Improve Your Focus

Being able to concentrate and focus for long periods is essential to our success and wellbeing. Cal Newport, the author of Deep Work,

What is «deep work»?

«Deep work is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It’s a skill that allows you to quickly master complicated information and produce better results in less time. Deep work will make you better at what you do and provide the sense of true fulfillment that comes from craftsmanship.»

Newport also argues that this skill is becoming increasingly rare due to constant multitasking, notifications, and social media apps. A study by Microsoft would agree, finding that people generally lose attention after just eight seconds.

Thankfully, one of the key benefits of reading is that it helps you practice concentrating on just one thing at a time.

For example, a novel requires all of your attention for it to whisk you away to another world. And if you want to learn from a non-fiction book, it requires you to be fully present and engaged.

In short, if you want to succeed, you need to focus. And if you want to , you can practice by reading books.

Improve Your Memory

Are you always forgetting things? Do you have a bunch of , but you can’t quite remember what’s on them? Fear not – one of the advantages of reading books is that it can improve your memory.

When you read a non-fiction book, you also consume an enormous amount of information on the subject you’re reading about.

Similarly, whenever you read a novel, you have to remember tons of information about the story’s plot and subplots, the characters and their relationships, and the environment in which the story takes place.

That’s a lot of information!

All of this new information creates new memories. And every new memory or strengthens old ones.

The upshot? Reading every day can improve your memory – it can help you learn how to store new information and recall memories more effectively.

Enjoy Entertainment

Books provide some of the most engaging entertainment on the planet. As the author Stephen King said, «Books are a uniquely portable magic.»

Have you ever read a book that you couldn’t put down?

Do you remember feeling so invested in the story or what you were learning that you would keep reading even when you needed to use the bathroom or were hungry?

To replicate that feeling, or to experience it for the first time, all you need to do is find the right books to read.

There are millions of incredible books out there, and there’s a perfect reading genre for everyone – from fantasy novels and classical literature to self-help guides and business books.

Plus, with the world still grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession, there’s no better time to take up reading as a hobby.

Reading is something you can enjoy safely at home. And books don’t cost that much – especially with services like your local library and Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited ($9.99 per month for unlimited ebooks).

So, step away from your smartphone each day, open the pages of a book, and dive in.

Improve Your Ability to Empathize

Another one of the benefits of reading books is that they can improve our ability to empathize with others. And empathy has many benefits – it can , improve our relationships, and inform our moral compasses.

Research has shown that long-term fiction readers tend to develop a better «theory of mind» – the term used to describe our capacity for empathy and ability to understand others.

found that when we read stories that explore characters’ inner lives and emotions, our ability to understand others’ feelings and views improves.

For example, experiencing the world through the eyes of Harry Potter or Jane Eyre can help us learn to see the world from the perspectives of our families, friends, and coworkers.

The author John Green said it best: «Great books help you understand, and they help you feel understood.»

Improve Your Communication Skills

The ability to communicate effectively is a vital life skill.

discovered that 69% of employers are looking to hire people with «soft» skills, such as effective communication.

The good news? One of the key benefits of reading is that it helps us to communicate better.

How? Reading every day can improve our communication skills in a few ways. For example, reading can influence your writing and increase your vocabulary.

When we read well-written work, we naturally observe its writing style, cadence, and composition. These characteristics inevitably seep into our writing, in the same way that musicians are influenced by each other.

that those who read regularly tend to develop large vocabularies.

Finally, don’t forget that reading also helps improve our communication skills by increasing our ability to empathize and understand others.

Reduce Stress

Another one of the effects of reading is that it can

Research has proven that just 30 minutes of reading can lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of psychological distress.

discovered that reading is the best way to reduce stress – compared to taking a walk, having a cup of tea or coffee, and playing video games. The study found that even six minutes of reading can be enough to reduce stress levels by more than two-thirds.

«Losing yourself in a book is the ultimate relaxation,» said Dr. David Lewis, the cognitive neuropsychologist who conducted the study.

So, the next time you’re feeling stressed, remember the benefits of reading for pleasure and let the tension melt away.

Improve Your Mental Health

The pros of reading also extend to mental health.

the effects of self-help books and found that many have a measurable impact on depression or other mood disorders.

As a result, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) began a book prescription program called . This service prescribes self-help books curated by medical experts for certain conditions.

The act of using books as therapy is called «bibliotherapy.»

Live Longer

This last effect of reading is perhaps one of the most exciting and interesting: It turns out that the health benefits of reading can help us live longer.

on health and retirement found that those who read books survived around two years longer than those who didn’t read books or read magazines and other forms of media. Additionally, those who read for 30 minutes a day (3.5 hours per week) were 23% more likely to outlive those who didn’t read often.

Pretty cool, right?

As noted above, reading is a great way to exercise our brains to make us smarter and sharper. However, the knock-on effect of this is that reading also helps prevent age-related cognitive decline.

found that older adults who regularly read or play mentally challenging games like chess are two and a half times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease.

On the other hand, people who don’t exercise their grey matter stand a chance of losing brain power, says the study’s primary author, Dr. Robert Freidland.

No wonder the US’s National Institute on Aging recommends champions the health benefits of reading daily.

All in all, when you read every day, you’re more likely to retain your mental abilities and live longer!

What Should I Read? 4 Top Book Lists

Now that you understand the importance of reading books and why you should read every day, what should you read? To help you find the perfect book, here are four lists of curated books to check out:

Why is Reading Important?

Why is reading good for you? Reading is good for you because it improves your focus, memory, empathy, and communication skills. It can reduce stress, improve your mental health, and help you live longer. Reading also allows you to learn new things to help you succeed in your work and relationships.

The best part? You can get all these benefits of reading books while enjoying some fantastic entertainment.

Do you read every day? What are you reading right now? Let us know in the comments below!

Books can fit almost every need, temper, or interest. Books can be read when you are in the mood; you don’t need to do it all the time. Books are both more personal and more impersonal than professors. Books have an inner confidence which individuals seldom show; they rarely have to be on the defensive. Books can afford to be bold, and courageous, and explanatory; they don’t have to be so careful of boards of trustees, colleagues, and community opinion. Books are infinitely diverse; they run the gamut of all human activities. Books can express every point of view; if you need a different point of view, you can read a different book. Reading is probably the most important skill you need for successful studies. You will have to read lengthy assignments in different subjects with varying degrees of detail and difficulty. If you you read inaccuratley, you will fail to understand some of the information and ideas you read. If you read slowly, you will have to spent too much time reading your assignments and the rest of your work may suffer.

Poor reading may be a problem for you, but it can be solved. Like other skills, your abilty to read English fast and accurately demands careful instruction and purposeful practice. You must keep practising on your own to improve your reading skills.

Warm-up

Look at the pictures. What similarities and differences can you see there? Which picture is typical of your country? Do you think nowadays people read books more or less?

Pictures taken from Depositphotos

Lead-in

Let’s do the quiz and check how much you enjoy reading.

Discussion

Discuss the questions in pairs.

Task 4

A) Match the most popular genres with their definitions.

a) A book about a person’s life

b)A book or a story about police investigations

c) Stories about love and romance

d) Literature that creates a concentrated imaginative awareness of experience or a specific emotional response through language chosen and arranged for its meaning, sound, and rhythm

e) A speculative fiction set in a fictional universe, often inspired by real-world myth and folklore. It includes mythical creatures and supernatural powers

f) A genre in which the actions take place in a dystopian society sometime in the future and contains elements of advanced technology

B) Look at the covers of the books and guess their genres.

C) Which genre from the list do you enjoy reading most? Why? Which of them do you think are really popular nowadays?

The Solar War — science fiction

The Sherlock Holmes — mystery

Harry Potter — fantasy

Love poems and sonnets of William Shakespeare — poetry

Jane Eyre — romantic fiction

Albert Einstein — biography

Task 5

Watch the video (till 01:37). What’s the main idea of it?

The main idea of the video is that reading books is important for society, because great readers make great writers, whilst great writers make great communicators, and great communicators make great persuaders and great persuaders make good societies.

Task 6

Watch the video (till 01:37) again and mark the sentences true/false.

1 — false

2 — true

3 — true

4 — false — Kids spend six and a half hours on a screen a day

5 — true

6 — false — Just over the past year he has enjoyed reading several books including the Harry Potter series

7 — true

8 — false — The speaker enjoys reading books in places like his bed, on the move while walking, in the toilet, in queues and in vehicles. But more importantly, he likes reading books at home

Task 7

Think about your favourite place for reading. Describe it and explain why you love reading there.

— I quite like reading