The Top 16 Books I Can’t Live Without
Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested; that is, some books are to be read only in parts; others to be read, but not curiously; and some few are to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention – Francis Bacon
There are three types of people in this world. Those who have read all the books on this list, those who haven’t started any of them, and those who don’t know they exist. If you’re in that last category, then I’m sorry to be the one to break it to you. Your life is about to get a little better.
I can’t live without books! I read them for pleasure, knowledge, and entertainment. They are my comfort zone when I have a bad day or need to take a break from the world. Over the years, I have amassed quite the collection of books scattered throughout many rooms in my home. To help me keep track of which ones I still need to read and what order they go in, here is my list of top 16 books that will always be on hand for any occasion!
You must linger among a limited number of master thinkers, and digest their works, if you would derive ideas which shall win firm hold in your mind―Seneca
Some books have changed my life and others that make me happy when I read them. All of these books I have read more than once, so they must be doing something right! These are not all classics, but they should be on your reading list if you haven’t already read them. If you want to know what makes a good book for anyone between 20 and 55 years old, keep reading! This post will give you an idea of what types of books can provide entertainment or help with personal growth. It’s up to you which category fits best for you!
1) All Quiet On The Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque– This book has had a significant impact on me because it talks about war from the perspective of someone living through it; not just reading about it in history class or watching movies like Saving Private Ryan
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2) 1984 by George Orwell– This book has always been a favorite of mine because it’s a classic dystopian story relevant to the world we live in today. You won’t be disappointed after reading this one!
Reading fiction is important. It is a vital means of imagining a life other than our own, which in turn makes us more empathetic beings. Following complex storylines stretches our brains beyond the 140 characters of sound-bite thinking, and staying within the world of a novel gives us the ability to be quiet and alone, two skills that are disappearing faster than the polar ice caps—Ann Patchett
3) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini– This book truly touched my heart and taught me a lot about a different culture… Afghanistan, to be exact. My perspective on other countries will never be quite the same. It’s a fantastic read for anyone who has ever felt like giving up or lost someone they love to death or war. (A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini– This book was just as beautiful as The Kite Runner, if not more so. In my opinion, it’s a masterpiece that everyone should read at least once in their life. I can’t wait to see how this author continues with his career!)
4) The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill is another novel that genuinely touched me and brought me to tears on several occasions. It’s an epic tale about two people who are torn apart, only to find each other again years later; it’s a story you won’t forget anytime soon!
5) Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling: If you haven’t read these yet, then what are you waiting for? You’ll get hooked from page one! The characters will become your best friends, and school will start feeling less threatening as you dive deep into this magical world.”
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6) The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: Such a beautiful and gut-wrenching story that will bring tears to your eyes. It’s one of those books where I fell in love with the characters so much that I didn’t want it to end.
7) The Maze Runner Series by James Dashner: An action-packed dystopian fantasy that leaves you on the edge of your seat. If you like cliffhangers, then this is for you!
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8) Me Before You by Jojo Moyes: A genuinely captivating novel about love, loss, and finding your way in life.
9) The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury – This was the first science fiction novel I ever read, and it started me off on a good foot with this particular genre. It has lots of charm, strong storytelling, and lots of really cool ideas about technology/space travel.
11) The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho– This book has been one of my favorites since high school, and it never gets old.
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12) The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald– A timeless classic that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime.
13 ) The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery– This was my favorite book as a small child, and it has stuck with me ever since.
14 ) Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson – This was one of the first science fiction books I read as an adult, and I just loved it. Not only is the future that Stephenson creates unique, but the book itself is very thought-provoking and enjoyable. I also love all of his other books, but this is my favorite because it has great storytelling, characters, and writing.
15) The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams – This book was also another of my first science fiction books that I read as an adult, and it was awesome. The characters were great; the writing was hilarious, the ideas were very creative, there’s nothing wrong with this novel! If you have never read anything from Douglas Adams, you need to start with this because it is an excellent introduction to his work.
16)The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck By Mark Manson– Literally, the title of this book caught my attention which is why I picked it up in the first place. Mark Manson says that there are no wrong questions, and you should never be afraid to ask anything, even stupid questions. Even if you don’t know how to pose your question or where to start with asking, he states that this doesn’t matter because anyone can come up with a tremendous life-changing question (he gives some examples throughout this book). He wants people to stop putting pressure on themselves to achieve their goals and dreams by comparing themselves to others while also not giving half of an eff about what other people think about them; stay true to yourself and figure out who you want to be.
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Today, instead of watching the news for breakfast, read a book. Please don’t use your phone when you feel the urge to reach for it. Download the kindle app. When you’re going to work or at the gym or running, don’t listen to music. Listen to an audiobook instead of listening to music while eating lunch. Read when you eat lunch rather than checking social media feeds. Don’t just sit and waste time while you’re waiting at the airport, at the gate, or during takeoff. Read instead. When you get home from work or have free time on a weekend, don’t watch Game of Thrones continuously. It’s not necessary to read it all at once; binge-read it. Consider how your mind works when you read. You’re still. You’re keeping an eye on things. You’re processing information and formulating opinions. Relationships are being formed. New views are being revealed to you. Physically and mentally, you’re moving ahead.
I hope this list has helped you find some books that might be perfect for your reading pleasure. If not, make sure to let me know in the comments which book titles are your favorites!
Happy reading!