Here you will find the list of the 11 greatest classic books of all time. You must have heard the names of most of the books here, as they have been labeled classics.
These books have persisted through time and have remained beloved to readers of all times. They go back almost 100 years but you will be surprised how some of them remain relevant still.
So, below are 11 of the best classic books of all time.
Also, Bonus: for each book, we have written why we specifically liked that book and recommend it to you. And all books have been arranged in alphabetical order. Because duhh, they all are just awesome.
So now, let’s get started!!
#1 1984 by George Orwell
About the Book
Title: 1984
Author: George Orwell
Genre: Dystopian, political fiction, social science fiction
Publisher: Secker & Warburg
Type: Standalone
Pages: 328
Goodreads Rating: 4.2 / 5
Written in 1949, the book 1984 is set in an imagined futuristic 1984, where the world is torn with perpetual war and governments surveil the lives of the people. Great Britain has assumed the name Airstrip One and has a Totalitarian government ruled by the Party, led by Big Brother. The Party’s agenda is to brainwash the citizens and remove all the essence of individuality from their lives. In the midst of it all is our protagonist, Winston Smith, who is a diligent worker, belonging to the class Outer Party. However, Winston hates the Party and in his heart carries the thought of rebellion. So, when provided with the opportunity to rebel, would he take it, knowing that he cannot trust anyone?
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
Why do we recommend this book?
The story is very relevant. It was written in 1949, imagining a dystopian 1984. The political scenarios are eerily similar to what’s happening in today’s world. Therefore, if you’re into political dramas and dystopian fiction, definitely try this book.
If you want to buy/gift 1984 by George Orwell, click on the link below: 👇
#2 Animal Farm by George Orwell
About the Book
Title: Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
Genre: Political Satire, Dystopian fiction
Publisher: Secker & Warburg
Type: Standalone
Pages: 112
Goodreads Rating: 4 / 5
Mr. Jones is an alcoholic and irresponsible farmer who is neglectful of the animals on his farm. Old Major, the old boar, has seen enough. Tired of the neglect, he calls for a conference of the animals on the farm, where he raises the idea of overthrowing Mr. Jones and claiming power for themselves. Unfortunately, Old Major dies before the revolution. However, two young pigs, Snowball and Napolean assume command and spearhead the revolt, driving Mr. Jones off the farm. The initial days are peaceful, but soon Snowball and Napolean’s joint leadership grows bitter leading to betrayal and conflict.
Why do we recommend this book?
It is a political satire that reflects human behavior through animals. It is a very witty and funny novella that would make you laugh but would also compel you to think of human hypocrisy.
If you want to buy/gift Animal Farm, click on the link below: 👇
#3 Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
About the Book
Title: Anna Karenina
Author: Leo Tolstoy
Genre: Fiction, Literary realism
Publisher: The Russian Messenger
Type: Standalone
Pages: 864
Goodreads Rating: 4.1 / 5
Anna Karenina is tired of her empty existence as the wife of Karenin. Therefore, when Count Vronsky enters her life, she turns to him to fulfill her passionate nature. The young couple flees to Italy as their illicit affair shakes the sophisticated social circles of Saint Petersburg. However, on their return to Russia, their lives would further unravel leading to a tragic end.
Why do we recommend this book?
The beauty of classic novels is that it transports you back to the days that you’ve not lived. Through Anna Karenina, you will experience life in the sophisticated social circles of nineteenth-century Russia. Above all, it has some great characters who are very layered.
If you want to buy/gift Anna Karenina, click on the link below: 👇
#4 Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
About the Book
Title: Black Beauty
Author: Anna Sewell
Genre: Fiction
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks
Type: Standalone
Pages: 245
Goodreads rating: 3.9/5
This book is about a horse, Black Beauty. It is about his life from his birth to death. How he was born into a loving family. And then after a few years, he is sold to another one. And after that, he is sent to another home which is very cruel. Like that, he goes from place to place not knowing if he will ever find a good home again. This book is a very heart-breaking story filled with both kind and cruel moments.
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
Why do we recommend this book?
I had read this book a few years back. And I can still remember the story as if I had read it just yesterday. This book will always have a place in my heart.
If you want to buy/gift Black Beauty, click on the link below: 👇
#5 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
About the Book
Title: Jane Eyre
Author: Charlotte Bronte
Genre: Romance, Gothic fiction
Publisher: Smith, Elder & Co.
Type: Standalone
Pages: 500
Goodreads Rating: 4.1 / 5
Jane was orphaned in early childhood and spent most of her young life feeling like an outcast. When she arrives at Thornfield Hall as a governess for Adèle, the young ward of Edward Rochester, she feels drawn to the brooding Mr. Rochester. Before she knows it, she falls in love with him but is it only going to lead to another heartbreak?
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
Why do we recommend this book?
The book needs to be read for its feminist theme. Bronte has given such a strong and courageous female protagonist to the literature world through this book. So if you want to read the story of a woman written by a woman, definitely read this book.
If you want to buy/gift Jane Eyre, click on the link below: 👇
#6 Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
About the Book
Title: Little Women
Author: Louisa May Alcott
Genre: Fiction, Children’s literature
Publisher: Roberts Brothers
Type: Series
No. of books in it: 4
Books in it: #1 Little Women, #2 Good Wives, #3 Little Men, #4 Jo’s Boys
Goodreads Rating: 4.1 / 5
This is the story of four distinctly different sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, who are raised by their mother, Marmee, in a small town in Massachusetts. The girls grow in poverty as their father serves in the army during the American Civil War. As the story progresses each of the girls faces and overcome their personal demons, guided by their Marmee. Tomboy Jo is at the heart of the story as she forms a friendship with wealthy neighbor Laurie, thus, kicking off the narrative.
Why do we recommend this book?
It’s one of those books that will teach you something new every time you read it. Little Women has three sequels but can be read as a standalone too. It is a great piece of work that needs to be read and reread.
If you want to buy/gift Little Women, click on the link below: 👇
#7 Lord of the Flies by William Golding
About the Book
Title: Lord of the Flies
Author: William Golding
Genre: Young Adult fiction, Allegory
Publisher: Faber and Faber
Type: Standalone
Pages: 224
Goodreads Rating: 3.7 / 5
A plane carrying a group of schoolboys crashes on an unknown island. Stranded on the island, the boys first rejoice at the thought of adventure and freedom from adult supervision. When the boys try to establish a society for themselves, they fail miserably because they are divided in their ideologies.
Why do we recommend this book?
The book is truly wonderful with underlying themes. If you like stories that comment on human nature, this book is for you.
If you want to buy/gift Lord of the Flies, click on the link below: 👇
#8 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
About the Book
Title: Pride and Prejudice
Author: Jane Austen
Genre: Romance, Domestic fiction
Publisher: T. Egerton, Whitehall
Type: Standalone
Pages: 400
Goodreads Rating: 4.3 / 5
The Bennet household has five unmarried daughters, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. When the news reaches the house that a young, wealthy gentleman named Charles Bingley has rented the manor of Netherfield Park, it causes a stir as Mrs. Bennet desperately wants him as a suitor for one of her girls. The Bennets attend a ball to meet Mr. Bingley where Elizabeth meets Mr. Darcy. The story revolves around the turbulent relationship of the protagonist Elizabeth with the aristocrat Mr. Darcy. The question is if they would overcome their pride and prejudice to fall in love with each other.
Why do we recommend this book?
It is a very feminist reading because at its core it has a very strong female lead. The slow-burning romance between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy starts with some verbal sparring and opinions on class. It gives a humorous quality to the book and is such a charming read.
If you want to buy/gift Pride and Prejudice, click on the link below: 👇
#9 To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
About the Book
Title: To Kill A Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Genre: Domestic, Fiction, Southern Gothic
Publisher: HarperCollins
Type: Series
No. of Books in it: 2
Books in it: #1 To Kill A Mockingbird, #2 Go Set A Watchman
Goodreads Rating: 4.3 / 5
When a black man is charged for the rape of a white woman, lawyer Atticus Finch takes it upon himself to defend the man. The incident shakes the small town in the Deep South of America of the 1930s as the deep-rooted prejudices of the people come to play. Therefore, Atticus must now struggle against the prejudice of the town, a faulty judicial system, and also protect his young children from the horrors of humankind.
Why do we recommend this book?
Like the George Orwell books, To Kill A Mockingbird is hugely relevant today as it talks about racism and uses a satirical tone. It’s a wonderful read as the story is narrated by an eight-year-old child. Therefore, the story is narrated with innocence and humor which makes it a very charming and engaging read.
If you want to buy/gift To kill a mockingbird, click on the link below: 👇
#10 The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger
About the Book
Title: Catcher In The Rye
Author: J.D. Salinger
Genre: Young Adult fiction, coming-of-age drama
Publisher: Little, Brown, and Company
Type: Standalone
Pages: 234
Goodreads Rating: 3.8 / 5
16-year-old Holden Caulfield gets expelled from Pencey Prep School. His parents don’t know of the expulsion yet, so he cannot go back home. Thus begins his two-day adventure in New York as he faces the conflict within himself and comes to hate the phoniness of the world.
Why do we recommend this book?
It is a classic coming-of-age book. You will relate to Holden’s teenage angst. It’s something that we have all been through, therefore, the story hits very close to home.
If you want to buy/gift The Catcher In The Rye, click on the link below: 👇
#11 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
About the Book
Title: The Great Gatsby
Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald
Genre: Historical fiction, tragedy
Publisher: Charles Scribner’s Sons
Type: Standalone
Pages: 152
Goodreads Rating: 3.9 / 5
When Nick Carraway arrived in the West Egg of Long Island, he did not expect to get drawn into the extravagant life of his mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is a multimillionaire who holds extravagant jazz parties in hopes of reuniting with his lost love, Daisy Buchanan, at one of those parties. With Nick’s help, Gatsby finally reunites with Daisy who is now married. The two begin an affair that only ends in tragedy.
Why do we recommend this book?
Like Nick Carraway, you will be drawn into the lavish jazz lifestyle of the Roaring Twenties. However, the power of this story is in the characters and each character is beautifully molded. If you like character-driven stories, this is for you.
If you want to buy/gift The Great Gatsby, click on the link below: 👇
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read these books for free. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
SO, to conclude here is the Best Classic Books of All Time:
| 1. | 1984 by George Orwell | Buy the Book |
| 2. | Aminal Farm by George Orwell | Buy the Book |
| 3. | Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy | Buy the Book |
| 4. | Black Beauty by Anna Sewell | Buy the Book |
| 5. | Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte | Buy the Book |
| 6. | Little Women by May Alcott | Buy the Book |
| 7. | Lord of the Flies by William Golding | Buy the Book |
| 8. | Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen | Buy the Book |
| 9. | To Kill a Mocking bird by Harper Lee | Buy the Book |
| 10. | The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger | Buy the Book |
| 11. | The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Buy the Book |
Read every book on this list. I am sure it won’t disappoint you.
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