If you were to read just 10 books in your entire lifetime, it should be these 10.

It’s always a pleasant feeling to stumble across a good book, or have one recommended to you. The books on this list are a curation of titles that will appeal to you irrespective of your current age, and will go on to become favourite re-reads for a long time.

Let’s get straight to it!

1) Harry Potter (The Entire Series) by J.K.Rowling

After a whole decade on the bestseller list and then some more on the children’s bestselling list, one doesn’t question Harry Potter’s spot on this list. Over seven books, Rowling undoubtedly wove magic with her words as we followed Harry on his wizard adventures. A rather complex young adult novel, this fantasy is one that has and will continue to be loved by all.

Always.

2) To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

With just this book to her credit for the longest time, Lee still went on to win numerous highly prestigious awards such as the Pulitzer Prize, Presidential Medal for Freedom among others for this story.

A seemingly ordinary story of a Southern family caught up in the throes of racism and morals, this novel is one you definitely don’t want to miss out!

3) The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Remember the time you were wrongly accused of something? A thrilling tale of a man imprisoned for 14 years, this story follows the famous theory of a Hero’s Journey flawlessly.

We guarantee that the story will keep you hooked till the last second as you watch Edmond Dantès turns into the Count.

4) Macbeth by William Shakespeare

What book list is complete without Shakespeare? The story explores the negative aspects of political ambition and selfish greed among other dark concepts, and is still adapted today. A play written and performed for the first time as early as the 1606, the story still continues to be relevant to the people today.

5) The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Written for adults, this book has now become a cult classic across age groups owing to its brand of Douglas Adams snarky humor. Whether you’re actually going to travel within galaxies or not – this book is definitely going to make you laugh!

Oh and of course, don’t confuse it with the radio show! (Although that’s worth checking out too)

6) Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

The first time you read this book, you might find it incredibly funny. The next time, it might depress you. A controversial story of a literature professor obsessed with an underaged girl, this book is one that will stay with you a long time.

7) Emma by Jane Austen

It’s the lighthearted yet entertaining characters, romantic story and simplicity of language that makes Emma a favourite among teens even today.

Ironically, Austen thought she was writing out a character no one but herself would like. However, people across the world continue to embark on matchmaking adventures (read: mishaps) with Emma.

8) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A heartwarming book, this progressively feminist novel was penned way ahead of its time. Following the lives of 4 sisters and their transition from girls to women, this story accurately portrays the battle between cultural and societal obligations and personal choices.

Originally published as two volumes, it was later separated into 2 books, the second one titled ‘Good Wives’.

9) One Thousand and One Nights by India/Iran/Iraq/Egypt

You might think of this book as an odd one to be listed here, but hey – I’d promised you that this list was for all! A collection of folklore from the Middle East and South Asia, this book will teach you everything you need to know about life without being preachy or boring.

What’s not to love?

You’d be surprised to learn, however, that a lot of stories associated with the ‘Arabian Nights’ (as it is also known) such as ‘Aladdin’s Wonderful Lamp’, ‘The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor’, etc were added by European translators and were not part of the original collection.

10) The Holy Bible by the Christian Church

Just kidding. Or maybe not. There are many versions of The Bible, and while I’m not here to advocate Christianity, I do think it makes for an interesting read from a purely literary perspective. It gives you an insight into the cultural norms from those times, and you might find the source of a lot of common pop culture references while you’re at it too!

Think there are books that absolutely need to be added or something that doesn’t deserve a place here? Do let us know of the titles and why you think so in the comments below!