70 Books Everyone Should Read At Least Once, As Shared By People In This Online Thread

With thousands of incredible titles out there, choosing the best books to read before you die can feel like an impossible task—especially when your reading time is limited. Whether you’re into mystery novels, romantic stories, motivational books, or classic literature, the struggle is real: so many life-changing books, so little time.

If you’re an avid bookworm or just beginning your literary adventure, crafting a personal list of must-read books is an absolute game changer. And honestly? If you haven’t read some of these top rated books, you’re missing out on stories that could completely transform the way you see the world.

Recently on AskReddit, someone posed a powerful question: “What’s a book everyone should read at least once in their lives?” The thread blew up with recommendations, and we’ve pulled together the most upvoted answers into the ultimate reading list.

From best-selling books that everyone’s talking about to classic novels that have stood the test of time, this curated list is packed with influential books that leave a mark on your heart and mind. These aren’t just stories—they’re unforgettable experiences.

Whether you’re looking for educational reads, inspirational self-help books, or just a good fiction novel to get lost in, this list has something for every type of reader.

#1 The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy By Douglas Adams

“Hitchhiker’s guide is a book I read at least once a year, more if I’m having a particularly rough patch in life. Arthur Dents biscuit story gets me every time and hearing the late, great Douglas Adams tell it, as it apparently happened to him, is ice cream for the soul.”

#2 To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

unchartedfour said:
“To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Mission_Eagle_7611 replied:
“I put off reading Go Set A Watchman because I couldn’t bear the thought of my favorite character being pushed off his pedestal. Finished the book with on a flight absolutely sobbing because of exactly that.”

Awkward_Dog replied:
“I re-read this once a year. I swear I see new details every time. I suspect Atticus played a substantial role in my becoming a legal academic researching on human rights.”

#3 Animal Farm By George Orwell

epikninja123 said:
“Animal Farm by George Orwell.”

xfjqvyks replied:
“If it wasn’t for the comical levels of irony, I’d be really pissed that so many Americans think 1984 alludes to what’s going on today more than Animal Farm. It’s crazy.”

Shadowguynick replied:
“Animal Farm is more of a retelling of the story of the foundation of the Soviet Union. 1984 serves better as a general government control story.”

Commenter replied:
“I disagree. 1984 alludes to the human condition (and language use) on so many levels. Animal farm is just a more specific metaphor about a certain type of socialism.”

#4 Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury

plato_thyself said:
“Fahrenheit 451 should be on this list.”

FlyingChange replied:
“I agree 100%. What’s really eerie about Bradbury are the details that he throws at you and then just lets float on by. Like, bits about how advertising boards are stretched out so that you have to look at them or the parts about how the children are more interested in electronic baubles than books and human interaction.”

#5 The Hobbit By J. R. R. Tolkien

Nowhereman50 said:
“The Hobbit. It’s just such a nice book.”

BiceRankyman replied:
“If you haven’t read this yet and start, a word of advice… if it starts to drag, hold out for Gandalf to come back. Everything always picks up when Gandalf comes back.”

#6 All Quiet On The Western Front By Erich Maria Remarque

“It’s All Quiet on The Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque is an important book I feel. Truly showed the first World War as it was from the perspective of a German soldier.”

#7 And Then There Were None By Agatha Christie

thunder_by_blunder said:
“And then there were none by Agatha Christie.

A quick and mind stimulating read that will keep you engaged throughout.”

Th4tGamerChick replied:
“Agatha Christie has written some incredible novels. She’s overall a fantastic writer.”

#8 The Metamorphosis By Franz Kafka

Plastic_Pinocchio said:
“The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka is a story I’ll never forget. You can read it in a couple of hours.”

ceryssienna replied:
“I read this about 2 months ago and it is an unforgettable story! It’s something I never would’ve read myself but ended up doing so as I had nothing to read but I’m glad that that’s what I chose!”

#9 The Very Hungry Caterpillar By Eric Carle

MEUP14 said:
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. I know this book isn’t like the other great novels listed, but it definitely brings me back to when I was a kid and my parents read it to me.”

MDTashley replied:
“This book tells the story of every attempt I have at dieting. By Saturday, I eat like absolute sh*t, then have 1 green leaf on Sunday to make it right again.”

#10 Night By Elie Wiesel

“I highly recommend ‘Night’ by Eli Wiesel. I read it in high school and it got me into reading. The ways that Wiesel describes the horrific scenes are so powerful.”