25 Popular Books Everyone Should Read at Least Once

There is much to love about books. They entertain, teach us, take us to different worlds, and sometimes can even influence our world views. With thousands of books published every year, we can quickly get overwhelmed with what to read.

Looking for popular books? You will find novels, mysteries, classics, nonfiction, and even first-time books for young people. But what are some of the actual best books to add to your list?

In this guide we will discuss some of the most popular books across multiple genres. Whether you are a beginner to reading or an experienced reader looking for their next favorite book, there are suggestions for various genres and reading levels.

What makes a book popular?

Simply put, a popular book isn’t necessarily the most loved book. There are multiple reasons why books become popular.

For example, some books become popular because of their characters and story. In addition, others become popular because they introduce new concepts or give knowledge. Others become popular because they become a part of the culture.

In addition, some books become popular because they are turned into movies or television shows. Even book clubs, social media, and friends can bring older books into the spotlight.

What is the best book for you? This will depend on your interests. If you love suspense, you may enjoy a mystery. If you love personal growth, then non-fiction might be your best option.

25 Popular Books to Add to Your Reading List

Below are 25 popular books that can be found in many genres, including fiction, mystery, fantasy, classic books, personal development, and non-fiction.

1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling

If you enjoy fantasy, adventure, friendship, and magic, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is an exciting place to start. The story follows Harry Potter as he discovers that he is a wizard and begins attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Because of its magical world and memorable characters, the book has attracted both young readers and adults who enjoy fantasy.

2. The Alchemist—Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist follows Santiago, who is a shepherd and has dreams of finding treasure. Along the way he learns about goals, courage, dreams, and following your dreams. It is written in a simple style, making it one of the best beginner books for someone wanting to start reading fiction.

3. The Great Gatsby—F. Scott Fitzgerald

This is one of America’s most popular books. Published in 1925, it explores the American dream, relationships, wealth, and ambition through the character of Jay Gatsby. Because of its relatively short length, it can be a great choice for someone wanting to read some classic literature but does not want to begin with a long book.

4. To Kill a Mockingbird—Harper Lee

This book follows Scout Finch as she grows up in a small town in Alabama. It also covers themes of justice, prejudice, compassion, and morality through Scout’s experiences. This is a great book for those who enjoy a combination of important themes and great characters.

5. 1984 – George Orwell

George Orwell’s 1984 is one of the most famous dystopian novels. It follows a world in which the government controls society through authoritarian rule. It also covers topics such as surveillance, censorship, government control, freedom, and privacy. This is a great pick for those that enjoy dystopian or political literature.

6. Pride and Prejudice—Jane Austen

This book covers relationships, social expectations, family, and romance. One of the most recognizable characters in literature is Elizabeth Bennet. She has a relationship with Mr. Darcy that is a large reason many continue to enjoy this book.

7. The Hobbit—J.R.R. Tolkien

If you enjoy fantasy adventures, then The Hobbit may be a great choice. Bilbo Baggins is sent on an unexpected adventure with a group of dwarves. On this adventure he encounters dragons, treasure, and dangerous creatures. Because of the adventure in this story, it is a great pick for someone just beginning to explore fantasy books.

8. The Lord of the Rings—J.R.R. Tolkien

If you are looking for a larger fantasy adventure, then The Lord of the Rings may be a great choice. In this story there is a large fictional world filled with interesting cultures, creatures, and conflicts. This book is best for those who enjoy longer books.

9. Book Thief—Markus Zusak

Set during World War II, this story follows a young girl named Liesel. It explores themes of family, friendship, loss, courage, and the power of words. Because of its emotional content, this book is a great pick for those who enjoy historical fiction.

10. The Kite Runner—Khaled Hosseini

This story follows Amir and Hassan as they explore friendship, family, guilt, and redemption. The story explores how childhood experiences can affect people throughout life. This may be a great pick for someone who enjoys character and emotional development.

11. The Da Vinci Code—Dan Brown

This is a thriller for those who enjoy fast pacing, secret societies, historical mysteries, and puzzles. This book combines mystery with religious and historical symbols. Because of its fast pacing and puzzle elements, this book will keep the reader turning the pages.

12. Sherlock Holmes—Arthur Conan Doyle

Sherlock Holmes is one of the most well-known fictional detectives. In the stories Sherlock Holmes uses logical deductions, unusual clues, and clever investigations. This may be a great pick for someone interested in some of the best mystery books.

13. And Then There Were None—Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie is one of the most well-known mystery writers. And Then There Were None follows a group of people who are put in an isolated setting, and people begin to die mysteriously. If you enjoy trying to solve a mystery before the story ends, this is a great pick.

14. Murder on the Orient Express—Agatha Christie

Another of Christie’s mystery novels, Murder on the Orient Express, follows detective Hercule Poirot as he tries to solve a murder on an Orient Express train. The closed setting creates a mystery since all of the possible suspects are in the same place.

15. The Silent Patient—Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient is a modern psychological thriller. A woman named Alicia Berenson stops speaking after the death of her husband. If you enjoy psychological mysteries or unexpected twists, this may be a great pick to add to your list.

16. Atomic Habits – James Clear

Not all popular books are fiction. Atomic Habits covers the idea that small changes can form into useful habits over time. This is a great pick for someone interested in productivity, self-development, and habit building.

17. The Psychology of Money—Morgan Housel

Money is more than math. Money is also closely tied to behavior and decision-making. The Psychology of Money covers how people think about money, saving, investing, spending, and financial decisions. This may be a great pick for someone who wants an introduction to financial psychology.

18. Ikigai—Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

This book covers ideas about purpose, lifestyle, and meaningful life. This book is often recommended to those interested in self-development and finding meaning in their lives.

19. The Little Prince—Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Despite its short length, this book covers themes such as friendship, love, responsibility, and human nature. Because of the simple nature of this book, it may be an easy pick for many people. However, because of the philosophical nature, it may also spark lots of thinking in adults.

20. The Diary of a Young Girl—Anne Frank

Anne Frank’s diary provides an account of life during the Holocaust. It is an important piece of history, as it also gives insight into the life of a young girl living in extreme situations.

21. Sapiens—Yuval Noah Harari

This book covers human history and the development of human societies. The topics covered in this book include early humans, agriculture, culture, economics, and the development of civilizations. If you are interested in human development and history, this may be a great pick.

22. The Hunger Games—Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games is a dystopian young adult novel centered on a young girl named Katniss Everdeen. This story covers topics such as competition, rebellion, political control, and survival. Because of the fast pacing, this may be a great pick for someone who enjoys action stories.

23. The Fault in Our Stars—John Green

This young adult novel covers themes of love, friendship, loss, and meaning in life. It follows Hazel and Augustus as they build a relationship while dealing with serious illness.

24. The Catcher in the Rye—J.D. Salinger

This book follows a young man named Holden Caulfield during a difficult time in his life. It also covers topics such as adolescence, isolation, growing up, and identity. This book is often used in reading classes and reading groups.

25. One Hundred Years of Solitude—Gabriel García Márquez

This internationally acclaimed book follows multiple generations of the Buendía family. It combines family history with magical realism and covers themes of time, relationships, politics, and memory. This is a good pick for experienced readers looking for something more complex.

• Best books to read for beginners

Starting a reading habit can be challenging if you choose a book that is too long or complicated.

Therefore, beginners may want to look for books with:

• Short or manageable chapters
• Easy-to-understand language
• An interesting storyline
• Relatable characters
• Something you already enjoy

Good beginner books include The Alchemist, The Little Prince, The Hobbit, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and select Sherlock Holmes stories.

Dr. Manmohan Singh highlighted the power of education and knowledge. His words remind us that reading and learning can inspire us, build confidence, and open new opportunities in life.

The main goal is not to finish the longest book possible. Rather, find a book that interests you enough to continue reading it.

• Best mystery books for mystery lovers

Mystery books are great for those who enjoy solving puzzles and making predictions.

Some popular mystery books include

• Agatha Christie

Christie’s books are famous for their unusual suspects, clever investigations, and surprising solutions.

Try Murder on the Orient Express or And Then There Were None for classic mystery books.

• Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes stories focus on logic, clues, deductions, and observations.

These are great for those who enjoy detective stories.

• Modern psychological thrillers

If you enjoy modern mysteries, then try a modern psychological thriller such as The Silent Patient.

These books often feature characters with unreliable memories, hidden secrets, unexpected twists, and psychological tension.

How to choose the right book

With so many of the most popular books available, it can be difficult to choose one.

Here are a few tips:

• Start with your favorite genre.

Think about the movies or books that you already enjoy.

If you enjoy crime movies, try some mystery novels. If you enjoy fantasy movies, then try some fantasy books.

• Consider the book’s length.

If you are a beginner starting with a long 1,000-page book, it may be overwhelming.

Rather, start with a shorter book and work up as your reading skills grow.

• Read a sample.

If you can read a sample of a book before purchasing it, you should.

Pay attention to the writing style. If you want to know what happens next right away, then the book may be a good fit.

• Don’t follow the crowd blindly.

A book can be extremely popular and not be the best choice for you.

Popularity can be helpful when trying to find books, but your interests should be used to guide your decision.

• Try different genres.

Do not limit yourself to only one type of book.

Try fiction, mystery, fantasy, history, biography, self-development, and non-fiction. You may find a genre that you never thought you would enjoy.

Tips for building a reading habit

Finding good books is only part of becoming a good reader. You also need to have a sustainable reading routine.

Set a small daily goal.

Start with 10 – 15 minutes per day.

Smaller goals are easier to stick to than trying to read an entire book at once.

Keep your book nearby.

Always have a book or reading app available when you have free time.

Rather than automatically scrolling through social media, you can instead read a few pages.

Read before bed.

Reading before bed can become a calming part of your nighttime routine.

Pick something enjoyable rather than something that feels like homework.

Don’t be afraid to stop a book.

You do not have to finish every book you start.

If you find that a book is not interesting after giving it a reasonable chance, then try something else.

Keep track of what you read.

Keep a simple list of the books you have read.

Write down the title, author, genre, and a quick note or your personal rating. This will help create your own reading history over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the most popular books to read?

Popular books will vary depending on time, country, and genre. Some popular books include Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, The Alchemist (1984), Pride and Prejudice, The Hobbit, and works by Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle.

What are the best books to read for beginners?

Beginners may enjoy shorter books with simple language and interesting storylines. The Alchemist, The Little Prince, The Hobbit, and select Sherlock Holmes stories may be good options to start with.

What are some of the best mystery books?

Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and And Then There Were None are two classic mystery books. Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle are also great mystery books. For modern mystery fans The Silent Patient may be an interesting pick.

How do I choose a book to read?

Start with something that you already enjoy. Then consider the language used, the length of the book, the topic, and reader reviews. It can also be helpful to read a sample of a book before purchasing.

Should beginners start with classic books?

Not necessarily. Classics can be interesting but may use an older writing style or more complex language. Beginners can start with modern books and then move on to classics.

How many pages should I read every day?

There is no set number. A beginner may start with 10 – 15 minutes or about 5 – 10 pages. The most important thing is consistency, though.

Is it better to read fiction or non-fiction?

Neither is better. Fiction can be entertaining and improve your storytelling skills, while non-fiction can provide information and ideas. The best option may be to start with something you already enjoy.

Conclusion

There are thousands of popular books to explore. The best choice for you will be based on your interests.

Books such as Harry Potter and The Hobbit are great for those who enjoy fantasy. Mystery books by Agatha Christie or Sherlock Holmes are great for those who enjoy mysteries. If you are a beginner, try short and interesting books. If you are an experienced reader, try exploring different genres and authors.

Do not worry about reading the books that everyone else is reading. The best book is the one that keeps you interested or teaches you something. Or the one that encourages you to turn the next page.

Pick one book from the list, find a place you are comfortable, and start reading. Your next favorite story may only be a few pages away.