My Top 10 Books of All Time (As Of 2023)
As an avid reader, I have come across countless books that have left a lasting impression on me. From fiction to non-fiction, these books have shaped my worldview, provided me with endless entertainment, and even guided me through difficult times. Here are my top 10 books of all time as of 2023.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is a classic coming-of-age novel that has stood the test of time. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, has become an iconic character in literature, and Salinger’s exploration of teenage angst and disillusionment continues to resonate with readers.
- Engaging narrative
- Thought-provoking themes
- Timeless relevance
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful novel that explores the themes of racism, morality, and justice in the American South. Through the eyes of protagonist Scout Finch, readers are taken on a journey that challenges their own perceptions of the world.
- Impactful storytelling
- Enduring significance
- Memorable characters
1984 by George Orwell
1984 is a dystopian novel that paints a bleak and terrifying vision of a totalitarian society. Orwell’s exploration of surveillance, propaganda, and the erosion of individual freedom is as relevant today as it was when the book was first published.
- Disturbing portrayal of a dystopian society
- Insightful commentary on power and control
- Prophetic themes
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby is a timeless portrayal of the American Dream and the dark underbelly of wealth and excess. Fitzgerald’s lyrical prose and vivid characters make this novel a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate readers.
- Elegant writing style
- Mesmerizing characters
- Emotional impact
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Beloved is a haunting and poetic exploration of the legacy of slavery and its impact on African American communities. Morrison’s lyrical prose and powerful storytelling make this novel an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of the human experience.
- Beautifully written
- Emotionally resonant
- Historical and cultural significance
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Brave New World is a thought-provoking novel that envisions a future society where technology, consumerism, and social engineering have taken over. Huxley’s exploration of the dehumanizing effects of progress continues to be a cautionary tale for modern society.
- Provocative themes
- Compelling world-building
- Relevant warnings about the dangers of unchecked progress
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
One Hundred Years of Solitude is a mesmerizing tale of the Buendia family and their experiences in the fictional town of Macondo. Marquez’s blend of magical realism and historical allegory creates a rich and unforgettable reading experience.
- Inventive storytelling
- Mystical and enchanting world-building
- Epic scope
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
To the Lighthouse is a lyrical exploration of the inner lives of the Ramsay family as they navigate love, loss, and the passage of time. Woolf’s innovative narrative techniques and profound insights into human emotion make this novel a literary treasure.
- Experimental narrative style
- Intricate character portraits
- Philosophical musings on life and the human experience
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath is a powerful novel that chronicles the Joad family’s struggle to survive during the Great Depression. Steinbeck’s compassionate portrayal of the human spirit in the face of adversity makes this novel a timeless classic.
- Heart-wrenching storytelling
- Social and political commentary
- Resilient and complex characters
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 10 books have not only entertained me but have also impacted the way I view the world and understand the human experience. Each of these novels offers a unique perspective on universal themes such as love, loss, power, and resilience. I highly recommend adding these books to your reading list if you haven’t already experienced their timeless brilliance.
Hi guys. I understand you disagree on the "Lord of the Rings isn't one book" take, and I do agree that it is one story. However, I'm not going to bend my rules for any series and it WAS released as 3 books. That's why I didn't count it as one. You, however, may do as you wish! Let me know your picks below.
I can't accept a list without Don Quijote or the Decameron.
I like the 1965 Ford Mustang repair manuall book!
A storm of swords is easily the best asoiaf book! Can absolutely breeze through it.
A wonderful book is compared to this is called "The secret saint." 😮.
A wonderful book is compared to this is called "The secret saint." 😮.
The Unacceptable Views of a Small Fringe Minority, by Christian H McGhee.
Can’t complain about anything on this list. Lonesome Dove is great and Comanche Moon is crazy. Blood Meridian tops them both. Simmons The Terror is also one of my favorites.
Yank's BS.
I love your list for the variety in it. Being from the UK books like To Kill A Mocking Bird are not covered in school so that's gone into my must read list, as will Gone with the Wind.
First video I've seen of yours, so no idea if you've come across Janny Wurts and Raymond Feist's collaboration, Servant of the Empire. They are a set of 3 but I think if I were going to choose just one it would have to be Daughter of the Empire as it is the most standalone. The world is gorgeously crafted with such a rich culture, with an utterly believable story of a female protagonist overcoming extreme adversity with the skill of being a flexible thinker in a rigid society.
Totally agree with Dune being at the top. Even now I look at the world through the lens of that book. Like you said it shows that those in control only project what they want to be seen. You can never trust that as their true motivation/goal. Power groups, even allies, are always striving for the advantage. And religion while a core tenet of belief for some is only a means to control for others. Today's oppressed are tomorrow's oppressors! It's a deconstruction of our own society through the veneer of science fiction. Genius!
Oh and just to be annoying Fellowship of the Ring is technically 2 books as are the other three so if you are strictly saying only 1 book… 😂😂😂 I agree with others that as the author himself wanted them published together in one edition it is different from other series where they were never intended to be published as such even by the authors. It also has been published as one giant book… A paperback no less! My friend has one as a kid. But your list, your rules 😁
Once again, great list. I am subscribed!
The Count must make the cut
I read dune in 1 night
As soon as he recommeded ender's game, disliked and left the video. Worst book I ever read.
How many hours a day do you read?? How do you fit it in your schedule??
“I love beginnings” spoken like a true King reader right there haha
Lonesome Dove is great, as is Shogun. Gus and Call are played quite well by Duvall and Jones.
Yikes, I hated It. oh well, different strokes.
I'm going to read all the books you have recommended that I haven't read because you have included Ender's Game and I remember being absolutely blown away by it and it had like some of my usually least favorite tropes and yet, and yet it did it so masterfully that it opened up my eyes to a new world of fiction so to speak
Def got Some good suggestions. Have you read any Ursula k le guin? She’s the goat of Sci fi for me
A storm of swords over Lord of the rings is a smoothbrain take