100 fiction books to read in a lifetime

A curated list of 100 must-read fiction books spanning various genres and eras, from classic novels to contemporary stories.

Cover of The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree

3.6

A heartwarming tale of love and sacrifice, 'The Giving Tree' explores the enduring bond between a tree and a boy, touching on themes of givi…

Cover of Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

4.0

Two drifters, George and Lennie, dream of owning their own land, but their plans are complicated by Lennie's unexpected strength and childli…

Cover of Lolita

Lolita

4.4

A controversial and darkly humorous tale of obsession and forbidden love, Lolita explores the twisted passion of Humbert Humbert for the you…

Cover of The Trial

The Trial

4.0

Josef K. is arrested and prosecuted by an incomprehensible authority in this existential masterpiece by Franz Kafka, a novel that delves int…

Cover of Tropic of Cancer

Tropic of Cancer

3.8

A raw and unfiltered account of a young writer's bohemian life in Paris, filled with vivid characters and unapologetic honesty.

Cover of Mrs. Dalloway

Mrs. Dalloway

4.4

Virginia Woolf's masterpiece follows a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, weaving a tapestry of memories, relationships, and the human co…

Cover of North and South

North and South

3.9

Margaret Hale moves from the South to the industrial North of England, where she witnesses stark inequalities and falls for a mill owner, co…

Cover of The Giver

The Giver

4.1

Jonas's world is one of conformity and contentment, until he is chosen to receive the memories of the past and uncovers a dark secret that w…

Cover of Animal Farm

Animal Farm

4.4

A timeless allegorical tale that mirrors the events of the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism, told through the eyes of farm anima…

Cover of Watership Down

Watership Down

4.4

Join a brave band of rabbits on a perilous journey to find a new home, filled with danger, adventure, and the will to survive.

Cover of The Fault in Our Stars

The Fault in Our Stars

3.9

A heart-wrenching yet humorous tale of love and loss between two terminally ill teenagers, exploring the raw and irreverent business of bein…

Cover of The Bell Jar

The Bell Jar

4.4

A hauntingly vivid portrayal of a young woman's descent into mental illness, blending raw emotion with sharp wit.

Cover of Invisible Man

Invisible Man

4.2

A profound exploration of identity and race, 'Invisible Man' follows an unnamed Black narrator's journey through a world where truth is elus…

This list, compiled by AbeBooks, features a diverse collection of 100 fiction books that are considered essential reading. The selection includes a mix of classic novels, contemporary stories, science fiction, young adult (YA) literature, dystopian fiction, 20th-century classics, detective novels, and children's books that appeal to adults. Some of the notable titles include 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, '1984' by George Orwell, and 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood. The list is designed to offer a broad range of unforgettable stories that have shaped literature and continue to captivate readers. Whether you're looking to explore new genres or revisit timeless classics, this list provides a comprehensive guide to some of the best fiction books to read in a lifetime.

Source: https://www.abebooks.com/books/100-books-to-read-in-lifetime/index.shtml