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 Middlemarch

Middlemarch

4.2

George Eliot's masterpiece explores life and society in a small provincial town, challenging past dogma and modern skepticism.

Cover of Ulysses

Ulysses

3.8

James Joyce's groundbreaking modernist novel follows Leopold Bloom through a day in Dublin, blending stream-of-consciousness narrative with …

Cover of A Town Like Alice

A Town Like Alice

4.0

A gripping tale of resilience and love, A Town Like Alice follows Jean Paget's journey from a Japanese prisoner of war camp to rebuilding a …

Cover of Barney's Version

Barney's Version

4.4

A sharp and introspective memoir that blends travel, history, and political commentary, charting the author's journey from youthful Zionism …

Cover of City of Thieves

City of Thieves

4.2

In the midst of the brutal siege of Leningrad, two unlikely companions embark on a desperate quest for eggs that could mean the difference b…

Cover of Ham on Rye

Ham on Rye

3.5

A darkly humorous coming-of-age story set in the 1930s, exploring the trials and tribulations of a young boy navigating the complexities of …

Cover of If Tomorrow Comes

If Tomorrow Comes

3.9

A gripping tale of survival and revenge, 'If Tomorrow Comes' follows Tracy Whitney as she navigates a dangerous world of deception and betra…

Cover of Moby Dick

Moby Dick

Embark on a thrilling voyage with Ishmael as he joins the Pequod, a whaleship commanded by the obsessive Captain Ahab, who seeks revenge on …

Cover of Native Son

Native Son

4.3

A gripping tale of poverty and desperation in 1930s Chicago, Native Son explores the harsh realities of being black in America through the e…

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