60 Books Everyone Should Read Before They Die
From Pulitzer Prize winners to the novels you meant to read in high school.
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When you've had your fill of beach reads, broaden your horizons with a selection from this list of literary masterpieces that range from moving memoirs to hilarious essays. (And okay, okay — we have some "beach" reads in here too.)
"Beloved" by Toni Morrison
$9
Though it's a tough read for the cruelties within the plot, Beloved is also a necessary read for those exact things. A story of slavery and racism, the book also touches upon the power of a mother's love.
"The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion
$9
Joan Didion's National Book Award-winning memoir, The Year of Magical Thinking, recounts the sudden loss of her husband immediately after visiting the hospital where their daughter lay in coma. Though you'll cry plenty, it's ultimately a story of love and moving on.
"1984" by George Orwell
$7
In what has proven to be a timeless classic, 1984 takes a dystopian look at a future of a totalitarian government disregards facts and always has an eye on its citizens. To this day, 1984 appears on best-seller lists.
"Angela's Ashes" by Frank McCourt
$10
Frank McCourt's memoir recounts an impoverished childhood raised in the slums. Born to a father who struggled with alcoholism and couldn't make ends meet, McCourt wears rags and begs in the street. Yet it's his father's stories that keep the child going through grim circumstances. Though you'll definitely cry when reading Angela's Ashes, you'll also be inspired by McCourt's profound ability to forgive.
"The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank
$5
This book is another one you've likely read in school, but there is honestly no such thing as reading The Diary of a Young Girl "too many" times. The diary pulls you into Anne Frank's experience as she hides from Nazis and is a moving reminder of both the cruelties of humanity and the courage of spirit Anne had.
"Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" by Judy Blume
$7
Though the cover of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret has changed over time, Judy Blume's fictional-yet-relatable portrayal of a girl awaiting her period (and breasts) has provided solace for generation after generation of young women. As an adult, it's a book that keeps you from judging young people too harshly. We were all there once.
"The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath
$9
Though The Bell Jar was the only novel written by Sylvia Plath, this semi-autobiographical work explores the struggles of finding one's path in life.
"You'll Grow Out Of It" by Jessi Klein
$11
Jessi Klein (the award-winning head writer for Inside Amy Schumer) pays hilarious tribute to the awkward moments of life, whether they occur in your teens or your thirties. You'll Grow Out Of It is filled with real-life essays that discuss such relatable topics as the odd transition in life between being called "ma'am" and being called "miss."
"The Best of Everything" by Rona Jaffe
$12
When it comes to friendships, what goes unsaid is far more important than what's said. Rona Jaffe's The Best of Everything follows the highs and many lows as a group of friends as they navigate their 20s in midcentury New York. It's a book you'll want to read in one sitting, but be warned: You'll want to yell at some of the characters (especially if you have excellent radar for less-than-great romantic partners). Think of it as the 1958 version of Girls.
"Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates
$10
The bestselling Between the World and Me by MacArthur "Genius Grant" fellow Ta-Nehisi Coates uses the literary form of a letter (written to his teenaged son) to explore what it means to be black in America. The personal tone makes reading the
"A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson
$6
You'll laugh your way through this A Walk in the Woods, a memoir that follows Bryson and his quirky friend as they hike the Appalachian Trail. While you will learn a little bit a history and a lot about friendship, it's definitely not boring. Anecdotes of the unusual characters met on the trail will keep you entertained.
"I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings"
$2
A genuine American classic, Angelou's I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings powerfully discusses topics such as racism, bigotry and prejudice while also serving as an empowering, coming-of-age story.
"The Casual Vacancy" by J.K. Rowling
$10
Though the Harry Potter series transcends generations, The Casual Vacancy was J.K. Rowling's first official novel for adults. The plot centers around a tumultuous election in an idyllic small town, an event that ends up pitting everyone against eachother (and bringing out unexpected revelations in the process).
"Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
$12
The real-life story behind the movie, Hidden Figures tells the story of the mathematicians whose brilliance were key to the space race during the 1960s.
"Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?" by Roz Chast
$10
Can a memoir that covers the final years of a writer's parents be funny? Yes, if it's written by Roz Chast. Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? explores the anxiety, heartbreak and unusual kind of humor that comes with being a caretaker.
"A Full Life" by Jimmy Carter
$12
We could've filled a whole list with books you should read from presidents past (on both sides of the aisle), but Jimmy Carter's A Full Life — written at age 90 — offers a glimpse into a past that can be hard to comprehend in our modern age. Carter grew up in a house without running water, electricity or insulation, an experience that informed his career.
"The Color Purple" by Alice Walker
$9
Alice Walker's best-known work won a slew of awards (the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and the National Book Award) for good reason. The Color Purple follows several African-American women as they experience violence and oppression in 1930s. Walker's unflinching portrayal of their struggles is something that stays with you.
"Year of Yes" Shonda Rhimes
$11
You'll get a peek into the life and mind of the creator of your favorite TV shows in Shonda Rhimes' Year of Yes. Initially, you'll be a bit surprised at what you'll learn: Rhimes is an introvert who had panic attacks at the idea of media interviews. After her sister calls her out for always saying no to things, she decides to do the exact opposite for a whole year. Interestingly, the book covers the time period before the Year of Yes and the years that followed.
"The Declaration of Independence" and "The United States Constitution"
$10
Yes, The Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution are documents (though this handy book puts them in one tome). But, they are important reads for everyone, especially in a time when political discourse so often veers towards rights and what it means to be American.
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