Top 20 Best Books of All-Time
Do you have a hard time deciding which book to read next? With so many options to choose from, it can seem downright overwhelming to make what should be a simple decision.
I find myself wasting a good 20 minutes looking over my book shelves debating which book I want to read. If I could read them all simultaneously, that would be great, but I prefer to devote my time and attention to one book at a time.
Usually, I’ll pick a book that a friend recommended or that received fabulous online reviews. And guess what? I’m giving you some book recommendations to help you with the conundrum of what to read next!
I’ve been a bookworm for almost my entire life. My mom said I was a fussy baby and toddler and the only thing that would calm me down was when she read to me. To this day, I still find solace in the pages of a good book.
Books are subjective. What one person may love, another may be bored to tears reading.
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Friends of mine raved about The Time Traveler’s Wife. I read about 1/2 way through before abandoning it. I just could not get into the story.
The way I judge a book is how it makes me feel. Am I drawn into the story so much that I don’t even notice what is going on around me? Do I care about the characters? Does it evoke emotions – good or bad? Do I think about the book long after it ends?
These are all factors that play into how I personally judge a book and decide whether its mediocre or a spectacular read.
Though I’m not doing as many book reviews as I used, I am still plowing through the books on my bookshelf. Once in a while, a true gem comes along.
I’m sure you have your own list of favourite books and today I’m sharing mine. I imagine that this list will evolve as I continue to devour more books. If you are looking for some book recommendations, this is a great list to refer to!
Top 20 Best Books of All-Time
Check out my top 20 books of all-time (in random order).
- The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons
- Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
- Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
- Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman
- The Map of Time by Felix J. Palma
- Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
- Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
- The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald
- You by Caroline Kepnes
- I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes
- Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
- Not Without My Daughter by Betty Mahmoody
- Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
- White Oleander by Janet Fitch
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by JK Rowling
- Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
- Flowers in the Attic by VC Andrews
- And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
- The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards
For the list people out there, I have a free Books to Read printable to help you keep track of the books you are coveting. The neat freak in me gets pleasure from checking the boxes on the list. (Is that weird!?).
Fill out the form below to get the free printable sent to your inbox.
Have you read any of my top picks? If so, which ones? Also, let me know YOUR favourite book because I’m always looking for books to add to my list!
You might also like Books to Read in 2022.
Happy Reading!
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Some great picks here. I always like to read a mix of older books and new books, some from the library, some I’ve just bought, and some that have been waiting on my shelf for years. Right now I’m reading The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth. It’s wonderful. Highly recommended.
Good list. I have read several of these. Didn’t like Gone Girl, though. Not one character was likeable.
Why are people always so negative? She specifically stated that these are the best books of all time for HER. If you didn’t like Twilight, that is your opinion, just like it is her opinion that it was wonderful. She can put anything she wants on this list because it is HER list. Books mean different things to different people. Perhaps Twilight was something she connected to and could not put down, maybe it was something she felt she could read over and over, or maybe she just really liked how easy it was to read and connected with the characters. In this day, I feel it is more important than ever to encourage reading, and just because you do not agree with someone, it doesn’t mean they are wrong. At least they are reading.
How is it possible that there is none from Ayn Rand?
Loved your list. Ive read about 10 on your list and they are all my favourites too! Can’t wait to read the rest of your recommendations.
I have read many of the same books- the twilight saga, Anne of green gables series, Harry Potter series– etc… I was one who LOVED the time travelers wife…. I think I love anything to do w time travel.. which leads me to one of my all time favorite books 11.22.63 by Stephen King was awesome!!! Of course, The Stand is one of my favorite S King’s books too!!!
Found a list of 100 books to read in a lifetime– working on that now!!!
We seem to have similar reading tastes! I’m excited to try the books on your list that I haven’t read since so many you’ve listed are favourites of mine!
I see quite a few i have not read,going to start with The Girl on the Train !
Read I know this much is true by Wally Lamb!! I loved it so much. Don’t be intimidated by its size you will fly through it
OOOh Best books what a challenge! A Tree grows in Brooklyn Bettie Smith
\Ladies Maid M Forester
Good Earth Pearl Buck
Invention of Wings Sue Monk Kidd
The Improbable journey of Harold Fry R Joyce
The Universe versus Alex Woods E Rxtence
Left Neglected Lisa Genova
The Owl called my Name ?
Cutting for Stone
The poisonwood Bible B Kingsolver
Here a few books I loved. Have not seen these mentioned on any other book lists. They are not new titles but
wonderful! Try them !!!!