14 Best Classics to Read Before You Die 2024
We’ve stepped into the daunting yet delightful task of curating the 14 best ‘100 classics to read before you die’. While putting together this list, we carefully focused on timeless storytelling, iconic characters, and the sheer impact these tales have had on readers worldwide. From social justice themes to adventurous exploits, we ensured each selection offers something extraordinary. Join us as we explore literature’s greatest hits, providing the perfect roadmap for your next reading adventure.
On this list:
14 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s tale about justice and the Deep South will have you thinking—and laughing, too! Atticus Finch is like that wise uncle we all need.
13 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
A wild ride through the Roaring ’20s! Fitzgerald’s story makes us want to throw on a flapper dress and hit a jazz club.
12 1984 by George Orwell
Orwell’s dystopian tale once had us checking our phones too much. Now, Big Brother feels closer than ever.
11 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Witty and romantic, we all secretly want to be Elizabeth Bennet. Austen’s classic doesn’t disappoint!
10 Moby Dick by Herman Melville
Who knew chasing a whale could be so intense? Melville’s gotta be a sea captain in a previous life or something!
9 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Salinger captures the teenage angst we know and love (or maybe not!). Holden Caulfield remains an iconic character.
8 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Gothic romance and a strong female lead? Sign us up! Jane Eyre is one for the ages and hauntingly beautiful.
7 The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Adventure, dragons, and a ring? Where do we sign up! Get lost in Middle Earth and enjoy every minute of it.
6 The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
Hawthorne’s exploration of sin and society is a must-read. The drama in puritan New England can make any soap opera jealous.
5 Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Huxley’s vision of the future makes us appreciate our imperfections. Science and emotions clash in this fascinating read.
4 Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
Heathcliff and Cathy, oh how we love your drama! This novel has inspired countless stories of passionate and destructive love.
3 Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
Epic, emotional, and French. What more can we say? Hugo’s masterpiece captures the essence of struggle and redemption.
2 War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Tolstoy’s sweeping saga of Russia, war, and peace is hefty but rewarding. It might take a while, but it’s a beautiful read.
