2025: Best Books By Classic Authors – 9 Top Picks

Discover the greatness of classic authors with our top picks that highlight timeless tales and unforgettable characters.

Pride and Prejudice cover1984 coverTo Kill a Mockingbird cover

We set out on a thrilling journey through literary time to uncover the 9 best books by classic authors. Our focus was on stories that not only stand the test of time but also deliver timeless themes, unforgettable characters, and riveting plots. We carefully picked books that hook you from the first line and offer a touch of humor or drama. No spoilers here, but each title is a gem from the annals of classic literature!

On this list:

9 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Romance, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

We enjoyed this book’s delightful wit and charming romance. The social commentary kept us turning pages.

8 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1949
  • Pages: 328

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This dystopian dark horse had us on the edge with its cautionary tale. The chilling Big Brother narrative made us wary of our smartphones.

7 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Drama
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

With its powerful themes of justice and racial inequality, this book made us ponder about compassion and empathy.

6 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Tragedy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1925
  • Pages: 180

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

We loved the glittering—and sometimes grimy—world of the Jazz Age. The tragic story of Jay Gatsby is unforgettable.

5 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Novel
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 214

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Holden Caulfield’s unique voice captivated us. This coming-of-age story resonated with our inner rebels.

4 Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Moby-Dick cover

  • Genre: Adventure, Epic
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1851
  • Pages: 635

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

The epic chase for the elusive white whale kept us engaged, though we got a little seasick reading all that ocean jargon.

3 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre cover

  • Genre: Gothic, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1847
  • Pages: 500

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Jane’s tale of resilience and romance had us rooting for her. Her stoicism matched with witty narration was delightful.

2 Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Anna Karenina cover

  • Genre: Fiction, Classics
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1878
  • Pages: 864

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Anna Karenina is chosen because it delivers complex characters and a gripping tale of love and tragedy, similar to War and Peace.

1 Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

Les Misérables cover

  • Genre: Historical, Drama
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1862
  • Pages: 1488

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

This tale of redemption and revolution gripped us with its compelling characters and sweeping narrative. Hugo’s masterpiece combines striking personal stories with epic historical saga.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!