8 Best Famous Literature Books to Read in 2025

We explore famous literature, highlighting pros and cons for each. Discover the best reads in the world of famous literature.

Pride and Prejudice coverThe Great Gatsby coverTo Kill a Mockingbird cover

Dive into the world of famous literature with our list of the 8 best books that have stood the test of time. We focus on captivating characters, thrilling plots, and timeless themes that make these books a must-read. Whether you’re new to these classics or revisiting, our list is designed to help guide you through the literary maze. Join us as we explore the powerful narratives and emotional journeys within each page.

On this list:

8 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

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This book is like a gift that keeps on giving. It’s funny, dramatic, and full of witty banter. We loved Mr. Darcy’s awkward charm and Elizabeth Bennet’s fierce independence!

7 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

  • Genre: Tragedy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1925
  • Pages: 180

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They say money can’t buy happiness, and this book sure makes a case for that. We liked Gatsby’s mysterious past and the dazzling parties that never seem to fill his emptiness.

6 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

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This tale takes you on a wild ride through moral convictions. We love Atticus Finch’s wisdom and Scout’s spunky nature. It makes us question right and wrong in a vibrant way.

5 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

  • Genre: Dystopian
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1949
  • Pages: 328

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Orwell takes us on a dark and thrilling ride, showing what a world under constant surveillance looks like. Big Brother is no joke! We felt paranoid for days.

4 Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Wuthering Heights cover

  • Genre: Gothic Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1847
  • Pages: 416

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It’s a dark and stormy world in this novel. We were captivated by the tumultuous love-hate relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine. It’s the messy drama we secretly crave.

3 Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Moby-Dick cover

  • Genre: Adventure
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1851
  • Pages: 635

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A whale of a tale in every sense! The obsession and madness of Captain Ahab are gripping, but we also love Ishmael’s quirky observations.

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

The Catcher in the Rye cover

  • Genre: Coming-of-Age
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1951
  • Pages: 214

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Meet the ultimate teenage rebel, Holden Caulfield. His thoughts are hilarious, relatable, and sometimes a bit cynical. We all went through that phase, right?

1 War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

War and Peace cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1869
  • Pages: 1225

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This is the mother of all famous literature. It’s more than just a book; it’s a journey. We found it both exhausting and exhilarating. Tolstoy’s characters are vivid, and the historical context is enlightening. Despite its length, we didn’t want it to end. Who knew that Napoleon’s invasion of Russia could be so fascinating? The emotional depth of the characters kept us hooked. It’s a saga that forces you to ponder life, love, and death. This book is a testament to Tolstoy’s genius. If you can only read one book in your life, let it be this one. Just make sure you have snacks handy; you’re in for a long ride!

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!