Best Modern Library 100 Novels Reviewed in 2024

Check out these top 5 books from the modern library 100 best novels list. Perfect for new readers!
The Great Gatsby cover1984 coverTo Kill a Mockingbird cover

Finding the perfect book from the ‘modern library 100 best novels’ list can be like looking for a needle in a haystack. With so many great works to choose from, we focus on timeless stories, memorable characters, and engaging writing. We’ve picked five that we think stand out above the rest, providing a mix of thrilling plots and profound themes. Whether you’re new to these classics or revisiting them, you’ll find something to love in our top picks.

On this list:

5 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby cover

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

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We picked this for its lush storytelling and poignant look at the American Dream. It’s a short read and perfect for those new to classic literature.

4 1984 by George Orwell

1984 cover

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

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Reading this book can make you feel super serious about the future. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to understand dystopian worlds.

3 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 324

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We loved this book for its heartfelt exploration of racial injustice and moral growth. It’s a touching story that stays with you long after you finish.

2 Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Catch-22 cover

  • Genre: Satire
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1961
  • Pages: 453

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Catch-22 is a dark comedy that had us laughing and thinking at the same time. The absurdity of war and bureaucracy makes it an unforgettable read.

1 Ulysses by James Joyce

Ulysses cover

  • Genre: Modernist
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle, Audiobook
  • Year released: 1922
  • Pages: 730

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We saved the best for last! ‘Ulysses’ is the ultimate reading challenge but totally worth it. Its complex narrative and rich language make it a masterpiece. It’s like running a marathon for your brain. You need patience and some serious brainpower, but finishing it feels like such an achievement!

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!