60 Best Books For Beginners
Embarking on a journey into the world of books is a delightful adventure that can open up new perspectives, enhance your knowledge, and provide hours of entertainment.
Whether you’re a novice reader looking to start your literary journey or someone seeking recommendations for beginners, this list is the perfect guide to get you started.
Let’s begin.
Fiction Books
“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set in the Depression-era South and follows the story of young Scout Finch, her brother Jem, and their father, Atticus Finch, a lawyer.
The story is renowned for its warmth and humor, despite dealing with serious issues of racial injustice and moral complexity. Atticus defends a black man accused of raping a white woman, and through this, Scout and Jem are exposed to the prejudices of their community.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
This novel is a critical exploration of the American Dream set in the 1920s. It tells the story of the mysteriously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for Daisy Buchanan, exploring themes of decadence, idealism, resistance to change, and excess.
Fitzgerald paints a vivid picture of the Roaring Twenties, a time of post-war economic boom and prohibition.
“1984” by George Orwell
A profound work of dystopian fiction, this novel introduces readers to the concept of Big Brother and a world of perpetual war, omnipresent government surveillance, and public manipulation. It’s a commentary on the dangers of totalitarianism, with Orwell drawing on his experiences in the Spanish Civil War and the rise of communism and fascism in Europe.
“The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
This novel is a defining work on teenage disillusionment and rebellion. It follows a few days in the life of Holden Caulfield, a depressed and disillusioned teenager who has just been expelled from prep school. The narrative delves into themes of angst, alienation, and the loss of innocence.
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling
This is the first book in the Harry Potter series and introduces readers to the world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The story follows Harry Potter, a young boy who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard and is whisked away to a magical world filled with adventure and friendship.
“Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
This novel is a classic romance that satirizes manners and matrimony in early 19th-century England. The story centers on the intelligent and spirited Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in the society of the landed gentry.
“The Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien
This fantasy novel is a precursor to the “Lord of the Rings” series. It follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is unexpectedly swept into an epic quest to reclaim the Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Along the way, he encounters elves, trolls, goblins, and the creature Gollum.
“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
This philosophical book tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of discovering a worldly treasure located somewhere in the Egyptian pyramids. It’s a tale about following one’s dreams, listening to one’s heart, and reading life’s omens.
“Animal Farm” by George Orwell
A satirical allegory of Soviet totalitarianism, this novella tells the story of a group of farm animals who rebel against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where animals can be equal, free, and happy.
However, the rebellion is betrayed, and the farm ends up in a state as bad as it was before, under the dictatorship of a pig named Napoleon.
“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding
This novel focuses on a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island and their disastrous attempt to govern themselves. The narrative explores the dark side of human nature as the boys’ civilized behavior disintegrates into tribalism and savagery.
“The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This is a poetic and philosophical tale presented as a children’s book. It tells the story of a pilot stranded in the desert who meets a young prince fallen to Earth from a tiny asteroid.
The story is a meditation on loneliness, friendship, adulthood, and the nature of human relationships, with each character the prince encounters representing different aspects of society.
“Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
Often considered the first science fiction novel, “Frankenstein” is a Gothic tale about Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment.
The book explores themes of ambition, the quest for knowledge, and the moral implications of playing God.
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
This novel is a coming-of-age story that follows the experiences of Jane Eyre, an orphaned girl who faces hardship and abuse before becoming a governess at Thornfield Hall.
The novel is notable for its strong sense of morality, criticism of Victorian class structure, and exploration of women’s independence and identity.
“The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S. Lewis
This series of seven fantasy novels is set in the fictional realm of Narnia, a place where animals talk, magic is common, and good battles evil. The series is known for its Christian allegory and rich mythical tapestry, exploring themes of faith, courage, and sacrifice.
“The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde
This novel is a philosophical discussion on the nature of beauty, art, morality, and hedonism. It tells the story of Dorian Gray, a man who remains forever young and beautiful while a portrait of himself ages and reflects the effects of his immoral deeds.
“Dracula” by Bram Stoker
A foundational work of vampire fiction, this novel tells the story of Count Dracula’s attempt to move from Transylvania to England to spread the undead curse, and the battle between Dracula and a small group of people led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing.
The novel touches on themes of sexuality, immigration, and the conflict between modernity and ancient superstition.
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
This novel follows the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—and their passage from childhood to womanhood.
Set during the American Civil War, the story is a slice of life narrative that addresses issues of love, gender roles, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.
“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle
This collection of twelve short stories features the famous detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson.
Set in late 19th-century London, the stories are seminal works in the field of detective fiction, known for their clever plots and the use of deductive reasoning.
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry
A dystopian novel set in a society that appears to be utopian at first but is revealed to be dystopian as the story progresses.
The society has eliminated pain and strife by converting to “Sameness,” a plan that has also eradicated emotional depth from their lives.
The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Jonas as he is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memory, the person who stores all the past memories of the time before Sameness.
“The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton
Written when the author was just 16, this novel tells the story of two rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs, in 1960s Oklahoma.
The book is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of class conflict, brotherhood, and the gap between rich and poor in American society.
“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle
This science fantasy novel follows the journey of young Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O’Keefe as they travel through space and time to rescue Meg’s father from the clutches of an evil force.
The novel, which blends elements of science fiction and fantasy, deals with themes of good versus evil and the power of love.
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl
This beloved children’s book tells the story of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins a golden ticket to visit the mysterious and magical chocolate factory owned by the eccentric Willy Wonka.
The story is a moral lesson wrapped in a world of imagination, highlighting the consequences of greed and the importance of kindness.
“Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley
Set in a dystopian future where society is highly controlled and individuals are engineered for specific roles, this novel explores themes of technology, power, and the loss of individuality.
It presents a world where happiness and stability are maintained through artificial means, at the cost of freedom and human connection.
“Slaughterhouse-Five” by Kurt Vonnegut
This satirical novel is a unique blend of autobiographical, science fiction, and historical fiction elements.
It follows Billy Pilgrim, a soldier who experiences the bombing of Dresden in World War II and becomes “unstuck in time,” experiencing different periods of his life out of sequence. The novel addresses the horrors of war and the concept of free will.
“The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green
A contemporary novel about two teenagers, Hazel and Augustus, who meet and fall in love at a cancer support group. The story is a poignant exploration of love, mortality, and the meaning of life, filled with humor and tragedy.
“Catch-22” by Joseph Heller
This satirical novel set during World War II follows Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier, and the various absurd and illogical situations he encounters.
The novel critiques the absurdity of war and the bureaucracies of military life, introducing the now-famous paradoxical term “catch-22.”
“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
This is the first book in a dystopian trilogy set in a post-apocalyptic nation where children are chosen to participate in an annual televised death match called the Hunger Games.
The story focuses on Katniss Everdeen, a participant in the games, and explores themes of survival, totalitarianism, and media manipulation.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
Set in a totalitarian society where women are subjugated and used solely for reproduction, this novel follows Offred, a Handmaid who struggles to survive and resist the oppressive regime.
The story is a powerful commentary on gender, power, and the importance of individual autonomy.
“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
This novel tells the story of Amir, a young boy from Kabul, and his journey of redemption following a traumatic childhood incident.
Set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s turbulent history, the novel explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the complex nature of friendship.
“Life of Pi” by Yann Martel
This novel narrates the survival story of Pi Patel, a young Indian boy who survives a shipwreck and is stranded in the Pacific Ocean on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker.
The book is an exploration of faith, reality, and the resilience of the human spirit, presented through a blend of adventure, spirituality, and philosophical inquiry.
Non-Fiction Books
“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari
This book offers a sweeping narrative of human history, beginning from the emergence of Homo sapiens in Africa to the rise of vast empires and technological achievements of the 21st century. Harari explores how Homo sapiens came to dominate the Earth, delving into the cognitive, agricultural, and scientific revolutions that have shaped our species.
“Educated” by Tara Westover
Tara Westover’s memoir recounts her life growing up in a strict and isolated survivalist family in Idaho. Despite never attending school, she self-educated, which led her to earn a PhD from Cambridge University.
It’s a profound reflection on the power and limitations of education, and the struggle of a young woman to define herself beyond the confines of her upbringing.
“The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank
This diary is a poignant and powerful account of a Jewish girl’s life in hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam during World War II.
Anne Frank’s honest and heartfelt writing provides a deeply personal perspective on the horrors of the Holocaust, making it a crucial document of historical significance and a testament to the human spirit.
“Outliers: The Story of Success” by Malcolm Gladwell
In this book, Gladwell challenges the traditional notions of individual merit and talent as the sole drivers of success.
He examines the lives of ‘outliers’ – exceptionally successful individuals – and argues that factors like culture, family, timing, and sheer luck often play critical roles in shaping a person’s achievements.
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama
This memoir by the former First Lady of the United States is a deeply personal account of her life, from her childhood in Chicago’s South Side, her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address.
It offers insights into her inner life, her decisions, and her role in shaping American history.
“A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking’s landmark work brings complex concepts of time, space, and the universe to the general reader.
The book discusses the nature of the universe, black holes, the big bang, the nature of time, and the search for a unified theory of physics. It’s renowned for making astrophysics accessible to a broad audience.
“The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot
This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells (known as HeLa) were taken without her knowledge in 1951 and led to numerous scientific breakthroughs.
It raises important questions about race, ethics, and the intersection of science and personal rights, highlighting the impact of Henrietta’s cells on medical research and the lack of recognition and compensation her family received.
“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer
Krakauer explores the compelling story of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gave up his possessions and savings to embark on a journey into the Alaskan wilderness, seeking a more authentic and meaningful life.
The book is a meditation on the allure of the wilderness and the tragic consequences of McCandless’s idealistic adventure.
“Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman
Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman presents a fascinating exploration of the two systems that drive our thought processes: System 1, which is fast, intuitive, and emotional; and System 2, which is slower, more deliberative, and more logical. He discusses how these two systems shape our judgments and decisions, often in ways we are not consciously aware of.
“Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood” by Trevor Noah
In his memoir, comedian Trevor Noah recounts his experiences growing up in South Africa during the end of apartheid, and the early years of freedom that followed.
Being born to a black South African mother and a white Swiss father, Noah navigated a complex world where he was literally born a crime, as his birth violated the apartheid laws.
His stories are both hilarious and heart-wrenching, offering a unique perspective on race, identity, and belonging.
“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls
This memoir recounts Jeannette Walls’ unconventional upbringing in a dysfunctional family led by her alcoholic father and her artistic, nonconformist mother.
The book is a remarkable story of resilience and redemption, as Walls and her siblings overcome severe poverty and neglect to find success on their own terms.
“Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything” by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Levitt and Dubner use economic theory to explore the hidden side of seemingly unrelated topics, from cheating in sumo wrestling to the real reasons for the drop in crime rates in the 1990s.
This book challenges conventional wisdom and brings new perspectives to how the world works.
“In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote
Capote’s book is a groundbreaking work of narrative nonfiction that details the 1959 murders of the Clutter family in rural Kansas.
It’s a chilling, deeply psychological study of the murderers and an exploration of the impact of violent crime on a community.
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl
In this memoir and philosophical work, psychiatrist Viktor Frankl recounts his experiences in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz.
He discusses how he found personal meaning during this time, leading to the development of his theory of logotherapy, which is based on the premise that the primary human drive is not pleasure but the pursuit of what we find meaningful.
“The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion” by Jonathan Haidt
This book by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt explores the origins of our divisions in politics and religion.
Haidt examines how moral judgments arise not from reason but from gut feelings, and he looks at how different cultures and political groups have varying conceptions of morality.
“The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness” by Sy Montgomery
Sy Montgomery delves into the mysterious world of the octopus, exploring the emotional and physical capabilities of these intelligent creatures.
The book is a blend of natural history, scientific discovery, and personal narrative, revealing the extraordinary nature of the octopus.
“The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business” by Charles Duhigg
This book explores the science of habit formation in our lives, companies, and societies. Duhigg explains why habits exist and how they can be changed, providing insight into how habits work and how they can be transformed.
“When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi
This memoir is a moving account of Kalanithi’s journey from a medical student to a neurosurgeon dealing with a terminal cancer diagnosis. The book is a reflection on facing death and on the relationship between doctor and patient, from a unique perspective of someone who experienced both roles.
“Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies” by Jared Diamond
Diamond’s book is a transdisciplinary study of history and biology, which seeks to understand why certain societies have conquered and dominated others throughout history. It argues that environmental and geographical factors shaped the modern world more than racial or cultural differences.
“Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup” by John Carreyrou
This book is an investigative account of the rise and fall of Theranos, the biotech startup founded by Elizabeth Holmes. Carreyrou, a Wall Street Journal reporter, reveals the fraudulent practices that led to the company being valued at billions of dollars, and the eventual exposure of its deception.
“The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration” by Isabel Wilkerson
This book is a masterful narrative that chronicles the decades-long migration of black citizens fleeing the South for better opportunities in the North and West, from 1915 to 1970.
Wilkerson tells this story through the personal accounts of three individuals representing different decades and destinations of the migration. It’s a powerful and moving account that reshapes our understanding of American history.
“Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain
Cain argues that modern Western culture misunderstands and undervalues the traits and capabilities of introverted people.
The book presents a history of how Western culture transformed from a culture of character to a culture of personality, and how in many situations, introverts are undervalued. Cain also provides advice on how introverts can better understand themselves and maximize their strengths.
“The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals” by Michael Pollan
Pollan explores the social, ethical, and environmental implications of our food choices.
The book examines the food chains that sustain humans: industrial food, organic or alternative food, and food we forage ourselves. It delves into the ecological and ethical dilemmas of eating and how our food is produced.
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk
This book is a pioneering exploration of trauma and its effects on the body and mind.
Van der Kolk, a leading researcher in the field, shows how trauma reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments to help people reclaim their lives.
“The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White Mother” by James McBride
McBride’s memoir is a tribute to his white Jewish mother, who raised twelve black children in Brooklyn and managed to send them all to college.
The book alternates between James’s story and his mother’s own story of growing up in a strict, poor family of Polish Jewish immigrants. It’s a powerful narrative about identity, race, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and son.
“The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America” by Erik Larson
Larson intertwines the true tale of the 1893 World’s Fair and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to attract and murder women. This book is a gripping tale of the grandeur of the fair and the darkness lurking around it, exploring the dual nature of human ingenuity.
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
This timeless self-help book offers practical advice and techniques for how to communicate with others more effectively and influentially. Carnegie discusses ways to make people like you, win others to your way of thinking, and change people without arousing resentment.
“The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness” by Michelle Alexander
Alexander’s book is a thorough examination of the U.S. criminal justice system and how it functions as a contemporary system of racial control. She argues that the war on drugs has led to the mass incarceration of black Americans, which she compares to the Jim Crow laws.
“Astrophysics for People in a Hurry” by Neil deGrasse Tyson
In this accessible and engaging book, Tyson brings the universe down to Earth succinctly and clearly, with sparkling wit. He covers a range of topics from the nature of time, the Big Bang, black holes, to the search for life in the universe, making complex concepts understandable for non-scientists.
“Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike” by Phil Knight
This memoir by Nike’s founder offers an inside look at the company’s early days as a start-up and its evolution into one of the world’s most iconic and profitable brands.
Knight shares the inside story of the company’s inception, its trials and tribulations, and the lessons he learned along the way.
