The Top Must-Read Books of All Time

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Updated January 21, 2020 582.9K votes 23.0K voters 765.5K views
Over 23.0K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Top Must-Read Books of All Time
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Must-Read Books everyone should read

Need a good read? Take a look at this list of the best must-read books of all time, suitable for every one of all ages, creeds and color. Featuring the newest YA novels reviewed by popular literary channels on YouTube, these are the novels, autobiographies, and short books that you should consider when you ask yourself, "What book should I read next?" If you somehow made it through school without reading the classic - or you're still in school - be sure to check them out to expand your literary horizons.

An eclectic mix that does not cater solely to the sensibilities of the literati, culturati, illuminati or even paparazzi. With some hidden gems in here, it's a great list to consider when looking for something to read next.  

"Tell me what you read and I'll tell you who you are" is true enough, but I'd know you better if you told me what you reread' - François Mauriac. Give fellow voters the best tips you can on the top books of all time that they must read by voting on your personal favorites and downvoting those you didn't enjoy.

 

Photo: flickr / CC0
Ranked by
  • Charlotte's Web
    1

    Charlotte's Web

    E. B. White
    3,188 votes
    • First Published: 1952
    • Genres (Book): Speculative fiction, Children's literature
    • Original Language: English Language
    Charlotte's Web is a children's novel by American author E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams; it was published on October 15, 1952, by Harper & Brothers. The novel tells the story of a ...more
  • Green Eggs and Ham
    2

    Green Eggs and Ham

    Dr. Seuss
    4,704 votes
    • First Published: 1960
    • Genres (Book): Children's literature
    • Original Language: English Language
    Green Eggs and Ham is a best-selling and critically acclaimed children's book by Dr. Seuss, first published on August 12, 1960. As of 2001, according to Publishers Weekly, it was the fourth ...more
  • The Cat in the Hat
    3

    The Cat in the Hat

    Dr. Seuss
    5,558 votes
    • First Published: 1957-12-22
    • Subjects: Cat, Anthropomorphism
    • Genres (Book): Picture book, Children's literature
    • Original Language: English Language
    The Cat in the Hat is a children's book written and illustrated by Theodor Geisel under the pen name Dr. Seuss and first published in 1957. The story centers on a tall anthropomorphic cat, who wears ...more
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
    4
    • First Published: 1957-11-24
    • Genres (Book): Children's literature
    • Original Language: English Language
    How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a children's story by Theodor "Dr. Seuss" Geisel written in rhymed verse with illustrations by the author. It follows the Grinch, a grouchy, solitary creature who ...more
  • Winnie-the-Pooh
    5

    Winnie-the-Pooh

    A. A. Milne
    3,834 votes
    • First Published: 1926-10-14
    • Subjects: Literature, Classics, Friendship, Animal, Performing arts
    • Genres (Book): Children's literature, Fiction
    • Original Language: English Language
    Winnie-the-Pooh is the first volume of stories about Winnie-the-Pooh, by A. A. Milne. It is followed by The House at Pooh Corner. The book focuses on the adventures of a teddy bear called ...more
  • Where the Wild Things Are
    6

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Maurice Sendak
    4,407 votes
    • First Published: 1963
    • Subjects: Education, Games, Classics, Adventure, Children's film
    • Genres (Book): Speculative fiction, Picture book, Children's literature, Fiction, Fantasy
    • Original Language: English Language
    Where the Wild Things Are is a 1963 children's picture book by American writer and illustrator Maurice Sendak, originally published by Harper & Row. The book has been adapted into other media several ...more