For many people, avid readers or not, it is difficult to figure out what book to read next. Many find it hard to choose which books to prioritize over others, some wonder if they should read books that are more relevant to current events, and many just struggle to find the time to read. I compiled a list of books that I think everyone should read in their lifetime, all for various reasons. I always have trouble finding books to read that are not on every list that pops up on Google, so hopefully this list can help other people who want a little bit more variation in their “To Be Read” list.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Saint-Exupéry’s imaginative tale may seem like it is tailored to children, however, it is anything but that. This story can be read over and over bringing a new meaning and depth each time Along with the story itself, there are beautiful illustrations that bring creativity to the story and help the reader to better visualize the scenes. This novella has a deep meaning that requires more than just a skim of the surface to comprehend. The story follows the course of a young prince in mysterious lands and shows how curiosity is the key to really being able to live life.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

This story, cleverly disguised as a tale about talking farm animals, is an allegory and cautionary tale about the faults of socialism. Orwell wrote this book as a warning to society during the rise of socialist movements in Europe, especially among academics. With the different animals representing various leaders and groups of people, such as Vladimir Lenin and Leon Trotsky, Orwell presents a story that can be learned from for generations to come.

Night by Elie Wiesel

Wiesel recounts his horrific experiences at multiple concentration camps during World War II in this memoir. Though the character in this novel is not Wiesel himself, he goes through the same events that the author did. He writes about his character’s life in the concentration camps over the course of a year, describing the absolute atrocities he witnessed until the liberation of his camp. This novel gives the perspective of a Jewish person during the Holocaust that not many are used to.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

This self-help book teaches readers how to perceive time in a transformative way. Tolle gives a new perspective on life, teaching how to focus on the moment, and not to dwell on the past or the future. Though to some the idea of reading a guide to “spiritual enlightenment” may not seem very helpful or worthwhile, it is still cathartic to many.