These must-read classics have stood the test of time, now find out why. Packed with unforgettable characters and stories, find out why these books have earned their place on the shelf for generations and should be on your reading list.
“Animal Farm” by George Orwell
A satirical novel that follows a group of farm animals as they rebel against their farmers to create a community where all animals are equal.
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker
Through a series of letters, Celie, an abused African American woman, and her sister Nettie, a missionary in Africa, encounter pain, domestic abuse, friendship, resilience and sisterhood in this tale depicting the lives of African American women in the 20th century South.
“Dune” by Frank Herbert
Paul Atreides is the heir of a noble family on an inhospitable planet where spice, a drug known to give users enhanced consciousness, is created. When his family is betrayed, Paul sets out on a journey to fulfill his destiny.
“And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie
Ten guests with their own wicked pasts venture to a little private island owned by an unknown millionaire. However, each guests’ fate is marked for murder by a famous nursery rhyme. Who is behind it all and who will live to tell the tale?
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
In 1939 Nazi Germany, Liesel can’t resist stealing books. With the help of her foster father, she learns to read and shares her treasures with her neighbors and Jewish friends.
“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini
Set against Taliban rule in Afghanistan, a young, privileged boy named Amir befriends Hassan, a servant’s son. After Hassan is assaulted, Amir flees to America with his father and must contend with his guilt until he returns to save Hassan’s orphaned son.
“The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
In this coming-of-age story, follow Ponyboy, a member of the greaser gang, as he faces the Socs, a rival gang, violence, friendships, tragedy and the struggle between right and wrong.
“Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom
In this heartfelt memoir, Mitch reconnects with his former professor Morrie, who is dying from ALS. For 14 Tuesdays, the two discuss life, love, death and the meaning of life.
“The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Set in the Jazz Age of New York, narrator Nick Carraway helps Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, in the pursuit of his former lover Daisy.
“The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas
Edmond Dantes was thrown in prison for a crime he did not commit. When he hears of a vast treasure on the Isle of Monte Cristo, Edmond is determined to escape his confines and seek revenge on those responsible for his incarceration.
“Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
After enduring a difficult and lonely childhood, orphan Jane becomes a governess for Mr. Rochester. When she discovers his dark secret, Jane is forced to decide whether to follow her convictions or live with the consequences.
“One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez
Explore themes of solitude, magical realism and the cyclical nature of history in this story following the rise and fall of five generations of the Buendia family in the mythical town of Macondo.
Ashlee Conour is the marketing specialist at Naperville Public Library.