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Must-Read Novel and Books
100
items This curated list brings together an extraordinary range of voices and styles—from modern masterpieces to global classics, quiet dramas to sweeping historical sagas. You’ll find haunting ghost stories rooted in history, dazzling fantasy full of wonde...
Sections
17
Classic
YA Distopian
Romance/Classic
Historical Drama
Mystery/Lit Fic
Historical
Classic
A powerful tale of racial injustice and childhood in the Deep South.Told warmth and wit.
To Kill a Mockingbird a book by Harper Lee
Honeyman A story that’s equal parts quirky, heartbreaking, and hopeful.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine: Reese's Book Club
A profound exploration of colonialism and tradition in pre-colonial Nigeria, told through the tragic tale of Okonkwo—a foundational African novel.
Things Fall Apart: A Novel (African Trilogy)
A heart-tugging, emotional story of unexpected young love and lasting
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks, Paperback
Classic suspense-horror—King always delivers.
Never Flinch: A Novel by Stephen King, Hardcover
YA Distopian
A girl whose touch is lethal.Explosive style and story telling.
Shatter Me Series - The English Bookshop
A brutal futuristic society forces teens to fight to the death on live TV. Katniss Everdeen’s defiance turns her into the symbol of revolution.
List of Books by Hunger Games Author Suzanne Collins
A chilling look at totalitarianism and surveillance.Still eerily relevant
1984 George Orwell - Jarir.com KSA
In a world divided by personality traits, Tris doesn’t fit neatly anywhere. Being “Divergent” makes her dangerous—and a target.
Divergent (Divergent Series #1) by Veronica Roth, Paperback
Two prodigies from opposite sides of a corrupt nation uncover deadly secrets. Action-packed with a strong emotional core.
Legend (Legend Series #1) by Marie Lu, Paperback
Society decides everything for you—including who you love. But Cassia starts to question the rules after an unexpected glitch.
Matched (Matched Trilogy Series #1) by Ally Condie, Paperback
Notes: Love is seen as a disease. Lena can’t wait for the cure—until she meets Alex. Poetic, haunting, and deeply human.
Delirium (Delirium Series #1) by Lauren Oliver, Paperback
A boy wakes up in a strange maze with no memory. Fast-paced, eerie, and filled with twists.
The Maze Runner (Maze Runner Series #1) by James Dashner, Paperback
A classic. In a colorless, controlled world, young Jonas is given memories of humanity’s true past—and begins to question everything.
The Giver by Lois Lowry, Paperback
Romance/Classic
A witty,charming exploration of love,class,and family.Timeless
Pride and Prejudice a book by Jane Austen ...
A nostalgic, melancholic look at young love and mental health, infused with Murakami’s signature quiet surrealism.
Norwegian Wood: Haruki Murakami, Jay Rubin - Books
Third Empyrean romantasy—dragons, intrigue & soaring emotion.
Onyx Storm (Standard Edition) by Rebecca Yarros, Hardcover
Second in the Empyrean series—more heartbreak, fire, and elite dragon riders.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros, Hardcover
A soulful love story full of humor and life-changing decisions.
Great Big Beautiful Life (B&N Exclusive Edition) by Emily Henry, Hardcover
Love tangled across timelines.
The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)
Historical Drama
Friendship,guilt,and redemptio set against a changing Afghanistan.Deeply emotional.
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
A sweeping, emotional tale set in 1970s India.
A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
Multicultural London, generational strife, and hilarious chaos—told with wit and warmth through unforgettable characters.
White Teeth Zadie Smith
Set in Nazi Germany and narrated by Death, this novel follows a young girl named Liesel who finds solace in books during wartime terror. It’s a poignant blend of beauty, brutality, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, Paperback
Two sisters in occupied France during WWII face love, loss, and terrifying choices. This sweeping saga honors the unsung female heroes of history with heartbreaking intimacy.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Paperback
Mystery/Lit Fic
A lyrical murder mystery with nature as a central theme.Quietly haunting.
Where the Crawdads Sing: Reese's Book Club a book by Delia Owens
A gothic literary mystery that celebrates books and storytelling.
The Shadow of the Wind (Cemetery Books)
A young boy’s world is upended by a museum bombing—what follows is a haunting meditation on loss, art, and identity.
The Goldfinch a book by Donna Tartt
Poetic exploration of memory and dignity
The Emperor of Gladness (Oprah's Book Club) by Ocean Vuong, Hardcover
– A touching octopus friendship.
Remarkably Bright Creatures (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Memoir on power, greed & Silicon Valley
Careless People: Power, Greed & Idealism
Why TB is more than a disease; NYT #1
Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest ...
– Economic optimism in crisis‑age
Abundance by Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson
gripping survival thriller set in the rugged American wilderness. A powerful mix of action, justice, and raw human instinct that fans of suspense will love.
➡️ Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced plots and outdoor adventure.
Battle Mountain (B&N Exclusive Edition) by C. J. Box, Hardcover
Historical
Nazi Germany seen through a book-loving girls eyes.Narrated by death-yes,really.
The Book Thief - Markus Zusak
A generational saga of a Korean family in Japan, rich in culture and resilience.
Pachinko - National Book Award Finalist by Lee
The witch from The Odyssey gets her own epic—beautifully lyrical, feminist, and unexpectedly modern in its emotional depth.
Circe: 9780316556347: Miller, Madeline: Books
Note: A historical fiction masterpiece that explores war, family, and resilience through the eyes of two sisters. Deeply emotional and beautifully written.
➡️ Perfect for: Fans of tearjerkers, WWII fiction, and sister stories.
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah, Paperback
Contemporary
A cranky man with a heart of gold.Funny,tearjerking and full of soul.
A Man Called Ove: A Novel: 9781476738024 - Books
Fresh, chart-topping romance with a contemporary vibe. Elle Kennedy delivers witty banter, strong female leads, and lots of heart.
➡️ Perfect for: Romance readers who love emotional depth with spice.
The Charlie Method (B&N Exclusive Edition) by Elle Kennedy, Paperback
A tender, intelligent love story of two Irish teenagers whose relationship keeps shifting over the years. Quietly powerful, it explores class, intimacy, and the unspoken.
Normal People by Sally Rooney, Paperback
Set in a tightly controlled suburban town, the arrival of a free-spirited artist and her daughter throws everything into question. Themes of motherhood, race, and privilege simmer just beneath the surface.
Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng, Paperback
A failed bank robber, an open house gone awry, and a group of hostages who are anything but predictable. Hilarious and heartwarming—it reminds us we’re all a little messed up, but that’s okay.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Between life and death lies a library of infinite possibilities. Nora explores what might’ve been—and in doing so, finds her way back to meaning. Moving and philosophical.
The Midnight Library (GMA Book Club Pick) by Matt Haig, Paperback
Magical Realism
A powerful, poetic ghost story rooted in the horrors of slavery and the deep scars it leaves behind.
Beloved by Toni Morrison - Pulitzer Winner
A generational saga with political overtones, ghosts, and sweeping romance—like Gabriel García Márquez with a Chilean twist.
House of the Spirits
A man returns to his childhood home and recalls strange, mystical events involving his eccentric neighbors. A haunting, lyrical exploration of memory, fear, and the magic children perceive that adults forget.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
A sweeping multigenerational saga of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. The surreal and the mundane coexist in this Latin American masterpiece that shaped the magical realism genre.
One Hundred Years of Solitude|Paperback
A mysterious circus appears without warning. Inside, it's filled with impossible wonders, illusions, and a love story entwined in a magical rivalry. Dreamlike and visually stunning
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, Paperback
Domestic Drama
Tension unravel in picture-perfect suburb.Beautifully layered.
Little Fires Everywhere: Reese's Book Club: A Novel
Gripping emotional drama from a bestselling author.
Atmosphere: A Love Story (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Two NYPD families living next door become bound by tragedy—and healing. Spanning decades, this is a powerful meditation on forgiveness, mental illness, and the quiet resilience of love.
Ask Again, Yes: A Novel - Mary Beth Keane
A brother and sister haunted by the lavish house they were exiled from. Lush, melancholic, and magnetic, it explores inheritance—of both property and wounds.
The Dutch House (A Read with Jenna Pick) by Ann Patchett, Paperback
A Chinese American family in 1970s Ohio unravels after their daughter’s death. With aching precision, it delves into identity, grief, and the crushing weight of expectations.
Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng, Paperback
Sci-Fi
One man.One spaceship.One chance to save Earth.Smart and suprisingly heartwarming
don't understand Project Hail Mary mid-late story. spoilers in OP. : r/printSF
Part love story, part dystopian meditation—what begins as a quiet boarding school tale slowly unravels into a chilling ethical dilemma.
The Grimrose Girls
What if the Axis powers won WWII? A mind-bending classic that questions reality, history, and the power of belief.
The Man In The High Castle a book by Philip K. Dick
A deep dive into gender and identity on an alien world.
The Left Hand of Darkness (Hainish Series) by Ursula K. Le Guin, Paperback
time-travel meets historical injustice with chilling effect.
Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, Paperback
Fantasy
A whimsical duel of magicians,wrapped in lush prose.Full of wonder.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
YA fantasy with emotional hero journey
Fearless (B&N Exclusive Edition) by Lauren Roberts, Hardcover
Note: A wildly popular addition to the Dog Man series, this book is full of laughs, creativity, and comic-style action—perfect for young readers.
➡️ Perfect for: Kids aged 7+, fans of Captain Underpants-style humor.
Big Jim Begins (B&N Exclusive Edition) (Dog Man Series #13)
A mythic tale that weaves childhood fears into lyrical wonder. Short, strange, and deeply moving.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane a book by Neil Gaiman
Note: A timeless classic that never goes out of style. With playful rhymes and bold illustrations, this book continues to charm new generations.
➡️ Perfect for: Parents, early readers, and nostalgic collectors.
Green Eggs and Ham Deluxe (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Greek mythology gets a fierce, feminist retelling
Circe by Madeline Miller, Paperback
Psychological Thriller
A strugglin writer uncovers a dark manuscript.Twisty and Disturbing.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
A darkly elegant tale of murder and obsession among a tight-knit group of elite students—where academia turns lethal.
The Secret History: A Read with Jenna Pick - Donna Tartt
What happens when your new apartment hides a deadly secret?
The Tenant (B&N Exclusive Edition) by Freida McFadden, Paperback
A survival story that turns into a gripping psychological nightmare.
The Crash (B&N Exclusive Edition) by Freida McFadden, Paperback
A domestic worker discovers dark secrets—danger is closer than she thinks.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, Paperback
STEM-themed rom-com meets tension
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood, Paperback
Fantasy meets mystery
Rebel Witch: The Crimson Moth: Book 2 by Kristen Ciccarelli, Hardcover
Riveting political thriller from iconic
The First Gentleman: A Thriller by James Patterson, Bill Clinton, Hardcover
A compelling crime thriller from a master of the genre.
Nightshade by Michael Connelly, Hardcover
An unforgettable story about a woman who stops speaking after a shocking act.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Memory loss, mystery, and mind games.
Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Coming-of-Age / Tragicomedy
Grumpy old man meets the world’s persistence. This novel will have you laughing, crying, and rooting for unexpected kindness.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Paperback, 2015) for sale online
Eleanor leads a rigid, solitary life—but her awkward honesty and dry wit make her lovable. As her world slowly expands, you’ll laugh, ache, and cheer for her healing.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine (Reese's Book Club)
A cranky, rule-bound widower finds life interrupted by unexpected friendships. It's tender and hilarious, showing that love and purpose can find you even when you're not looking.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, Paperback
Classic voice of teenage disillusionment. Holden Caulfield’s inner monologue is angsty, sarcastic, and darkly funny—capturing the confusion of growing up while resisting it.
The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, Paperback
A struggling writer runs away from heartbreak by globetrotting to avoid his ex’s wedding. Every mishap is hilariously poignant, revealing that you can age into grace—even if you do it clumsily.
Less (Pulitzer Prize Winner) by Andrew Sean Greer, Paperback
Philosophical Fiction
Explores love, freedom, and fate with sensuality and intellect during Prague Spring. One to ponder deeply over coffee.
the unbearable lightness of being products for sale
A mysterious letter leads a teenage girl into a whirlwind journey through the history of philosophy. Both a novel and a crash course in Western thought, this one’s a mind-expanding classic.
Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy by Jostein Gaarder
Emotionless and detached, Meursault commits a shocking crime—then reflects on absurdity, meaninglessness, and the indifference of the universe. A cornerstone of existentialist literature.
The Stranger by Albert Camus, Paperback
Set in a seemingly idyllic English boarding school, this haunting tale explores identity, mortality, and what it means to have a soul.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro, Paperback
Love, freedom, and philosophy converge in this story of intersecting lives during the Prague Spring. It probes whether life’s moments matter—or if everything is ultimately weightless.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, Paperback
Uplifting, Literary & Heartfelt
A lonely woman and a clever octopus change each other’s lives.
Remarkably Bright Creatures (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Beautiful, poetic exploration of memory, service, and grief.
The Emperor of Gladness (Oprah's Book Club) by Ocean Vuong, Hardcover
Uplifting and emotional literary fiction.
My Friends: A Novel (Barnes & Noble Book Club Edition) by Fredrik Backman ...
Self-Help & Empowerment
Don’t chase. Don’t beg. Let people show you who they are.
The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop ...
Let people show who they are.” #1 frontlist
The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop ...
Proven habit-building system; constant bestseller
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
New memoir revealing tech and philanthropy insights
Source Code: My Beginnings by Bill Gates, Hardcover
Rethinking success in all life areas
The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life
Mental-health bestseller per 2025 trends
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives ...
New & Noteworthy
Return to Panem in this Hunger Games prequel.
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel)|Hardcover
Adichie’s first novel in a decade is a lyrical, politically charged exploration of memory, identity, and the legacy of colonialism. A triumphant return from one of the most celebrated voices in global literature
Dream Count: A Novel (B&N Exclusive Edition)
Quietly majestic, this novel captures the emotional intricacies of a family over a long weekend. Tyler’s signature warmth and insight are on full display
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
A sweeping coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of a changing America. With lush prose and unforgettable characters, it’s being hailed as a breakout debut
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff, Hardcover
A prequel to The Hunger Games, this installment dives into the 50th Hunger Games—also known as the Second Quarter Quell. Fans are calling it a chilling, timely return to Panem
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel)|Hardcover