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Must-Read Book List: Classics, Modern, & Horror
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items A must-read book list featuring my favorite classics, modern reads, and horror novels. Curated for readers looking for essential books across genres.
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Sections
3
Classics
Modern
Horror
Classics
Timeless classics that shaped literature and remain must-reads for every generation.
In a future where books are banned, firemen burn knowledge instead of saving it. This dystopian classic is a powerful warning about censorship and the importance of free thought.
Fahrenheit 451: Ray Bradbury
The first part of Tolkien’s epic follows Frodo as he begins his dangerous quest to destroy the One Ring. A cornerstone of fantasy literature, it sets the stage for an unforgettable journey.
The Fellowship Of The Ring: First Part of Lord
If you enjoyed The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers is an absolute must-read. As the second book in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, it takes you deeper into Tolkien’s world of Middle-earth, where the stakes grow higher and the battles more despe...
The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, Part 2)
Bilbo Baggins leaves the comfort of home for a daring adventure with dwarves and dragons. A timeless prelude to The Lord of the Rings, it’s one of the most beloved classics in fantasy.
The Hobbit - J. R. R. Tolkien: Books
The final battle for Middle-earth brings both epic warfare and personal sacrifice. Tolkien’s conclusion is a masterclass in world-building and storytelling that still inspires fantasy today.
The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings)
Set in a futuristic society built on control and pleasure, individuality is nearly erased. Huxley’s novel is a chilling classic that questions technology, freedom, and what it means to be human.
Brave New World: 9780060850524: Huxley, Aldous
Winston Smith struggles against a totalitarian regime where Big Brother controls every aspect of life. Orwell’s vision of surveillance and oppression remains one of the most important classics ever written.
1984: 75th Anniversary Edition - Orwell
Modern
Contemporary favorites and standout novels that define today’s reading lists.
In a brutal society where children fight to the death on live TV, Katniss Everdeen becomes an unlikely hero. This modern dystopian classic is fast-paced, gripping, and thought-provoking.
The Hunger Games Book Series
If you’ve ever wondered how patriarchy shapes men’s lives and relationships, this book is essential reading. In The Will to Change, cultural critic and feminist thinker bell hooks speaks directly to the struggles men face under a system that tells th...
The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love
Katniss is forced back into the deadly Games, even as rebellion brews across the districts. The sequel raises the stakes and deepens the story of survival and defiance.
Catching Fire - (The Hunger Games)
The rebellion against the Capitol reaches its breaking point, and Katniss must decide what kind of symbol she will become. A dramatic conclusion to one of the most popular trilogies of the century.
Mockingjay (The Hunger Games)
A gripping Hunger Games prequel that dives into the origins of President Snow, exploring ambition, morality, and the cost of power. Dark, thrilling, and thought-provoking, it’s perfect for fans of dystopian stories who love morally complex characters...
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (Hunger Games)
The newest Hunger Games prequel promises to take us back to District 12 and the 50th Hunger Games. A must-read for anyone fascinated by the history of Panem and the roots of Katniss’s world. Anticipated to be both brutal and illuminating.
Sunrise on the Reaping (A Hunger Games Novel) ...
This eye-opening work uncovers the hidden ties between the internet and military surveillance. A must for readers interested in technology, politics, and the unseen forces shaping our digital lives.
Surveillance Valley: Secret Military History
A powerful collection of essays and poetry on love, justice, and survival. Both tender and radical, this book speaks to the need for community and compassion in times of pain and transformation.
I Hope We Choose Love: A Trans Girl’s Notes
Horror
I always love a good horror book.
A gothic reimagining of Poe’s The Fall of the House of Usher. Creepy hares, crumbling mansions, and a growing sense of dread make this a chilling yet beautifully written novella for horror fans.
What Moves the Dead (Sworn Soldier, #1) by T. Kingfisher
this historical horror novel mixes Victorian asylum settings with queer rage and ghostly terror. A fierce story about autonomy, identity, and survival against oppressive systems.
The Spirit Bares Its Teeth
Terrifying and surreal, Tomie follows an immortal girl whose beauty drives others to obsession and madness. A cornerstone of Japanese horror, perfect for readers who love disturbing, psychologically twisted stories.
Tomie: Complete Deluxe Edition (Junji Ito)
Strange, grotesque, and mesmerizing, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves cosmic horror and unforgettable imagery.
Uzumaki 3-in-1 Deluxe Edition Vols 1-3
A follow-up to What Moves the Dead, this novella blends folklore, body horror, and atmosphere. Perfect for fans of creeping dread, strange creatures, and unsettling folklore come to life.
What Feasts at Night (Sworn Soldier Book 2)
Part Southern Gothic, part unsettling domestic horror, this novel explores family secrets and buried histories with both wit and terror. A chilling yet darkly humorous read for fans of haunted houses and creeping unease.
A House With Good Bones