Fiction You’ve Always Meant to Read

Watch the events of Henry VIII’s life unfold through the eyes of his sometimes-confidant, sometimes-adversary Thomas Cromwell in this sweeping historical epic. With sharp dialogue, suspenseful tension and a vividly human perspective, this is a gripping read whether you’re a history buff or not.

The one and only from Emily Brontë, and it is a gut punch. A tragic story of class divides and revenge, Wuthering Heights is a classic tale of the power of love, and the devastation of love lost. Sometimes offered as part of high school English curriculum, this is a novel you won’t want to miss.

Part seafaring adventure, part intricate guide to all things whale, this classic masterpiece holds a well-deserved place in the literary canon. The quintessential tale of obsession is a touchstone in intellectual circles and often alluded to in movies. Missed it in college? It’s not too late for redemption. 

The Da Vinci Code, the second book in the Robert Langdon series, took the world by storm when it was first released in 2003. The highly-addictive read is a meticulous mélange of religious history, intricate puzzles and artistic conspiracies. Think you can crack the code?

If it’s your first journey into the world of le Carré’s George Smiley series, then prepare to enter the spy craft world and hit the ground running. If you’re a fan of the Oscar-nominated film, we suggest this as a quick follow-up.

The only hope for humanity rests with Dr. Ryland Grace — if only he could remember his mission. Andy Weir, the bestselling author of The Martian, delivers a perfect tale of catastrophe, survival and interstellar adventure.

Set in the religious patriarchy of Gilead, The Handmaid’s Tale is a haunting narrative of what America could be. As the threat of Gilead looms ever closer, this seems less like a dystopian novel and more like a prescient warning.

A multilayered story of hauntings and hallowed ground, motherhood and memory. The 1988 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winner is considered Morrison’s masterwork. It is an incomparable novel that will linger with you long after the last page.

An Octavia Butler masterpiece, this time travel narrative is an enthralling and devastating deep dive into the horrors of slavery and the ripples that still rock the modern world and beyond. Credited as an inspiration for many modern science fiction writers, this book must be read by all.

A tour de force of the Science Fiction genre, Dune laid the foundation for many of the epics that followed. Frank Herbert addresses overarching themes of family politics, religion, environment and the all-encompassing temptation of power, all set against the backdrop of a futuristic civilization that, at times, can be unflinchingly prophetic. You will taste the sand in your mouth and soon be hungry for the next installment.

Written in majestically lyrical prose, this is one of Baldwin’s best-known novels and often the first that readers discover. A classic of gay literature that was radical for its time, it is considered a pivotal work in LGBTQ+ history. Highly reflective, this is a must-read for anyone longing to explore love and human yearning.

A heart-wrenching coming-of-age story that will have you crying by the last page. Hinton’s ability to create realistic and compelling characters speaks to her talented writing ability. The bond between Ponyboy and Johnny is an intimate portrayal of male friendship that isn’t often seen in YA fiction.

I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is a gripping portrayal of a contemporary Mexican American teenager who is caught between the cultural expectations of her traditional family and her desire to forge her own path. Erika L. Sanchez has crafted a contemporary story with a mystery element that readers will not soon put down.

The beautiful, soul-searing story of the power of books. In the heat of Hitler’s Germany, terror and death are everywhere. In an effort to provide some semblance of happiness to the unfortunate souls hiding and clinging to life, young Leisel brings books. And sometimes, a good book is all you need to find hope.

If you’ve put off reading Joan Didion’s time-capsule-esque collection of essays, now is the time. From intimate reflections on her own existence to sharp cultural insights, this beautifully written collection captivates. Perfect for her fans and anyone curious about American life in the 1960s and ’70s.

The quintessential noir mystery, delivered with razor-sharp prose that leaves you craving more — the mood, the poetry, the suspense. Meet, and at once say goodbye to Raymond Chandler’s iconic detective, Philip Marlowe. A timeless masterpiece, this literary gem continues to influence artists, filmmakers and the author’s cult following.

A book that sits right next to The Hate U Give, this is the story of a young man wrestling with the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King as the world seems bent against him. Speaking to the all-too-relevant themes of racism and police brutality, this is as culturally significant as novels come.

Speak is the story of an isolated high school student whose recent rape has left her retreating into a silent shell. Through time, art, and her small but mighty group of friends, she learns to reclaim herself and fight back against those who would seek to silence her. Grappling with serious and relevant themes and subjects, this book encourages the reader to do as Melinda does—speak.

First off, it’s Jason Reynolds. Second off, this novel takes place in sixty seconds. That’s it. It’s a story of consequences, told in verse, and hits every level of the storytelling spectrum. A short novel that packs a powerful punch, Long Way Down is an empathetic read that brings light to real-world issues everyone should know about.

One of the most definitive series in the fantasy space starts right here. This thrilling and thematic adventure puts one remarkable girl on a path to save the world. Packed with dynamic and memorable characters and a fascinating mystery of magic, this is a series that will resonate across readerships for some time.

Enter a futuristic dystopian world divided by wealth, where the rich and the poor are set against one another. High-stakes action, suspense, and romance await. A thrilling TBR addition for both teen and adult readers — if you haven’t read this one, now’s the perfect time.

Emily Wilson made the news with her 2017 translation of The Odyssey. Amplifying the voiced of women and lesser known characters, she brings a fresh take to Homer’s epic tale. With clear and approachable language, she makes this timeless masterpiece less intimidating to readers who would normally shy away from the original.