10 Must-Read Classics Everyone Should Read At Least Once

As the world of literature continues to grow and evolve, there are some books that remain timeless—tales that have a universal appeal that transcends generations and borders. These classics aren't just vintage novels; they're cornerstone works that deal with universal themes such as love, power, identity, freedom, and the human condition. If you want to enhance your literary experience or just need to know why these books are so iconic, here are 10 classics everyone should attempt at some point.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Published: 1960

Themes: Racial injustice, morality, childhood, empathy

Set in the racially segregated American South of the 1930s, To Kill a Mockingbird is told from the point of view of Scout Finch, a young girl whose father, Atticus Finch, represents a Black man accused of raping a white woman. With a keen sense of innocence and a moral eye, Lee's novel shatters the entrenched racism of the era while advocating for justice, empathy, and integrity. This novel is strikingly powerful and relevant.

2. 1984 by George Orwell

Published: 1949

Themes: Totalitarianism, surveillance, freedom of thought

Orwell's classic dystopian novel gives a haunting vision of a society where all action is surveilled, all thought is monitored, and reality is what the government declares it to be. With phrases like "Big Brother" and "doublethink" now part of our lexicon, 1984 caution us against the evils of totalitarianism and erosion of civil liberties. In today's digital world, its relevance is greater than ever.

3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Published: 1813

Themes: Love, class, marriage, gender roles

Pride and Prejudice may, at first, appear to be merely a romance novel, but Austen's biting satire and astute commentary regarding social class and humanity turn it into a literary masterpiece. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's romance is riddled with misunderstandings, pride, and ultimately, transformation. It is as much a novel of personal transformation as it is of romance.

4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Published: 1925

Themes: The American Dream, wealth, illusion, identity

Written during the Jazz Age, The Great Gatsby tracks the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby and his fixation on the unattainable Daisy Buchanan. Fitzgerald's prose is poetic and evocative, commenting on the hollowness of wealth and the disillusionment of the American Dream. It's concise but rich in meaning, ideal for readers who love style, symbolism, and social commentary.

5. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Published: 1866

Themes: Guilt, redemption, morality, mental torment

This Russian suspense novel is about Raskolnikov, a poor student who thinks he's above the law and kills a pawnbroker. But instead of freedom, he's consumed by guilt and paranoia. Dostoevsky probes deep into the mind, covering morality, justice, and the strength of redemption. It's a dense but worthwhile book that commands reflection.

6. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Published: 1847

Themes: Feminism, independence, love, morality

Half gothic horror story, half feminist treatise, Jane Eyre traces the orphaned heroine from girlhood to adulthood as she makes her own way in a repressive society. Jane's courage, moral fibre, and need for both love and autonomy make her one of literature's greatest characters. Brontë's examination of class, gender, and religion continues to speak to contemporary readers.

7. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Released: 1951

Themes: Adolescence, alienation, identity

Holden Caulfield, the teenage hero of Salinger's novel, has become a cultural icon of rebellion and existential angst. Wandering through New York City, disillusioned with the adult world, he struggles with loss, identity, and belonging. The novel captures the confusion and pain of adolescence in a voice that feels raw and accessible even after decades.

8. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Published: 1818

Themes: Creation, responsibility, isolation, identity

Too often misunderstood in popular culture, Frankenstein is a richly philosophical novel of ambition, creation, and the risks of playing God. Victor Frankenstein's scientific arrogance gets him to create life, but he's shocked by the outcome. The novel explores what it is to be human and the risks of untrammeled scientific endeavor. Shelley penned it at only 18, so all the more impressive.

9. Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Published: 1847

Themes: Passion, revenge, class, the supernatural

Emily Brontë's sole novel is a somber and atmospheric story of love, obsession, and vengeance against the harsh Yorkshire moors. The romance between Heathcliff and Catherine is passionate and destructive, and Wuthering Heights is one of the most original love stories ever told. Its eerie tone and multifaceted characters still enthrall readers.

10. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

Published: 1851

Themes: Obsession, fate, nature, the human condition

Moby-Dick is more than a novel about whaling—it's a philosophical masterpiece delving into man's position in the universe, the perils of obsession, and the battle against nature. Captain Ahab's single-minded search for the white whale gets transformed into an allegory for humanity's pride and existential longing. Though dense and difficult, it's a worthwhile read for serious readers.

Why Read the Classics?

You may ask: Why should I be reading books published a century (or more) ago? The reason is that they are universal. Classics provide us with a frame of reference by which to understand human nature, society, and the changing mores of morality, love, and justice. They intellectually and emotionally challenge us, revealing truths that continue to apply today.

Reading classics also enhances your understanding of modern literature, as many contemporary works draw inspiration from or respond to these earlier texts. They shape not only our literary heritage but our cultural and ethical foundations.

Final Thoughts

These 10 classics have taken up space on bookshelves worldwide for a reason. No matter how much you're interested in themes of justice, love, rebellion, or existential horror, there's something here for you. You don't have to sit through them all at once, and it's fine if you find some more difficult than others. The key is to approach them thoughtfully—and perhaps even find bits of yourself between their pages.

So pick up a copy, get comfortable in your favorite reading area, and begin discovering the classic worlds of great literature.