Click to receive personalized book recommendations daily.
Before you go...
Check Out These
21 Books You’ve Been Meaning to Read
See the List
The ReadDown

21 Books You’ve Been Meaning To Read

Reading lists begin as a shelf full of hope until the year flies by, and you find yourself flooded with procrastination. Cheers to the books we’ve been meaning to read all these years and should probably start at some point.

  1. 1

    War and Peace

    A legendary masterpiece, this book is synonymous with difficult reading, so why not challenge yourshelf.

    War and Peace Book Cover Picture
  2. 2

    Song of Solomon

    One must always read a novel by this Nobel Prize winning author.

    Song of Solomon Book Cover Picture
  3. 3

    The Fountainhead

    A groundbreaking novel that everyone should read at least once.

    The Fountainhead (Centennial Edition HC) Book Cover Picture
  4. 4

    Ulysses

    “Joyce’s parallel use of The Odyssey…has the importance of a scientific discovery…” –T. S. Eliot

    Ulysses Book Cover Picture
  5. 5

    The Shadow of the Wind

    An incredible book by a beloved writer is a must read.

    The Shadow of the Wind Book Cover Picture
  6. 6

    The Lord of the Rings

    Most people have seen the epic movie, but have you read the book?

    The Fellowship of the Ring Book Cover Picture
  7. 7

    The Satanic Verses

    Known as one of Salman Rushdie’s greatest works, this book is definitely on the TBR list.

    The Satanic Verses Book Cover Picture
  8. 8

    Don Quixote

    It’s no surprise that one of the best books of all time should be read.

    Don Quixote Book Cover Picture
  9. 9

    The Golden Compass

    Go on an adventure this year with this thrilling fantasy tale.

    The Golden Compass: His Dark Materials Book Cover Picture
  10. 10

    Catch-22

    If this wasn’t already required reading in your school, it’s about time you’ve read it.

    Catch-22 Book Cover Picture
  11. 11

    1984

    We were pretty certain you’ve read one of the best books of all time, but in case you haven’t, now’s your chance.

    1984 Book Cover Picture
  12. 12

    The Kite Runner

    The Kite Runner is a 21st century classic. If you’ve read this brilliant book, read it again.

    The Kite Runner Book Cover Picture
  13. 13

    Little Women

    Because you need to know Meg, Beth, Jo, and Amy.

    Little Women Book Cover Picture
  14. 14

    The Cloud Atlas

    Another adaptation you’ll want to read to visualize in 2016.

    Cloud Atlas Book Cover Picture
  15. 15

    The Picture of Dorian Gray

    For those who were deprived Oscar Wilde as required reading for school.

    The Picture of Dorian Gray Book Cover Picture
  16. 16

    Lolita

    Poignant novels that are also funny are a must-read rarity.

    Lolita Book Cover Picture
  17. 17

    The Help

    This powerful book is beautiful, moving, and hilarious: an essential.

    The Help Book Cover Picture
  18. 18

    The Liar’s Club

    “The essential American story … a beauty.” —Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post Book World

    The Liars' Club Book Cover Picture
  19. 19

    Moby-Dick

    Either you’ve read it, or you pretend you’ve read it.

    Moby-Dick Book Cover Picture
  20. 20

    Gravity’s Rainbow

    At least one Pynchon novel should be on everyone’s TBR list.

    Gravity's Rainbow (Classics Deluxe Edition) Book Cover Picture
  21. 21

    The Handmaid’s Tale

    Same goes for Margaret Atwood, and The Handmaid’s Tale is definitely a classic.

    The Handmaid's Tale Book Cover Picture

Related Lists:

Back to Top

Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network

Brightly

Raise kids who love to read
TASTE img

TASTE

An online magazine for today’s home cook

Signature

Making Well-Read Sense of the World

LitFlash

The eBooks you want at the lowest prices

Read it Forward

Read it first. Pass it on!
First to Read

First to Read

Early access to Penguin Random House’s hottest new titles
Unbound Worlds

Unbound Worlds

Exploring the science fiction and fantasy universe