Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)
We know what book you should read next
  • New Releases
    New Releases
    Learn More >

  • Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews
    Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews
    See What We’re Reading >

  • New Stories to Listen to
    New Stories to Listen to
    Learn More >
  • <
    Books>
  • Popular
  • New & Noteworthy
  • Bestsellers
  • Popular Series
  • Anticipated Books of 2023
  • Popular Books in Spanish
  • Coming Soon
  • Fiction
  • Classics
  • Romance
  • Literary Fiction
  • Mystery & Suspense
  • Science Fiction & Fantasy
  • Spanish Language Fiction
  • Nonfiction
  • Biographies & Memoirs
  • Wellness
  • Cooking
  • History
  • Spanish Language Nonfiction
  • Series
  • Gray Man
  • Dark Star Trilogy
  • Ramses the Damned
  • Outlander
  • Penguin Classics
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Kids>
  • Popular
  • New & Noteworthy
  • Bestsellers
  • Award Winners
  • The Parenting Book Guide
  • Books to Read Before Bed
  • Books for Middle Graders
  • Trending Series
  • Who Was?
  • Magic Tree House
  • The Last Kids on Earth
  • Mad Libs
  • Planet Omar
  • Beloved Characters
  • The World of Eric Carle
  • Bluey
  • Llama Llama
  • Dr. Seuss
  • Junie B. Jones
  • Peter Rabbit
  • Categories
  • Board Books
  • Picture Books
  • Guided Reading Levels
  • Middle Grade
  • Activity Books
  • <
    View All>
  • <

    Popular

  • Trending
  • Trending This Week
  • Top Must-Read Romances
  • Page-Turning Series To Start Now
  • Books to Cope With Anxiety
  • Short Reads
  • Anti-Racist Resources
  • Expert Picks
  • Editor's Picks: Fiction
  • Editor's Picks: Science Fiction & Fantasy
  • Editor's Picks: Romance
  • Staff Picks: Mystery
  • Features & Interviews
  • Emma Brodie Interview
  • Gabriella Burnham Interview
  • Nicola Yoon Interview
  • Qian Julie Wang Interview
  • Deepak Chopra Essay
  • How Can I Get Published?
  • For Book Clubs
  • Reese's Book Club
  • Oprah’s Book Club
  • Guide: Trust
  • Guide: Book Lovers
  • <
  • <
    Authors & Events>
  • Our Authors
  • Michelle Obama
  • Taylor Jenkins Reid
  • Mohsin Hamid
  • Cormac McCarthy
  • Celeste Ng
  • In Their Own Words
  • Qian Julie Wang
  • Patrick Radden Keefe
  • Phoebe Robinson
  • Emma Brodie
  • Ta-Nehisi Coates
  • Laura Hankin
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Recommendations>
  • Book Lists
  • The Best Books to Get Your Finances in Order
  • Must-Read Books by Indigenous Authors
  • 21 Books to Help You Learn Something New
  • Narrative Nonfiction to Rival Thrillers
  • Fiction for Food Lovers
  • Manga and Graphic Novels
  • Articles
  • Between the World and Me Oral History
  • Meet the Bookseller: Yu and Me Books
  • Cook a Soul Food Holiday Meal With Rosie Mayes
  • Ina Garten’s Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
  • Vallery Lomas’ Blueberry Buckle Recipe
  • <
    View All>
  • <
    Audio>
  • Popular
  • New Releases
  • Award Winners
  • Coming Soon
  • Featured
  • Memoirs Read by the Author
  • Our Most Soothing Narrators
  • Press Play for Inspiration
  • Audiobooks You Just Can't Pause
  • Listen With the Whole Family
  • <
    View All>
cart
Penguin Random House

Books

Popular


New & Noteworthy

Bestsellers

Popular Series

Anticipated Books of 2023

Popular Books in Spanish

Coming Soon

Fiction


Classics

Romance

Literary Fiction

Mystery & Suspense

Science Fiction & Fantasy

Spanish Language Fiction

Nonfiction


Biographies & Memoirs

Wellness

Cooking

History

Spanish Language Nonfiction

View All >

Series


Gray Man

Dark Star Trilogy

Ramses the Damned

Outlander

Penguin Classics

View All >

New Releases
New Releases
Learn More >

Kids

Popular


New & Noteworthy

Bestsellers

Award Winners

The Parenting Book Guide

Books to Read Before Bed

Books for Middle Graders

Trending Series


Who Was?

Magic Tree House

The Last Kids on Earth

Mad Libs

Planet Omar

View All >

Beloved Characters


The World of Eric Carle

Bluey

Llama Llama

Dr. Seuss

Junie B. Jones

Peter Rabbit

Categories


Board Books

Picture Books

Guided Reading Levels

Middle Grade

Activity Books

View All >

17 Books That Show Kids What It Means to Be Thankful
17 Books That Show Kids What It Means to Be Thankful
Learn More >

Popular

Trending


Trending This Week

Top Must-Read Romances

Page-Turning Series To Start Now

Books to Cope With Anxiety

Short Reads

Anti-Racist Resources

Expert Picks


Editor's Picks: Fiction

Editor's Picks: Science Fiction & Fantasy

Editor's Picks: Romance

Staff Picks: Mystery

Features & Interviews


Emma Brodie Interview

Gabriella Burnham Interview

Nicola Yoon Interview

Qian Julie Wang Interview

Deepak Chopra Essay

How Can I Get Published?

For Book Clubs


Reese's Book Club

Oprah’s Book Club

Guide: Trust

Guide: Book Lovers

What Kathryn Monaco Is Loving Right Now
What Kathryn Monaco Is Loving Right Now
Learn More >

Authors & Events

Our Authors


Michelle Obama

Taylor Jenkins Reid

Mohsin Hamid

Cormac McCarthy

Celeste Ng

View All >

In Their Own Words


Qian Julie Wang

Patrick Radden Keefe

Phoebe Robinson

Emma Brodie

Ta-Nehisi Coates

Laura Hankin

Our Favorite Literary Compliments
Our Favorite Literary Compliments
Learn More >
Join Our Authors for Virtual Events
Join Our Authors for Virtual Events
Learn More >

Recommendations

Book Lists


The Best Books to Get Your Finances in Order

Must-Read Books by Indigenous Authors

21 Books to Help You Learn Something New

Narrative Nonfiction to Rival Thrillers

Fiction for Food Lovers

Manga and Graphic Novels

Articles


Between the World and Me Oral History

Meet the Bookseller: Yu and Me Books

Cook a Soul Food Holiday Meal With Rosie Mayes

Ina Garten’s Chicken & Potatoes Recipe

Vallery Lomas’ Blueberry Buckle Recipe

Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews
Browse All Our Lists, Essays, and Interviews
See What We’re Reading >
Life-Changing Books To Re-Invent Yourself
Life-Changing Books To Re-Invent Yourself
Read More >

Audio

Popular


New Releases

Award Winners

Coming Soon

View All >

Featured


Memoirs Read by the Author

Our Most Soothing Narrators

Press Play for Inspiration

Audiobooks You Just Can't Pause

Listen With the Whole Family

View All >

New Stories to Listen to
New Stories to Listen to
Learn More >
Audiobooks to Listen to While You Cook
Audiobooks to Listen to While You Cook
Learn More >
search
Penguin Random House Penguin Random House
cart
search
Penguin RandomHouse
close search
close search
Penguin Random House
mobile banner image
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. And for more book recommendations, find out what’s trending right now with Today’s Top Books.

  1. 1
    War and Peace Book Cover Picture
    War and Peace Book Cover Picture
    Add War and Peace to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    War and Peace

    by Leo Tolstoy

    A legendary masterpiece, this book is synonymous with difficult reading, so why not challenge yourshelf.
    War and Peace Book Cover Picture
    War and Peace Book Cover Picture
    Add War and Peace to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $21.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  2. 2
    Song of Solomon Book Cover Picture
    Song of Solomon Book Cover Picture
    Add Song of Solomon to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Song of Solomon

    by Toni Morrison

    One must always read a novel by this Nobel Prize winning author.
    Song of Solomon Book Cover Picture
    Song of Solomon Book Cover Picture
    Add Song of Solomon to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $17.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  3. 3
    Ulysses Book Cover Picture
    Ulysses Book Cover Picture
    Add Ulysses to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Ulysses

    by James Joyce

    “Joyce’s parallel use of The Odyssey…has the importance of a scientific discovery…” –T. S. Eliot
    Ulysses Book Cover Picture
    Ulysses Book Cover Picture
    Add Ulysses to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $18.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  4. 4
    The Shadow of the Wind Book Cover Picture
    The Shadow of the Wind Book Cover Picture
    Add The Shadow of the Wind to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Shadow of the Wind

    by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

    An incredible book by a beloved writer is a must read.
    The Shadow of the Wind Book Cover Picture
    The Shadow of the Wind Book Cover Picture
    Add The Shadow of the Wind to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $34.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  5. 5
    The Fellowship of the Ring (Media Tie-in) Book Cover Picture
    The Fellowship of the Ring (Media Tie-in) Book Cover Picture
    Add The Fellowship of the Ring (Media Tie-in) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Lord of the Rings

    by J.R.R. Tolkien

    Most people have seen the epic movie, but have you read the book?
    The Fellowship of the Ring (Media Tie-in) Book Cover Picture
    The Fellowship of the Ring (Media Tie-in) Book Cover Picture
    Add The Fellowship of the Ring (Media Tie-in) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Mass Market Paperback
    $8.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  6. 6
    The Satanic Verses Book Cover Picture
    The Satanic Verses Book Cover Picture
    Add The Satanic Verses to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Satanic Verses

    by Salman Rushdie

    Known as one of Salman Rushdie’s greatest works, this book is definitely on the TBR list.
    The Satanic Verses Book Cover Picture
    The Satanic Verses Book Cover Picture
    Add The Satanic Verses to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $19.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  7. 7
    Don Quixote Book Cover Picture
    Don Quixote Book Cover Picture
    Add Don Quixote to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Don Quixote

    by Miguel de Cervantes

    It’s no surprise that one of the best books of all time should be read.
    Don Quixote Book Cover Picture
    Don Quixote Book Cover Picture
    Add Don Quixote to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $32.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  8. 8
    His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass (HBO Tie-In Edition) Book Cover Picture
    His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass (HBO Tie-In Edition) Book Cover Picture
    Add His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass (HBO Tie-In Edition) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Golden Compass

    by Philip Pullman

    Go on an adventure this year with this thrilling fantasy tale.
    His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass (HBO Tie-In Edition) Book Cover Picture
    His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass (HBO Tie-In Edition) Book Cover Picture
    Add His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass (HBO Tie-In Edition) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $12.99

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  9. 9
    Catch-22 Book Cover Picture
    Catch-22 Book Cover Picture
    Add Catch-22 to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Catch-22

    by Joseph Heller

    If this wasn’t already required reading in your school, it’s about time you’ve read it.
    Catch-22 Book Cover Picture
    Catch-22 Book Cover Picture
    Add Catch-22 to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $28.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  10. 10
    1984 Book Cover Picture
    1984 Book Cover Picture
    Add 1984 to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    1984

    by George Orwell

    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
    1984 Book Cover Picture
    Add 1984 to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $17.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  11. 11
    Little Women Book Cover Picture
    Little Women Book Cover Picture
    Add Little Women to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Little Women

    by Louisa May Alcott

    Because you need to know Meg, Beth, Jo, and Amy.
    Little Women Book Cover Picture
    Little Women Book Cover Picture
    Add Little Women to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $11.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  12. 12
    Cloud Atlas Book Cover Picture
    Cloud Atlas Book Cover Picture
    Add Cloud Atlas to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Cloud Atlas

    by David Mitchell

    Another adaptation you’ll want to read to visualize in 2016.
    Cloud Atlas Book Cover Picture
    Cloud Atlas Book Cover Picture
    Add Cloud Atlas to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $24.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  13. 13
    The Fountainhead (Centennial Edition HC) Book Cover Picture
    The Fountainhead (Centennial Edition HC) Book Cover Picture
    Add The Fountainhead (Centennial Edition HC) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Fountainhead

    by Ayn Rand

    A groundbreaking novel that everyone should read at least once.
    The Fountainhead (Centennial Edition HC) Book Cover Picture
    The Fountainhead (Centennial Edition HC) Book Cover Picture
    Add The Fountainhead (Centennial Edition HC) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $39.95

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  14. 14
    The Picture of Dorian Gray Book Cover Picture
    The Picture of Dorian Gray Book Cover Picture
    Add The Picture of Dorian Gray to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Picture of Dorian Gray

    by Oscar Wilde

    For those who were deprived Oscar Wilde as required reading for school.
    The Picture of Dorian Gray Book Cover Picture
    The Picture of Dorian Gray Book Cover Picture
    Add The Picture of Dorian Gray to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $24.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  15. 15
    Lolita Book Cover Picture
    Lolita Book Cover Picture
    Add Lolita to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Lolita

    by Vladimir Nabokov

    Poignant novels that are also funny are a must-read rarity.
    Lolita Book Cover Picture
    Lolita Book Cover Picture
    Add Lolita to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Hardcover
    $28.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  16. 16
    The Help Book Cover Picture
    The Help Book Cover Picture
    Add The Help to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Help

    by Kathryn Stockett

    This powerful book is beautiful, moving, and hilarious: an essential.
    The Help Book Cover Picture
    The Help Book Cover Picture
    Add The Help to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $17.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  17. 17
    The Liars' Club Book Cover Picture
    The Liars' Club Book Cover Picture
    Add The Liars' Club to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Liar’s Club

    by Mary Karr

    “The essential American story … a beauty.” —Jonathan Yardley, The Washington Post Book World
    The Liars' Club Book Cover Picture
    The Liars' Club Book Cover Picture
    Add The Liars' Club to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $18.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  18. 18
    Moby-Dick Book Cover Picture
    Moby-Dick Book Cover Picture
    Add Moby-Dick to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Moby-Dick

    by Herman Melville

    Either you’ve read it, or you pretend you’ve read it.
    Moby-Dick Book Cover Picture
    Moby-Dick Book Cover Picture
    Add Moby-Dick to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $16.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  19. 19
    Gravity's Rainbow (Classics Deluxe Edition) Book Cover Picture
    Gravity's Rainbow (Classics Deluxe Edition) Book Cover Picture
    Add Gravity's Rainbow (Classics Deluxe Edition) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Gravity’s Rainbow

    by Thomas Pynchon

    At least one Pynchon novel should be on everyone’s TBR list.
    Gravity's Rainbow (Classics Deluxe Edition) Book Cover Picture
    Gravity's Rainbow (Classics Deluxe Edition) Book Cover Picture
    Add Gravity's Rainbow (Classics Deluxe Edition) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $23.00

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  20. 20
    The Handmaid's Tale (Movie Tie-in) Book Cover Picture
    The Handmaid's Tale (Movie Tie-in) Book Cover Picture
    Add The Handmaid's Tale (Movie Tie-in) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    The Handmaid’s Tale

    by Margaret Atwood

    Same goes for Margaret Atwood, and The Handmaid’s Tale is definitely a classic.
    The Handmaid's Tale (Movie Tie-in) Book Cover Picture
    The Handmaid's Tale (Movie Tie-in) Book Cover Picture
    Add The Handmaid's Tale (Movie Tie-in) to bookshelf
    Add to Bookshelf

    Paperback
    $15.95

    Buy from Other Retailers:

    Buy
  • Share:
  • Share on Facebook
  • Tweet
  • Pin it
  • Share on Tumblr
  • SMS
  • Email
More to Explore
Back to Top
We know what book you should read next
  • Connect
  • Sign up for news about books, authors, and more from Penguin Random House

  • global.penguinrandomhouse.com
  • © 2023 Penguin Random House
  • Quick Links
  • Partnerships
  • Media Queries
  • Influencers
  • Company Reads
  • PenguinRandomHouse.biz
  • Email Preferences
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • CA Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Info
  • Affiliate Program Disclosure
  • Fraud Alert
  • Help
  • Publishing Process
  • FAQ
  • Shopping & Shipping FAQ
  • For Educators
  • Subrights
  • Permissions
  • About Us
  • Our Story
  • Our People
  • Our Contributors
  • Locations
  • Management
  • Social Impact
  • Careers
  • Imprints

Visit other sites in the Penguin Random House Network

Raise kids who love to read

Brightly

Raise kids who love to read
Today's Top Books

Today's Top Books

Want to know what people are actually reading right now?
An online magazine for today’s home cook

TASTE

An online magazine for today’s home cook

Stay in Touch

Please enter a valid email address
We are experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again later.

By clicking Sign Up, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime.

×

Become a Member

Start earning points for buying books! Just for joining you’ll get personalized recommendations on your dashboard daily and features only for members.

Find Out More Join Now Sign In
Hi,
Member Since

Account Overview Rewards Recommendations Orders Account Details Email Preferences Bookshelf

Point Status
This is where you’ll see your current point status and your earned rewards. To redeem, copy and paste the code during the checkout process.See Account Overview

until your next FREE book!
0 120
You currently do not have any rewards.

Success!

Your account has been created. Upload book purchases, access your personalized book recommendations, and more from here.