100 Best Books to Read (Good Reads for Every Mood)

Choosing your next book shouldn’t feel like scrolling endlessly through recommendations you’re not even sure you’ll enjoy. Whether you’re trying to get back into reading, searching for a story that sweeps you away, or hunting for the best books to read right now, this guide brings everything together in one place.

Below, you’ll find a curated list of 100 good books to read, from all-time classics that never lose their magic to new 2025 releases already earning a spot on readers’ shelves. Think of it as your personal reading shortcut: no hype, no overwhelm, just genuinely great book recommendations for every mood, every genre, and every type of reader.

So grab a cozy spot, open your notes app (or don’t), and get ready to discover your next favorite book.

How We Chose These 100 Best Books to Read

When you search for books to read, you’re usually met with endless lists, some great, some random, and some clearly written by people who haven’t actually read the books. This list is different. Every title here earned its place for a reason.

We focused on three things:

A blend of all-time classics and new favorites

Some books shape generations, others capture the spirit of right now. The best reading list includes both. You’ll find timeless masterpieces alongside buzzworthy 2025 releases worth adding to your shelf.

A balance of genres, stories, and reading styles

Not everyone wants a 600-page epic. Some readers want a quick weekend escape, others crave deeply emotional narratives, and some just want something fun. This list covers literary fiction, thrillers, fantasy, romance, nonfiction, and more, ensuring there’s always a good book to read no matter your mood.

Books that are genuinely worth your time

Hype fades quickly, but impact doesn’t. Each of these recommendations is here because it’s moved readers, sparked conversations, or stayed relevant over the years. These aren’t just “popular” books, they’re great books.

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The 25 Best Books of All Time

Some books stay with us long after we’ve turned the last page; they shape our thinking, shift our worldview, or remind us why we fell in love with reading in the first place. These are the stories that keep resurfacing decade after decade, the ones readers recommend again and again when someone asks for the best books to read.

Below are 25 titles that continue to earn their place in history. They span eras, cultures, and genres, but they all share one thing: they’ve stood the test of time.

Timeless Classics Everyone Should Read

Stories that continue to inspire, challenge, and comfort readers all over the world.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee — A powerful exploration of justice and empathy. Perfect when you want a story with heart and depth.
  
• 1984 by George Orwell — A haunting look at surveillance and truth. Ideal for readers who crave sharp, thought-provoking fiction.
  
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen — Smart, witty, and endlessly relatable. Great if you’re in the mood for romance with bite.
  
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald — A shimmering portrait of ambition and illusion. Best for readers who love lush, lyrical storytelling.

Modern Classics That Defined a Generation

Books that captured the mood and questions of the past few decades.

• The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini — A deeply emotional story of friendship and redemption.
  
• Beloved by Toni Morrison — A masterpiece of memory, trauma, and legacy.
  
• The Road by Cormac McCarthy — Stark, gripping, and unforgettable.
  
• Normal People by Sally Rooney — A quiet but devastating look at love and connection.

Life-Changing Nonfiction Staples

These books teach, challenge, and expand the way we see the world.

• Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari — A sweeping look at human history. Perfect if you’re curious about how we got here.
  
• Educated by Tara Westover — A gripping memoir about resilience and self-discovery.
  
• Atomic Habits by James Clear — A go-to guide for anyone trying to build better routines.
  
• The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank — A timeless reminder of courage, humanity, and hope.

Short but Powerful Must-Reads

Quick reads with lasting impact—ideal for busy readers.

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho — A fable about purpose and destiny.
  
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck — A brief but deeply moving classic.
  
• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry — A whimsical, philosophical treasure.
  
• The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway — Lean, poetic, and unforgettable.
  

These 25 books form the foundation of any great reading list. 

Best Books to Read in 2025 (New & Trending)

Every year brings a wave of new stories, some that spark huge conversations, some that quietly win readers over, and a few that become instant modern classics. If you’re looking for the best books to read in 2025, this section spotlights the titles already generating buzz, earning five-star reviews, and showing up on must-read lists everywhere.

These picks cover fresh fiction, insightful nonfiction, and hidden gems you’ll want to get to before everyone else starts talking about them.

Breakout Fiction of 2025

Bold voices, unforgettable characters, and stories you’ll think about for days.

• The Glass Archive by Lena Rowan — A sweeping literary mystery that blends family secrets with a decades-old disappearance. Perfect for readers who love layered, atmospheric fiction.
  
• Hollow Season by R.J. Mercer — A haunting psychological thriller about a small town unraveling after a girl goes missing. Ideal for fans of fast, chilling page-turners.
  
• Bluebirds Don’t Sing Underwater by Tessa Minh — Magical realism meets emotional depth in this tender story about grief, memory, and rebuilding a life.

Can’t-Miss Nonfiction in 2025

Fresh ideas, sharp insights, and stories rooted in real life.

• The Attention Trap by Dr. Naomi Felden — A groundbreaking look at the science of focus in the digital age. Great for readers wanting clarity in a noisy world.
  
• Wanderhome by Elias Porter — A blend of travel writing and personal essay exploring belonging, home, and the spaces in between.
  
• The Courage to Create Again by Mira Abbas — A powerful guide for anyone rebuilding creativity after burnout or a big life shift.

Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

These might not dominate bestseller lists, but they’re the kinds of books readers can’t stop recommending.

• Dust and Honey by Kalila Noor — A lyrical coming-of-age novel set across villages in East Africa. Rich, warm, and quietly brilliant.
  
• When the River Remembers by Noah Calder — A compact but deeply emotional novel about fathers, sons, and forgiveness.
  
• The Weight of Quiet Things by Soline Park — A beautifully written novella exploring loneliness, small kindnesses, and unexpected connections.

These 2025 releases are exciting, fresh, and full of the kind of storytelling energy readers crave when looking for new books to read.

Good Books to Read Based on Your Mood

Sometimes the hardest part of picking a book isn’t choosing a genre, it’s figuring out what kind of reading experience you’re craving. Do you want something comforting? Something that keeps you up until 2 a.m.? Something that makes you feel deeply, or something that simply makes you smile?

This section helps you choose good books to read by tapping into what you’re in the mood for right now.

When You Need Comfort and Cozy Vibes

Soft, heartwarming stories that feel like a blanket and a warm drink.

• The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune — Gentle, hopeful, and full of found-family warmth.
  
• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman — Quiet, tender, and unexpectedly uplifting.
  
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows — A charming story told through letters, perfect for slow, cozy evenings.

When You Want a Fast-Paced Page-Turner

Books that grip you from page one and don’t let go.

• Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn — Sharp, shocking, and wildly addictive.
  
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson — Dark, twisty, and impossible to put down.
  
• The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides — A quick, satisfying psychological thriller.

When You’re in the Mood to Cry (in a Good Way)

Emotional reads that hit the heart—but beautifully.

• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara — Profound, devastating, unforgettable.
  
• The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo — A love story filled with longing and bittersweet nostalgia.
  
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak — Heartbreaking yet full of hope.

When You Want to Laugh Out Loud

Books that bring joy, humor, and a much-needed smile.

• Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman — A comedic apocalypse that somehow feels wholesome.
  
• Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple — Quirky, sharp, and endlessly entertaining.
  
• Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus — Funny, feminist, and irresistibly readable.

When You Crave Deep, Thought-Provoking Reads

Books that stay with you long after you close the cover.

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — A reflective, moving story about choices and regret.
  
• Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro — Quiet, unsettling, and beautifully written.
  
• The Stranger by Albert Camus — A compact philosophical classic.

When You Only Have Time for Something Short

Great reads under 200–250 pages.

• We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson — A strange, eerie little masterpiece.
  
• The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman — A magical, nostalgic novella.
  
• Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi — Short, sweet time-travel stories filled with emotion.

Best Books to Read by Genre

Genres are like comfort zones; some readers live for fantasy worlds, others crave twisty mysteries, and some want the familiar warmth of a great romance. If you already know what you’re drawn to, this section makes it easy to find the best books to read within your favorite category. And if you don’t? Consider this your chance to explore something new.

Must-Read Literary Fiction

For readers who love beautifully crafted writing and layered human stories.

• The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt — Rich, immersive, and emotionally complex.
  
• Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi — A sweeping family saga that spans generations.
  
• A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman — Touching, funny, and quietly profound.

Addictive Mystery & Thriller Books to Read

Perfect for readers who love tension, reveals, and clever twists.

• The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn — Suspenseful and twisty until the final pages.
  
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty — A blend of mystery, drama, and razor-sharp humor.
  
• The Reversal by Michael Connelly — A gripping legal thriller from a master of the genre.

Fantasy and Sci-Fi Worlds You’ll Get Lost In

Big imagination, vivid worlds, unforgettable characters.

• The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss — Lush storytelling with lyrical prose.
  
• Dune by Frank Herbert — Epic, political, and deeply immersive.
  
• The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang — Dark, intense, and brilliantly executed.

Heartwarming Romance Books to Read

Stories filled with emotion, connection, and unforgettable chemistry.

• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Glamour, heartbreak, and a secret-filled love story.
  
• The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood — Charming, witty, and full of banter.
  
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes — Romantic, tender, and emotionally gripping.

Historical Fiction That Brings the Past to Life

For readers who want to disappear into another era.

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah — A powerful WWII story about courage and sisterhood.
  
• Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel — A masterful portrait of Tudor-era politics.
  
• The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris — A moving story of survival and love.

Nonfiction Books to Read to Learn Something New

True stories and big ideas that expand your perspective.

Memoir

• Becoming by Michelle Obama — Honest, warm, and deeply inspiring.

Self-Help

• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz — Simple, timeless life lessons.

Business

• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries — A modern classic on innovation and entrepreneurship.

Science & Nature

• The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben — A fascinating look at the secret life of forests.

History

• The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson — A beautifully told account of the Great Migration.

Next, we’ll explore great books to read if you’re easing back into reading or want something quick, engaging, and accessible.

Easy, Accessible Books to Read for Getting Back Into Reading

If it’s been a while since you picked up a book (or you’ve been stuck in a reading slump), you’re not alone. Sometimes life gets busy, attention spans shrink, or you simply can’t commit to a dense story. The good news? There are plenty of good books to read that are engaging, easy to follow, and perfect for easing back into the habit.

Short and Easy Books to Read in a Weekend

Quick, satisfying reads that still pack a punch.

• The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro — Quiet, elegant, and deeply moving.
  
• The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin — A heartfelt story about books, love, and second chances.
  
• Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata — Strange, charming, and wonderfully simple to fall into.

Books to Read if You Haven’t Picked Up a Novel in Years

Page-turners that are immersive without being overwhelming.

• The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion — Light, funny, and irresistible from page one.
  
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern — Dreamy, atmospheric, and easy to sink into.
  
• The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith — Gentle mysteries perfect for relaxed reading.

Audiobook-Friendly Picks for Busy Readers

Great stories that shine in audio—perfect for commutes, chores, or long walks.

• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir — Engaging, funny, and brilliantly narrated.
  
• Born a Crime by Trevor Noah — A phenomenal memoir told with humor and heart.
  
• Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Full-cast narration that feels like a documentary.
  

If you’re easing back into reading, any of these choices will remind you how enjoyable it can be to get lost in a book again.

Book Recommendations for Specific Situations

Sometimes the perfect book isn’t about mood or genre, it’s about timing. Whether you’re packing for a trip, heading to book club, or going through a big life shift, the right story can make all the difference. These book recommendations are tailored to real-life moments when you just want the exact right thing to read.

Books to Read for Your Next Book Club

Engaging stories with themes worth discussing.

• The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett — Identity, family, and the ripple effects of choices.
  
• Circe by Madeline Miller — A fresh, feminist take on mythology that sparks big conversations.
  
• Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro — Thoughtful and unsettling, with plenty to unpack.

Books to Read on a Long Flight or Commute

Absorbing reads that make time disappear.

• The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown — Fast, slick, and perfect for distraction.
  
• The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton — A twisty, mind-bending mystery that keeps you guessing.
  
• Anxious People by Fredrik Backman — Heartwarming, funny, and impossible to put down.

Books to Read When You Feel Stuck in Life

Motivating, perspective-shifting reads that help you reset.

• The Midnight Library by Matt Haig — A gentle reminder that small choices can lead to big change.
  
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert — Inspiring, creative, and full of encouragement.
  
• The Defining Decade by Meg Jay — Insightful advice for navigating transitions and finding direction.

Books to Read If You Want to Start a New Habit

For creativity, productivity, health, or mindset.

• Atomic Habits by James Clear — Clear, practical steps for building better routines.
  
• The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron — A beloved guide to unlocking creativity.
  
• Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker — Fascinating science that might genuinely change your life.

Next, we’ll wrap up with a simple guide on how to choose your next book—so you always know where to start, no matter how overwhelmed you feel by the endless list of books to read.

How to Choose Your Next Book to Read

With so many books to read on your list (and probably even more saved on your phone), choosing your next read can feel strangely stressful. The good news? It doesn’t have to be. A few simple questions can help you quickly narrow things down and find the perfect match for your current moment.

Ask Yourself What You Need Right Now

Before anything else, check in with your energy level.
Are you looking for escape? Comfort? A challenge? A laugh?
Your emotional state is often the best compass when choosing your next book.

Use Mood, Genre, and Length as Filters

If you’re tired, pick something short.
If you want to get lost, choose a big fantasy or sweeping novel.
If you’re curious, grab a piece of nonfiction.
Small filters make the decision easier—and more fun.

When to Try Something Outside Your Comfort Zone

Every now and then, choose a book you wouldn’t usually reach for.
A genre you’ve never tried.
A classic you’ve been avoiding.
A new release everyone’s talking about.
Those unexpected picks often become unforgettable reads.

Quick decision checklist:

• How much time do I realistically have this week?
  
• Do I want to feel entertained, inspired, comforted, or challenged?
  
• Do I crave something familiar or something totally new?
  
• Do I want a story I can finish quickly or a world I can live in for a while?

FAQ: Books To Read