1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A timeless classic that explores the decadence and excess of the Jazz Age, The Great Gatsby is a beautifully written novel that delves into themes of love, ambition, and the American Dream.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: A poignant coming-of-age story set in the racially charged South, To Kill a Mockingbird is a powerful novel that tackles issues of racism, prejudice, and social injustice.
3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: A controversial and thought-provoking novel, The Catcher in the Rye follows the disillusioned teen protagonist, Holden Caulfield, as he grapples with issues of identity, alienation, and the phoniness of adult society.
4. 1984 by George Orwell: A dystopian classic that remains eerily relevant today, 1984 paints a chilling portrait of a totalitarian society where freedom and individuality are suppressed in the name of control and power.
5. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: A beloved romance novel that has stood the test of time, Pride and Prejudice follows the spirited heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, as she navigates the social conventions and romantic entanglements of Regency-era England.
6. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood: A chilling and thought-provoking dystopian novel, The Handmaid's Tale explores themes of gender oppression, power, and resistance in a society where women are stripped of their rights and autonomy.
7. Beloved by Toni Morrison: A haunting and lyrical novel that explores the legacy of slavery and the enduring impact of trauma, Beloved is a powerful and essential read that delves into themes of memory, identity, and the search for freedom.
8. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini: A moving and emotionally resonant novel that spans decades and continents, The Kite Runner follows the complex relationship between two friends against the backdrop of Afghanistan's tumultuous history.
9. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: A unique and captivating novel told from the perspective of Death, The Book Thief follows a young girl named Liesel as she discovers the power of words and storytelling in Nazi Germany.
10. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho: A philosophical and inspiring novel that follows the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago as he embarks on a quest for his personal legend, The Alchemist is a timeless tale of self-discovery, destiny, and the pursuit of one's dreams.