Key Points
- Reddit is a trusted source for book recommendations due to its passionate and knowledgeable community of readers.
- Reddit highlights both popular and lesser-known books, making it a valuable resource for discovering hidden gems.
- The top 15 books on Reddit’s list encompass a wide range of genres, themes, and perspectives.
- Dune, 1984, and Ender’s Game are highly regarded for their complex world-building, thought-provoking themes, and engaging narratives.
- Reddit appreciates One Hundred Years of Solitude for its magical realism, lyrical prose, and exploration of love and time.
Who doesn’t love a good book? The Reddit community has been debating the best books of all time for years now. Surprisingly, with its diverse user base and engaged community of readers, Reddit has become one of the most trusted sources for book recommendations. But which titles come up the most in their discussions of the best books ever? From timeless classics to contemporary masterpieces, Reddit’s ranking of the best books encompasses a wide range of genres, themes, and perspectives. How many titles from their top 15 have you read?
Why Trust Reddit’s Best Books?
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Why trust Reddit’s ranking of the best books of all time? Because Reddit is a lot more trustworthy than you might think. Given the sheer number of book-loving subreddits, it’s clear Redditors are extremely passionate about books. Additionally, these Reddit users are eager to share their opinions and experiences with the public. One look at a passionate subreddit dedicated to literature, and this trustworthiness becomes abundantly clear.
From specific genres to authors to themes and beyond, Reddit allows readers to find specific recommendations of all kinds. These recommendations come from enthusiasts with deep knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. Furthermore, Reddit provides a platform for both popular and lesser-known books to gain attention. While mainstream bestsellers are often discussed, Reddit also highlights hidden gems and underrated works that may not receive as much attention elsewhere.
This variety and diversity of opinions make Reddit a valuable resource for discovering books outside the mainstream. Of course, like any online platform, individual opinions on Reddit may vary. Likewise, not every recommendation will suit everyone’s taste. It’s best to approach Reddit’s recommendations with an open mind. Consider multiple suggestions and conduct further research on your own before deciding on what to read.
With that said, here are Reddit’s top books.
15. Dune by Frank Herbert
Frank Herbert’s Dune is a science fiction epic set in a distant future where interstellar travel, political intrigue, and ecological balance intersect. If you’ve never read it but have seen David Lynch’s 1984 film or Denis Villeneuve’s 2021 film, then you know how intricate Dune‘s legendary sci-fi plot truly is. Reddit appreciates Dune for its detailed world-building, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes. The book’s look at power, religion, and the delicate balance between humans and their environment spur engaging discussions among Redditors to this day.
14. 1984 by George Orwell
George Orwell’s 1984 is a dystopian novel depicting a society governed by a totalitarian regime where individual freedom and privacy are suppressed. It tops required reading lists throughout the nation’s high schools, but that doesn’t make it any less worth reading. Reddit adores 1984 for its chilling portrayal of government surveillance, propaganda, and the dangers of authoritarian control. The book’s cautionary tale about the erosion of personal liberties resonates strongly with Redditors. This often leads to talks on the importance of democracy and the threats of surveillance states.
13. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
- Author: Orson Scott Card
- Page count: 256
- Genre: Science fiction
- First published: 1984
Orson Scott Card’s iconic sci-fi novel Ender’s Game follows a gifted young boy named Ender Wiggin as he navigates a futuristic world where children are trained to fight an alien species. Reddit has long loved Ender’s Game for its gripping narrative, strategic battles, and complex moral dilemmas. Plus, who doesn’t love a good series? The book’s themes of leadership, empathy, and the consequences of violence spark lively conversations among Redditors. Especially in the context of war and human nature in the 21st century.
12. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez
- Author: Gabriel García Márquez
- Page count: 417 pages
- Genre: Literary fiction
- First published: 1967
Gabriel García Márquez’s epic One Hundred Years of Solitude chronicles the Buendía family’s multi-generational saga in the fictional town of Macondo. There’s nothing like the experience of reading this novel for the first time. The book’s rich symbolism and vivid characters delve deep into the complexities of human relationships, the influence of the past, and the power of storytelling in our lives. Reddit calls it one of the best books ever because of its magical realism, lyrical prose, and themes of love, time, and the cyclical nature of history.
11. Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
Neal Stephenson’s Snow Crash is a science fiction novel for the ages. It’s set in a future where corporations hold significant power and virtual reality is a dominant force. Sound eerily familiar? Few novels have captured the dangers of a tech-heavy society so astutely. Reddit thinks very highly of Snow Crash for its fast-paced plot, cyberpunk elements, and sharp social commentary. The book’s thoughts on technology, linguistics, and the merging of virtual and real worlds all place it high on Reddit’s list of the best books ever.
10. To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
- Author: Virginia Woolf
- Page count: 209
- Genre: Literary fiction
- First published: 1927
Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse is a modernist novel that delves into the lives of the Ramsay family and their guests during two separate visits to a Scottish island. Woolf is a legendary figure of 20th-century literature, making her inclusion on this list of Reddit’s best books ever a given. Reddit thinks highly of To the Lighthouse for its lyrical prose, introspective characters, and experimental narrative style. The book’s examination of memory, perception, and the complexities of human experience sparks thoughts on the nature of time, art, and the inner lives of our loved ones.
9. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Author: Jane Austen
- Page count: 448
- Genre: Literary fiction
- First published: 1813
Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice is the most cherished romance novel on this list. Centered around the spirited Elizabeth Bennet and her tumultuous relationship with the proud Mr. Darcy, the book is a favorite for more than just Redditors. It’s one of the most notable books ever written. Reddit loves Pride and Prejudice for its witty dialogue, social satire, and memorable characters. Not to mention, the book’s themes of love, societal expectations, and the importance of self-discovery trigger discussions about gender roles, class divisions, and the nature of true love.
8. Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
- Author: Kurt Vonnegut
- Page count: 288
- Genre: Literary fiction
- First published: 1969
Love surreal, hilarious works of literary fiction? Then Kurt Vonnegut’s your guy. Turns out, he’s Reddit’s guy too. His book Slaughterhouse-Five ranks highly on the list of best books ever written. It follows the experiences of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier who becomes “unstuck in time” and witnesses different moments of his life. Most notably, the bombing of Dresden during World War II. Reddit appreciates Slaughterhouse-Five for its blend of dark humor, anti-war sentiment, and unconventional narrative structure. The book’s exploration of the horrors of war, the nature of free will, and the concept of time are enough to cement it on this list.
7. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
- Author: Harper Lee
- Page count: 336
- Genre: Literary fiction
- First published: 1960
Reading To Kill a Mockingbird in high school is often called the best homework assignment ever for many loyal readers. Doubling as a coming-of-age novel and a compassionate look at life in Alabama in the 1930s, Reddit cherishes To Kill a Mockingbird for its timeless themes of racial injustice, empathy, and the loss of innocence. The book’s memorable characters, powerful storytelling, and depiction of social inequality inspire discussions on racism, morality, and the importance of standing up for what is right.
6. Beloved by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s Beloved is a book unlike any other. It tells the chilling story of Sethe, an escaped slave haunted by the ghost of her deceased daughter. From its lyrical prose to its evocative imagery to its portrayal of the legacy of slavery, Beloved succeeds in every conceivable way a novel possibly could. Not to mention, the book’s examination of identity, memory, and the enduring trauma of the past led to discussions about the impact of historical atrocities and the healing power of community.
5. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
- Author: Emily Bronte
- Page count: 416
- Genre: Gothic fiction
- First published: 1847
If someone tells you that Wuthering Heights is just a boring old run-of-the-mill romance, consider that person wrong. Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights is a gothic novel that delves into the passionate and destructive relationship between Catherine Earnshaw and the mysterious Heathcliff. Wuthering Heights is filled with intense emotions, an atmospheric setting, and some of the most complex characters ever put to the page. The book’s themes of love, revenge, and the consequences of obsession make it an all-time great.
4. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
- Author: Ralph Ellison
- Page count: 581 pages
- Genre: Literary fiction
- First published: 1952
This one’s not to be confused with the H.G. Wells novel. Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man follows the journey of a Black man as he navigates prejudice and identity in a divided society. Reddit names Invisible Man one of the best books ever for its powerful social commentary, vivid storytelling, and examination of the complexities of racial identity. The book’s thoughts on racism, social invisibility, and the search for self-worth will keep you thinking long after the final page. Sadly, much of it still feels relevant over 70 years after publication.
3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
- Author: Aldous Huxley
- Page count: 288
- Genre: Dystopian fiction
- First published: 1932
Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World is a dystopian novel set in a future society where technology, consumerism, and genetic engineering create a superficially perfect but oppressive world. Reddit puts Brave New World in the top three for its provocative critique of societal control, individualism, and the dehumanizing effects of mass production. Not to mention, the book’s exploration of the balance between personal freedom and social stability are all great conversation starters.
2. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
If you haven’t read Moby-Dick because you think you know the story, you’d be incorrect. Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick is an epic novel that follows Captain Ahab’s relentless pursuit of an elusive white whale. Reddit appreciates Moby Dick for its rich symbolism, philosophical musings, and powerful storytelling. The book’s thoughts on obsession, fate, and the nature of humanity inspire in-depth discussions among Redditors. Particularly regarding the human desire for conquest, the limits of knowledge, and the existential quest for meaning.
1. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Like Wuthering Heights, Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina is another hugely underrated and misrepresented work of fiction. This classic Russian novel weaves together the stories of several characters. However, it has a particular focus on Anna Karenina’s adulterous affair. The consequences of this affair radiate throughout the complex web of individuals in the book. All in all, it makes for an astounding portrait of love, morality, and societal expectations. The subreddits are all in agreement: Anna Karenina tops the list of the best books ever written.
Summary Table
| Rank | Book | Author |
|---|---|---|
| 15 | Dune | Frank Herbert |
| 14 | 1984 | George Orwell |
| 13 | Enderâs Game | Orson Scott Card |
| 12 | One Hundred Years of Solitude | Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez |
| 11 | Snow Crash | Neal Stephenson |
| 10 | To the Lighthouse | Virginia Woolf |
| 9 | Pride and Prejudice | Jane Austen |
| 8 | Slaughterhouse-Five | Kurt Vonnegut |
| 7 | To Kill a Mockingbird | Harper Lee |
| 6 | Beloved | Toni Morrison |
| 5 | Wuthering Heights | Emily Bronte |
| 4 | Invisible Man | Ralph Ellison |
| 3 | Brave New World | Aldous Huxley |
| 2 | Moby-Dick | Herman Melville |
| 1 | Anna Karenina | Leo Tolstoy |
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