By Simran Sukhnani
Copyright timesnownews
10 Books You Should Read To Be Considered Well Read, To be considered truly well read is not about the number of books on your shelf but the depth, diversity, and timelessness of the works you’ve explored. From sweeping epics and philosophical classics to cultural touchstones and modern masterpieces, this list brings together books that sharpen intellect, expand empathy, and offer unforgettable perspectives. These aren’t just stories, they are milestones of thought every reader should experience. War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, A literary masterpiece that fuses history, philosophy, and intimate human drama, War and Peace follows Russian aristocratic families during the Napoleonic wars. Tolstoy captures the chaos of battle alongside the quiet struggles of love, loss, and purpose. With profound reflections on fate and free will, this novel embodies the grandeur of world literature, essential for anyone who wants to be considered truly well read. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, Often hailed as the first modern novel, Don Quixote tells the tale of an aging man who sets out as a knight-errant to revive chivalry, tilting at windmills and chasing illusions. Cervantes blends comedy, tragedy, and sharp social satire, creating a layered masterpiece that explores reality versus imagination. To be well read is to appreciate this enduring classic that shaped the future of literature. , Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, A psychological and moral cornerstone, Crime and Punishment plunges readers into the tormented mind of Raskolnikov, a student who commits murder believing himself above conventional morality. Dostoevsky dissects guilt, redemption, and human suffering with unparalleled intensity. This novel not only challenges philosophical boundaries but also illuminates the complexities of conscience, making it an essential read for anyone striving for literary and intellectual depth. Middlemarch by George Eliot, A richly layered portrait of English provincial life, Middlemarch explores the intertwined fates of its characters against the backdrop of politics, reform, and societal expectation. George Eliot offers profound insight into ambition, love, marriage, and the search for meaning. Its psychological depth and keen moral vision make it one of the greatest English novels ever written, an indispensable part of being well read. The Republic by Plato, A foundational text of Western philosophy, The Republic wrestles with questions of justice, governance, morality, and the ideal society. Plato’s dialogues, led by Socrates, remain strikingly relevant as they explore power, ethics, and human behavior. To be well read is to grapple with this work’s enduring influence on politics, philosophy, and thought. It is not just a book, it is a cornerstone of civilization’s intellectual history. , The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri, A visionary poem of sin, redemption, and the soul’s journey, The Divine Comedy leads readers through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise. Dante’s allegorical epic fuses theology, philosophy, and lyrical beauty, offering a glimpse into medieval thought while addressing universal questions of faith and humanity. To read Dante is to encounter both a spiritual odyssey and a literary cornerstone that cements one’s place among the well read. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, Harari traces the astonishing journey of humanity from hunter-gatherers to modern societies, blending anthropology, history, and philosophy. Sapiens challenges how we see culture, progress, and our collective future, raising questions that linger long after the last page. In a world where knowledge is power, this modern classic equips readers with the intellectual curiosity and perspective necessary to be considered well read. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, A groundbreaking African novel, Things Fall Apart depicts the life of Okonkwo, a proud Igbo leader, as colonial forces dismantle traditional society. Achebe masterfully portrays the clash between indigenous culture and Western intrusion with poetic clarity. Reading this book is essential to understanding postcolonial literature, cultural identity, and global history. It is a powerful cornerstone for anyone striving to be considered truly well read. , The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Set in the dazzling yet hollow world of the Jazz Age, The Great Gatsby explores wealth, love, illusion, and the elusive American Dream. Fitzgerald’s lyrical prose and tragic storytelling capture a moment in history while exposing timeless truths about ambition and disillusionment. To be well read is to know this novel’s shimmering beauty and sharp critique, both of which make it an American literary essential. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, A searing meditation on race, identity, and invisibility in America, Invisible Man follows a nameless narrator through a labyrinth of experiences that reveal the nation’s deep fractures. Ellison’s bold prose combines social critique with existential depth, making this novel a defining work of 20th-century literature. Essential to any well read library, it forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society and the self.
