121 Good Books You Must Read in 2025 (Sorted By Category)

Reading remains one of the most reliable ways to become more interesting, informed, and socially confident. According to Pew Research¹, approximately 75% of Americans reported reading a book in 2021—though more recent government surveys from the National Endowment for the Arts² suggest this number may have dropped closer to 50%.

Whether reading habits are rising or falling, one thing stays constant: the right book at the right time can transform how you think, connect, and communicate. This curated list of best books spans both 21st century releases and timeless classics, giving you notable book recommendations across every genre.

What are the benefits of reading books regularly? Research consistently shows that regular reading strengthens cognitive function, reduces stress, and builds empathy. According to studies from the University of Toronto³, reading fiction improves our ability to understand others’ mental states—a skill that translates directly to better relationships and communication. Reading also expands vocabulary, improves focus, and provides mental stimulation that may help prevent cognitive decline.

How many books should I read per year? The average American reads about 12 books annually, according to Pew Research⁴. But there’s no magic number—what matters is consistency. Even reading 15-20 minutes daily adds up to roughly 20 books per year. Start with a goal that feels achievable, whether that’s one book per month or one per quarter, and build from there.

This guide features 121 good books across 12 categories—your essential books of the year reading list. Each recommendation includes what makes it worth reading, and for the top picks, conversation-starting questions to use at your next dinner party or networking event.

My Top Good Books to Read

The best conversations often emerge from shared reading experiences. These 11 books consistently generate the kind of discussions where time flies, connections deepen, and you leave feeling energized. Each novel and nonfiction book on this list has proven its ability to spark meaningful dialogue.

1. Freakonomics by Stephen D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything

Freakonomics overflows with provocative stories and theories about sumo wrestlers, school teachers, and data patterns. The authors explore hidden connections in everyday subjects—though readers should note that some causal claims (like the abortion-crime link) remain debated among economists.

Conversation starter: “Have you ever discovered a hidden side to a seemingly boring subject?“

2. 1,000 Places to See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz

Revised Second Edition

Travel comes up constantly in conversation—whether someone just returned from a business trip or is planning a vacation. This book provides endless material for discussing destinations, bucket lists, and adventure dreams.

Conversation starters:

• “Have you visited any of the 1,000 places?”
• “What’s at the top of your travel list?“

3. Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards

The Science of Succeeding with People

Captivate offers research-backed strategies for understanding social dynamics and improving interpersonal skills. Vanessa’s book helps readers interpret social cues and communicate more effectively in professional and personal settings.

Conversation starter: “What’s one social skill you wish you’d learned earlier?“

4. Your Pinkie Is More Powerful Than Your Thumb by Mark Di Vincenzo

For trivia enthusiasts, this book delivers 333 surprising facts designed to make you wealthier, healthier, and more interesting at parties. Perfect for anyone who loves random knowledge.

Conversation starter: “What’s the weirdest fact you’ve ever heard?“

5. Blink by Malcolm Gladwell

The Power of Thinking Without Thinking

Malcolm Gladwell explores rapid cognition—the snap judgments that happen in seconds. While the book celebrates intuition, readers should balance this with awareness that quick thinking can also introduce bias. It pairs interestingly with Kahneman’s Thinking, Fast and Slow for a fuller picture.

Conversation starter: “Do you trust your first impressions, or do you second-guess them?“

6. Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards

Master the Secret Language of Charismatic Communication

How you say “hello” when entering a room shapes what others think of you. Cues teaches readers to convey warmth and competence through verbal and nonverbal signals—essential skills for anyone who wants to communicate more effectively.

Conversation starter: “How do you try to make a good first impression?“

7.The Five Love Languages by Gary D. Chapman

The Secret to Love That Lasts

This book provides a popular framework for understanding how people express and receive affection. While recent research⁵ suggests the “matching” theory lacks strong empirical support, the framework remains a useful conversation tool for discussing relationship preferences.

Conversation starter: “What’s your love language?“

8. Your Favorite Book-Turned-Movie

This category sparks lively debate every time. Whether discussing Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, The Hobbit, or The Help, comparing adaptations reveals what people value in storytelling.

Conversation starter: “What’s your favorite—and least favorite—book-to-movie adaptation?“

9. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle blends ancient wisdom, personal stories, and practical exercises to help readers escape mental patterns. This New York Times bestseller has sold millions of copies worldwide, helping readers discover presence and mindfulness. Similar in spirit to The Four Agreements and The Alchemist, this book explores how living in the present moment can transform your relationships and reduce anxiety.

Conversation starter: “How often do you feel truly present during your day?“

10. Why Men Don’t Listen and Women Can’t Read Maps by Allan Pease

How We’re Different and What to Do About It

This book presents an evolutionary perspective on gender differences. While entertaining, readers should note that modern neuroscience—particularly the “mosaic brain” research by Dr. Daphna Joel—suggests human brains don’t split cleanly along gender lines. The book works best as a conversation starter rather than scientific authority.

Conversation starter: “What differences have you noticed in how people communicate?“

11. Body Language Books

Understanding nonverbal communication makes social situations more engaging. Two standout titles:

What Every BODY Is Saying by Joe Navarro

The Definitive Book of Body Language by Allan and Barbara Pease

These books offer frameworks for interpreting social signals. Research suggests that while body language provides useful context, it’s unreliable for detecting deception—so approach “lie detection” claims with healthy skepticism.

Conversation starter: “Do you ever try to read people’s body language at parties?”

Good Self-Help Books

What are the best self-help books for personal growth? These 10 self-help books offer research-backed strategies for building better habits and navigating life’s challenges. From forming new routines to healing from past trauma, each title provides practical frameworks you can apply immediately.

12. Atomic Habits by James Clear

James Clear is one of America’s most popular authors. His “3-2-1” newsletter has over 3 million subscribers⁶. Atomic Habits teaches readers to build habits through small, consistent changes—backed by research showing habit formation takes an average of 66 days, not the commonly cited 21. If you’re wondering how to start a reading habit, this novel approach to behavior change provides the perfect roadmap.

13. When You’re Ready, This Is How You Heal by Brianna Wiest

Overcoming trauma requires patience and the right guidance. Brianna Wiest offers a framework for transforming thinking patterns and healing from past wounds.

14. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin spent a year testing happiness strategies—from singing in the morning to cleaning closets to reading Aristotle. The result is a practical, often funny guide to finding more joy in everyday life.

15. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

This New York Times bestseller reframes vulnerability as a strength rather than weakness. Brené Brown shows how openness enables empathy, creativity, and deeper connection.

16.The Power of Fun by Catherine Price

Catherine Price distinguishes between “fake fun” (scrolling on devices) and genuine fun that reduces stress and increases productivity. A practical guide for reclaiming joy in a distracted world.

17. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Marie Kondo’s method for decluttering has influenced millions since its 2011 release. The core question—“Does this spark joy?”—applies far beyond closet organization.

18. Start With Why by Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek examines how leaders like Steve Jobs inspired loyalty by communicating purpose before product. His “Golden Circle” framework helps readers find and articulate their own “why.”

19. Be a Triangle by Lilly Singh

YouTuber and TV host Lilly Singh shares strategies for building an unshakeable foundation—a stable base that external forces can’t topple.

20. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith

Dr. Julie Smith distills therapeutic wisdom into accessible advice for life’s toughest challenges. Readers consistently report wishing they’d encountered this book earlier.

21. Reboot Your Thinking by Nick Bowditch

Nick Bowditch explores 28 themes—including resilience, connection, and fun—to help readers shift their professional mindset and approach challenges differently.

Good Classic Literature Books

What classic literature books should everyone read? These 10 classics have shaped how generations think about justice, love, ambition, and human nature. Each novel on this list has stood the test of time, offering insights that remain remarkably relevant today.

22. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Harper Lee’s 1960 novel depicts racial injustice in 1930s Alabama through the eyes of Scout Finch. Her father Atticus defends a wrongly accused Black man, revealing the racist attitudes of their community. This book rewards rereading at different life stages.

23. Moby Dick by Herman Melville

“Call me Ishmael” remains one of literature’s most iconic opening lines. Herman Melville’s epic shows how obsession becomes destruction as Captain Ahab sacrifices everything to hunt the white whale.

24. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece introduced “Big Brother” to the cultural lexicon. The novel warns about surveillance, information control, and the erosion of individual freedom.

25. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald captures the glitter and hollowness of 1920s America. Wealth, love, and tragedy intertwine in this meditation on the American dream’s limitations.

26. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

At 1,500 pages, Victor Hugo’s novel demands commitment—and rewards it. This story of redemption and love follows multiple characters through France’s social upheavals of the early 19th century.

27. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel explores betrayal, isolation, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Far deeper than its Halloween reputation suggests.

28. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain

Mark Twain once said, “The man who does not read good books is no better than the man who can’t.” His novel follows Huck and Jim down the Mississippi River, using satire and irony to challenge racial attitudes and societal expectations.

29. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Jane Austen’s 1813 novel remains remarkably relevant. Elizabeth Bennet’s journey shows how true connection transcends class and first impressions.

30. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck sets his novel during the Great Depression, following tenant farmers displaced by the Dust Bowl. The Joad family’s solidarity amid exploitation demonstrates human resilience.

31. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens’ novella transformed how the Western world celebrates Christmas. Ebenezer Scrooge’s overnight transformation through the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future remains a powerful story of redemption.

For more perspective-shifting reads, see: 20 Meaningful & Life-Changing Books You Should Read in Your 20s

Good Thriller Books

What are the best thriller books to read? These 10 thrillers deliver suspense, plot twists, and characters you won’t forget. From psychological suspense to action-packed adventures, each novel keeps you turning pages late into the night.

32. The Shining by Stephen King

Stephen King’s masterpiece of psychological horror follows the Torrance family as they become winter caretakers of the isolated Overlook Hotel. Jack Torrance’s descent into madness, fueled by the hotel’s supernatural forces, creates unbearable tension. This New York Times bestseller established King as the master of modern horror and remains essential reading for thriller fans.

33. Enemy at the Gates by Vince Flynn and Kyle Mills

Mitch Rapp faces his biggest challenge yet: protecting the world’s first trillionaire while the American government works against him.

34. The Maid by Nita Prose

Molly is a talented hotel maid who becomes the prime suspect when a wealthy guest dies. She and her friends must find the real culprit before it’s too late.

35. The Murders at Fleat House by Lucinda Riley

Published posthumously after Riley’s death in 2021, this novel follows retired detective Jazz Hunter as she investigates a student’s death at a quiet Norfolk school. More disappearances complicate the case.

36. The Island by Adrian McKinty

A family of four visits a forbidden island during vacation—only to find themselves at the mercy of brutal locals. A survival thriller that escalates relentlessly.

37. Red Queen by Juan Gómez-Jurado

This international bestseller follows Detective Antonia Scott and Officer Jon Gutierrez as they race to solve a murder and kidnapping before time runs out.

38. The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Marissa and Matthew Bishop seem to have the perfect marriage—until infidelity leads them to an unlicensed therapist rumored to be the best in the business. Their lives are soon in danger.

39. Code 6 by James Grippando

Kate Gamble writes a play about the government kidnapping her friend—except her friend is real, and her father might be behind the crime.

40. A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham

Chloe Davis’s father kidnapped six teenage girls when she was young. Two decades later, girls are disappearing again in a similar pattern. The suspense is nearly unbearable.

41. The 6:20 Man by David Baldacci

Travis Devine takes the train to work like thousands of New Yorkers—until he receives an email that his co-worker and ex-girlfriend is dead. Now he must investigate his investment firm while a killer remains at large.

42. A Mother Would Know by Amber Garza

Valerie Jacobs invites her son home for company—then he becomes the focus of a murder investigation. The neighbors feel endangered. So does Valerie.

Good Romance Books

These 10 romance novels explore love, connection, and the complications that make relationships interesting.

43. Something Wilder by Christina Lauren

Lily Wilder, daughter of a treasure hunter, runs into an old flame who might be key to finding long-lost treasure. Adventure and romance unfold against the American Southwest.

44. Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

Kenna Rowen’s past mistake burdens her young daughter because nobody wants to associate with her. A local bar owner quietly offers Kenna a chance—risking his standing in the community.

45. American Royalty by Tracey Livesay

In this Harry-and-Meghan-inspired story, Prince Jameson hires American musician Danielle “Duchess” Nelson to perform at a royal concert. Love develops despite the queen’s objections.

46. Delilah Green Doesn’t Care by Ashley Herring Blake

Delilah returns to her hometown to photograph her sister’s wedding and reconnects with an old friend. Their collaboration sparks romance—while they also work to save Delilah’s sister from a terrible fiancé.

47. Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola

Kiki Banjo advises friends to avoid “situationships”—then falls into one herself. She and Malakai agree to a fake relationship to protect their reputations. A comedy-romance blend that delivers on both fronts.

48. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Nora Stephens, a powerful literary agent, keeps running into a nerdy book editor from her city. Their situations aren’t ideal, but chemistry doesn’t follow plans.

49. By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

Isabelle, a publishing house employee, finds an unexpected spark with a distant author on a tight deadline. She helps Beau finish his novel—and discovers something more.

50. All Downhill With You by Julie Olivia

An Enemies to Lovers Romance

When Honeywood Fun Park’s roller coaster malfunctions, marketing manager Lorelei must work with Emory to fix it. They claim to dislike each other. The attraction says otherwise.

51. Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

Bee Königswasser and Levi Ward work together in a science lab, but Levi insists they stay distant. As the novel progresses, distance becomes impossible.

52. Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Fox Thornton and Hannah Bellinger insist they’re just friends. When they live together temporarily, Fox can’t deny his attraction to his best friend.

Good Sci-Fi Books

These 10 science fiction novels explore technology, space, and what it means to be human.

53. A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine

This sequel to A Memory Called Empire follows Mahit Dzmare and Three Seagrass as they work to stop an alien invasion amid political upheaval. Failure means millions die.

54. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

Gaspery-Jacques Roberts investigates a violin heard in the woods—a phenomenon connecting an exiled man, a famous writer, and his childhood friend. Will he disrupt the universe’s timeline?

55. Goliath by Tochi Onyebuchi

Earth’s wealthiest have departed for space colonies. The laborers left behind must rebuild crumbling cities or succumb to a deteriorating planet. A powerful allegory about race and class.

56. How High We Go in the Dark by Sequoia Nagamatsu

An archaeologist finds human remains from someone who died of a virus—accidentally triggering a worldwide outbreak. The novel demonstrates human resilience across interconnected stories.

57. The Genesis of Misery by Neon Yang

Misery Nomaki must lead their people in a holy war while battling imposter syndrome. A Joan of Arc-inspired story about doubt, faith, and leadership.

58. In the Lives of Puppets by T.J. Klune

Victor Lawson discovers one of his robots has hunted humans in the past. He must track down Gio and prevent his decommission in the City of Electric Dreams. Inspired by Pinocchio and Wall-E.

59. Light Years from Home by Mike Chen

Evie Shao’s brother disappeared 15 years ago—and has suddenly returned. Now she must protect him from the FBI, an alien armada, and their own sister.

60. Upgrade by Blake Crouch

Logan Ramsay wakes to find his brain becoming a superpower. These abilities connect to his family’s dark past. Humanity’s future depends on what he does next.

61. Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes

Claire Kovalik discovers a space-liner that disappeared 20 years ago. The Aurora is a death trap, and Claire’s crew risks the same fate as its original passengers.

62. Invisible Sun by Charles Stross

Rita and her mother must save the United States from a wormhole bringing robotic alien invaders. Prepare for nightmares after this one.

Good Mystery Books

These 10 mysteries challenge readers to solve puzzles alongside the protagonists.

63. Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Finlay Donovan has a novel deadline to meet—and someone is out to get her ex-husband. She navigates the Russian mob, soccer moms, and a hot detective. A mystery that feels like comfort reading.

64. Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister

A mother witnesses her son kill a stranger. Time starts moving backward, giving her a chance to prevent the murder—if she can figure out why it happened.

65. The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain

Two converging plots—one in the 1960s, one in 2010—reveal Round Hill, North Carolina’s dark past. Themes of racism, love, family, and trauma interweave.

66. Like a Sister by Kellye Garrett

Lena, a Columbia graduate, doesn’t believe reports that celebrity Desiree Pierce died of an overdose. Desiree was her half-sister, and Lena risks everything to find the truth.

67. The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

A Thursday Murder Club Mystery

Elizabeth reopens a cold case that quickly becomes dangerous. The alleged murderer threatens her life, and the clock is ticking.

68. The Storyteller’s Death by Anna Dávila Cardinal

Isla Sanchez can communicate with the afterlife. She uses this power to solve an old murder mystery—risking her own life in the process.

69. The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

Ray McMillian discovers his family’s Stradivarius violin—his chance to become a professional musician. Then someone steals it for ransom.

70. The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

Four strangers in a library hear a scream. Security tells them to stay put. One of them knows exactly what happened—because they’re the murderer.

71. Hot and Sour Suspects by Vivien Chien

Speed dating turns fatal when Lana Lee’s friend’s date is murdered. The victim had many enemies, and Lana must solve the case before someone else dies.

72. The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

Jess flies to Paris to stay with her half-brother as a last resort. When she arrives, Ben is missing. She must interrogate his neighbors to find him.

Good Nonfiction Books

These 10 true stories and memoirs illuminate real events and remarkable lives. Each nonfiction book on this list offers insights you won’t find in fiction—real people facing extraordinary circumstances.

73. Solito by Javier Zamora

Javier Zamora recounts his two-month journey from El Salvador to the United States—at age nine, leaving his family behind. Fellow migrants become his family across this harrowing journey.

74. His Name Is George Floyd by Robert Samuels and Toluse Olorunnipa

One Man’s Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice

This Pulitzer Prize-winning book tells George Floyd’s full story—his family’s history with slavery, sharecropping, and institutional racism, plus firsthand testimonials about his fatherhood and friendship.

75. The Escape Artist by Jonathan Freedland

Rudolf Vrba escaped from Auschwitz and told the first stories from the Nazi concentration camps. His efforts ultimately saved thousands of Jewish lives during World War II.

76. Dickens and Prince by Nick Hornby

A Particular Kind of Genius

Charles Dickens and Prince were born 146 years apart on different continents. Nick Hornby explores what these artists shared: productivity, humor, social consciousness, and personal tragedy.

77. The Last Days of Roger Federer by Geoff Dyer

Geoff Dyer examines how greatness ends—studying Bob Dylan, Roger Federer, Friedrich Nietzsche, and other public figures. How do legacies outlast their creators?

78. The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras

Ingrid Rojas Contreras’ grandfather was a community healer who passed down his gifts. Despite amnesia troubling her memory, Ingrid pieces together her family’s history of gifts and curses.

79. The Nineties: A Book by Chuck Klosterman

Chuck Klosterman takes readers back to Seinfeld, Titanic, Michael Jordan, and brick-sized cellphones. Pure nostalgia for anyone who lived through the decade.

80. Because Our Fathers Lied by Craig McNamara

Craig McNamara, son of Robert McNamara, examines his father’s role in the Vietnam War and its tragic effects. He didn’t realize it in the 1960s, but now Craig knows his father lied to him and the country.

81. True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us by Danielle J. Lindemann

Why do we love Survivor, Big Brother, and The Bachelor? This book explores the psychology behind our obsession with reality television.

82. An Immense World by Ed Yong

Ed Yong explores how animals experience the world—turtles detecting magnetic fields, squids seeing sparkling whales. A reminder of the sensory richness beyond human perception.

Good Historical Fiction Books

These 10 novels bring historical events to life through compelling characters.

83. After the Hurricane by Leah Franqui

Elena Vega’s troubled father returns to Puerto Rico to reconcile—only to encounter Hurricane Maria. Elena must traverse the island and find family members she’s never met.

84. The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis

The Frick mansion holds secrets spanning decades. In the 1920s, Lillian Carter discovers stolen jewelry and family drama. Fifty years later, Veronica Weber must solve the mystery.

85. Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian

In 17th-century Massachusetts, Mary Deerfield must choose between divorcing her abusive husband and being called a witch—which means death.

86. The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

War transforms Aleppo’s countryside into a disaster zone. Nuri and his blind wife Afra must escape Syria amid chaos. This displacement story shows how quickly reality can change.

87. Black Cloud Rising by David Wright Falade

The African Brigade helped the Union during the Civil War. Sergeant Richard Etheridge navigates the Atlantic coast to liberate enslaved people from plantations across the Southeast.

88. African Town by Irene Latham and Charles Waters

Captured enslaved people brought to Alabama from Africa built their own community called African Town after the Civil War. Told through 14 different perspectives.

89. Sisters of Night and Fog by Erika Robuck

Virginia d’Albert-Lake and Violette Szabo fight the Nazis head-on, eventually meeting in a concentration camp. Based on true stories of courage.

90. A Place Called Freedom by Ken Follett

Mack McAsh and Lizzie Hallim escape Scotland for the American frontier in the 18th century. Rebels and villains await them in the Wild West.

91. The Family by Mario Puzo

From the author of The Godfather: a trip to 15th-century Rome and the Borgia family—a clan defined by corruption, poison, and murder.

92. Mademoiselle Revolution by Zoe Sivak

Sylvie de Rosiers leaves Haiti in 1791 for a quieter life in Paris—only to arrive during the French Revolution. She faces an impossible choice between love and safety.

Good Books for Men

These 10 books explore fatherhood, business, sports, music, and personal growth.

93. Straight Shooter by Stephen A. Smith

A Memoir of Second Chances and First Takes

Stephen A. Smith shaped sports television. Now he reveals the truth about his Queens childhood, getting fired from ESPN, and the experiences that built him.

94. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson chronicles the up-and-down life of one of tech’s most influential figures. Jobs’ passions, obsessions, and artistry come through in intimate detail.

95. Beartown by Fredrik Backman

A rural ice hockey town pins its hopes on reaching the national semifinals. Then violence occurs, and the community must confront its secrets.

96. A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney

Rob Delaney, star of Catastrophe, writes about losing his young son to brain cancer. Candid and poignant, this memoir questions the purpose of life through grief.

97. The Expectant Father by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash Rudick

The Ultimate Guide for Dads-To-Be

This fifth edition covers financial planning, prenatal care, delivery, and practical tips for new fathers navigating sleepless nights and diaper changes.

98. Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson

Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson argue you don’t need to be a workaholic or rely on outside investors to build a successful business. Stop talking, start working.

99. Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It by Kamal Ravikant

The Positive Self-Help Phenomenon

Kamal Ravikant built his company for 10 years before it crashed. He rose from depression by choosing to love himself. This book shares his spiritual journey.

100. The Storyteller by Dave Grohl

Tales of Life and Music

Dave Grohl offers an intimate look inside his life—from childhood in Springfield, Virginia, to Nirvana, the Foo Fighters, and collaborations with Paul McCartney and Tom Petty.

101. The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner

One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World

Eric Weiner travels the world to discover where happiness lives—and why certain places produce more joyful people.

102. Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan

Jim Gaffigan discusses how his life changed when he became a father of six. The highs and lows of fatherhood, delivered with his signature comedy.

Good Books for Women

These 10 books explore empowerment, resilience, and remarkable women’s lives.

103. Strong Female Character by Fern Brady

Comedian Fern Brady didn’t receive her autism diagnosis until 34—though she’d known for two decades. She writes about fighting sexism and ableism, even within her own family.

104. Maame by Jessica George

Maddie lives in London, 4,600 miles from her home in Ghana. She pushes herself to improve her life in England despite facing tragedy. Themes of racism, love, friendship, and belonging.

105. Becoming by Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama tells her story—from Chicago’s South Side to two Ivy League schools to balancing motherhood with a law career to the White House. An intimate look at triumphs and disappointments.

106. Own It by Sallie Krawcheck

The Power of Women at Work

Sallie Krawcheck, CEO of Ellevest, teaches professional women to embrace their strengths and trailblaze their own paths to success.

107. Queen of the Court by Madeleine Blais

The Many Lives of Tennis Legend Alice Marble

Alice Marble revolutionized tennis while also working as a musician, actress, and clothing designer. She pushed for the U.S. Lawn Tennis Association to integrate.

108. Enchantment by Katherine May

Katherine May shows how to fill life with curiosity without causing anxiety. She shares her struggles with work and family while teaching readers to reconnect with the environment.

109. Finding Me by Viola Davis

An Oprah’s Book Club Pick

Viola Davis writes about her traumatic Rhode Island childhood and how she found purpose despite hardships. Advice for loving yourself and embracing radical honesty.

110. Somebody’s Daughter by Ashley C. Ford

Ashley C. Ford had a tumultuous relationship with her mother and an incarcerated father. Her perspective changes when her grandmother reveals why her father is in prison.

111. The Cancer Journals by Audre Lorde

Audre Lorde wrote this memoir four decades ago, but it remains relevant. She documents her experience with breast cancer while connecting it to her fight for women’s rights.

112. Dinners With Ruth by Nina Totenberg

A Memoir on the Power of Friendships

Nina Totenberg knew Ruth Bader Ginsburg for more than two decades before Clinton appointed her to the Supreme Court. This book reveals their friendship through widowhood, illness, and more.

Good Psychology Books

What are the best psychology books for understanding human behavior? These 10 psychology books change how you understand yourself and others. From attachment styles to decision-making, each title offers research-backed insights into the human mind.

113. Speaking in Thumbs by Mimi Winsberg

A Psychiatrist Decodes Your Relationship Texts So You Don’t Have To

Mimi Winsberg offers tips for deciphering digital communication in relationships. Essential reading for navigating modern dating.

114. The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt

Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

Jonathan Haidt provides 10 research-backed ideas for happiness, drawing from scientific studies and world history. Find a partner who stands by you in good times and bad.

115. Between Us by Batja Mesquita

How Cultures Create Emotion

Psychologist Batja Mesquita explores how time and geography shape emotional expression. Understanding cultural differences reveals unexpected commonalities.

116. How the Mind Changed by Joseph Jebelli

A Human History of Our Evolving Brain

Joseph Jebelli traces how human brains have changed throughout history—crediting mushrooms, meditation, and climate for shaping how we think.

117. The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor

The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss

Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor uses neurological science to explain how grief works and how to navigate loss while restoring meaning to life.

118. Future Tense by Tracy Dennis-Tiwary

Why Anxiety Is Good for You (Even Though It Feels Bad)

Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary reframes anxiety as potentially beneficial. She argues it can offer strength and protection for improving the future.

119. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman

Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explains our two thinking systems—fast (intuitive) and slow (deliberate). While the System 1/System 2 distinction remains valuable, readers should note that Kahneman himself acknowledged the chapter on “social priming” relies on research that has since faced replication challenges.

120. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller

Amir Levine and Rachel S.F. Heller apply attachment science to adult relationships. Discover your attachment style and learn to navigate love more successfully.

121. The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz

Why More Is Less

Too many choices create stress and regret. Barry Schwartz explains how to overcome decision paralysis and improve emotional well-being.

122. Unlimited Memory by Kevin Horsley

How to Use Advanced Learning Strategies to Learn Faster, Remember More, and Be More Productive

Kevin Horsley teaches scientifically validated memory techniques—like the method of loci—to double productivity and recall information when needed.

For more on reading people, see: How to Read People Like a Book.

Good Books FAQs

What makes a book good?

Good books tell compelling stories with well-developed characters. You’ll know a book is good when you feel immersed—like a fly on the wall or inside the protagonist’s mind. They evoke genuine emotion, whether love from a romance or tension from a thriller.

How do I find good books that match my interests?

Start by identifying which genre interests you. Visit your library, join a book club, or scan bestseller lists. Read reviews to see what resonates before committing.

How do I start a reading habit?

Start small—commit to just 10-15 minutes of reading daily, ideally at the same time each day. Keep a book visible on your nightstand or in your bag. As James Clear explains in Atomic Habits, habit formation works best when you attach new behaviors to existing routines. Try reading during your morning coffee or before bed. Track your progress, and remember that consistency matters more than duration.

Are there must-read books that have significantly impacted literature or society?

Many books immediately influenced society through powerful storytelling. To Kill a Mockingbird and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn challenged racist attitudes and promoted empathy. Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote and Homer’s The Odyssey shaped how future authors structured long-form narratives.

Good Books Takeaway

Reading transforms how you think, connect, and communicate. Here’s how to get started:

1. Pick one book from this list that matches your current mood or goal
2. Set a realistic reading target—even 15 minutes daily builds the habit (research shows habits take an average of 66 days to form)
3. Use books as conversation starters—the follow-up questions in this guide work at any social event
4. Balance entertainment with growth—mix fiction with nonfiction across categories
5. Share what you’re reading—discussing good books deepens understanding and connection

Ready to improve your people skills alongside your reading list? Explore How to Write a Book: 10 Questions to Ask Before You Start Writing.

References

Footnotes (6)

1. pewresearch.org ↩

2. arts.gov ↩

3. utoronto.ca ↩

4. pewresearch.org ↩

5. utoronto.ca ↩

6. jamesclear.com ↩