Mad Mondays: 15 Books You Should Read in Your Lifetime

Well, the blog is back into swing! Welcome to Inkweb! Today is Mad Monday, where I post a randomly selected type of post (or one the readers have suggested). Today, I will be compiling a list of 15 books I believe everyone should read.

It's the end of spring and the beginning of summer, which means a lot of spare time. Libraries are rolling out their summer reading programs, which are always fun to participate in, so I've decided to help people along with a few of my favorite books. Many of these authors have written several other great books, but I've done my best to include only one book per author; you can find their other works on your own time. If anyone else has some good additions to my compiled list, please comment below! I may not have read them yet, and other readers would appreciate some more suggestions as well.

These books aren't in any particular order of importance, they're just arranged in the order I thought them up. There are many other novels out there that I've forgotten to include on this list, but this is just really to get you started.

Ok, click below to find out my suggestions for you!



1: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A Tale of Two Cities is a fun read, like most of Dickens' work. It centers around the French revolution and the Reign of Terror. Though historically inaccurate in many ways, and criticized for Dickens' liberal use of coincidence, it is a narrative work of genius with themes of love, suffering, and sacrifice.

2: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is a fantastic author who writes books aimed at all ages of audiences, from five-year-olds to adults. The Graveyard Book is a masterpiece for kids, structured much like The Jungle Book and written with amazing prose. The main character, Bod, an orphan, was raised from infancy by the ghostly residents of a secret graveyard community. It is one of Gaiman's most engrossing works, an acclaimed artwork in both style and structure.

3: Airman by Eoin Colfer

Airman is, in my opinion, Eoin Colfer's best book. Centering on an entitled and well-read boy in 19th-century high society, the tale shows his fall from grace in a brilliant coming-of-age work. The book concerns concepts of invention, bringing a steampunk quality to the work, while involving treacherous plots and castle towers, which make it reminiscent of a good fantasy novel. It is tall tale of adventure and a touching journey of character.

4: Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

If any modern book would be deemed a classic, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell would be on the shortlist for fame. Susanna Clarke's magnum opus is a stylish story of magic and mystery written in a style reminiscent of Jane Austen. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, the two title characters, are magicians in the time of the Napoleonic Wars, who stumble upon ancient secrets. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell is perhaps the best book of the 21st century so far.

5: The Screaming Staircase by Jonathan Stroud

A fairly new book by a seasoned author, The Screaming Staircase is a ghost-story adventure, the first in the Lockwood & Co. series, whose second book is slated to come out later this year. A truly riveting story, it concerns three young ghost-hunting entrepreneurs who take a case concerning one of the most haunted houses in all of Britain. Jonathan Stroud's writing style is remarkable, and his story is a well-crafted beginning to a new series.

6: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Ender's Game is a 20th-century sci-fi classic. With themes of love, war, abuse, and sacrifice, this grand work questions whether the end justifies the means, and where to draw the line when the world is at stake. The story follows Andrew "Ender" Wiggin, a young child with a massive intelligence, an abusive brother, and a life lived under the everwatching eyes of a questionable government. The book is about his training to save the world from a possible alien assault which could wipe out all of humanity. Ender's Game is Orson Scott Card's masterpiece and a champion of the science fiction genre.

7: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is an American classic. Set during prohibition, it is about the wealthy Jay Gatsby, a man whose undying pursuit of a woman from his past drives him to questionable actions. Set during prohibition, the tale is layered with meaning and is undoubtedly a great book.

8:  Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Ray Bradbury's literary talent is unique and inimitable. Fahrenheit 451 is a prime example of his genius. Set in a dystopian future where books are banned and burned on sight, Montag, a man who sets fire to the books, is slowly driven to save the culture of the books he destroys. This is Ray Bradbury's most well-known book, a driving narrative tale and a wonder of moral exploration.

9: Well Witched by Frances Hardinge

Frances Hardinge's book Well Witched is one of the best books for kids I've ever read. It has elements of mystery and magic, while contained in a modern-day setting that deals with real-world issues like family and the endless quest for happiness. Well Witched is a brilliantly crafted story and a very fun read.

10: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Hobbit, set in the universe of Tolkien's great work, The Lord of the Rings, is a standalone prequel to the three well-known books. It is about the hobbit Bilbo's journey to slay the dragon Smaug and plunder his hoard of gold. It is a tale of comedy and endless adventure, and as it is a light read compared to The Lord of the Rings, that makes it a perfect candidate for summer reading.

11: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

A steampunk fantasy adventure? Irresistable. Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan is one of the most imaginative, well-written books of the 21st century. Complete with fantastic illustrations by Keith Thompson, this book is a great journey. Set in a fantasized version of World War One, it follows a European prince on the run from political enemies and a tomboy girl pretending to be a boy in order to enlist in the Royal Air Service. It is a rollicking ride full of adventure and action, with creative worldbuilding and fantastic illustration. It's also the first in a trilogy, which means lots of reading material.

12: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

One of my favorite fantasies is On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness, by Andrew Peterson. Rife with comedy and adventure, it is a great story about a loving family during dark times. Peterson's creative mind has crafted a world of ludicrous creations, dark evil, and great hope for good.

13: Redwall by Brian Jacques

No one should go through life without having read at least one of the Redwall books. Brian Jacques' acclaimed Redwall series has sold millions of copies worldwide. The series about anthropomorphic animals has captured the hearts of almost all who read it. If you haven't already, try it out.

14: Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Michael Crichton was a great writer of science thrillers. Also known for The Andromeda Strain, The Great Train Robbery, and Sphere, Michael Crichton's most famous work is Jurassic Park. Fans of the movie should definitely read the book. Jurassic Park is a brilliant thriller dealing with moral issues of science and corporate culture.

15: Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett

Chasing Vermeer is a great mystery. It concerns the two reluctant friends Calder and Petra, who go on a mission to find a missing Vermeer painting. Illustrated by Brett Helquist (Lemony Snicket), Chasing Vermeer is a great story, with great puzzles and cool characters. It is an awesome read.