If you are looking for books to read before you die, there are a few titles you should consider. These titles range from a classic novel written by Mark Twain to a contemporary story told by Anne Frank. You can easily find a selection of popular books to read before you die that are perfect for all ages.
Anne of Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables is one of the most adored and acclaimed children’s books of all time. Set on a fictional island in Prince Edward Island, Canada, this book follows a young orphan named Anne Shirley through her early childhood, adolescence and adulthood.
The first Anne of Green Gables novel was published in 1908 and the series continues to sell millions of copies all over the world. The stories of Anne Shirley and the Cuthberts have inspired a host of movies, television shows and radio dramas.
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is a classic of twentieth century literature. Set in New York City during the Roaring Twenties, it tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysteriously wealthy self-made man who tries to win the attention of his neighbor, Daisy Buchanan.
When the book was first published in 1925, it sold fewer than 25,000 copies. However, after it was rediscovered several years later, sales began to skyrocket. Today, it is one of the most famous and best-selling novels of all time.
Wuthering Heights
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte is a fictional novel. It was first published in 1847, and is now considered to be one of the great novels of the 19th century. There are many reasons to read it. The story has a strong emotional impact on the reader.
One of the most famous characters in the book is Heathcliff. He is an orphan, and lives at Wuthering Heights. At first, he is treated with kindness by the Earnshaw family. However, after the death of his father, Heathcliff’s behavior changes.
The Book Thief
The Book Thief is one of the most popular books of recent years. Set during World War II in Nazi Germany, it tells the tale of a young girl, Liesel Meminger, who is adopted by a German couple during the era.
Written by Markus Zusak, the book is a bestseller in 63 languages, and it was even turned into a movie with Ben Schnetzer as Max Vandenburg and Sophie Neminger as Liesel Meminger. Adapted for the screen by director Brian Percival and screenwriter Michael Petroni, the film was released on 8 November 2013.
For a good book to read before you die, consider picking up “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. Not only will you discover the story of a young girl named Liesel who steals books from her foster parents, you’ll also see how words can change your life.
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is the first volume of Maya Angelou’s autobiography. It describes the author’s life from age three through age sixteen, and the changes she went through in her transition into adulthood. Her book is a lyrical, poignant, and important look at the United States’ racial prejudice in the 1930s and 1940s.
The book is a modern classic, especially among young adults. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings was a best-seller for two years, and it helped change the way black people are viewed in society.
Portnoy’s Complaint
Portnoy’s Complaint by Philip Roth is a classic book of the 1960s. It is a novel about a Jewish boy who grew up in a poor family and is obsessed with his mother’s addiction. The novel depicts the conflict between moral and sexual longings.
Portnoy’s Complaint was a controversial book. When it came out in 1969, it caused outrage for its depiction of masturbation and teenage sexual fantasies. There were accusations that the author didn’t treat sexuality seriously. He was also accused of lechery and blasphemy. A few years after its release, it was banned in Australia.
The Handmaid’s Tale
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a dystopian novel set in the not-too-distant future. It takes place in a fictional New England community, where women have become the property of the government.
Women are divided into different classes, including “handmaids” and “Wives of Commanders”. Wives of Commanders are housekeeping Marthas, and are often childless. Handmaids are young, fertile women who are forced to bear children for the wealthy ruling class.
Anne Frank’s Diary of a Young Girl
The Diary of a Young Girl is a collection of entries by Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who hid with her family from the Nazis during World War II. Her diary is a remarkable document that reflects the psychological and cultural development of an adolescent.
In addition to its immediate success, the diary has been translated into more than fifty languages. It was the first war novel to make the list of “100 best books of all time”.
Many people think the diary was edited by her father, Otto Frank. Although there are rumors that this happened, it has never been proven. Regardless, the revision process validated Anne’s writing style.
The Great American Novel by Mark Twain
Mark Twain is one of the most celebrated authors of all time. His books include such classics as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. He also wrote many short stories. These were often banned in schools because they were considered racist.
Although the Great American Novel has been largely dismissed by some as a relic of the past, it is still an important literary concept. It deals with the question of how Americans perceive themselves as a nation.
The Little Prince
The Little Prince is a short story about a young boy named the Little Prince. He leaves his home planet to explore the universe. Along the way, he learns about love and compassion.
The Little Prince was first published in 1943 with illustrations by Saint-Exupery. The book has been translated into hundreds of languages.
Several live stage productions have been adapted, as well. This classic has sold over 200 million copies worldwide.