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Book Recommendations
Looking for the ultimate list of must read books? You’re in the right place!
I spend A LOT of time collecting book recommendations and writing book summaries here on The Art of Living.
So, on this page, I’ve taken all that work and used TAoL‘s unique book ranking algorithm to gather the best of the best of that research in one place.
Result? The ultimate list of 30+ must read books on the internet.
NOTE: I’m constantly adding new book recommendations and book summaries to the site so be sure to check back in regularly for FREE regular updates to the list.
Think something’s missing? I LOVE feedback (and book recommendations) so don’t hesitate to leave a comment or get in touch with your thoughts.
Until then…
Enjoy this list of the 30+ incredible must read books of all time.
Let me know how you get along with your reading.
And may you always read widely, read wisely and go well.
Must Read Books: Fiction
Must Read Fiction Books (All Genres)
Here are the top 3 titles from my list of the 100+ best fiction books of all time…
1.
Pride and Prejudice – Jane AustenThe unforgettable, ever-popular and genre-defining love-story story of the 19th century. It’s over 200 years old and Pride and Prejudice is still as fresh, charming and unputdownable as the day it was first published – by best-selling author, Jane Austin.
Published 1813 // 279 pages // Rated 4.3 over 2,797,800 reviews
on Goodreads2.
The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre DumasThe king of all adventure and slow-burning revenge stories. The Count of Monte Christo may not be a quick read, but fantastic characters, a gripping plot and masterful twists make it an obvious contender for one of the best books of all time – by master novelist, Alexandre Dumas.
Published 1844 // 1,276 pages // Rated 4.3 over 714,300 reviews
on Goodreads3.
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again – J.R.R. TolkienA timeless classic and the fantasy novel that both introduced us to hobbits AND set the standard for all things dwarf, elf, troll, orc and dragon-related ever since. It’s no surprise to see The Hobbit among the best fantasy books of all time – by writer, poet and best-selling author, J.R.R. Tolkein.
Published 1937 // 366 pages // Rated 4.3 over 2,835,700 reviews
on GoodreadsWant more suggestions? Click here to check out the full list.
Must Read Sci-fi Books
Here are the top 3 titles from my list of the 70+ best sci-fi books of all time…
NOTE: You may want to start with the first book in the relevant series instead of jumping straight to the books on this list.
Want more suggestions? Click here to check out the full list.
Must Read Fantasy Books
Here are the top 3 titles from my list of the 70+ best fantasy books of all time…
1.
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again – J.R.R. TolkienA timeless classic and the fantasy novel that both introduced us to hobbits AND set the standard for all things dwarf, elf, troll, orc and dragon-related ever since. It’s no surprise to see The Hobbit among the best fantasy books of all time – by writer, poet and best-selling author, J.R.R. Tolkein.
Published 1937 // 366 pages // Rated 4.3 over 2,835,700 reviews
on Goodreads2.
The Return of the King (Lord of the Rings, #3) – J.R.R. TolkienThe final instalment in the greatest, genre-defining, high-fantasy trilogy of all time. The Return of the King is a thrilling climax to the journey begun in The Fellowship of the Ring and set in the world of The Hobbit – by writer, poet and best-selling author, J.R.R. Tolkein.
Published 1955 // 404 pages // Rated 4.5 over 664,100 reviews
on Goodreads3.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Narnia, #1) – C.S. LewisThe first of 7 Chronicles of Narnia books, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a stunning work of escapism that bridges 1940s war-torn England to a magical kingdom locked in an epic contest of good against evil – by best-selling author and theologian, C.S. Lewis.
Published 1950 // 206 pages // Rated 4.2 over 2,085,000 reviews
on GoodreadsWant more suggestions? Click here to check out the full list.
Must Read Books: Nonfiction
I’ve organized the lists of must read nonfiction books below according to The Art of Living’s 8 primary areas of life.
For a more unstructured approach, check out this reading list of the 100 best nonfiction books of all time.
Must Read Books on Health & Vitality
Here are the top 3 must read books on Health & Vitality…
1.
Being Mortal – Atul Gawande (
Summary)
Medicine and What Matters in the End
A powerful reminder that modern medicine still has a long way to go before it champions well-being over survival – by surgeon and best selling author, Atul Gawande.
Published 2014 // 282 pages // Rated 4.5 over 126,400 reviews
on Goodreads2.
Why We Sleep – Matthew Walker (
FREE Summary)
Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
A fascinating and accessible guide to what sleep is, why sleep matters and how to optimise your sleep habits to live longer, feel happier and set your life up for success – by sleep scientist and best-selling author, Matthew Walker.
Published 2017 // 368 pages // Rated 4.4 over 63,800 reviews
on Goodreads3.
How Not to Die – Michael Greger (
FREE Summary)
Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease
A deeply researched and compelling primer on the promise and importance of whole food plant-based nutrition in preventing and reversing disease – by medical doctor and nutrition expert, Michael Greger.
Published 2015 // 576 pages // Rated 4.5 over 20,500 reviews
on GoodreadsWant more suggestions? Need something more specific? Check out all the book recommendations below for more must read books in this area of life…
Must Read Books on Thoughts & Emotions
Here are the top 3 must read books on Thoughts & Emotions…
1.
As a Man Thinketh – James Allen (
FREE Summary)
THE #1 ranking, uplifting, pocket-sized pep-talk on the power and importance of changing your thoughts as the cornerstone to changing your life – by philosopher and prolific self-help author, James Allen.
Published 1902 // 34 pages // Rated 4.3 over 67,000 reviews
on Goodreads3.
Think and Grow Rich – Napoleon Hill (
FREE Summary)
A best-selling book of all time and a cornerstone guide to the Law of Attraction and the role of the subconscious in transforming your life – by a titan of the self-help genre, Napoleon Hill.
Published 1937 // 233 pages // Rated 4.2 over 187,900 reviews
on GoodreadsWant more suggestions? Need something more specific? Check out all the book recommendations below for more must read books in this area of life…
Must Read Books on Family & Friends
Here are the top 3 must read books on Family & Friends…
Want more suggestions? Need something more specific? Check out all the book recommendations below for more must read books in this area of life…
Must Read Books on Love & Partnership
Here are the top 3 must read books on Love & Partnership…
1.
The 5 Love Languages – Gary Chapman (
FREE Summary)
The Secret to Love that Lasts
A concise, actionable and time-tested guide to letting others know they are loved and feeling loved and appreciated in return – by best-selling author, pastor and marriage counsellor, Gary Chapman.
Published 1990 // 209 pages // Rated 4.3 over 282,400 reviews
on Goodreads2.
The Mastery of Love – Miguel Ruiz (
FREE Summary)
A Practical Guide to the Art of Relationship
A beautiful, poetic and easy-to-read self-help book that illuminates the false and unnecessarily dramatic lives we lead, filled with fear and self-rejection, and how to wake up to our own inner power so that we can learn to love others and ourselves — by Toltec Nagual and best selling author, Don Miguel Ruiz.
Published 1999 // 240 pages // Rated 4.2 over 42,100 reviews
on GoodreadsWant more suggestions? Need something more specific? Check out all the book recommendations below for more must read books in this area of life…
Must Read Books on Growth & Learning
Here are the top 3 must read books on Growth & Learning…
2.
The Brain That Changes Itself – Norman Doidge (
FREE Summary)
Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
An informative and readable journey into the history, science and consequences of recent research in neuroplasticity – the brain’s incredible ability to change and reorganise itself – by psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and researcher, Norman Doidge.
Published 2007 // 427 pages // Rated 4.2 over 29,400 reviews
on Goodreads3.
How to Read a Book – Mortimer J. Adler (
FREE Summary)
The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading
THE classic guide to reading faster, deeper and more effectively than you ever realised was possible – by deep-thinkers, philosophers and life-long learners, M. Adler and C. van Doren.
Published 1940 // 426 pages // Rated 4.0 over 20,100 reviews
on GoodreadsWant more suggestions? Need something more specific? Check out all the book recommendations below for more must read books in this area of life…
Must Read Books on Productivity & Performance
Here are the top 3 must read books on Productivity & Performance…
2.
First Things First – Stephen R. Covey (
Summary)
An action-oriented time-management manual, filled with frameworks and exercises to help you do more of what matters and less of what doesn’t – by the author of the #1 book on this list, Stephen Covey.
Published 1993 // 384 pages // Rated 4.1 over 35,800 reviews
on Goodreads3.
Goals! – Brian TracyHow to Get Everything You Want Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible
The first book I ever read on productivity and probably the most readable and complete guide to goal-setting ever written – by sales legend and time-management master, Brian Tracy.
Published 1989 // 291 pages // Rated 4.3 over 11,500 reviews
on GoodreadsWant more suggestions? Need something more specific? Check out all the book recommendations below for more must read books in this area of life…
Must Read Books on Business & Career
Here are the top 3 must read books on Business & Career…
4.
High Output Management – Andrew S. Grove (
Summary)
A game-changing bible on entrepreneurship and management for anyone seeking practical ways to supercharge their personal and professional productivity – by founder of Intel, Andrew Grove.
Published 1983 // 272 pages // Rated 4.3 over 9,700 reviews
on GoodreadsWant more suggestions? Need something more specific? Check out all the book recommendations below for more must read books in this area of life…
Must Read Books on Wealth & Lifestyle
Here are the top 3 must read books on Wealth & Lifestyle…
Want more suggestions? Need something more specific? Check out all the book recommendations below for more must read books in this area of life…
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