What Are The Best Books To Read?

By Lisa Fox


There is really nothing that compares to picking up a good book from time to time and becoming completely engrossed in a story. Some of the best books to read over the history of literature have topped lists around the world time and again, despite the constant flow of new writing every year. Here is a list of some of the world's greatest stories of all time.

'Don Quixote' was published in 2 volumes in the early 1600s. Miguel De Cervantes, the author, has been attributed with writing one of the best works of Spanish literature ever. In the book, Alonso Quixano is the lead character, who reads far too many romances and actually begins to believe every word he reads. As a result of the ensuing loss of sanity, he decides to go on a journey to restore chivalry and undo all wrongdoings in the world, with Sancho Panza at his side.

Charles Dickens' 'A Tale Of Two Cities' is interesting in that it was published in parts on a monthly basis in 1859. Much of Dickens' work was published in monthly installments in his literary periodical All The Year Round. The novel is set in parallel worlds of London and Paris leading up to the French Revolution, documenting the frustration and uneasiness of the lower class following terrible treatment by those in the aristocracy.

J. R. R. Tolkien appears on the list of the greatest works of literature twice. Both novels were turned into Hollywood blockbuster movies. 'The Hobbit', as well as 'Lord of the Rings', fall into the genre of children's fantasy. That being said, much like 'Harry Potter', these kids' books appeal to a wider audience.

'The Hobbit' came out at the end of 1937. It tells the story of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who is not really remarkable in any way, until he sets out on an adventure. Bilbo is on the hunt for treasure that is supposed to be closely guarded by none other than a dragon. The book has won the title of best juvenile fiction and was even nominated for none other than the Carnegie Medal.

'The Lord of the Rings' is originally the sequel for 'The Hobbit'. However, it stands alone as a work of genius as well. Finished in in the late forties, the story follows 3 hobbits who leave the Shire and travel across Middle Earth, witnessing the War of the Ring. The work is so large that it is split into three volumes.

'The Little Prince' relates the tale of a pilot wandering the desert who meets a little boy who is a prince fallen to Earth. Filled with messages and lessons, the simple book is known as the best book of the 20th century in France. Worldwide, this novel by Antoine de Saint-Exupery is the fourth most-translated book of all time.

When it comes to mentioning some of the greatest books of all time, Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' surely makes the cut. The Brazilian author has many highly acclaimed works under his belt, however, 'The Alchemist' is a story about the ultimate quest for self-knowledge and understanding. The key theme in this book is that of destiny.




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