65 Books to Read Before You Die

Looking for more book recommendations to add to your best books to read before you die list? Here are 65 book recommendations! I previously made a list of 10 books to read before you die, and people loved it so much that I decided to create a bigger list. Just like last list, I haven’t included any classics. Instead, I’ve chosen mystery-thrillers, romance novels, historical fiction, spicy romances and even cozy fantasy novels. There are also some unforgettable books I really enjoyed. These picks are perfect as your book club books too!

65 Books to Read in a Lifetime

1. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

This story is about two sisters in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. One risks her life to join the resistance, while the other fights to protect her family. If you love historical fiction with strong, brave characters, this is a must-read.

2. Verity by Colleen Hoover

This thriller grabs you from the first page. Lowen, a struggling writer, is hired to finish a famous author’s book, but what she finds in the author’s notes changes everything. It’s chilling, with twists you won’t see coming. Also check out best books like Verity.

3. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Evelyn Hugo, an aging Hollywood star, tells her life story to a young journalist. This book is glamorous, emotional, and full of twists. It’s also one of my all-time favorites. Read my review

4.Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Kya grows up alone in the marshes of North Carolina, finding strength in the natural world around her. This is a story about loneliness, love, and finding your place in the world. This was a such a great book, also one of my favorite from Reese Witherspoon’s book club.

5. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Ove is grumpy, stubborn, and set in his ways. This book is funny, touching, and uplifting. It shows how small acts of kindness can change lives. You’ll laugh, cry, and fall in love with Ove’s story. This is one of the best uplifting books for book clubs too.

6. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Alicia Berenson shoots her husband and then never speaks again. A psychotherapist becomes obsessed with uncovering her secret. This psychological thriller is packed with twists. Also read more thrillers like The Silent Patient.

7. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This book reads like a documentary about a fictional 1970s rock band. The characters feel so real, and the drama within the band is intense.

8. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

This emotional story takes place over one day but goes into a lifetime of memories. It’s about love, betrayal, and difficult life choices.

9. The Chain by Adrian McKinty

Imagine your child is kidnapped, and the only way to save them is to kidnap someone else’s child. That’s the terrifying premise of this book.

10. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 1960s who refuses to fit into society’s expectations for women. This book is funny, smart, and empowering. It’s about following your dreams, even when the odds are against you. Read my review

11. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

This book follows four friends over the years, but the focus is on Jude, whose traumatic past shapes his life. It’s beautifully written but also devastating. It’s also one of the saddest books I have ever read.

12. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Louisa Clark becomes a caregiver for Will Traynor, a man left paralyzed after an accident. It’s a story about love, and finding purpose.

13. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Nora Seed gets the chance to live the lives she might have had through a magical library. It’s a beautiful story about regrets, and finding joy in life.

14. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

A failed bank robbery turns into a hostage situation. The story brings together a group of strangers. Each with their own struggles. This book is funny, heartwarming, and surprisingly deep. It’s also one of my favorite audiobooks.

15. The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi

Set in 1950s India, this story follows Lakshmi, a clever henna artist. As she lives a life of independence and secrecy while creating beauty for wealthy clients. This is also another top pick from Reese Witherspoon’s book club.

16. Beach Read by Emily Henry

Two writers with writer’s block challenge each other to write in each other’s genres while spending the summer in neighboring beach houses. Like all Emily Henry books it’s funny and emotional.

17. Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Set in Malibu in the 1980s, this book follows a famous family with secrets that explode at a party. It’s about fame, family, and love. I am a huge fan of this author, so I have put together list of all her books, check out full list of Taylor Jenkins books.

18. The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

This thriller is unlike anything you’ve read. A missing child, a creepy house, and a man with secrets make for an eerie and mind-bending read.

19. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Belly lives for summers at the beach house with Susannah and brothers Jeremiah and Conrad. They’ve been her friends, crushes, and everything in between. But one summer changes everything. I really loved this second-chance romance.

20. Florence Adler Swims Forever by Rachel Beanland

In 1930s New Jersey, the Adler family faces tragedy as matriarch Esther hides a devastating truth to protect her pregnant daughter. This was an heartwarming multigenerational family drama.

21. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Childhood friends Sam and Sadie come together to create video game masterpieces. They build a world of fame and fortune. Spanning 30 years, this is a story about friendship, creativity and relationships.

22. The Confession by Jessie Burton

In 1980, Elise follows writer Constance Holden to LA, but their relationship falters after a shocking revelation. Decades later, Rose, searching for answers about her missing mother.

23. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Set in the 1930s, this historical fiction follows a group of women who deliver books to rural communities on horseback.

24. The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

Based on a true story, this novel follows Lale Sokolov, a Jewish prisoner tasked with tattooing numbers on fellow prisoners in Auschwitz.

25. Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

This thriller follows a mother searching for answers after her daughter’s disappearance. It’s dark, gripping, and full of twists.

26. The Stationery Shop of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

In 1953 Tehran, Roya falls for Bahman in a cozy stationery shop. But political upheaval separates them on their wedding day. Decades later Roya finds the opportunity to confront the heartbreak and unanswered questions of her past.

27. The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman

In 1950s Quebec, unwed teen Maggie is forced to give up her baby, Elodie. While Maggie builds a new life, Elodie suffers in a harsh orphanage system. Years later, Maggie’s love for her daughter drives her to seek the truth and reclaim what was lost.

28. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

A socially awkward professor decides to find a wife using a scientific method, but love doesn’t go as planned. This book is funny, sweet, and so charming.

29. Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino

Two college lovers reconnect years later and try to confront their feelings. It’s romantic, emotional, and beautifully written. If you love second-chance romances, this is for you.

30. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

This cozy fantasy is about a caseworker sent to evaluate an orphanage full of magical children. It’s heartwarming, funny, and uplifting.

31. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

Another dark thriller from Lisa Jewell. The story begins with a mysterious inheritance and uncovers a family’s shocking past.

32. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Set during WWII, this story follows a young girl who steals books to cope with the horrors around her. It’s beautifully written and deeply emotional.

33. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

An alien invasion forces humanity to fight for survival. It’s thrilling and action-packed, with characters you’ll love.

34. The Perfect Nanny by Leila Slimani

This psychological thriller about a nanny whose behavior turns dark is chilling and thought-provoking.

35. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

Two strangers share an apartment ; one sleeps during the day, the other at night. It’s a perfect feel-good book for the fans of sweet roommate romances.

36. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

This book explores the secrets and tensions within a suburban community. It’s emotional and beautifully written characters. It’s also a great discussion-worthy books for book club.

37. In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

A woman wakes up five years in the future in a life she doesn’t recognize. It’s a romantic, emotional story about love, fate, and friendship.

38. Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

This mystery thriller follows the disappearance of multiple women in a small town. The twists and secrets will keep you glued to the pages.

39. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles

This historical fiction celebrates the power of books and friendship, set in WWII Paris. It’s heartwarming and perfect for historical fiction lovers.

40. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

A gripping fantasy where a girl discovers she has powers in a society divided by blood. It’s full of betrayal, and strong characters.

41. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

A heart-wrenching romance about love and resilience.The characters feel real, and the story is unforgettable.

42. Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

This thriller about a seemingly perfect couple with dark secrets will leave you breathless.

43. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware

A journalist witnesses something suspicious on a luxury cruise, but no one believes her. This mystery is atmospheric and keeps you guessing until the end.

44. Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

This book follows two sisters discovering each other after their father’s death. It’s a powerful this story that explores grief, family secrets, and the bonds that bring people together.

45. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

This dystopian romance features a girl with a deadly touch. It’s intense, poetic, and full of action.

46. The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

A lighthouse keeper and his wife face a heartbreaking decision after finding a baby. It’s emotional and beautifully written.

47. The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

This domestic thriller about twin sisters is gripping and emotional. It’s full of secrets and twists, but also tells us the story of family and love.

48. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor is awkward and isolated, but her journey toward connection is heartwarming and funny. It’s a feel-good book you need to read.

49. The Couple at Number 9 by Claire Douglas

This thriller begins with a shocking discovery during a home renovation. Soon it unravels the decades-old secrets.

50. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

It is set in England and has two timelines. One is about a secret apothecary in 18th-century London, and the other is about a woman today who finds out about it. If you are fan of history and mystery, you will enjoy this!

51. Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney

A couple’s anniversary trip turns sinister in this psychological thriller. This bone-chilling psychological thriller is very addictive and keeps you guessing.

52. The Forest of Vanishing Stars by Kristin Harmel

This WWII historical fiction follows a woman who helps Jewish refugees survive in the forest. It’s emotional, inspiring, and beautifully written.

53. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

This cozy witchy romance about a witch and a vampire is full of magic, and forbidden love. A must-read for fans of atmospheric and immersive novels.

54. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

A beauty-and-the-beast-inspired fantasy romance is one of the steamiest books. It also has many unforgettable characters. A must-read for fantasy lovers.

55. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This fast-paced thriller about a group of friends on a private island It’s mysterious, emotional, and has an unforgettable twist.

56. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson

This psychological thriller about a woman with memory loss has many suspense and twists.

57. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

A gripping story set during the Great Depression, following a woman’s fight for survival and hope. Kristin Hannah’s writing is, as always, stunning. Check out full list of Kristin Hannah books.

58. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Set in the Appalachian Mountains, this gripping story follows a boy born into poverty, enduring foster care, broken schools, addiction, and heartbreak with wit and resilience. I must say this is one of the most unforgettable books I have ever read as a blogger.

59. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

A woman returns to her childhood home, rumored to be haunted, to find out the truth. It’s spooky, suspenseful, and full of twists.

60 Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

A sharp and satirical take on cultural appropriation and the publishing industry. In this book Kuang tells the story of stolen identity and privilege.

61. Normal People by Sally Rooney

Rooney masterfully narrates the complexities of human relationships in this tender and sometimes painful story.

62. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

This clever YA mystery follows Pip as she reopens a closed case for her school project. It has a lot of twists and turns. It’s also perfect books for teen book club too.

63. The Vegetarian by Han Kang

This haunting and intense story of rebellion and transformation centers on a woman’s decision to stop eating meat. Han Kang’s prose is unsettling and unforgettable. It’s also one of the most disturbing books you’ll ever read.

64. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano

Napolitano is a story family bonds, trauma, and resilience. You will love the richly drawn characters and heartfelt storytelling.

65. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Spanning generations, this remarkable debut traces the legacies of two Ghanaian half-sisters ; one sold into slavery, the other remaining in Africa. Gyasi’s storytelling is powerful, weaving a tapestry of history, pain, and resilience.

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