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34 Books You Just Can’t Put Down Once You Begin
As someone who’s a bookworm in my late twenties, I’ve spent so many nights engrossed in novels that kept me up until dawn. And I love novels like that. They remind me of the magic of storytelling and the power of a good book to transform a regular day into something extraordinary. So if you are looking for some unputdownable books like that you’ll love this list.
1. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
In this gripping mystery, journalist Mikael Blomkvist teams up with the brilliant but troubled hacker Lisbeth Salander to uncover the truth behind the decades-old disappearance of Harriet Vanger. As they dig deeper, they unravel a dark and twisted family history filled with secrets, lies, and murder. The tension and twists will keep you hooked until the very last page.
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2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Nick and Amy Dunne seem like the perfect couple, but on their fifth wedding anniversary, Amy goes missing. As the investigation unfolds, shocking secrets about their marriage come to light, and Nick becomes the prime suspect. The alternating perspectives and unexpected twists make this psychological thriller impossible to put down.
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3. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
When single mom Jane moves to the seaside town of Pirriwee, she quickly befriends Madeline and Celeste. As their lives become intertwined, a school trivia night ends in tragedy. Through layers of secrets, lies, and ex-husbands, the truth of what happened that night slowly unravels in this captivating, character-driven mystery.
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4. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
This magical novel follows the lives of two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who are bound in a deadly competition at a mysterious, ever-changing circus. Their fates are intertwined with the circus performers and patrons, creating an enchanting and immersive world that you won’t want to leave.
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5. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister’s place in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death. As she navigates the brutal competition and forms alliances, Katniss must rely on her wits and survival skills to stay alive. The action and suspense will keep you glued to this thrilling series.
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6. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
When symbologist Robert Langdon is called to the Louvre Museum to solve the murder of the curator, he discovers a trail of clues hidden in famous artworks. With cryptologist Sophie Neveu, Langdon races against time to unravel a conspiracy that could change the course of history. This fast-paced thriller is packed with puzzles and surprises.
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7. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
Set in 1960s Mississippi, this novel explores the lives of three women: Aibileen, a black maid raising her seventeenth white child; Minny, her sassy best friend; and Skeeter, a young white journalist. Together, they embark on a secret project that breaks societal rules and changes their lives forever. The heartfelt storytelling will keep you engaged from start to finish.
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8. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Jacob Jankowski’s life changes forever when he jumps onto a train carrying the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. As he becomes the circus’s vet, he forms a bond with Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star, and Rosie, an untrainable elephant. This captivating tale of love, loss, and the circus will keep you turning the pages.
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9. The Martian by Andy Weir
Astronaut Mark Watney is stranded on Mars after a mission goes wrong, and he must use his ingenuity and humor to survive alone on the hostile planet. With limited supplies and no communication with Earth, Mark’s struggle for survival is both thrilling and inspiring.
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10. Room by Emma Donoghue
Five-year-old Jack and his mother, Ma, live in a tiny, locked room. For Jack, Room is the entire world, but for Ma, it’s a prison where she’s been held captive for seven years. When they finally escape, Jack must adjust to the outside world. This emotional and gripping story is told from Jack’s innocent perspective.
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11. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
In a post-apocalyptic world, a father and his young son journey through a desolate landscape, struggling to survive. The bond between them and their will to keep moving forward despite the odds make this novel a haunting and unforgettable read.
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12. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany, this novel follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others. Narrated by Death, this powerful story of love, loss, and the human spirit is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
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13. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Rachel takes the same train every day, observing a seemingly perfect couple from the window. When the woman, Megan, goes missing, Rachel becomes obsessed with finding out what happened. As she delves into the investigation, she uncovers shocking secrets about Megan’s life and her own. This psychological thriller will keep you guessing until the end.
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14. Divergent by Veronica Roth
In a future society divided into factions based on virtues, Tris Prior discovers she is Divergent, meaning she doesn’t fit into any one faction. As she uncovers a conspiracy to eliminate all Divergents, Tris must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous. The action and intrigue in this dystopian novel will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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15. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Santiago, a shepherd boy, dreams of finding a hidden treasure. His journey takes him from Spain to the Egyptian desert, where he meets a series of mentors who guide him towards his destiny. This philosophical novel about following your dreams is both inspiring and captivating.
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17. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
After a shipwreck, Pi Patel finds himself stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger named Richard Parker. As they struggle to survive, Pi’s faith and ingenuity are tested. This imaginative and adventurous tale explores themes of survival and spirituality.
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18. Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson
Christine Lucas wakes up every day with no memory of her past due to a traumatic accident. With the help of her journal and a neuropsychologist, she starts to piece together her life. But as she uncovers more, she realizes that those around her might not be who they seem. This psychological thriller will keep you riveted.
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19. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Amir and Hassan are childhood friends in Afghanistan, but their friendship is tested by betrayal and the country’s political upheaval. Years later, Amir returns to Afghanistan to make amends. This powerful and emotional story of redemption and friendship will stay with you long after you finish it.
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20. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
Louisa Clark takes a job as a caregiver for Will Traynor, a wealthy, quadriplegic man who has given up on life. As they grow closer, Louisa tries to show Will that life is still worth living. This touching and heart-wrenching love story will have you reaching for tissues.
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21. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
Camille Preaker, a journalist, returns to her hometown to cover the murder of two young girls. As she investigates, she confronts her own traumatic past and strained relationships with her mother and half-sister. This dark and suspenseful novel will keep you on edge.
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22. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Ove is a grumpy, solitary man with strict routines. But when a lively young family moves in next door, his life begins to change in unexpected ways. This heartwarming and humorous novel about friendship and second chances will make you laugh and cry.
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23. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, shoots her husband and then stops speaking. Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, is determined to get her to talk and uncover the truth. This psychological thriller with its shocking twists will keep you guessing until the very end.
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24. The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo
Lucy and Gabe meet on 9/11 and form an instant connection. Over the years, their lives take different paths, but they remain drawn to each other. This poignant love story explores fate, choices, and the impact of one’s decisions on the course of their life.
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25. Educated by Tara Westover
This memoir tells the story of Tara Westover, who grew up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho. Despite never attending school, she escapes her oppressive environment and goes on to earn a PhD from Cambridge University. Her inspiring journey of self-discovery and resilience is truly unforgettable.
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26. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Kya Clark, the “Marsh Girl,” grows up isolated in the swamps of North Carolina. When a local man is found dead, she becomes the prime suspect. This beautifully written novel combines a murder mystery with a coming-of-age story and vivid descriptions of the natural world.
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27. The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
Leni Allbright and her family move to the remote Alaskan wilderness to start anew. As they face the challenges of their new environment, they must also confront the dark secrets within their family. This epic tale of survival and resilience is both gripping and moving.
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28. The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn
Anna Fox, an agoraphobic woman, spends her days watching her neighbors from her window. When she witnesses a crime, her world starts to unravel. This psychological thriller with its twists and turns will keep you guessing until the end.
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29. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
In the suburb of Shaker Heights, the lives of the Richardson family are upended by the arrival of Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl. As secrets from the past emerge, tensions rise, leading to a dramatic and fiery conclusion. This novel explores themes of identity, family, and the meaning of home.
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30. The Secret History by Donna Tartt
A group of elite college students becomes obsessed with ancient Greek culture and their charismatic professor. As their bond deepens, they commit a murder and must deal with the consequences. This dark and atmospheric novel will keep you enthralled.
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31. The Alice Network by Kate Quinn
In 1947, American socialite Charlie St. Clair searches for her missing cousin in post-war Europe. She teams up with Eve Gardiner, a former spy from the Alice Network, to uncover the truth. This historical novel of courage and redemption is both thrilling and emotional.
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32. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo decides to tell her life story to an unknown journalist, Monique Grant. As Evelyn recounts her glamorous and scandalous past, Monique uncovers unexpected connections to her own life. This novel is a captivating tale of love, ambition, and sacrifice.
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33. Circe by Madeline Miller
This reimagining of the myth of Circe, the daughter of Helios, follows her journey from a nymph to a powerful witch. Banished to a remote island, Circe hones her craft and interacts with famous figures from Greek mythology. This beautifully written novel combines myth and magic in an unforgettable tale.
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34. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Set in World War II France, this novel follows two sisters, Vianne and Isabelle, as they navigate the dangers of Nazi-occupied France. Vianne must protect her family, while Isabelle joins the Resistance. This powerful story of courage and sacrifice will keep you riveted.
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MORE BOOKS TO READ
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Stephy George
