10 Books You Won't Be Able To Put Down

You won’t be able to put down any of these 10 books, guaranteed! What’s your favorite book of all time? Let us know in the comments below! Or even better, tell us the best book you’ve read in the last year. We love suggestions from our readers!

1) 1984 by George Orwell

There are many ways to read 1984, as there are different takes on what it truly means. Regardless of your interpretation, however, you'll most likely find that Orwell's writing style is so engrossing and artful that you won't be able to put it down.

As far as page-turners go, I've never had a book stay with me quite like 1984 has (I highly recommend buying a physical copy of it to fully immerse yourself in Orwell's use of language).

It will leave you thinking long after you've turned the last page. At only 166 pages long, you can easily knock it out in one sitting--but plan to spend several hours picking apart its themes when you're done. This book was written in 1948 but still feels very timely, mostly because there have been periods in our history where we have ignored or forgotten some of its lessons (or gotten close to repeating them altogether).

2) Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

There are few series that are more commonly known, yet still manage to delight with every re-read. This is a science-fiction satire that takes a sharp look at bureaucracy and how human beings react in times of crisis.

It’s also one of those stories that everyone needs to read once because it’s just so darn good.  Don’t be surprised if you end up loving Douglas Adams's work even more than before. (Adams passed away in 2001, but his works live on.) The characters and humor make it a must-read for any sci-fi fan; you don’t have to know anything about Sci-Fi beforehand, either. Also, by Douglas Adams: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Life, The Universe, And Everything; Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency; Last Chance To See; Mostly Harmless; Long Dark Tea-Time Of The Soul. Learn more about books here.

The Epic of Gilgamesh translated by N. K. Sanders: This ancient story has been handed down through countless generations, spanning over two millennia from its origin in Mesopotamia to modern-day Iraq and all around throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa as well.

It centers around King Gilgamesh, who thinks he is immortal until a man appears claiming he will kill him-- which prompts him to search out what it means to be human through many misadventures.

The story might seem simple or boring at first glance, but once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down! A must-read classic!

3) Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

I know what you’re thinking. Harry Potter? Everyone has read that already. Sure, everyone has read Harry Potter and for good reason; it’s a fantastic series! But did you ever think about reading all of them together in one sitting? Doing so will give you a greater appreciation for how intricately woven each book is into its sequel(s).

By reading each book together, your subconscious is more likely to notice connections between characters or events that happen in each storyline.

The stories are also easier to follow by doing so because when there are unexpected twists and turns in one story, it forces you to pay closer attention to what happens later on. Just make sure not to do any housework while reading at night.

4) War of Art by Steven Press field

Are you an artist that has a hard time finding time to be creative? This book explains how to fight procrastination and get your art done.

Everyone has a calling, and if you aren’t fulfilled by what you do for a living, it might be because you aren’t doing what you are meant to do. According to Press field, being able to create art is a gift, but one must permit themselves to realize their full potential.

Follow your passion and have faith that everything will work out as long as you put in the effort. By making The War of Art your friend rather than enemy, your inner artist will flourish! I loved it so much that I made it required reading for my school's creative writing program!

5) Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse

Focused on a spiritual journey and coming of age, Siddhartha is one of those books that once you start reading it, you won’t be able to put down.

It will change your perspective on life and help you see through preconceived notions about humanity. If you haven’t read it yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy as soon as possible! Don’t just take my word for it; Hermann Hesse won almost every award there is in literature!

6) On The Road by Jack Kerouac

This classic American novel follows Sal Paradise and Dean Moriarty as they travel across America in search of freedom and self-discovery. This is a fast read that will introduce you to some interesting insights into the Beat Generation counterculture. It'll also have you looking up road trips, hitchhiking, and Jack Kerouac himself on Wikipedia. A great book to kick off your reading list! (See what we did there?) If you're looking for more books by these two authors, check out On The Road: The Original Scroll, which features an early draft of Kerouac's iconic tale. Here's a lesson on how to use quotes in book titles!

7) On Writing by Stephen King

One of the best novels I have ever read. King gives very detailed advice on every aspect of writing, and his narration is so real and so personal that you feel like he's sitting right next to you talking to you personally.

Every writer should have a copy of On Writing by their side at all times. It will inspire you, teach you, improve your writing, and give you a new appreciation for one of America's greatest authors. It is an absolute must-read book for writers everywhere.

8) Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Holden Caulfield, who is best known for his iconic phrase If you want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it because that stuff bores me.

In case you haven't guessed already, my name is Holden Caulfield. This captivating story will grab your attention from page one until its final sentence.

Once you've read Catcher in The Rye, there's no doubt that Holden will never leave your mind. It's an unforgettable story.

9) Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk

Fight Club has always been one of my favorite books. The story takes place in an unnamed city, not too far in the future. It follows a young man who is discontented with his mundane life and struggles to find some purpose and meaning.

He finds it in an underground fighting club that eventually leads to his real self-discovery. Written as a first-person narrative from his perspective, I was drawn into Tyler's burden's insanity and mayhem from page one.

The themes of masculinity, individualism, and finding your place are prevalent throughout and made even more thought-provoking by a glimpse into author Chuck's creative process through all of his footnotes at the end of each chapter.

10) Night by Elie Wiesel

The night was published in 1960, but Wiesel is one of those rare authors whose impact and import have only grown in stature over time.

This book recounts his experience being incarcerated at Auschwitz during World War II, a time when he lost most of his family and every shred of his innocence.

It’s a terrifying account that’s been hailed as a literary masterpiece, although there are no words powerful enough to describe it—you just have to read it for yourself. In addition to educating you about one dark chapter in human history, Night will also make you appreciate your freedom even more than you already do.