readers digest books list

The book made waves as an anti-war anthem and representation of the individual versus society. Where the Sidewalk Ends is truly one of the best poetry books of all time because of its staying power for children and adults alike. Michael Pollan may ultimately be one of the biggest forces for changes in food systems, sustainability, and healthful living. The series was produced for 47 years (19501997), until being renamed Reader's Digest Select Editions. Her husband is frail from disease, and her childrens lives are falling apart or swirling down the drain. No wonder its ranked among the best sad books (have the tissue box handy) and best books for teens. Though the world of Middle-earth is entirely made up, the trilogy teases out universal themes of good versus evil that have resonated with readers of all ages and backgrounds. It reveals themes of fate versus free will, gender, and race in the story of Janie Crawford, a young Black girl who must make her own way in 1930s Florida. His quest for both plunges readers into mythologies of family curses, immigrant journeys, and the American experience. Each characters story traces recognizable themeslonging, lust, betrayalbut theyre told in a complex story line thats rich with detail. Bren Brown, a research professor at the University of Houston, throws everything we know about vulnerability and emotional exposure to the wind in Daring Greatly, one of the most groundbreaking self-help books of our time. Want great fiction like this mailed to you every month? Oscar Wao is a pleasant nerd living in New Jersey, far removed from the comforts and traditions of the Dominican Republic his mother knows and loves. ", "Remembering the Reader's Digest Condensed Library", "Readers Digest Condensed Books as diffiult to dispose of as bins of radioactive waste", Clayton Library: "We DONT ACCEPT Readers Digest Condensed Booksthey do not sell. published 1996, avg rating 3.66 published 1995, avg rating 3.97 Facing a divided nation and a crumbling war effort, Lincoln soon turned to those exact politicians to help build a team of rivals, a group of people he could turn to for honest accountability, effort, and eventually support and friendship. Desperate to help the petite porker, Charlotte, a barn spider, hatches a plan that proves genius and life-altering for young Wilbur. Zamperini soon found himself stranded in the Pacific Ocean and adrift thousands of miles from help. Its a story so painful, youd prefer to think it is fiction. Its a book that belongs on any bibliophiles home bookshelf. Philip Marlowe befriends a down-on-his-luck veteran, but several clever plot twists later, Marlowes friendship with the vet leaves him in the eye of investigators and a gangster. In The Omnivores Dilemma, Pollan shows how the meals we choose to eat impact everything from our health to the worlds ultimate outlook. If you oppose banning books, this is the novel for you. Most critics pin it as one of most iconic literary love stories, and for good reason. In Mans Search for Meaning, Frankl shares the horrors he faced in those concentration camps. During her treatment, Lacks cells were taken without her knowledge, and they became the first immortalized cell line. As the daughter of two Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Irans last emperors, Satrapi holds a unique perspective and position in recounting stories of daily life in Iran. But renowned English physicist, cosmologist, and author Stephen Hawking manages to turn some of the worlds most profound questionsHow did the universe begin? Sex and drugs have a common allure, but they also have a common endgame: a downward spiral. Though written decades ago, it remains chillingly compelling for our time. In a world made small by 24-hour news and lightning-speed technology, this is a must-read for understanding the plight of fellow humans.

A former high school English teacher, she covers books, words, and grammar for RD.com. Part of what makes Hamlet so iconic is how it has been retold and referenced in the centuries since it was first written. published 1996, The Tiger's Child: What Ever Happened to Sheila? The award-winning book is widely recognized as an important contribution to LGBTQ+ and lesbian literature. Most volumes contained five (although a considerable minority consisted of three, four, or six) current best-selling novels and nonfiction books which were abridged (or "condensed") specifically for Reader's Digest. In 1939 Nazi Germany, Liesel Meminger seeks meaning and life amid the bombings and death. 58 ratings Scholars have tried to apply political, historical, and ideological theories to Alices Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, but its quite simply the dreamlike story of learning to grow (or shrink) and explore, told through the eyes of a curious child. The storiesand the book that followed in September of that yearlaunched the American environmental revolution, as the horrors of DDT, a pesticide commonly used at the time, made their way into the American mainstream. This spellbinding story explores questions about the importance of literature and free speech. Learn, alongside Satrapi, about the history and heroes that define this fascinating country. What she doesnt realize, however, is that she will face choices that challenge her and require grit she doesnt know she has. Reviewers have said that though this magical realism book takes time and attention to read, the magnificent tome is absolutely worth it. The first in the His Dark Materials series, The Golden Compass is captivating from word one. No, not at all. Its a must-read for its insight and trajectory toward modern-day classic status. She also has to help her uncle build a bridge to a parallel world. [5][6], For much of their publication schedule, the volumes were issued four times each year. Indeed, Montag believes the printed word is dangerousuntil a mysterious neighbor, Clarisse, shows up and opens his eyes to the wonder of the written word. Jonas lives in a Utopian world. 2,459 ratings The book simultaneously weaves a beautiful tale while revealing truths about the African diaspora that many American readers might not already know. Though written in 1965, much of Dunes story may be more relevant to 21st-century readers than it was to bookworms who picked it up in the 60s. Its also one of the most widely read classics all over the world. Truman Capotes book In Cold Blood recounts in chilling detail the deaths of the family and the investigation that ultimately led to the arrest of two recently paroled ex-convicts. One part futuristic storytelling, one part reflective memoir, Slaughterhouse-Five is often held as Vonneguts most important piece of writing. Rachel Carsons Silent Spring was first published as three installments in the New Yorker in the summer of 1962. We recommend our users to update the browser. Between 1942 and 1945, Viktor Frankl labored in four Nazi death camps. For more book trivia and inside info on authors and book news, follow the Readers Digest Select Editions page on Facebook. published 1996, avg rating 3.97 This book, which features a decidedly American story about an American tradition, belongs on the bookshelf of any American reader. [1][2] The series was published from 1950 until 1997, when it was renamed Reader's Digest Select Editions. In Valley of the Dolls, Jacqueline Susann offers in lurid detail the stories of three young women who want nothing more than to reach the pinnacle of life. In Me Talk Pretty One Day, David Sedaris shares the absurd and hysterical twists he was able to tease out of lifes more mundane and boring events growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina. Life is a set path thats followed precisely. Its a war novel. It tells the touching story of two boys in modern-day Afghanistan: one wealthy, the other poor. 227 ratings The orphaned protagonist, Philip Carey, is raring for adventure and love outside his brief stays in Heidelberg and Paris. It was, of course, a miserable childhood: the happy childhood is hardly worth your while. published 1995, avg rating 3.79 It has sparked countless other works in the collection of stellar science fiction books. When Aldous Huxley penned the story of the World State, in which humans were conditioned out of their emotions and ability to bond with others, his ideas were new and somewhat shocking. Wao wants nothing more than to find loveand to be the Dominican J.R.R. This masterpiece is the memoir of a college senior whose life is turned upside down when he loses both of his parents within the span of five weeks and finds himself the guardian of his eight-year-old brother. The Giver is a dystopian story about what youre willing to give upand what youre notto live a life thats free of emotions, pain, and suffering. In The Devil in the White City, Erik Larson combines meticulous historical research with a bit of period storytelling to generate a truly captivating nonfiction murder mystery that also shares a lot of history about one of the worlds greatest marvels. The author has said that most of the criticisms come from those who never even cracked open the book. Shakespeares Montagues and Capulets can barely hold a handle to Louise Eldrichs Kashpaws and Lamartines. Its the story of love, regret, and identity, as experienced by a Nigerian immigrant to the United States. Great Britain has fallen and given way to Airstrip One, a province of the fictional superstate Oceania. Whether you end up loving or detesting this classic, dark romance, its worth a read. When Charles Dickens wrote Great Expectations, he gave life to some of literatures most colorful and enduring characters: Pip, Miss Havisham, and Uncle Pumblechook, to name a few. Physicians and health care providers could likely fill volumes with the strange, heartbreaking, and obscene things they experience in their practices. Khaled Hosseinis debut novel has been read by millions of people all over the world, clearly marking it as one of the best books of all time. Error rating book. The other married an Englishman and built a life of wealth and prestige. Its a new classic and truly one of the best fiction books youll read all year. It takes uncovering a family secret (and an astonishing genetic history) to understand why.

published 1996, avg rating 3.67 [4] Despite this popularity, old copies are notoriously difficult to sell. Based on Louise Erdrichs grandfathers life, the story is about one Native American night watchman who fights for his right to land and identity in the United States. Its a classic and a must-read quite simply because its been described as one of Dickens best works, an appraisal to which Dickens himself agreed. Toni Morrisons Beloved stares down the horrors of slavery and transforms a narrative you think youve read a hundred times into a towering tale of pain, agony, triumph, and freedom. The master of suspense must be included in any list of books you should read in a lifetime. In The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, one doctor finally did commit those episodes to paper. In the Sahara Desert, he runs into the books narrator, and the two start an eight-day journey filled with lessons. 55,101 ratings 31,222 ratings Worse than the ordinary miserable childhood is the miserable Irish childhood, and worse yet is the miserable Irish Catholic childhood. McCourt battled poverty, near-starvation, neglect, and cruelty but manages to tell his story with humor, compassion, and self-perpetuating power. Published just months before President Richard Nixons 1974 resignation, the book outlines all the evidence against Nixon and his cohort of political operatives that the two accomplished reporters unearthed during their investigations. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. A Newbery Medal winner, this science-fantasy novel follows troublesome and stubborn Meg Murry as she confronts her fathers mysterious disappearance with a collection of peculiar neighbors: Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. This is a beautiful, riveting tale that helped make the horrors of World War II fresh again for readers who learned about it from history books. 32 ratings Ten strangers are invited to a remote mansion on a desolate island. Reading The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank is a rite of passage for many adolescents and young adults, but older adults will find a lot to appreciate in this young womans wise words. You think you know the events that led to September 11, 2001, but The Looming Tower is a history lesson that is as profound as it is infuriating and painful. Pick up a copy to find out; it makes a great summer read, after all. But Ishmael Beahs A Long Way Gone is an entirely true recounting of his years as a child soldier in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Louisa May Alcotts story of the March sistersJo, Meg, Beth, and Amytraverses their lives from childhood to adulthood. published 1990, avg rating 3.10 Many have been made into blockbuster movies. If all you know of this American literature classic is the colloquial expression about decision-making, pick up Catch-22 for a dark and comedic good read. Camus, for his part, wrote, I summarized The Stranger a long time ago with a remark I admit was highly paradoxical: In our society, any man who does not weep at his mothers funeral runs the risk of being sentenced to death. I only meant that the hero of my book is condemned because he does not play the game.. Much of Slaughterhouse-Five is autobiographical, but that hasnt stopped pushes for censorship because of the books irreverent tone and unfiltered depictions of sex and profanity. A daddy who drinks too much, a mother who marries too much, and a sister whose mouth could make a grown man blushthese characters are brilliant depictions of hilarious, horrific human foibles. Its a requiem about love (and, yes, lust), in all its maddening forms. But before you get settled into the fun of spells and potions, the action starts right away as Harry finds himself troubled by the feeling his destiny is intertwined with his past. published 1996, avg rating 3.67 The roaring twenties still captivate the imagination of many, so dive into The Great Gatsby for a fantastic story and a historical trip that will leave you reeling.

Theres a reason Readers Digest counts it among the best feminist books. Oliver Sacks recounts stories of patients with a variety of neurological disordersincluding, as the name suggests, a man who mistook his wife for a hatthat leave them physically here but mentally miles away. published 1996, avg rating 4.03 Not sure what to pick up after you close the book on Gatsby and friends? Most science books, even well-written ones, read a bit too much like textbooks. Our editors agree that its one of the 100 best books of all time. But, of course, clones are humans, too, and the students lives intertwine with friendship, love, and lust even as they grow more entrapped by their inevitable role in society. Originally meant for an adult audience, The Catcher in the Rye has become a favorite among adolescent readers and high school literature teachers. 5,438 ratings Dont let this books size fool youits one of the most compelling short books weve ever read. A search for a lost cat turns into a search for a lost wife in this prescient, engrossing, and humorous novel. The Autobiography of Malcolm X stands as the definitive work of an era in American history when cultural, racial, and religious ideologies met at a pinnacle. Horror fans, take note: This is one of the scariest books of all time. What happens in the end?into captivating reading. Its a romance. Our list includes everything from classics to new favorites, the best biographies to the best childrens books. Holmes. Franks humanity and grace in light of her circumstances are inspiring and heartbreaking at once. 93 ratings This work has spawned an entire collection of other pop culture, from Disneys The Lion King to Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard. If youre reading this list, you likely understand the power that a book has to feed and nurture a soul. Cousins Joe Kavalier and Sammy Clay swing through the glittering streets of preWorld War II Brooklyn, spinning up comic books to feed Americas growing craze. If all you know of Lewis Carrolls Wonderland is the zany but sanitized version of the 1951 Walt Disney animation, its time to flip your perspective on its headmuch like the Cheshire Cat might flip himself. 3,103 ratings published 1984, avg rating 3.91 So what really happened? Its about learning to feel love, enjoy being alive, and live a bold life despite circumstances beyond your control. published 1984, avg rating 3.91 published 1996, avg rating 4.13 avg rating 4.14 The book captured readers attentionfor both its modern forma graphic noveland important, close-up peek at a country most Americans only know about from the news. Ernest Hemingway wrote stories filled with powerful emotions and unforgettable characters in a strikingly simple manner. The Long Goodbye is a murder mystery wrapped up in thrill and suspense. Still, its cultural effects have rippled so far that its a must-read for anyone with even a hint of literary interest. But its powerful prose has won awards, resulted in film and musical adaptations, and earned a spot on best of lists everywhere. We considered best sellers, award winners, and books that are highly rated by readers and critics alike. With this book, youll get a firsthand look at what life is like for the worlds 300,000 child soldiers, many of whom are stolen from their homes and forced into a world of drugs, guns, and murder. In this novel, readers follow the tales and adventures of Jake Barnes and Lady Brett Ashley as they swing through Europe with bewildered expats, seeking out the next great thrill. According to the New York Times Book Review, this masterpiece by Gabriel Garca Mrquez is the first piece of literature since the Book of Genesis that should be required reading for the entire human race. One Hundred Years of Solitude recounts the evolution of an entire fictitious town, Macondo. A winner of the National Book Award for fiction, Ralph Ellisons first novel, Invisible Man, spent an admirable 16 weeks atop the New York Times best-seller list. The novel is a monologue of a lust-ridden, mother-addicted young Jewish bachelor that details many awkward and cringeworthy moments alongside quests for identity. Moving out of the city, Calliope is faced with the realization that shes not like other girls. Its a coming-of-age story that remains relevant for women everywhere because of its themes of love, career, and budding identity. (Paperback), The Cat Who Tailed a Thief (Cat Who #19), Ringo, the Robber Raccoon: The True Story of a Northwoods Rogue (Hardcover), Dance of the Scarecrows (Jonathan Wilder Mystery #1), Children of the Dust (Mass Market Paperback), Mrs. Pollifax and the Lion Killer (Mrs. Pollifax, #12). Books and the written word. Despiteand sometimes spurred bythe discrimination he faced, he wrote prolifically. Slaughterhouse-Five is a science-fiction-infused, anti-war novel that follows American soldier Billy Pilgrim. Press Play on one of the best movies from the past 100 years. The book is the recounting of a wild, long weekend in Las Vegas, where he and his Samoan attorney, Dr. Gonzo, are sent to cover a bikers race in the deserts of Nevada. 31 ratings Winston Smith, the books leading character, must navigate the Party, Big Brother, and his thoughts, which grow more criminal by the day. This is often considered a model for the best true crime books, regardless of the time period. Eager to find meaning and true experiences along the way, the duo seeks pleasures in drug-fueled escapades and counterculture experiences. Our list of the best books of all time filled up quickly with fiction. The book is brimming with characters who will stick with you, which is what makes it one of the best books to read when you want to deeply feel something. Jane Austens classic Pride and Prejudice adorned shelves of many a learned reader in the 1800s and 1900s, but its timeless story and lessons earn it a spot in many home libraries (and on many school reading lists) even today. When he turns 12, however, Jonas begins to learn the reason his world is very fragile. But as snow piles higher outside, the secluded location begins to feel more confining and sinister, less freeing and more provoking. 12,071 ratings 10,075 ratings Airstrip One is ruled by perpetual war and Big Brother, a mysterious leader who uses omnipresent government surveillance and a cult of personality to enforce law and order. Abraham Lincoln upended the political landscape of the 1850s when he won the Republican presidential nomination over a field of well-known, privileged men.

Its a personal, poignant look at what it meant to belong to the LGBTQ+ community in the mid- to late 20th century. Rich characters and detailed imagery ensconce you in the era and whisk you into a beautiful story of the Jazz Ages glitzy parties and lusty affections. Was it their throwing talent or their ERA? She thought a cancer diagnosis had sealed her fate and written her life story, but a chance meeting with Augustus Waters turns Hazel Lancasters life upside down. 110 ratings Is there any other mother-daughter book as iconic as Little Women? Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Thats what places it among the books everyone should read. And most have had profound impacts on literature, culture, or the world in general. Everyones role is clear, and everyone fulfills those roles blissfully. The book received an incredible amount of praise from readers and critics. Set in World War IIera England, Ian McEwans award-winning Atonement also landed on our list of the best historical fiction of all time. published 1997, avg rating 3.94 Nearly a decade after he first published this book, Pollans call to deeper thought and conversation about our food systems continues to shift the way we eat, grow, and share our food. Themes of injustice, betrayal, magic, and mystique surround a beautiful story that, in the end, is all about the power of love. 340 ratings Its widely regarded as one of the best fantasy books of all time and a must-read for lovers of the genre. No list of the best books of all time would be complete without this truly classic novel. The story behind Unbroken is so unbelievable and so improbable, its difficult to accept that its the real story of Louis Zamperini. Offred, a handmaid in the Republic of Gilead, has been removed from the home, family, and life that she knew only to be forced into service as a housemaidand a working pair of ovaries. In her vast collection, And Then There Were None frequently rises to the top. 41 ratings In whats been described as the single most influential baseball book ever, Lewis reveals the secrets of the As and an unusual brotherhood of amateur baseball enthusiasts whove identified the real secret to being a winning ball team. published 1996, avg rating 3.65 If you havent read it already, grab a copy of this slim little work and prepare to be swept away by madness, intrigue, and bitter fate. Now its widely regarded as a landmark book in African American literature. published 1985, avg rating 4.10 One was kidnapped and enslaved. Perhaps the greatest book of fiction on Vietnam, The Things They Carried is a powerful story about war, memory, death, imagination, the importance of storytelling, and the human spirit. The Little Prince is a timeless tale of a princes journey from planet to planet in search of adventure. Need something else to keep you entertained when you finish this book? Middlesex made waves as an audacious story of sexuality that transcends stereotypes of gender, sex, and identity. The imagination and artistry of Shel Silverstein are on full display in this classic collection of short stories and poems. Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita may have first gained fame and notoriety for its infamous accounting of the protagonists unnatural (and, many argue, predatory) erotic predilections, but its staying power rests squarely on the breathtaking story that belies the most controversial elements. Walk through your local bookstore and it wont take long to find a shelf full of dystopian fiction. Mary Karrs The Liars Club is a darkly humorous story of life in east Texas in the 1960s with a family that could give anyones family a run for its money. Deeply dark and fascinating, The Long Goodbye belongs to a series of novels about investigator Marlowe, and critics quibble about which are the best. The powerhouse novel landed on our list for its overwhelming praise from readers and critics alike. This story highlights the life of T.S. If you read this as an adolescentand considering its often taught in schools, theres a good chance you didits time to reread Are You There, God? published 1989, avg rating 3.89 As the world gets smaller and smaller, as more families pack up their belongings to move to a new place, books like these are critical to fostering empathy.

Garp, the bastard son of a feminist and activist. Sign up for one of these book subscription boxes. Henrietta Lacks, a poor Black tobacco farmer, died of cervical cancer shortly after giving birth to her fifth child in 1951. It centers around Celie, who writes about her day-to-day life in letters addressed to God. The story of Sethe, the novels protagonist, is gut-wrenchingly honest and simultaneously beautiful and hideous. Where other men may have accepted their fate, he fought with hope, toughness, and humor to triumph. Lyra, a bold and brave young woman, takes off into uncharted territories to rescue her friend and other young children from kidnapping by the Gobblers. On Nov. 15, 1959, the small town of Holcomb, Kansas, was turned on end by the savage murder of four members of the Clutter family.

Isak Dinesena pen name for Danish author Karen Blixenrecounts life in British East Africa, just after World War II. In that case, Markus Zusaks The Book Thief will be right at home in your hands. The result is a bold, clear call to upend current racist systems and strive for a truly fair society. 6,639 ratings Abraham Verghese weaves multiple lush story lines into an opus of secrets, betrayal, love, and redemption in Cutting for Stone. This best-of-both-worlds approach seems to please Newland, but his dreams ultimately come to an end as hes forced to face the life he wants versus the life society expects him to lead. The two, bound together by blood and bond, leave war-seized Ethiopia for New York City only to return later to discover their fates and futures are intertwined with their pasts. This laugh-out-loud collection of short stories makes for great leisurely reading. published 1995, avg rating 3.83 Whether you prefer reading in English, French, or another language, youre bound to find a copy.

Its an important read in our modern, multicultural world. Her cells are one of the most vital health tools of the 20th and 21st centuries and have made companies millions. The parallels to todaymedicating oneself to stop feeling, genetic engineering, and instant gratificationmake it all the more compelling for modern readers. published 1985, avg rating 3.82 This 2011 Pulitzer Prizewinning book is a series of 13 stories.

Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, this short story collection will never cease to surprise you with its eloquent story lines, captivating characters, and endlessly wonderful realism. The book is arguably the most well-known work depicting this time. Written during World War II as Nazis carried out their campaign of death and destruction, this journal is a day-by-day accounting of what life was like when a family was forced into hiding. All are connected by a record company exec named Bennie Salazar (and his assistant, Sasha). Each year the company produced a Volume 1 (winter), Volume 2 (spring), Volume 3 (summer), and Volume 4 (autumn). From the best fiction books to the best nonfiction books, there are so many excellent titles collected in libraries and bookstores around the world. 1,332 ratings Brought to life in cinematic perfection by Jack Nicholson, Jack Torrance is a middle-aged man looking for a fresh start. Rebellious teenage years gave way to an Olympic career and eventually a stint as a U.S. airman. But McBrides son, James, discovers that shes actually a White woman who was born in Poland, and he unearths the many painful reasons she has for hiding from that truth in this powerful, National Book Awardwinning memoir. In his Pulitzer Prizewinning novel, Angelas Ashes, author Frank McCourt recounts his childhood spent in the slums of Limerick, Ireland: When I look back on my childhood I wonder how I managed to survive at all. The book has sparked discussions in classrooms for a century. Zadie Smiths debut novel tells the tale of two women whose lives are forever changed by what they experienced together during World War II.

It is a must-read for modern bibliophiles. 1,763 ratings 3,173 ratings In later years they added a Volumes 5, and then a Volume 6, going to a bi-monthly schedule by the early 1990s. It also marks the genesis of Deep Throat (later revealed to be Mark Felt, the associate director of the FBI), the secretive government informant who helped take down Nixon in the end.

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readers digest books list