12 Must-Read Novels For Writers
We run into a lot of people who'd like to be published authors but don't really read much ... or at all. Truth is, that formula doesn't work. In the words of Stephen King:
If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut. If you don’t have the time to read, you don’t have the time or the tools to write.
So let's get to it! Here's our take on a dozen must-read novels. All are considered among the best novels ever written and have profoundly impacted the trajectory of fiction-writing with their memorable stories, characters, settings, and themes.
1. "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald: This classic novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who is obsessed with obtaining the love of Daisy Buchanan. Through this tale of ambition, wealth, and unrequited love, Fitzgerald captures the Jazz Age in all its decadence and despair.
2. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: This timeless classic is set in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, readers gain insight into issues such as racism, justice, and morality. The writing style is simple and yet very powerful.
3. "Catcher in the Rye" by J D Salinger: Considered one of the greatest American novels, Catcher in the Rye follows a teenage boy on his journey through life after being expelled from school. It offers unique insight into coming-of-age struggles through its complex protagonist Holden Caulfield. It raises questions about identity, adulthood, and mental health that are as relevant today as when the novel was published in 1951..
4. "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte: A timeless tale of love set against a backdrop of social class structure during the Victorian era, Jane Eyre is one of the most widely read romance novels ever written. Through its strong female protagonist, Bronte challenges popular societal norms, making this book a great addition to any fiction author's reading list.
5. "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte: Another masterpiece from a Bronte sister, Wuthering Heights features a darkly romantic plot line that spans generations amid a backdrop of social class struggle in Yorkshire, England, in the 1860s. With its intricate storylines involving tragedy and revenge, it remains a great classic that every novelist should read.
6. "The Lord of the Rings" by J. R. R Tolkien: Not normally put on lists of great literature, we think it deserves a spot! This epic fantasy trilogy tells the story of Frodo Baggins’ quest to destroy The Ring of Power, which holds the fate of Middle-earth in his hands. Tolkien’s detailed worldbuilding and deep character development are masterclasses in how to create a living, breathing world for characters and stories to inhabit.
7. "One Hundred Years Of Solitude" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez: This masterpiece tells the story of seven generations of the Buendia family living in the fictional town of Macondo. Through this magical realism tale, Marquez paints a vivid picture of life’s absurdities and beauty.
8. "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley: Written in 1818, Shelley’s novel is often credited with starting the science fiction genre. Its exploration of morality and ethics in relation to science makes it essential reading for any writer interested in exploring these issues today.
9. "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller: This darkly comic novel takes place during World War II and follows Yossarian, an American soldier who is determined to survive despite the insanity of war. Heller’s witty and absurd dialogue can help an author to see how to make even the darkest topics comical.
10. "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway: This classic novel tells the story of a group of friends in Paris during the 1920s as they attempt to navigate their personal struggles with love, loss, and loneliness. Through Hemingway’s accessible yet thoughtful prose, readers get a glimpse into a world that was lost long ago.
11. "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville: This classic is considered one of the greatest works in American literature, It tells the story of Captain Ahab’s monomaniacal pursuit of a whale. Readers have been exploring its symbolic and metaphorical meanings for 170 years. ,
12. "Pride & Prejudice" by Jane Austen: Written over two hundred years ago, Pride & Prejudice remains relevant to modern readers, thanks to its detailed and poignant observations on society, gender relations, and marriage expectations, set against an entertaining romantic comedy backdrop. It's a must-read for any aspiring author looking for some classic inspiration!
No matter what type of novel you are interested in writing, these nine books are sure to give you some inspiration. If you need a starting point, we recommend just beginning at the top of the list: F. Scott Fizgerald's incomparable novel "The Great Gatsby".