The best 27 Modern Classic books

Fahrenheit 451 (1953) tells the tale of a near future with fireproof homes, where firemen are now tasked with the job of burning books. It’s a dystopian future, where pleasure is catered to and intellectualism has been all but extinguished. But after a chance encounter with a free spirit, one fireman starts to question the true purpose of his job.

Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937) is a defining work in African-American and feminist literature. It explores love, independence, and identity through the eyes of a Black woman in the rural American South.

The Remains of the Day (1989) features one of contemporary literature’s most unforgettable narrators, Stevens, a butler who reminisces on his life in service at one of England’s stately homes in the years leading up to World War II. 

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003) by Mark Haddon is a captivating novel that offers a unique perspective on the world. Through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy with autism, it delves into themes of family, truth, and the power of perspective. The book takes readers on a thought-provoking journey as it unravels the mystery surrounding a neighbor's murdered dog.

On the Road (1957) is a novel by Jack Kerouac that follows the journey of two friends as they travel across the United States. Fueled by a sense of freedom and a desire for new experiences, the book captures the spirit of the Beat Generation and explores themes of self-discovery, rebellion, and the search for meaning in life.

I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith is a captivating coming-of-age novel that follows the eccentric and endearing Mortmain family as they struggle to make ends meet in their crumbling English castle. Narrated by seventeen-year-old Cassandra, the story delves into love, creativity, and the desire for a better life. With its charming characters and vivid descriptions, this book takes you on a journey of self-discovery and the power of imagination.

The Princess Bride is a classic fantasy novel filled with adventure, romance, and humor. Written by William Goldman, it tells the story of a young woman named Buttercup and her true love, Westley, as they navigate through a series of challenges, including a vengeful prince and a band of misfit companions. With its witty narration and memorable characters, this book is a timeless tale of love and perseverance.

The Fault in Our Stars is actually written by John Green and tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who meet at a cancer support group. As they bond over their favorite books and share their fears and dreams, they embark on a journey that challenges their perspectives on life and love. It is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of living with illness and the power of human connection.

Ender's Game (1985) is a science fiction novel that follows the story of a young boy, Ender Wiggin, who is recruited into a prestigious military academy in space. Trained to lead Earth's defense against an alien race, Ender must navigate complex simulations and intense challenges that test his strategic genius. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, Ender prepares for a final battle that will determine the outcome of the war.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a captivating novel that tells the extraordinary story of a young Indian boy named Pi, who survives a shipwreck and is left stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger. It is a tale of adventure, resilience, and the power of faith, as Pi must find a way to coexist with the wild animal in order to survive. This thought-provoking book challenges our perceptions of reality and belief, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of imagination and the depths of the human spirit.

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess is a dystopian novel that delves into themes of free will, morality, and the effects of psychological conditioning. Set in a future society, the story follows Alex, a delinquent who undergoes a controversial treatment aimed at suppressing his violent tendencies. This thought-provoking book challenges the reader to question the nature of good and evil.

The Color Purple by Alice Walker is a powerful novel that explores the lives of African American women in the early 20th century. Through the eyes of the protagonist, Celie, the book delves into themes of racism, sexism, and the power of female relationships. It is a poignant and thought-provoking read that has left a lasting impact on its readers.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini tells the story of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Afghanistan, the novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the enduring power of love. It is a compelling and heartbreaking tale that sheds light on the lives of women in a patriarchal society.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is an iconic coming-of-age novel by Betty Smith. Set in early 20th century Brooklyn, it follows the life of young Francie Nolan as she navigates poverty, family dynamics, and her own dreams for the future. With beautifully crafted characters and a poignant storytelling style, the book explores themes of resilience, hope, and the power of education.

Lolita is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov that delves into the controversial and taboo topic of a middle-aged man's obsession with a twelve-year-old girl. Through beautiful prose and intricate storytelling, Nabokov challenges the reader to confront their own moral boundaries and raises questions about the nature of love, desire, and the power dynamics in relationships.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison tells the story of a nameless African American man who navigates through a world where he feels unseen and unheard. The novel explores themes of identity, race, and societal expectations, offering a powerful commentary on the realities of life for black Americans in the early 20th century.

Memoirs of a Geisha is a captivating novel that delves into the hidden world of 1930s Kyoto, Japan. Written by Arthur Golden, it tells the story of a young girl named Chiyo who is sold into the life of a geisha. From her training to her eventual rise as one of the most renowned geishas of her time, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs, traditions, and sacrifices of the geisha culture.

Brideshead Revisited is a captivating novel by Evelyn Waugh that delves into themes of love, faith, and the decline of the British aristocracy. Set in the interwar period, it follows the story of Charles Ryder and his complex relationships with the aristocratic Flyte family. Through rich prose and intricate character development, the book offers a poignant exploration of nostalgia and the passage of time.

Mrs. Dalloway (1925) is a novel by Virginia Woolf that takes place over the course of a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a high-society woman in post-World War I England. Through a stream-of-consciousness narrative, the book delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of its characters, exploring themes of time, memory, and the complexities of human experience.

Watership Down by David Parkins and Richard Adams is a beloved classic that tells the story of a group of rabbits who embark on a perilous journey to find a new home. Filled with adventure, friendship, and the struggle for survival, this timeless tale captivates readers of all ages.

Flowers for Algernon is a thought-provoking novel by Daniel Keyes that delves into the complexities of human intelligence and the impact of societal expectations. Through the eyes of Charlie Gordon, a mentally disabled man who undergoes a groundbreaking experiment to increase his intelligence, the book explores themes of identity, empathy, and the ethical implications of scientific advancement. It is a poignant and unforgettable story that challenges our perceptions of what it means to be truly intelligent.

The Old Man and the Sea, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Ernest Hemingway tells the story of an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago, who struggles with a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. Filled with themes of struggle, resilience, and the nature of mankind, it is a timeless classic that explores the relationship between man and the natural world.

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes of science, religion, and the destructive potential of humankind. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows a writer who becomes entangled in a complex web of lies surrounding the creation of a deadly substance called Ice-nine. With Vonnegut's signature dark humor and sharp wit, the book challenges our beliefs and raises important questions about the consequences of our actions.

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson is a chilling tale that follows four people as they stay in a supposedly haunted mansion. As they experience unexplained events and unearth the house's dark history, they begin to question their own sanity. This classic horror novel delves into themes of fear, isolation, and the supernatural, leaving readers with a sense of unease long after they've turned the final page.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows Charlie, a shy and introspective teenager. Through a series of letters, Charlie shares his experiences as he navigates high school, friendship, love, and loss. The book delves into themes of mental health, identity, and the complexities of growing up.

My Antonia is a novel that tells the story of a young immigrant girl named Antonia Shimerda and her journey to America. Set in the vast plains of Nebraska, the book explores themes of friendship, hardship, and the immigrant experience, offering a poignant portrayal of life on the American frontier in the late 19th century. Through beautiful prose and vivid descriptions, Willa Cather captures the essence of the American landscape and celebrates the resilience of the human spirit.

Coraline is a mesmerizing fantasy novel by Neil Gaiman. It tells the story of a young girl named Coraline Jones who discovers a hidden door in her new home, leading to a parallel world that mirrors her own. Initially enchanted by this alternate reality, Coraline soon realizes that it harbors dark and sinister secrets. As she encounters eerie versions of her parents and other inhabitants, she must summon her courage to save herself and her real family. This chilling and imaginative tale blends horror and adventure, creating a hauntingly beautiful story that explores themes of bravery, identity, and the importance of home.