"Call me Ishmael" - with these words Herman Melville began his novel Moby Dick - probably the most important novel in the history of American literature of the 19th century. But this great writer was largely forgotten even before his death and was mentioned as Henry Melville in obituaries in the New York Times.
The decline of his writing career was, in fact, thanks to Moby Dick. Prior to this, Melville had written quite successful books about sea adventures, but this ambitious tale of a crazed sea captain obsessed with the idea of ​​chasing a white whale turned out to be excessive for readers of the time who never understood it.
Even critics were stunned by Melville's poetic, almost biblical style. And only after his death, the book was recognized as a masterpiece of world literature - a truly powerful work that touches on serious topics of the place of an ordinary person in nature, the need to find the meaning of life and American nature in general.

2: Dead Souls

Although the name is familiar to many from an early age, it can frighten with its gloominess. In fact, Dead Souls is one of the wittiest books of the 19th century, written by Nikolai Gogol, which had a great influence on the work of Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky.
Dead Souls is the writer's only novel that tells about an enterprising young man traveling around Russia and buying up "dead souls" - dead peasants who were still considered alive by the landowners according to the registered census data. By buying them and registering them in his own name, he hopes to create the illusion of the owner of many peasants, which would allow him to receive large loans from the state, get rich and achieve a high social status.
Presenting a sweeping, brilliant satire of society (Gogol pokes fun at everyone from gossiping housewives to cruel landowners and pompous officials), Dead Souls is considered the first novel in Russian literature.

3: Cold House

Although not as famous as Oliver Twist and Great Expectations, Bleak House is still the greatest novel ever. Charles Dickens. He stuffed it with everything he knew about Victorian London, and reading it is like traveling back in time.
On the surface, this is a satirical (but still meaningful) criticism of British law - corrupt lawyers, aristocrats and businessmen who use the court for their own selfish purposes. But this satire forms only one layer of the novel. It is also a story about forbidden love, family secrets and intrigue.
Well, since this is Dickens, then, of course, the book is simply crammed with unforgettable characters, including London himself. The chaotic development of the city and the swirling tentacles of fog have never been described with such artistic force by anyone. This is the most compelling escapism in literature.

4: Moll Flanders

Daniel Defoe's most famous work will forever remain Robinson Crusoe, but his other novel, Moll Flanders, is much grander and more exciting.
Moll is the daughter of a convict, born in prison, and firmly determined to become a decent, rich lady. This decision is followed by a series of often funny and sometimes tragic events, when Moll repeatedly marries, one of them to his own brother, accidentally commits incest, becomes a whore, a swindler and a thief and gets too familiar with the walls of a prison cell.
Offering a breathtaking journey through the filth and glamor of the 18th century, the novel also gives us one of the most charismatic protagonists in literature. Beautiful, witty and ruthless, Moll is ahead of her time. And with all this, she is charmingly sweet and vulnerable, causing a desire to help sort out her life.

5: Pride and Prejudice

Many people are only superficially familiar with the novel. Pride and Prejudice, and then only thanks to Colin Firth, who played in one of his adaptations. But, if you know the work only from television screens, then you should get to know him much closer.
Jane Austen's favorite novel is funny from the first page, and as much comical as it is romantic. Austin managed to put together everything about romance, love and courtship: awkward flirting, confused messages, and how love can fool even the smartest and strongest of us.
Of course, everyone knows Darcy, one of the greatest romantic literary heroes, which is already a great achievement, considering his hypocrisy and lack of sense of humor. But the novel also has a whole gallery of delicious characters, from the grotesque Lady Catherine de Boer to the main character, Elizabeth Bennet, a lively, witty girl who would easily fit into the 21st century. This is the best women's urban novel of its time!

6: The Stranger from Wildfell Hall

Ann Bronte never became as popular as her sister Charlotte, which is not entirely fair, since The Stranger from Wildfell Hall one of the greatest novels of the 19th century.
With this book, Ann Bronte launched the early women's rights movement. The novel is about a beautiful woman who leaves her unfaithful and depraved husband in search of her own path in life. The main character, Helen Huntingdon, is one of the strongest female characters in English fiction.
Although there is a huge difference between this novel and the distorted, orderly world of Jane Austen. Helen's story is about alcoholism, decadent sex and social scandal, and the novel's emotional power almost rivals Wuthering Heights.

7: Vanity Fair

Maybe Charles Dickens and the king of literary London in the middle of the 19th century, but one of his main rivals and contender for the throne was William Makepeace Thackeray.
Determined to outdo Dickens, Thackeray created a wild, energetic epic novel about life in Britain, gave it a villainous heroine, and called it Vanity Fair. While Dickens was no doubt a writer of greater scope and greater generosity, Thackeray was cruel, cold-blooded and completely unsentimental.
Vanity Fair is the story of Becky Sharp, a delightfully wicked career woman who uses looks, charm and a fair amount of cunning to charm men and accumulate as much money as possible. It is a poignant satire of British society and the hypocrisy of the upper classes. This Victorian novel is for those who are looking for a decent drama with a fast-paced comic plot.

8: Middlemarch

At first glance, the novel, subtitled A Study in Country Life, might not seem like the most exciting reading in the world. But writer George Eliot's Middlemarch is a serious contender for the title of the greatest British novel of the 19th century.
Eliot uses a small fictional town as a model for an entire civilization, exploring the nature of love, wholeness, family, virtue and vice. The central character - Dorothea - is a real angel, or at least wants to be. But the irony is that choosing the right path to do the right thing is exactly what gets her into a lot of trouble.
This is truly an English novel. And if the great Leo Tolstoy had been born in Great Britain, he would definitely have written something similar. But fortunately, Eliot did it, giving the world what Virginia Woolf would later call "one of the few English novels written for adults."

9: War and Peace

10: Madame Bovary

The French novelist, Gustave Flaubert, was a shy, presumptuous and irritated society. But this misanthrope is also behind one of the most sensual and touching images of female life ever written.
Emma Bovary's husband is a classic sweet guy - dependable, supportive and completely boring. And so Emma, ​​desperate for passion and excitement, enters into a series of hot romances, the inevitable result of which is tragedy. When this exquisite book was published, it provoked a scandal and a demand by French prosecutors to ban it for obscenity. But instead, she became a bestseller, and her clean, fresh style influenced many writers of later times.
This style was the result of Flaubert's manic perfectionism. He could write one page for a week, rewriting every sentence, until everything seemed perfect to him. The result was a story about adultery and the reasons that push people to treason and betrayal.

9: War and Peace

Here it is, the father of the classic novel, the epic story that many call the greatest book of all time. Don't let its size and reputation scare you. He should definitely like him, even though he caused awe and disgust at school.
Set in the early years of the 19th century, Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece depicts a group of Russian aristocrats facing an invading Napoleonic army. While the many battle scenes in the novel are pretty intense and bloody, the book excels at its moments of conflict in human relationships. In the end, Tolstoy was most interested in one assumption - how one can not touch morality, faced with the defects of this vicious world.
With such a vast novel, it's no wonder so many writers have compared Tolstoy to Shakespeare (even though Tolstoy himself never liked Shakespeare). War and Peace is one of those novels that you live, and not just read. Find time for it, and you will understand that it is not in vain that it is so praised, and in vain you did not read it at school.

12: Daniel Deronda

Dissatisfied with producing the stunning masterpiece that is Middlemarch, Eliot ended her career with another great novel, Danielle Deronda. Today it is known as one of the first and most sympathetic novels about British Jews.
Sweet and handsome Daniel Deronda saves a charming singer from suicide by preventing her from jumping into the Thames, which leads to his acquaintance and joining the Jewish community in London. Eliot deftly weaves Daniel's self-development with the story of Gwendolyn, a young woman who initially appears as a spoiled girl, but gradually recovers by helping others.
For a story about the society of Victorian England, the book is strikingly relevant to the events of the modern world. One of the themes is the migration of Jews to that part of the Middle East, where Israel was later formed. But this is only a love story, and Eliot does not allow political and philosophical ideas to overshadow the characters she created.

13: Red and black

The French writer Stendhal knew how to deal with the ladies of the 19th century. He was actually obsessed with romance and seduction, which may explain the character of the classic novel's protagonist. Red and black. The book follows an unscrupulous young boor, Julien Sorel, who uses his looks and intelligence to force his way into French society in the years following the fall of Napoleon. Unfortunately, he made the wrong choice of method of conquest, and his affair with the mer's wife sets off a series of events that somewhat moderate his quest for wealth and power. But is Julien worth admiring? It is this question that makes the novel so intriguing. The book challenges our own notions, showing a man who is deceitful and selfish, who is at the same time no worse than those he manipulates. By analyzing his motives, you may reconsider your own perception of the world.

14: Reasoning

All Jane Austen novels are incredibly popular. Everything except this. For some reason, Persuasion never evoked the same groveling that Pride and Prejudice, Emma or Feelings and sensibility. But to some extent, this is her most intense work.
Perhaps this is because the book was her last and was published after her death. Unlike other Austen novels that focus on up-and-coming socialites experimenting with first loves, this one explores the life of a more mature woman. The main character, Anne Elliot, convinces herself to turn down a suitor because he isn't "respectable" enough. Many years later, Anne's longtime "love" returns as a wealthy and respectable man, but is it too late?
Reasoning is a thought-provoking, nostalgic novel. It's nice to see Austin deal with themes of regret for lost love instead of straight-forward courtship. That is why the novel is the perfect complement to her other masterpiece - Pride and Prejudice.

15: Heart of Darkness

Joseph Conrad created many real classics, but his best work, the relatively short novel Heart of Darkness, is probably the only subtle critique of colonialism.
The book is about Marlow, an Englishman who needs to smuggle a shipment of ivory down the Congo River in Belgian-occupied Africa. During his journey, he witnesses many atrocities against the native Africans by the colonialists, and also learns about an ivory merchant named Kurtz, who has posed as a demigod among the tribes of the region.
Along with Kurtz, Konrad demonstrates how the idea of ​​"civilizing" other races can ignite a backfire and corrupt the occupiers. This is a powerful tale that can be applied to many other historical moments. Francis Ford Coppola, for example, used the story to explore the Vietnam War in his film Apocalypse Now.

16: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

“All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. There was nothing before her, there was nothing as good after.
Thought so Ernest Hemingway, and while he may have gone a little overboard, that says a lot about the importance of the piece. Twain conceived it as a simple adventure story, but the book turned out to be a real call for freedom and resistance.
Written from Huck's point of view (and American slang is one of the book's many phenomena), the story follows a teenager and a runaway slave named Jim as they travel on a raft down the Mississippi River. Along the way, they encounter many unwanted people and situations that only reinforce their resolve to reject mainstream society.
It is the ruthless critique of pernicious slavery that gives the book such strength. But it is also a beautiful tale of childhood, presenting a contrast between the innocent idealism of youth and the violence and depravity of the adult world. Try to see Hemingway's awe with your own eyes...

17: The Picture of Dorian Gray

It is the only novel published by the legendary Oscar Wilde, which is as delightfully wonderful as one would expect from it. Dorian is a strikingly handsome and narcissistic young man who does not want to grow old. His wish came true, and instead of him his portrait ages, and then traces of the growing cruelty and depravity of Dorian appear on it.
This is Wilde's interpretation of the old Faust myth. This is a classic example of Victorian era literature full of promiscuous dandies smoking opium and discussing art, sex and morality. Undoubtedly, the novel was considered somewhat shocking in its time, especially for the hidden theme of homosexuality.
It's a great book, but it's worth reading just for arming yourself with a few killer witticisms to use at your next social gathering.

18: The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman

When a priest named Lawrence Stern posted The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman in the mid-18th century, the sheer originality (and strangeness) of the text made many critics roll their eyes. Even Samuel Johnson said that "Tristram Shandy won't last long!"
But it did last, perhaps precisely because the book's sense of humor was remarkably modern, full of so many clever antics, obscenities, and perversely silly interludes that you'd think the book was written by a drunken Monty Python production team.
The plot itself is pretty simple. This is the story of the life of little Tristram Shandy, told by himself. What makes the book unusual is its surprisingly chaotic style. Shandi begins with the story of his conception, and continues with so many strangely related stories that he is born only after hundreds of pages have passed.
Stuffed with sly jokes, bizarre digressions, and crazy accidents, the novel appears to be the most eccentric and bizarre literary classic of all time. But it was also Virginia Woolf's favorite book.

19: Dracula

This book may not be as beautifully written as some of the others on this list, but it is clearly the most famous of them all. After all, Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula, gave us a truly iconic character that can be seen in numerous films, television shows, comics, cartoons, musicals, computer games and other books.
But the book is much more than the story of a blood-drinking count. This is a fascinating description of the morality and sexuality of the Victorian era. Dracula himself is a tempter who completely corrupts the cute Victorian virgins, and only a group of heroes in camisoles can expel this wild creature and restore proper etiquette and order.
Dracula is still the great horror novel that takes us on a journey from Transylvania to England and back again. So forget Buffy, Interview with the Vampire, Twilight, and other pathetic imitations. Sit back in your chair with an original Bram Stoker novel in your hands and meet the vampire who started it all...

20: Wuthering Heights

And finally ... Of course, one could not ignore the amazing tale of passion, love, tragedy and uncontrollable anger by Emilia Bronte ...
Unfortunately, this novel also did not become as popular as the numerous works of the writer's sister, Charlotte Bronte, but personally, in my opinion, the book more than deserves a place in the school curriculum for foreign literature, not to mention the fact that every reading lover, I must read it, and more than once, in my life.
In the center Wuthering Heights“Heathcliff is the original literary bad boy, whose love for the Yorkshire girl Cathy is the only thing that balances his hatred for everything else. And when Cathy chooses another, more respectable man for marriage, Heathcliff becomes furious, which destroys both their lives.
But that's only half. Everyone thinks Brontë's novel is the story of Katherine and her rude, dangerous, conniving suitor. But the book also describes the lives of a second generation influenced by Heathcliff's lust for revenge. This is an epic, powerful and rather complex story.

Miranda July is a man-orchestra. In addition to acting in films, a director's project and a collection of short stories that won the prestigious Frank O'Connor Award, Julai has a debut novel that also deserves attention.

"The First Bad Man" - a tragicomic story about the imaginary and real world; about loneliness, opposites and love. In the center of the plot is a sensitive and charismatic heroine, with her emotionality reminiscent of each of us.

Light, sarcastic novel by British writer Zadie Smith won the Orange Award, one of the main awards in the literary English-speaking world. The main characters of the novel - Professor Belsi and Professor Kips - specialize in the work of Rembrandt, but this is where their similarities end.

Political views, art, the idea of ​​multiculturalism - throughout the entire work, their opposition only intensifies. Smith masterfully sneers at the university "war" and reveals the absurdity of every belief.

Billy Milligan is a multiple personality criminal who helped him escape jail time. About the amazing characters (what are the parodist Steve or baby Christine) that filled the essence of Milligan, Daniel Keyes wrote a documentary novel. In the center of the plot is the arrested protagonist, juggling with the memories of his lives.

The sensual story of a relationship with a famous drug lord is in keeping with the canons of Latin American drama: the plot covers the ups and downs of the energetic Escobar and the history of his romance. The confession of the journalist Virginia Vallejo is a kind of digression into the controversial, bright, dangerous era of the formation of the Medellin cartel.

Through the ironic, thoughtful novel by Amor Toles, one can look at Soviet realities from an interesting angle. The protagonist - the charming Count Alexander Rostov - is declared an enemy of the people and is forced to serve his sentence in the Moscow Metropol Hotel, which he cannot leave under pain of death. Thus begins a new chapter in the history of the country and his own life.

Modern classic

An ironic novel about the hardships of family life. In the center of the plot - the lawyer Abel Bretodeau and his wife Mariette, living another crisis of coexistence. The eminent French writer explores the "immobility" of marriage, fascinatingly discussing its pitfalls - every sentence is an aphorism.

The legendary novel about one of America's most powerful mafiosi was published in 1969 and inspired Francis Coppola to create the cult film of the same name. The unhurried narrative of the victories and misadventures of Don Corleone enchants from the first pages: the author masterfully describes both the mechanics of gangster life and the difficult fate of the Godfather himself.

Not everyone knows that after almost 50 years, Bradbury published a sequel to the popular story "Dandelion Wine". In this novel, the protagonist Douglas Spaulding grows up and lives new, unforgettable stories.

The book that gave the writer the Booker Prize and inspired Boris Akunin to take on The Coronation impresses with an authentic atmosphere of good old England. The narration is conducted by the butler Stevens. Selfless service to Lord Darlington, a detailed life, dangerous intrigues, devotion and resourcefulness - the protagonist of this novel cannot but sympathize, the text is so bewitchingly built.

fantasy novels

The novel brought its creator the Carnegie Medal for the best children's book of the year. Inspired by the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin and his own sense of humor, the English writer creates a large-scale, non-trivial space. An imposing cat coexists here with a clan of rats, and evil lurks in the dungeons that cannot be easily overcome.

One of the most famous novels by the American science fiction writer tells about the thin, barely visible line between reality and illusion. In the near future, life does not end at death, and some people are able to turn back time. The world is turning into a place where the supernatural merges with the ordinary, and the heroes have to adapt to it and separate the wheat from the chaff.

The iconic novel about Professor Challenger was published in 1912. The story takes place on the territory of South America: the main character and his colleagues go on an expedition, during which they discover a world untouched by time.

A complex story about two unusual worlds. Wonderland - something like modern Japan, where there are evil frogs, and the subconscious is controllable. The End of the World is a gloomy Nowhere, in which there is a City and a Forest, and in libraries, dreams are read from the skulls of unicorns. Like other bestsellers, this novel is a virtuoso combination of the familiar and the anomalous, magic and human power.

The famous American science fiction novel was published in 1955. A large-scale story tells about the organization "Eternity", which subjugated time. Millions of eras and human lives are in their power. Global changes will begin with extraordinary events in the life of Andrew Harlan, a talented Technician who will encroach on the existing world order for the sake of love.

Detective stories

This novel is an artistic experiment by Lars Mitting, author of the non-fiction bestseller Norwegian Wood. The atmospheric plot develops according to the laws: the sudden death of parents, short-term memory loss, a return to a mysterious tragedy after many years ... In order to dot the i's, Edward Hirifjell will have to plunge into his dark past.

A hot, witty book from Booker Prize winner Paul Baty. Gunfights, drugs, cops and political strife, broadcast from the point of view of the bully Winston Fauchey - all this plunges into the novel from the first lines and allows you to look at the American elections from a different angle. The author does not skimp on gloomy descriptions and highlights the problems of life in the ghetto.

A massive disaster novel about saving the planet from the apocalypse. A solar flare turns into a series of cataclysms that threaten to destroy humanity. Survival instructions are found in ancient writings covering a mysterious crystal column at the bottom of the ocean. Perhaps 12 thousand years ago, people knew something about the distant, sinister future.

The world is deceptive and illusory: good can turn out to be evil, an angel can be a real fiend. In this novel, the "angel" depicts an atomic monster capable of destroying millions of people in an instant. Only Max Flynn, a super agent in the service of Her Majesty, can stop the catastrophe. This is an exciting story about the limit of human capabilities, courage and love.

A cozy Parisian home is the meeting place for Madeleine Green and Gaspard Coutances, who mistakenly moved into the same apartment. A sociophobic playwright and a former police officer sought solitude, but instead discovered the mysterious past of the rooms that belonged to the famous artist, and - each other. This is an atmospheric investigative novel in which the search for a criminal is intertwined with the personal stories of the characters.

The cinematic novel immerses the reader in a resort setting in the south of France. The scorching sun, a villa with a pool, two married couples and - a strange creature named Kitty French, shocking guests with immodest and puzzling behavior. In a few days, serenity will turn into anxiety and tension: where did this woman come from and what is each of the characters in the book hiding?

A heartfelt family saga about women with extraordinary abilities. Molly and her daughter Cassandra can foresee the future, but this gift does not bring them happiness: predictions play a cruel joke on them. This is a novel about fatalism and human faith, love and true miracles.

A touching, multifaceted collection of stories brought the English writer the authoritative Frank O'Connor Award. Each of these texts sings of love in all its manifestations. The author carefully observes how this feeling is born in painful, strange and unusual circumstances.

Life is unpredictable: you never know what little thing will lead to dramatic changes. For Emmy Hamilton, the owner of a bookstore, such a trifle is a chance find - love letters from the Second World War. These texts are a bridge between the mysterious past of the O'Shea sisters and the life of Emmy, who decided to find the key to their story.

This novel opens the saga "Chronicles of the Cazalet Family", created by an English writer. In the center of the plot is the tragicomic life of an English family, where each of the characters is looking for answers to the main questions. The story begins in 1937, and the relationship develops in an unsettling, pre-stormy atmosphere.

A light, witty book about a marriage experiment: to get rid of routine and boredom, ideal spouses Sylvie and Dan surprise each other. At first, a funny game leads to embarrassment and gives many reasons for jokes, but soon the main characters are really surprised: it turned out that each of them keeps skeletons in the closet.

A touching, inspiring text about the mysterious Vianne (in the Hollywood film of the same name - Juliette Binoche) and her chocolate shop. Her appearance in a quiet French town is a real event for the locals, followed by other incidents, one more surprising than the other.

The French novel, which has gained stunning popularity all over the world, tells the story of three women, each of whom is ready to fight for freedom and happiness. India, Sicily, Canada - charismatic heroines live on different continents and have never met, but their lives do not coincide by chance.

If you suffer from insomnia, or just don't know what to do in the evening before going to bed, then start reading! But be careful, because some books are so interesting that you won't notice how the morning comes!

Photo: goodfon.ru

So, a list of fascinating books that will interest both "avid readers" and novice "book lovers":

"Come in large numbers", Narine Abgaryan

This is a tragicomedy about a young and ambitious girl who, at the beginning of the difficult 90s, decided to leave her native small mountainous republic and conquer the capital. And she immediately realized that every visitor, whom the author calls "come in large numbers", has his own Moscow. Someone sees it in the millions of people scurrying through the streets, and someone gets the opportunity to get close to such people. And some of them protect, protect, care for, help, support and just love. The author of the book talks about his small piece of the very "come in large numbers" life of a visitor, which many indigenous residents of big cities do not know about. And there is a place for feats in it, the most important of which is to decide to emigrate and accept a new place as it is, and sincerely love it. And then Moscow will certainly reciprocate.

The Collector, John Fowles

This is the debut story of the author, and for many it practically freezes the blood, because this is a real psychological thriller that excites the mind. The plot is the fate of two people connected with each other. He is a butterfly collector. There is a void in his soul, which he seeks to fill with beauty. And one day Ferdinand finds himself a wonderful victim - the girl Miranda. It is as if she was created in order to create and enjoy freedom. And he understands that he will give everything to possess her. And so, Miranda becomes a prisoner of Ferdinand. But will he be able to keep real Life, Beauty, Freedom and all the most beautiful that can be in the human soul within the walls of the castle?

The story is built on the subtle relationship of the victim and the villain and allows you to rethink many of the stories of world classics that seemed to have long been worn out.

"Forrest Gump", Winston Groom

This is the story of a mentally retarded guy, which he himself outlined on the pages of the legendary book that formed the basis of the film of the same name. The plot can be called practically the embodiment of the myth of the very "American dream" that disturbed the minds of millions of young people who lived in the second half of the last century. But at the same time, this is a sharp and even slightly cruel satirical parody of the society of that time, which was not ready to accept people who were somehow different from the main mass. Forrest Gump was different, and therefore became the object of ridicule. But this boy is not crazy at all. He is different, and he can see and feel what others cannot see and feel. He is special.

"Amsterdam", Ian McEwan

The author of the book is one of the representatives of the "elite" of modern British prose. And for a work that has become a real world bestseller, he received the Booker Prize. Victor Golyshev, who translated this creation into Russian, also got around to the award. It would seem that the story is simple and very relevant. But how many nuances are in it, how many thoughts, how many doubts! The main characters are two friends. One of them is a successful editor of a popular newspaper. The second is a brilliant contemporary composer who is writing the Millennium Symphony. And they enter into an agreement on euthanasia, under the terms of which, if one falls into a state of unconsciousness and ceases to understand what he is doing, then the other will take his life.

Amendment 22 by Joseph Heller

Although more than half a century has passed since the publication of the first book, this work is still legendary and one of the most popular, and many publications have included it in the list of the best novels.

This is not an ordinary story about US Air Force pilots who took part in World War II. All of them get into absurd situations, face awkward people and thoughtless actions, they themselves commit incomprehensible acts. And all this is connected with a certain amendment No. 22, which actually does not exist on paper, but says that every military man who does not want to perform a combat mission is quite normal and therefore fit for service. But in fact, in this story one can see not so much an anti-war novel as a deep and global mockery of modern everyday life, of society and the laws in force.

"Collusion of Dunces", John Kennedy Toole

The author of this book, who, by the way, lived to see the Pulitzer Prize for this creation, was able to create a literary hero, unlike any described in satirical literature. Ignatius J. Riley is creative, imaginative and eccentric. He fancies himself an intellectual, but in reality he is a glutton, a spendthrift and a quitter. He is similar to the modern Don Quixote or Gargantua, who despises society for its lack of geometry and theology. He is reminiscent of Thomas Aquinas, who launched his own hopeless war against everything and everyone: gay people, the excesses of the century, and even intercity buses. And this image is so interesting, unusual and, unfortunately, relevant that everyone can see a part of themselves in it.

"Monday Starts on Saturday" Strugatsky Brothers

This book is a real masterpiece of Russian science fiction, a kind of embodiment of the utopia of the Soviet era, a kind of artistic fulfillment of the dream of the possibilities of a modern person to learn, create, learn and solve the mysteries of the Universe.

The main characters of the book are employees of NIICHAVO (Research Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry). They are masters and magicians, real pioneers. And they will face many amazing events and phenomena: a time machine, a hut on chicken legs, a genie and even an artificially grown man!

"The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

This book has become a real bestseller. This is a mysterious and fascinating story of the girl Rachel, who, from the train window, watches, as it seems to her, the ideal spouses. She even gave them names: Jason and Jess. Every day she sees the cottage of a man and a woman and understands that they probably have everything: well-being, happiness, wealth and love. And Rachel had all this, but not so long ago she lost all this. But one day, approaching the already well-known cottage, the girl realizes that something is going wrong. She sees frightening, mysterious and disturbing events that disturb her consciousness. And after that, the ideal wife Jess disappears. And Rachel understands that it is she who must solve this mystery and find a woman. But will the police take her seriously? And, in general, is it worth interfering in someone else's life? This is for the reader to find out.

The Book of Life: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

In the last months of his life, the old professor managed to make several important discoveries.

He realized that death is not the end at all. This is the beginning. And, therefore, dying is the same as preparing for something unknown and new. And it's not scary at all, but even interesting.

Before leaving for another world, the old man passed on such knowledge to everyone who was with him in the last minutes of his earthly life. What's next? Will we know it?

The Process, Franz Kafka

The author is one of the most beloved, mysterious, readable and popular writers of the last century. He managed to create a unique artistic universe in which everything is completely different from real life. She is sad, dreary and almost absurd, but incredibly and bewitchingly beautiful. Her characters constantly become participants in strange adventures, they are looking for the meaning of life and trying to get answers to questions that have been tormenting them for a long time. The novel "The Trial" is the work that will most clearly understand the mysterious nature of Franz Kafka's work.

"Lord of the Flies" by William Golding

This book can be called strange, scary and incredibly attractive.

According to the plot, boys brought up in the best traditions find themselves on a desert island. The author told the readers a philosophical parable about how fragile the world is and what can happen to people who have forgotten about kindness, love and mercy. This is a dystopia with some symbolic overtones, which explores the behavior of children who find themselves on a desert island during wartime. Will they be able to maintain humanity or will they obey natural instincts?

Rita Hayworth, or the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King

The plot of this book is the story of a man whose nightmare suddenly became a reality. He, innocent of anything, was thrown into prison, into a real hell, in which he will spend the rest of his life. And no one has been able to get out of this terrible place yet. But the main character does not intend to give up and put up with what was destined for him by fate. He took a desperate step. But can he not only escape, but also get used to freedom and the new world, survive in it? By the way, this work of the real fantasy king Stephen King served as the basis for the film of the same name, which starred Morgan Freeman and Tim Robinson.

The events unfold in England in 1960. Jennifer Sterling wakes up after a terrible car accident and realizes that she cannot remember who she is, what happened to her. She does not remember her husband either. She would have continued to live in ignorance if, by chance, she had not found letters addressed to her and signed with the letter "B". Their author confessed his love to Jennifer and persuaded her to leave her husband. Further, the author takes readers to the XXI century. Young reporter Ellie finds one of the letters written by the mysterious "B" in a newspaper archive. She hopes that by taking up the investigation, she will be able to unravel the mystery of the author and recipient of the messages, restore her reputation and even sort out her own personal life.

“Lady with glasses with a gun in a car”, Sebastien Japrisot

The main character of the book is a blonde. She is beautiful, sentimental, sincere, deceitful, restless, stubborn and stupid. This lady, who has never seen the sea, gets into a car and tries to escape from the police. At the same time, she constantly repeats to herself that she is not crazy.

But people around here disagree. The heroine behaves more than strangely and constantly gets into ridiculous situations. She believes that wherever she is, she can be harmed. But if she escapes, she can be alone with herself and free herself from what she hides, from what worries her so much.

Goldfinch, Donna Tartt

The author has been writing this book for ten whole years, but it has become a real masterpiece. It talks about the fact that art has the power and power, and sometimes it can radically change and literally turn our lives upside down, and quite suddenly.

The hero of the work, 13-year-old boy Theo Decker, miraculously survived after the explosion that killed his mother. His father abandoned him, and he is forced to wander through foster families and completely strange houses. He traveled to Las Vegas and New York and almost despaired. But his only consolation, which, by the way, almost led to his death, is the masterpiece of the Dutch old master, which he stole from the museum.

Cloud Atlas, David Mitchell

This book is like a complex mirror maze in which seemingly completely different and unrelated stories echo, intersect and overlap each other in an amazing way.

In total, there are six main characters in the work: a young composer who is forced to sell his soul and body; 19th century notary; a journalist working in California in the 1970s who uncovers a conspiracy of a large company; a clone servant working in a modern fast food business; a modern petty publisher and a simple goatherd living in the decline of civilization.

1984 George Orwell

This work can be attributed to the genre of dystopia, it describes a society in which a harsh totalitarian regime reigns.

There is nothing more terrible than the imprisonment of free and living minds in the fetters of social foundations.

"Blackberry Winter" Sarah Gio

Events unfold in 1933 in Seattle. Vera Ray kisses her little son before going to bed and goes to work at night in a hotel. In the morning, a single mother discovers that the whole city is covered with snow, and her son has disappeared. In a snowdrift near the house, Vera finds the boy's favorite toy, but there are no footprints nearby. A desperate mother is willing to do anything to find her child.

The author then takes readers to present-day Seattle. Reporter Claire Aldridge writes an article about a snowstorm that literally paralyzed the city. By chance, she learns that similar events have already occurred 80 years ago. Starting to explore the mysterious history of Vera Ray, Claire realizes that she is somehow mysteriously intertwined with her own life.

"Blindness" José Saramago

The inhabitants of a nameless country and a nameless city are facing a strange epidemic. All of them rapidly begin to go blind. And the authorities, in order to stop this incomprehensible disease, decide to introduce strict quarantine and relocate all the sick to the old hospital, taking them into custody.

The main characters of the work are an infected ophthalmologist and his wife pretending to be blind. They are trying to collect the world bit by bit and find order in this gradually embracing chaos.

“Three apples fell from the sky”, Narine Abgaryan

This book is the story of a small village, which is somewhere high in the mountains.

Its inhabitants are all a little grumpy, a little eccentric, but at the same time, real treasures of the spirit are hidden in each of them.

This is a witty, sublime and unusual dystopia about the modern consumer society, which is programmed at the genetic level. And in this world, the sad story of the Savage is unfolding, whom the author regards as the Hamlet of our time. It still retains the remnants of humanity, but people divided into social consumption castes do not want to recognize it or simply cannot do it.

If we list noteworthy books by contemporary authors, then we cannot fail to mention the work “Social network “Kovcheg” by Evgeniy Vetsel which consists of three parts.

The main character falls from the roof, but is reborn again. Having lived a little in the XI century, he finds himself in the distant future - in the XXXVI century in Moscow. The author touches on many interesting devices, techniques of psychology and sales, modern reflections on life and reasons to seriously think about rhetorical questions. The second book describes life in America and the theory of one of the options for a worldwide conspiracy. And the third part tells about the adventures of the hero on another planet, where white angels live.

These were the most interesting books worth reading even for those who think they don't like to read. They will turn your views and even ideas about the world.

P.S. What books do you remember the most?

We have prepared books that everyone should read, regardless of gender and age. Here you will find publications about travel, personal productivity, the psychology of relationships between men and women, body language and more. Let's get started!

1. “Get out of your comfort zone. Change Your Life: 21 Ways to Increase Your Personal Efficiency

About the author: Brian did not study well and did not finish school, he traveled the world for 8 years as part of the crew of a cargo ship. He worked as a sales agent (within a year he became the best in the company), two years later he became a sales manager, and after 3 - vice president (at the age of 25). World renowned consultant, speaker.

About the book: when you're looking for books to read, start with this one. World bestseller. The author puts at the reader's disposal 21 proven efficiency-improvement techniques for getting quick results in your personal and professional life. To implement them in your life, you need to develop the right habits. Brian identified three factors in forming a good habit:

• hardness;
• discipline;
• perseverance.

All these qualities can be developed by anyone, if there is a desire. This publication will help you do it easily and naturally. The roadmap for building the right habits is in your hands. Read in one breath. One of the world's best-selling personal productivity products (circulation over 1.3 million copies, translated into 40 languages). The publication is included in our TOP 10 books on self-development.

Feature of the book: simple and effective ways available to everyone will help you set and achieve your goals in the shortest possible time. Motivates and inspires.

Who is it for: for everyone without exception. From the "Must Read" series.

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2. "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus"

About the author: John's first marriage did not work out. The second was on the verge of a divorce, until one day his wife remarked to him that he was not there when she badly needed him. From that moment, John realized how important any "little things" in a relationship are. One of the most famous specialists in human relations. He has written more than 17 books on psychology. He has a PhD in Human Psychology and Sexuality.

About the book: most psychologists focus on the similarities between men and women, but on the contrary, John draws attention to the differences between the sexes. For example, women are sure that men do not know how to listen, but that's different. When a woman begins to talk about her problems to a man, the latter immediately tries to find a solution, and she needs to speak out and feel supported and that her difficulties matter to him.

Another example: a man fails to complete some task on his own and a woman considers it her duty to help with advice, and at this moment he sees distrust in his abilities and an attempt to remake him.

The publication was included in the 10 most influential publications over the past 25 years. The total circulation since its first edition is more than 10 million copies. The undisputed bestseller and one of the best in the psychology of relations between men and women. A book worth reading if you want to improve yours and understand what your partner wants.

Feature of the book: An interesting "scoring system" from the author allows you to roughly calculate the number of "points" for a particular action from both partners and understand which actions in a relationship are more important than others. As a result, you understand what is really important for your partner and what is expected of you.

Who is it for: for those who want to have a healthy relationship with their partner and better understand each other (16+).

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About the author: Ayn Rand (formerly Alisa Zinovievna Rosenbaum from St. Petersburg) was already reading and writing at the age of 4. In 1926 she moved to America, where she remained until the end of her life. She wrote a number of philosophical works, but the most popular books were Atlas Shrugged and The Source.

About the book:"Atlas Shrugged" is without a doubt deservedly included in the TOP 10 books worth reading. Bestseller, one of the most popular motivational and business publications in the world. It took 12 years of the author's life to write the work, 2 of which were spent on the speech of the protagonist, John Galt. Included in the TOP 10 inspiring.

The plot is fictional: events unfold in America. The political elite ousts business from all industries, destroys competition, puts its people in leadership positions in large companies, although the latter do not understand anything about it. After that, large entrepreneurs begin to disappear without a trace one by one. This continues until they all disappear and the country plunges into chaos. Not surprisingly, book sales skyrocketed after the 2008 crisis. People find answers to their questions in it at such moments. Three inspiring volumes intrigue, inspire and motivate.

Feature of the book: surprisingly fascinating plot, the thoughts of the great philosophers of ancient Greece, allows you to look at the world with different eyes.

Who is it for: for all successful and striving for success.

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4. “Everywhere is at home: how we sold our house, changed our lives and saw the world”

About the author: When Lynn was 69, she and her husband (Tim) decided they wanted to travel more before they got old. They sold the house, got rid of unnecessary things, found new owners for their dog, collected all their savings, made a plan and went to travel the world.

About the book: undisputed bestseller. One of the best travel publications. This is an amazing, inspiring story about two pensioners who decided to discover new unexplored places in the vast world that surrounds us. They got rid of everything superfluous, sold all their belongings and went on an unforgettable journey: Mexico, Argentina, France, Portugal, England, Ireland, Morocco, Turkey ... All this despite their zodiac signs - Libra.

We guarantee that it will draw you in from the first pages. A fascinating and unforgettable story. Among other things, it is surprising how harmonious their relationship is and how much they love each other, and this is at their venerable age. Read in one breath. Inspiring, uplifting, energizing. The publication is included in our fascinating ten .

Feature of the book: in fact, this is an instruction for travelers: what needs to be done before the trip, what you will encounter and what nuances should be taken into account. Lynn shares wise thoughts towards her husband. They proved that there may not be a “retirement age” - it all depends on you.

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5. "Brain Development: How to Read Faster, Remember Better, and Achieve Bigger Goals"

About the author: Roger is a professional public speaker and personal growth coach who is used by employees of many large companies. Roger has the rare trait of making it easy and simple to explain how to do personal growth and best of all, it's all in a fun way. No complicated recommendations and "water". Perhaps this was facilitated by his past work - a pop comedian (more than 8 years).

• set goals that inspire you;
• use your time effectively;
• train your brain;
• read 2-4 times faster;
• and… something else useful.

This is your personal trainer, and serious, but with a sense of humor. He does not invite you to change, but to become a little better. Not 100%, but just change the degree under which you can see the situation differently. It is read in one breath, but you will have to make stops - do exercises (very interesting and practical). You will improve your memory, your reading speed, focus on your priorities and, as a result, become a better person. Effective methods from the "here and now" series always delight and inspire. But "simple" does not mean "easy". Get ready to work.

Feature of the book: simple, effective, from the "here and now" series, exercises will help you quickly develop basic skills for personal effectiveness. No "water".

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About the book:"Amazing book, it can change your life" - so said Tom Peters about this edition. The Times ranked it as one of the 25 most influential business publications. Over 20 million sales worldwide. It is included not only in our TOP "Books worth reading", but in many others. Seven skills that will take your standard of living to new heights:

1. Be proactive.
2. Starting with the end goal in mind.
3. First do what needs to be done first.
4. Think win-win.
5. First try to hear, and then be heard.
6. Achieve synergy (strive for creative mutually beneficial interaction).
7. Sharpen the saw (constantly improve).

Steven took the position that a person can always choose how to react to what is happening around: someone stepped on your shoes in public transport, someone called you a fool, someone deceived, etc. The bottom line is that no one can offend you without your consent. It will help you not only understand and shape your life goals, providing you with all the necessary tools for this, but also achieve them. 100% guarantee that after reading you will become a better person. Use this masterpiece as a roadmap. The publication is included in our list of the best business books.

Feature of the book: well structured material, vivid examples, simple recommendations.

Who is it for: for anyone who wants to improve their productivity and improve their lives. A must read for those who want to climb the career ladder or create their own successful business.

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About the book: The Psychology of Influence is written in an easy and accessible manner. A lot of interesting and funny examples clearly illustrate the work of certain principles and techniques of persuasion. At the most modern scientific level, the mechanisms of motivation, assimilation of information and decision-making are analyzed. The author identifies 6 basic principles of persuasion:

1. Reciprocity: give something to another in order to get something in return.
2. Commitment: people want their beliefs to match their values.
3. Social Proof: there is nothing stronger than a feeling based on observing the actions of other people.
4. Power: you will obey me!
5. Sympathy: the more you like someone, the stronger their effect on you.
6. Deficit: when you realize that something is missing, you will want it more.

If you are looking for books to read and want to clearly understand how to negotiate when they are trying to manipulate you, improve your communication skills, then be sure to read this one. Included in the list of the best in psychology.

Feature of the book: in fact, this is a textbook on social psychology, conflictology and management. Everything is extremely simple and clear.

Who is it for: for sales professionals, speakers, executives, entrepreneurs, anyone whose work involves persuading others.

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About the book: Tina teaches to think outside the box, to see opportunities where most see only problems. One of the assignments she gave her students in class: You have $5 and only 60 minutes to earn money. As a result, the winners received up to 650 dollars. Question: “What did they do to make 600 with 5 dollars in 60 minutes?”. You will learn the answer to this and many other questions on self-development by reading this publication.

Feature of the book: each chapter is a challenge to everyday thinking, suggestions and recommendations that allow you to see problems as opportunities. Only practice.

Who is it for: for entrepreneurs and people who want to learn how to think outside the box. A must read for entrepreneurs.

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About the authors: famous couple from Australia. Alan Pease wrote his first bestseller (Body Language, over 20 million copies sold worldwide) at the age of 26. Now the author has dozens of popular books on psychology. Barbara is a model and fashion magazine publisher in the past.

About the book: an expanded edition of the previous bestseller ("Body Language"). After reading, you will be able to easily determine when a person is unhappy, trying to deceive you or showing sincere interest, and much more.

Feature of the book: everything about body movements, their interpretation, evaluation, possible consequences. Everything is accompanied by a detailed description, examples and photographs.

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10. “Willpower. How to develop and strengthen willpower

About the book: Who among us at least once did not want to strengthen willpower? After all the research, Kelly came to the conclusion that willpower is the same muscle as the biceps or chest muscles. It can and should be trained. Who would have thought that sleep and rest affect our willpower so much. From the book you will learn how to train it, strengthen it and develop it to unprecedented heights.

Feature of the book: each chapter describes one key idea and how it can be applied to your goals. All together - this is a 10-week educational course on nurturing your willpower.

Who is it for: absolutely for everyone who was waiting for the "magic pendal" and those who have problems with willpower.

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You can spend the evening not at the usual TV, tablet, phone, but how nice it is to take and read a book on a winter evening.

1. "Dead Zone", Steven King

The hero of the book, John Smith, gets a concussion, this happens when there was a collision on the ice. After that, the hero of this book begins to suffer visions, discovers psychic abilities in himself ...

2. "Flowers for Algernon" by Daniel Keyes

Today, this work is not criticized for excessive fantasy, this novel helps a lot in solving psychological problems, the author considers the themes of responsibility and love. And the novel itself won the hearts of millions of people ...

3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

There are five daughters in the Bennet family, all of them need to be married well, of course, this is not easy. The author psychologically supports the girls and is sure that every girl can meet "Mr. Darcy".

4. Manyunya, Narine Abgaryan

This book is great for bringing back childhood. A warm, affectionate book full of adventure, sunshine, sweets! We all come from childhood.

5. "35 kilos of hope", Anna Gavalda

The book is about a thirteen-year-old boy who loves to craft, and his grandfather is an idol for him, and he also dreams of getting into a lyceum where boys study and make something.

6. The Green Mile, Stephen King

The Green Mile is a suicide block in the colony, there is no way out in this prison, only one - the electric chair. But everything changes when John enters the prison...

7. "I am not afraid" by Niccolò Ammaniti

The state of the soul is measured not by the number of years in the passport, but by how many good deeds a person has done or negative ones.

8. “Suitcase”, Sergey Dovlatov

9. The Thirteenth Tale, Diana Setterfield

Our heroine of the book, moves to the house of the writer and unraveling the secrets of the house, realizes that her situations in the house and secrets are very similar to her own life.

10. "Airport", Arthur Hailey

The airport becomes detached from the surrounding world, where many people gather, everyone lives a “whole life”.

11. Nowhere, Neil Gaiman

To get into a certain secret world, you need to open the door where she is - no one knows.

12 The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

This is a tournament between people in the world of the future, whose name is Panem.

13. Five Orange Quarters by Joan Harris

The heroine of the book inherits: an album with recipes, and her brother a farm. A girl can solve riddles about her family by reading a book.

14. Vague Smile, Francoise Sagan

A novel about how the destinies of a lawyer who ceases to enjoy life and a young student crossed paths. It would seem that feelings have nowhere to come from, yes ...

15. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

16. The Help, Katherine Stockett

A cheerful girl comes to a boring town who dreams of becoming a writer...

17. The Multiple Minds of Billy Milligan by Daniel Keyes

The protagonist of the novel, the consciousness was divided into as many as 24 parts ...

18. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The book is a prerequisite for the script of the film of the same name, recommended reading.

19. Stepchildren of the Universe by Robert Heinlein

20. "P.Sh.", Dmitry Khara

Oleg works hard, one fine day, he finds a travel agency that offers an unusual tour, but only for those who are prepared.

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