8 Must-Read Novels to Add to Your Reading List

I wasn’t interested in reading when I was growing up. I tried several times, but the books I started didn’t hold my attention. It didn’t dawn on me that maybe the books I picked up weren’t right for me. Or maybe I just didn't like to read.

I started enjoying reading in my early twenties. I started with books by Mary Higgins Clark and Sidney Sheldon and was hooked. My appetite for reading has expanded over the years and I now enjoy non-fiction as much as fiction.

I read every day. Every night when I get in bed I do some Bible study, then pick up whatever book I’m reading and stay with it until I’m ready to go to sleep.

I love that when I’m reading a good book, I am taken to wherever the book leads me. I’m not thinking about the events of the day or anything else. I’m into the story, be it a novel or non-fiction.

I am always open to suggestions for a good read, so I thought I would create a list that I enjoyed. I hope this list is helpful!

8 Must-Read Novels to Add to Your Reading List

This is not a sponsored post. I will not earn a commission if you purchase a book from the links. I provided the links for your convenience only.

1. Kane and Abel Series by Jeffrey Archer

• Kane and Abel (See it here)

• The Prodigal Daughter (See it here)

Kane and Abel, born on the same day, continents apart, cross paths and consider each other enemies as they try to make their fortunes.

The sequel, The Prodigal Daughter, is the story of Abel’s daughter and Kane’s son meeting and falling in love. The story follows them on their quest for and rise to success.

Both books are good but Kane and Abel is my favorite of the two.

2. Shogun by James Clavell (See it here)

Oh my gosh. This is a must read! It is such a good story! Shogun is not considered historical fiction, but includes some Japanese history. It brought back a few Japanese phrases I had forgotten!

The story is set in the 1600's. An English ship that was headed for India is washed up on the shores of Japan. The story takes the main characters through power struggles with interesting characters and an even more interesting storylines.

This is another book I could not put down and did not want it to end! It is a long one, over 1100 pages, but well worth the read. This is definitely one of my all time favorites.

This is the first novel of 5 in The Asian Saga series. I am only including Shogun because it is the only one I've read so far.

3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (See it here)

This is the story of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire and his love for a beautiful woman. It is set in the 1920s. It is a good story that held my attention. I can't say it is one of my all time favorites, but I am glad I read it.

I included this one mainly because it is considered a great work of literature and it is worth the read.

4. Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beacher Stowe (See it here)

This is such a good story! The main character is Tom, a slave whose faith and love for humankind gets him through the most trying of times. The other characters it follows bring their own interest to the story. This one gave me all the feelings.

5. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (See it here)

This is the story of a young girl who is left to raise herself in the marshlands of South Carolina in the 1950s. It is a good story and has a some mystery. It is a really good story!

6. Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett (See it here)

This one is definitely a page turner! Eye of the Needle takes place during World War II. It is the story of a German spy, The Needle, who is trying to rendezvous with a German U-boat to pass on intelligence he gathered. He gets stranded on an island where only a woman, her husband, their child, and a caretaker live. Meanwhile, the British are hot on his heels trying to keep The Needle from turning the intelligence over to the Germans. Ken Follet can tell a story!

7. Intensity by Dean Koontz (See it here)

This book is about a homicidal sociopath who meets a woman who is determined to save one of his victims. The entire story takes place in 24 hours. It is definitely intense and I found it a little scary, but it is so good! It will keep you on the edge of your seat!

8. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (See it here)

I wasn't sure I would enjoy this one but I did! It is the story of the times the author lived - the late 1700s - early 1800s. The two main characters are Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcey. Their story unfolds among the prejudice between the classes in rural England. A definite must read!

There are many more I could have included but thought I would keep it to 8. I will share more books that are worth putting on your must read list in different posts.

I hope you enjoy any of these you choose to read and would love to hear your recommendations!

Until next time,

Melanie