The best books in 125 years, according to the New York Times

The New York Times and its readers recommend...

The New York Times and its readers recommend...

With the help of readers, the New York Times 'Book Review' editors developed a list of the best books from the past 125 years. Click on to see which 25 books made it to the top, so that you can brag to friends about how many you've read!

'To Kill a Mockingbird'

Harper Lee's 1960 book was voted by readers of The New York Times as the number 1 of this list: the very best book of the past 125 years. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is a true high school syllabus classic. The way the book examines race inequality makes it a must-read, even today.

'1984'

Written by George Orwell and initially published in 1949, this potent book still resonates with modern-day politics.

'All the Light We Cannot See'

Written by Anthony Doerr and published in 2014, this Pulitzer Prize-winning book is a must-read for those who love World War II related books.

'Beloved'

This powerful book by Toni Morrison, published in 1987, is an important book that helps to educate readers about the mental and physical trauma caused by slavery.

'Catch-22'

Joseph Heller's 1961 book 'Catch 22' critiques the absurdities of war and human existence.

'The Catcher in the Rye'

This classic from 1951, written by J.D Salinger, was mandatory high-school reading for many. If, for some reason, you have never read this American classic, put it on your reading list ASAP!

'Charlotte’s Web'

E.B. White's book about a spider, a little girl, and a pig was released in 1952 and became a mainstay in children's literature.

'A Confederacy of Dunces'

This is the only book ever written by John Kennedy Toole and was published in 1980 after his death. His mother went from publisher to publisher, trying to get her son's work noticed after he took his own life. Fortunately, someone finally recognized Toole's work for the gem that it is

'The Fellowship of the Ring'

J.R.R. Tolkien's books are pure classics that took the world by storm. This book was published in 1954, and the world would never be the same again.

'A Fine Balance'

This book by Rohinton Mistry was published in Canada in 1995 and was chosen by Oprah Winfrey for her book club, which catapulted the book onto the top of the best sellers list.

'A Gentleman in Moscow'

This 2016 book by Amor Towles has earned rave reviews from fans. It tells the story of a Russian count sentenced to a lifetime of house arrest...at a hotel!

'Gone With the Wind'

The classics are classics for a good reason! This novel by Margaret Mitchell, published in 1936, sold like hotcakes and has been made into plays and films - a must-read for any bookworm!

'The Grapes of Wrath'

Written by John Steinbeck and published in 1939, this book describes the trials and tribulations faced by everyday people in the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression.

'The Great Gatsby'

This book by F. Scott Fitzgerald, published in 1925, is another classic must-read even if it wasn't a hit with the public when it was first released.

'The Handmaid’s Tale'

Canadian author Margaret Atwood's 1986 book found great fame with HBO's television series in recent years. It does not matter if you've seen the series or not; this book simply must be read by everyone, in particular in light of recent political activity in the United States.

'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone'

J.K Rowling surely never imagined that her Harry Potter books would develop a cult following among adults and children alike. This book from 1997 earned rave reviews from critics.

'Infinite Jest'

David Foster Wallace's 1996 critically acclaimed book imagines a future where commercial products and absurdities dominate life....

'A Little Life'

Author Hanya Yanagihara examines the question of how we move past trauma to live the rest of our lives in her critically acclaimed 2015 book.

'L o l i t a'

This book by Vladimir Nabokov, initially published in 1955 in France, scandalized the world. A look inside the mind of a man obsessed with a young girl is quite disturbing, even if it is fiction...

'Lonesome Dove'

Larry McMurtry wrote this 1985 book as a critique of the myth of the cowboy.

'One Hundred Years of Solitude'

This magical book by Gabriel García Márquez made its way to the United States in 1970. The novel tells the story of a family over 100 years and quickly won over the public with its rich details and humour.

'The Overstory'

Richard Power's 2018 novel is a necessary read for all to help us understand the true value of nature.

'A Prayer for Owen Meany'

John Irving's 1989 novel tells the story of two lifelong friends: John Wheelwright and Owen Meany. Filled with humour, tender-heartedness, and a fantastic ending, this book is simply heart-warming.

'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn'

This beautiful book by Betty Smith, published in 1943, is based on the author's experience growing up in Williamsburg as a child of immigrant parents.

'Ulysses'

Irish writer James Joyce published this masterpiece in 1918, and this experimental novel is still studied to this day.