Books
20 Books Every Smart Person Should Read, Because Some Classics Just Shouldn't Be Skipped
Sure, it’s annoying when people start talk like a literary snob, but maybe if you joined the conversation, it might be a little more fun than you expected. First step? Read these books that are sure to make you smarter in one way or another. It's pretty likely that you’ve been asked to read a few of these books along the way, but maybe boredom set in and you gave up too soon. I’m here to tell you that, upon a closer read, these books are important pieces of western civilization. Meaning, ahem, get your brain going with these 20 classics. Surely you will sound a heck of a lot smarter, and hey, you’ll actually be a lot smarter after you dig into these literary treasures.
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‘Pale Fire’ by Vladimir Nabokov
You might remember Nabokov after reading (and probably re-reading) Lolita , but have you tried the wacky world of Pale Fire ? It features a 999-line poem by a recluse named John Shade, and then a that narrative takes a lot of twists and unexpected turns. Reading this book is like solving a riddle — one that will make your brain work harder than it ever has before. And while it might feel like a dense read, remember, it’s actually funny — something to surely bring up in your snobby conversations from here on out.
‘The Tempest’ by William Shakespeare
Listen, Shakespeare is perhaps the greatest writer of all time. Though his very last play, some say The Tempest is his best work. Assuming the dude had been writing for most of his life by the time he debuted this stellar play, it’s no wonder it’s a literary masterpiece. It’s got all the juicy stuff Shakespeare is made of: Corruption, power, innocence, and more. Get moving.
‘Middlesex’ Jeffrey Eugenides
Read Middlesex because it’s great, but discuss it in public because you will sound super cool. Why? Not only is this book a thrilling read, it happens to feature one of fiction’s greatest narrators: Cal, a young girl who must uncover a family secret. This epic novel didn’t win the Pulitzer Prize for nothing!
‘As I Lay Dying’ by William Faulkner
This Southern Gothic classic novel is not only dark and mysterious, but it broke the mold. A different family member of the Bundren clan — a broken family that must bury their wife and mother in the South — narrates each chapter. Each offers a totally unique voice, some ranging from one line to many pages. Faulkner really changed the game when he decided to play with form in this classic tale. Also, James Franco made it into a movie, but I’m too afraid to see it to tell you if it’s any good.
‘The Collected Short Stories’ by Eudora Welty
You probably recognize her name, but have you actually read Eudora Welty yet? This woman is decorated with so many more literary awards than you can imagine. I suggest her short story collection because her talent really shines in the many diverse points of view. She’s got a special voice that deserves to be mentioned on your next blind date.
‘Beloved’ by Toni Morrison
Obviously read Toni Morrison again and again. She’s an important literary icon that is sure to be the perfect conversation starter someday. Beloved is about an escaped slave, love, loss, and memory. Written like beautiful lyrical poetry, this book is a life changer. Chances are you’ll want to recommend this to everyone you meet.
‘Gravity’s Rainbow’ by Thomas Pynchon
Should you read Gravity’s Rainbow ? Don’t ask me — I’ve been trying to get through it for years. But if you are determined to talk Pynchon with other lit snobs, then you’re going to have to brave this super dense book someday. In fact, because this book is so full of millions of characters, tough language, and some over-the-head concepts, be sure to take your time. Because embarking on this journey is so sought after, there are a million Pynchon-reading strategy ideas swarming the Internet. Good luck.
‘Howl and Other Poems’ by Allen Ginsberg
OK, so poetry might not be your cup of tea, but if you are going to read it, go Ginsberg. Howl and Other Poems was once banned for obscenity but is now regarded as some of the most prolific poetry of all time. Why? Because it sounds good, because it feels good to read it, and because it changed the game for poets everywhere. You can fit this book in the back of your pocket, and if you whip it out at just the right coffee shop, you could appear to be the smartest person there.
‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee
You know this one. You have probably read it. I urge you to re-read it, as a smart adult. I promise you will get so much more out of this classic tale that dives deep into the torment of racism in the South. To Kill a Mockingbird won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and continues to be a bestseller today. It’s one of those books that every smart wants to talk about because it’s a wonderfully moving read that is deemed the highest standard of American literature.
‘Tale of Two Cities’ by Charles Dickens
Perhaps a tale of two cities, in this case, Paris and London during the French Revolution sounds like a bore. But you might be surprised by Tale of Two Cities and its charms. It’s one of those stories that sucks you in — for a very long time, as this is a very long book. Remind your friends that Dickens published this 45-chapter novel in weekly installments in the literary periodical — it took almost a year to read the whole thing!
‘To the Lighthouse’ by Virginia Woolf
I hope you judge this book by its cover — so beautiful and enticing. Once you dive into Virginia Woolf’s To The Lighthouse, you’ll realize that you had better seriously pay attention before she leaves you in the dust. A difficult classic, Woolf writes in stream-of-consciousness to capture what it’s really like to view the world. If you feel like she’s rambling, keep reading. It’s supposed to make you feel that way, something interesting to discover along the journey to the infamous lighthouse.
‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being’ by Milan Kundera
This is one of those funny-yet-pulling-on-your-heartstrings kind of books. It’s about two men (one is a womanizer) who share the same mistress. For its time, it’s an enlightening outlook on relationships. It’s one of those books you should probably read before you die. Bonus: It’s a highly enjoyable read.
‘The Year of Magical Thinking’ by Joan Didion
Ah, Joan DIdion. America’s lady. A literary icon. She’s full of pure honesty and wit. She can capture happiness and sorrow like nobody else. The Year of Magical Thinking explores a marriage in all its glory and pain. Read this to talk about the human condition. Read this for compassion and empathy. Just read Joan Didion.
‘On the Origin of Species’ by Charles Darwin
Most smart people can speak about evolution. Can you? Good ol’ Darwin wrote a book describing his theory of evolution and it’s widely respected today. The book revolutionized science and has been surrounded by controversy ever since it was published — all the more reason to pick up a copy. It can’t hurt to explore our relationship to Earth, right?
‘Underworld’ by Don DeLillo
National Book Award. Check. Pulitzer Prize nomination. Check. Don DeLillo is regarded as one of America’s great writers. Underworld is a thrilling and riveting masterpiece that chronicles two people (an artist and a business exec) whose lives are woven together in New York. It’s considered one of the best American novels.
‘Moby Dick’ by Herman Melville
Yes, Moby Dick is a classic and yes, you know it’s about a whale. But through the (seemingly millions of) pages, there’s a lot to love — it’s an epic story of life at sea, longing, good and evil, and God. At least read the first line (ahem, one of the most famous lines in literature). That line is always a good party trick.
‘A Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
This epic and heartbreaking novel is full of unforgettable characters. Marquez makes any book feel like a magical journey to a world that you’ll want to live in forever. Hey, this book isn’t just for smart people, it’s a worldwide favorite because it’s so good.
‘The Art of War’ by Sun Tzu
Many world leaders and athletes regard this ancient book as a favorite. And most of them are smart, right? This book is the ultimate guide to combat strategy. You might be surprised at how well these ideas translate into real life, and of course, leadership and success. Worth a shot, right?
'Ulysses' by James Joyce
It’s worth it to try this book — this insanely heavy and long book. While it’s regarded as a book of genius, let’s be real; most people don’t get through the first hundred pages. Perhaps you want to wait for the gold at the end of the rainbow and invest a solid chunk of time plowing through Ulysses , but at least shoot for the first few hundred pages. At least you’ll be able to join that circle of Joyce admirers (and failures).
‘Crime and Punishment’ by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
We’ve all been strapped for cash, but you’ve probably never considered murder for money. This classic book is a moral dilemma of a guy who wants to kill a person for her money — and does because he thinks ha has the right to. It’s a tale of mental anguish and desperation, the kind that keep you turning the pages. And, this book is highly read in smartest peeps circles around the world. Join the club!
