- 1. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1952)
- 2. Atomic Habits By James Clear (2018)
- 3. Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi (1977)
- 4. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking (1988)
- 5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (1988)
- 6. Pride & Prejudice By Jane Austen (1813)
- 7. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (2011)
- 8. A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859)
- 9. Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl (1946)
- 10. Educated By Tara Westover (2018)
As a student myself, I aimlessly scroll Instagram or binge-watch Netflix series when I am not preparing for my exams or juggling through classes. However, recently I have developed a new and profound interest in reading. And surely, there is no greater way of boosting your knowledge, improving your critical-thinking skills, and learning about the world than by nestling among the pages of a great book or novel.
Whether you are in high school, college, or university, the right book can inspire you and even change your perspectives on life. You can leave your academic worries to reliable assignment writing services and focus on intellectual hobbies like this one. In this blog, I have shared the top 10 influential books for students to read that offer unique insights and knowledge.
If you're lucky, you'll manage to get your hands on a PDF version of them all!
1. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1952)
Ralph Ellison’s most influential and inspiring book, Invisible Man, explores the issues faced by Black Americans in the early 20th century. It has been called a “masterpiece” by Anthony Burgess who is a well-known author of the 20th century.
Why Read It?
The book follows its narrator, who is invisible as “People simply refuse to see me from the American South to Harlem, New York.” It is an exceptional choice for students who want to learn the psychological and social effects of racism.
2. Atomic Habits By James Clear (2018)
Students who struggle with procrastination or want to build better study habits must definitely read Atomic Habits by James Clear, which clearly explains the science of habit formation and how it affects our everyday lives.
Why Read It?
It is an eye-opening book that teaches you how small changes can lead to big results, which is perfect for students and individuals who handle multiple responsibilities.
3. Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi (1977)
This bold and haunting novel by Nawal El Saadawi portrays the life of a woman on death row in an Egyptian prison. It reveals the injustice and hardships faced by her in a patriarchal society, from childhood abuse to marriage.
Why Read It?
Students interested in female literature, exploring the oppression of gender in the Middle East, or human rights will find this book both powerful and unforgettable.
4. A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking (1988)
For science-loving students or those who are curious about the universe, the book “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking will help them understand complex scientific concepts like black holes, time travel, and quantum mechanics in clear and simple terms.
Why Read It?
This book makes you question the world around you and opens your mind to the possibilities and mysteries of the cosmos that are both interesting and intriguing.
If you enjoy this, then check out topics like quantum AI, which combines quantum physics with the future of artificial intelligence.
5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (1988)
A valuable story of self-discovery and dreams by Paulo Coelho explores the world and journey of a shepherd’s boy named Santiago to find his “Personal Legend,” which is a treasure in Egypt.
Why Read It?
It is a just read as this book is all about following your dreams, and listening to your heart even when the path seems unclear.
6. Pride & Prejudice By Jane Austen (1813)
Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” explores themes like love, family, and class in a funny and charming way in early 19th-century England. It follows the story of Elizabeth who is a strong and independent lady as she navigates through family pressure and social expectations.
Why Read It?
The story is not just a love tale, but a sharp commentary on gender roles, family, and the pressure to marry early for women of the early eras. My favorite excerpt from this book is “I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine.”
7. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman (2011)
The book “Thinking, Fast and Slow,” by Nobel-prize winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman, explores how our minds work in two different systems: fast and automatic thinking and slow, deliberate thinking. It shows us how we make decisions and think.
Why Read It?
It is the perfect read for students who want to improve their critical-thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. Once you learn how your brain works, you can use it to identify mental traps and habit formation patterns.
8. A Tale Of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859)
A Tale of Two Cities is a story written during the French Revolution and explores the two cities, London and Paris. The plot revolves around a man named Sydney Carton, who is broken and hopeless in love, justice, and sacrifice.
Why Read It?
It is a must read for students who are interested in literature, moral philosophy and history. Moreover, this book reminds us that the most unlikely people are capable of greatness in life.
9. Man’s Search For Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl (1946)
Written by a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, this book is based on Viktor E.’s horrible experiences in the Nazi concentration camps and how he found meaning in the darkest times of his life.
Why Read It?
It is the perfect read for students in understanding purpose and mental strength in the most stressful phases of their life.
10. Educated By Tara Westover (2018)
Educated is an unforgettable memoir about education, resilience, and inspiration and is a real-life story of a woman named Tara. Raised in a strict and isolated household, she escapes her circumstances and earns a PhD from Cambridge University.
Why Read It?
It is an inspiring story for students to learn that the power of education is the key to overcoming the biggest challenges of life.