10 Timeless Books You've Been Missing Out On

Whether to take your mind off chores or to broaden your horizons, these books will get you going.

When there's not much to do outside, sometimes binge-streaming isn't enough to keep oneself content. Yet, believe it or not, with a bit of compressed parchment, it's possible.

Out of wishing to try something new, or because you've exhausted all your Netflix recommendations, books are a great way to keep yourself entertained at home. But how do you decide what to indulge in?

Here are 10 books that will help you broaden your horizons:

1. "The Dark Tower" series by Stephen King

Each entry in this series is too memorable to single out in this list; by the same token, they all deserve a shoutout. From firsthand experience, these titles are a swell contrast to the grim horror King is known for.

The Dark Tower takes its readers on a grand journey spanning nine books, in which the protagonist searches for the titular tower and learns some things along the way. Some of which makes him question the very foundations of reality.

The ways in which the books describe the Tower and its effects on the fabric of existence are what keep the reader engaged, making them question the legitimacy of this primordial structure that remains shrouded in mystery.

All the books are great in their own way, as they each offer their own plot and settings. In all due respect, the books are considered King's magnum opus by many, which still holds true, in spite of the 16% Tomatometer rating of the film. 

2. The "Skulduggery Pleasant" series by Derek Landy

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As with Tower, Skulduggery Pleasant has too many good elements in each book that make it impossible to single out a single entry worth reading, disregarding the larger plot. 

The time spent with Mr. Pleasant and his apprentice Valkyrie make these books worth reading, as they divulge, much like Harry Potter, the very reasons why muggles such as us should not dabble in the world of magic. 

The subplots in each title allow the characters to learn more about themselves and the world of magic, from their own inner conflicts to the world-ending threats just beyond their reckoning. 

Landy keeps the reader engaged thanks to his dedication to character development, in addition to the many left turns these books make. 

3. "Lolita" by Vladimir Lobokov

From fantasy to fetishes, here is the single most disturbing impression of the common pervert's mindset in literature. Lobokov delivers to his readers the infatuation Humbert Humbert expresses with his stepdaughter via visualization. 

In only the first few lines of the story, the reader becomes blatantly aware of the type of person HH is, as he seeks love with the only woman who can satisfy his carnal pleasures. Even if that woman is underage.

The story follows H.H. as he tries to give the impression of an upstanding, law-abiding citizen, while all the while getting down and dirty with the only person that can satisfy his needs.

To say this story is not for the faint of heart is only half-true. Upon first reading, one could either be turned off by the rancid language of Mr. Humbert or end up with cramping sides from laughing too hard at the outrageous dialogue.

4. "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson

As with HH's need to conceal another side of himself, so too does a particularly inquisitive scientist have to do the same with his more impulsive persona. Through different points of view, Stevenson shows the reader the very contrasts that can exist in all of us.

To passersby, Hyde is your run-of-the-mill degenerate, knocking children over without batting an eye and just being a generally ominous individual. Yet, he is also the best representation of unrestrained humanity literature has to offer.

As Jekyll struggles to keep his alter-ego hidden, the latter is too tempted not to cause mischief among the locals, hard as Jekyll tries to seek a cure for his condition. 

Though this story is aged, it certainly is not worth sweeping under the rug. Certain occurrences in this chaotic world can make people act in ways they wouldn't typically, and this book offers an opportunity for self-reflection.

5. "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Phillip K. D-ick

In many ways, the world feels apocalyptic to some, which couldn't be more apparent than in this classic, which follows one of the few humans stranded on Earth after a devastating war. 

Rick Deckard struggles to enjoy what little he can of the world in spite of the constantly dreary atmosphere. Despite the depressing world and the futileness of it all, however, Rick persists because of his ambitions.

Tired of his old, electric sheep, Rick goes bounty hunting to save up for a genuine terrestrial mammal in order to give himself some iota of satisfaction in that bleak world. 

Anyone who is a fan of post-apocalyptic media will find this book to be a treat. It is as much a trip for Rick as it is for the reader to see him try and make it in a world that constantly tries to isolate the hardest working. 

6. "What's Eating Gilbert Grape?" by Peter Hedges

Continuing with the theme of exhausting struggles, this novel sees the titular protagonist having to take care of his ailing mother and special needs brother, in addition to working as a clerk in a mom-and-pop shop for pocket change.

Life is tough for Gilbert, who wishes to see the world, but cannot, as he is shackled to his responsibilities at home. Though he is tired of it all, Gilbert presses onward in the hopes things will eventually get better.

Gilbert's siblings can only help so much, for one has a habit of climbing water towers, while the other just wants to live for herself. Life is tough for this family, and all they can do is wait for something that will turn their lives around.

Being stuck at home is one of those things many young adults can relate to, which may allow sympathy to this text, for those individuals must also chip in for family while trying to attempt to build savings and move on.

7. "Being Wrong" by Kathryn Schulz

To make mistakes is to be human, and that's what this book is for; to open the reader's eyes to bad habits they themselves may have been up to without their knowing. 

Aside from one's own discomfiture, this work is essential for explaining why it's important to step back and look at situations from an outside perspective, as the actions and responses one makes to another person may look and sound different from an outside view 

Being Wrong can prime someone who does not know the ins and outs of human interaction find where they stand in certain sociological circles by helping them help themselves improve their social behaviors.

A few years ago, I received a copy of this book as a Christmas gift. Shoutout to my sister, because without her generosity, I may not have become aware of the social awkwardness I was emanating from.

To get an idea of what others are thinking, sometimes it helps to take a step back and consider what it is others expect from the individual.

8. "The Dark Game" by Paul B. Janeczko

When Criminal Minds just isn't enough, it helps to have a book that offers another leap into the Mystery genre. 

Dark Game features a collection of real-life spy stories, which span from the Revolutionary War to the present day, and shows how not everything is as it seems behind enemy lines.

Without giving too much away, the tales contained in this anthology reveal the tactics of those who took risks to infiltrate foreign entities and bring vital intelligence to their homeland. 

The fun of Mystery in fiction is that it allows the audience to make theories on what will happen based on what little evidence is provided. In some ways, Dark Game is the closest foray one will have to become a true spy. 

9. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio

Zoom permits palaver for distant peers, but sometimes individuals can be put off by what's on the other side of that camera.

This title sees Auggie, a boy who struggles to get by in school because of a physical deformity that makes socializing difficult.

The story jumps between Auggie's perspective and that of his peers, which allows the reader to witness different perspectives given in the story, how some people see Auggie and how Auggie sees himself.

This work shows the pains one can endure when operating under predetermined circumstances. It's what's inside that counts, and this book gives the reader the chance to contemplate such a lesson.

10. "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury 

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When one wishes to relax during these stressful times, they may pick out a good book. But what happens when society decides that books are evil and must all be destroyed?

Bradbury's dystopian tale sees Guy Montag, an upstanding firefighter, whose job it is to burn down any homes containing literature. Yet, over time, he becomes aware of the absurdity in doing this.

The story follows Guy as he seeks to uncover the irrationality of the populous in their quest to end reading, and how his peers attempt to sway his judgment along the way.

In a time where many people are streaming content, some lose track of the morals in stories such as this, and the possibility that there is more to literature than meets the eye, at least compared to a computer screen. 

. . .

Though there are countless options out there to satiate the metaphorical bookworm, it's important to remember that no two books are alike, which is why it's important to have a point of reference when diving in.

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Opinions and Perspectives

Being Wrong helped me understand why people resist changing their minds.

6

Lolita shows how art can make us confront uncomfortable truths.

5

These books really do stand the test of time.

6

Each Dark Tower book feels like a different genre. Such range!

0

Skulduggery Pleasant gets surprisingly dark for a YA series.

4

Wonder should be in every school library.

0

Gilbert Grape captures family dynamics so realistically it hurts.

2

Being Wrong changed how I approach disagreements with others.

7

The Dark Game reads better than any spy novel I've ever encountered.

8

Do Androids Dream is so much deeper than Blade Runner suggests.

8

Reading Fahrenheit 451 made me appreciate books even more.

8

These books really make you think about different perspectives.

0

Jekyll & Hyde feels like a precursor to modern psychological thrillers.

6

The Dark Tower connects to King's other books in such clever ways.

7

The world of Skulduggery Pleasant is so rich and detailed. I want to live there.

3

Just finished Wonder. My heart feels fuller somehow.

0

Lolita is disturbing but important. It shows how monsters can seem charming.

6

The Dark Game shows how ordinary people can do extraordinary things.

1

Being Wrong helped me become a better listener and more open-minded.

5

Gilbert Grape really captures the weight of family obligations.

0

The Dark Tower series is like nothing else I've ever read. Completely unique experience.

4

Wonder made me cry but in a good way. Books should move us like that.

4

Do Androids Dream feels more relevant with each passing year.

2

The character development in Skulduggery Pleasant is fantastic. Everyone grows and changes.

2

These books really help you see the world differently. Isn't that what great literature should do?

0

I've reread Jekyll & Hyde three times and find new layers each time.

2

Fahrenheit 451 predicted our relationship with screens way too accurately.

1

The Dark Game proves truth really is stranger than fiction.

7

Being Wrong should be required reading for everyone on social media.

0

The Dark Tower's ending was perfect for the story it told. Fight me on this.

1

Gilbert Grape captures small-town life so perfectly it hurts.

2

Wonder is exactly what this list promises timeless and unforgettable.

5

What makes Do Androids Dream special is how it questions what makes us human without preaching.

0

Skulduggery Pleasant deserves way more recognition. It's so much more than just another YA series.

4

Has anyone read Being Wrong with their book club? Seems like it would generate great discussions.

4

The Dark Tower series changed how I think about storytelling. It breaks so many rules but works perfectly.

2

I love how Jekyll & Hyde explores the duality in all of us. We all have our Hyde moments.

2

Reading Fahrenheit 451 in 2023 hits different. Especially the parts about screens everywhere.

4

The Dark Game reads like a spy thriller except everything actually happened. Mind-blowing stuff.

5

Lolita is a masterclass in unreliable narration. You have to read between the lines constantly.

2

These books really are timeless. Most of them feel even more relevant now than when they were written.

7

Wonder helped my daughter understand empathy better than any lecture I could give.

3

Just started Being Wrong and already feeling called out in the best way possible.

2

The Dark Tower is like nothing else King has written. It's wild how versatile he is as an author.

6

Do Androids Dream made me look at my phone differently. Maybe we're already living in that future.

0

The way Skulduggery Pleasant balances humor with serious themes is really impressive.

5

I actually understood my own family better after reading Gilbert Grape. Sometimes art helps us process reality.

5

Fahrenheit 451's society choosing to ban books themselves is scarier than any government censorship.

6

The Dark Game taught me more about history than my high school classes did.

6

Gilbert Grape is such an underappreciated book. The movie is great but the book has so much more depth.

3

I love how King connects The Dark Tower to his other books. It's like a massive literary Easter egg hunt.

5

These books really do help broaden horizons. I've read half of them and learned something new each time.

5

Jekyll & Hyde hits different when you think about social media personas versus real life.

7

The world-building in Skulduggery Pleasant is incredible. Each book expands the universe in unexpected ways.

2

Being Wrong helped me understand why I get so defensive when I make mistakes. Really eye-opening stuff.

3

Reading Lolita made me feel like I needed a shower afterward, but I guess that means it succeeded as art?

5

I appreciate that this list mixes classics with contemporary books. Something for everyone.

2

Wonder should be required reading in schools. We need more empathy in the world.

8

The ending of The Dark Tower series still haunts me years later. No spoilers but wow.

6

I found Do Androids Dream much more philosophical than I expected. Really makes you think about what makes us human.

2

Skulduggery Pleasant is actually quite sophisticated. I'm in my 30s and thoroughly enjoyed the series.

4

The Dark Game sounds perfect for my true crime obsession. Adding it to my reading list!

7

Anyone notice how many of these books deal with duality? Jekyll/Hyde, Dark Tower, even Lolita in a way.

1

I read Wonder in one sitting. Couldn't put it down. Such an important message about looking beyond appearances.

5

The first Dark Tower book is definitely slow but stick with it. The payoff is worth it, I promise!

5

The way Bradbury predicted our screen addiction in Fahrenheit 451 is honestly scary accurate.

5

Gilbert Grape resonated with me so much. As someone who's been a caregiver, the author really captured those complex emotions.

6

I love how The Dark Game uses real spy stories. Much more fascinating than fiction since it actually happened.

5

Being Wrong sounds really interesting. We could all use a lesson in admitting our mistakes sometimes.

1

I actually preferred the Dark Tower books to most of King's horror works. The fantasy elements really let his imagination run wild.

1

Anyone else think Jekyll & Hyde reads like an early psychological thriller? Way ahead of its time.

1

Reading Fahrenheit 451 right now and it feels more relevant than ever with all the book banning happening lately.

1

I found the philosophical themes in Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep fascinating. The movie Blade Runner barely scratches the surface.

5

Wonder is such a powerful book about empathy. I read it with my kids and we had some amazing conversations about treating others with kindness.

5

Yes! It definitely picks up after book 1. The second book, The Drawing of the Three, is where it really hooked me.

4

I've tried getting into The Dark Tower twice now but couldn't make it past the first book. Does it get better? The pacing felt really slow to me.

2

Lolita makes me uncomfortable but I think that's exactly the point. Nabokov's writing is disturbingly beautiful despite the subject matter.

4

Has anyone read the Skulduggery Pleasant series? I keep hearing great things but I'm wondering if it's too young for adult readers?

7

I totally agree about The Dark Tower being King's magnum opus! I started reading it last month and I'm already on book 3. The world-building is phenomenal.

5

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