Wondering what to pick up for your next read? Here are ten books that will keep you hooked while making you think. 

East of Eden by John Steinbeck

Set in California’s Salinas Valley during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, John Steinbeck’s East of Eden is a generational family saga that revolves around the lives of the Trask and Hamilton families. In its narrative structure, the novel follows the biblical tale of Cain and Abel; thus, it is possible to analyze it as a work that explores the issues of love, guilt, choice, and the age-old struggle between good and evil. The work offers an intricate examination of familial dynamics and moral dilemmas while at the same time mirroring the social transformations taking place in America during the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

In Animal Farm, a group of farm animals revolt against their human owner and take over the farm. As an allegory for the Russian Revolution and Stalin’s rise to power, the animals—primarily the pigs—function as new rulers. After they achieve their aim of establishing a society free from inequality, they permit greed and corruption to dominate until their new system resembles the oppressive one they overthrew.

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

The story is about a man who wakes up one morning and realizes that he has turned into a giant insect. He becomes jobless and his family runs away from him in fear and despises him. He tries to fit in and little by little starts to become more and more isolated, slowly forgetting who he is. It is a novel that revolves around the themes of alienation, guilt, and identity, and gives a very deep view of human nature.

Atonement by Ian McEwan

This is a compelling novel about the lasting effects of a young girl’s false accusation. The story follows three main characters: the accuser, her older sister, and the sister’s lover, who is accused instead of the actual suspect. Their lives are changed forever, the lover’s by imprisonment and later serving in World War II, and the sister’s by guilt, separation, and personal growth. Guilt, forgiveness, and the devastating effects of misunderstanding are all deeply explored.

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

A young man from a very poor family in Saint Petersburg has an idea of killing a corrupt pawn dealer with the intention of using the money to help his family and others. But when he has murdered the man, he is overcome with guilt and paranoia: an intense inner life ensues. As he tries to deal with the consequences of his actions, he gets entangled with a number of other complicated people: a kind prostitute, his devoted sister, and a persistent detective. This story is about moral redemption and the psychological effects of crime.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

In 19th century New England, this wonderful coming-of-age novel tells the story of the four March sisters: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. This is a story of each of the sisters having to face her own set of challenges, which are poverty, societal expectations, love, and the attempt to find herself. Throughout it all, their family bond remains steadfast. It’s a story about sisterhood as well as the strength of women in a society that has a lot of restrictions.

The Stranger by Albert Camus

The novel tells the story of a man who, when his mother dies, exists in the world with no passion and no connection to his emotions. This leads him to commit a violent act on a red, hot, and glaring beach. From there, the focus shifts from the crime itself to the fact that he never did fit into society’s expectations. It is an exploration of existentialism, the absurd, and what it means to be human.

Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

In this novel, a young black man must learn to live with race, identity, and individuality in mid-20th century America. This is a story about a young black man who believes that because of his color, he is invisible to society. The narrative goes from his student life in the South to him working and being a part of the brotherhood, a political group, in the North. In his or her story, the book presents a strong critique of societal norms and racial injustice, and his or her struggle to define himself or herself in a world that will not acknowledge him or her.

Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

The novel is a bitter satire on the military and the absurdity of war, set in the Second World War. It tells the story of a U.S. Army Air Force B-25  bombardier in Italy who is trying to keep his nerves whole until the end of his tour in order to go home. But, to his surprise, there is a paradoxical rule called ‘Catch-22’ that prevents him from getting out of the situation—any attempt to avoid the situation only leads to the fact that he has to stay. As such, the book brings out the irrationality of war and the frustrating logic of military life.

The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford

The Good Soldier relates a tragic story about a seemingly perfect couple—one American and one Englishwoman—who meet at a German spa and who remain friends for nine years. Nothing is as perfect as it seems in these relationships, which are filled with infidelity, deceit, and secret misery. In the end, it is the American husband who is the last to find out about the complex web of adultery and betrayal. Love, desire, and the destruction caused by hidden emotions and societal expectations are all portrayed in the novel.