42 Killer Books For Beginners To Develop Reading Habit

Reading is one of the most important skills we can ever have. It not only helps us learn new things, but it's also a gateway to knowledge and insight that we might not be able to come across any other way.

But how do you go about reading?

What should you read?

And are there any books that are must-reads for beginners?

If you're looking for some recommendations, then this blog post will give you few great places to start!

That's why I've compiled a list of 42 must-read books for people who are just starting their reading journey.

1 Panchatantra by Pandit Vishnu Sharma

The Panchatantra is a collection of interconnected stories, many of which use animal metaphors to represent human virtues and vices. For the benefit of three naive princes, this story serves as an illustration of the fundamental tenets of niti.

One of the most translated works in history, the Panchatantra stories are renowned for their life lessons. The stories themselves are charmingly told, frequently including animals and birds as the main characters. As a result, they impart important life lessons in a fun way. 

'Mitra Bhedha' (Loss of Friends), 'Mitra Laabha' (Gaining Friends), 'Suhrudbheda' (Causing Discord Among Friends), 'Vigraha' (Separation), and 'Sandhi' are the five principles or practices that are depicted by Panchatantra (Union). 

2 The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Have you heard the phrase, "When you desire something, the entire universe works to make it happen for you?" One of the well-known passages from this masterwork is this one. We all need to listen to our hearts and follow our aspirations, and The Alchemist is a narrative that will motivate you to do just that! Additionally, experiencing Paulo Coelho's singular spirituality and vision will be healing. This book's reputation as one of the best for novices comes as no surprise.

3 Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki, Sharon Lechter

Robert T. Kiyosaki describes in the book how each of these guys had a significant influence on his views on money, investment, and finances. Since there is so much to discover and encounter in this book, you must make it your first ever read.

4 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Any keen reader will mention The Great Gatsby if you ask them about some good literature for novices. The Great Gatsby, a piece of classic 20th-century literature, tells the tale of affluent Jay Gatsby and his love for Daisy Buchannan. Though passion and love might appear to be the main themes of this 1925 book, the truth is a little bit different. Should we reveal it to you or keep it quiet? We'll just say that the book provides a rich window into America in the 1920s. What's left? Discover yourself!

5 The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Isn't the description of this book's plot—the epic Mahabharata as narrated by Draupadi—enough to make you want to read it? No matter how many times you have read or seen the Mahabharata reenacted, this story as seen through Draupadi will undoubtedly alter your viewpoint. It is Draupadi's perspective after all. You should read her tale to see how different it is from what you already know because of this.

6 Ikigai by Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia

What do you want your life to accomplish? What inspires you to rise from your bed each morning? The solution lies in your ikigai. It is a long-standing Japanese philosophy that has been linked to the long life expectancy of the nation. We won't be overstating things if we state that this book will change your life. This book outlines common issues and offers helpful answers to assist readers in adopting a healthy lifestyle and discovering their Ikigai ( the purpose of life). Another factor making it one of the beginner-friendly books to read is its readability.

7 Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami

One of the best books written by renowned Japanese novelist Haruki Murakami is called Norwegian Wood. Think of this as your healing path. This book, which tells the tale of a young man's first love, is the ideal pick for your first ever read. This book will keep you coming back to it time and time again because of the noble and hopeless love of a college student. Although there are many good reasons to read Murakami's books, Norwegian Wood stands out for its mastery of simplicity.

8 To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

We had no choice but to put this masterwork on our list of the top books for beginners. This book takes you on a journey across the world as seen through the eyes of Jean Finch and her elder brother Jeremy in a tale of racial discrimination and bravery. It also addresses important socioeconomic problems. You will discover several people when you step into the universe of this book. To Kill A Mockingbird ought to be on your list of the top books for beginning readers because there are so many emotions to feel when reading it.

9 The Diary of A Young Girl By Anne Frank

You must have heard about this book in your English textbooks, even if you don't read that much. How entertaining would a 13-year-old girl's tales be if she had spent two years in hiding during the Nazi conquest of Holland in 1942? Learn more by reading the book. The Diary of A Young Girl is unquestionably one of the best books for beginning readers because of the poignant memory of the war. The fact that we are familiar with the story from our early education textbooks makes it even more engaging to read!

10 The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

This book, which is set in Kerala, is eye-opening. Additionally, it discusses communism and walks you through the lives of Rahel and Esthappen the twins. But why is this book recommended for new readers? Because of the narration, which is heartfelt and straightforward. Fun fact: It is Arundhati Roy's debut novel and is regarded as one of her best pieces. Additionally, it can be your reading debut!

11 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Everyone has The Kite Runner on their list of favorite books. Are you curious about it? Give you some insight, please! It tells the tale of a privileged boy's shady association with the servant boy of his father as they grow up. We assure you that this short book will make you feel a wide range of emotions regarding life and its unexpected occurrences. Simply go for it!

12  The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

With all the young readers going through a rebellious era, The Catcher in the Rye has grown in popularity. Due to his subpar grades, the main character Holden Caulfield was dismissed from school. He can't even contemplate informing his parents about the whole event because he is at a strange point in his life. 

13  Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana by Devdutt Pattanaik

This work is exceptional for its capacity to warm the readers to a crucial turn in the Ramayana, a tale that we are all familiar with. This book will take you on the Ramayana's trip via Sita's eyes, but it will be Sita giving her account of what happened.

This story will reveal the personality of Sita to you and increase your respect for her, from a devoted wife who follows her husband into the jungle to a mother raising her sons by herself.

14  Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami

Take it from us that Murakami is the only author who can make you fall in love with reading. This is one of his most well-known books, and his impeccable storytelling abilities will take you to a different place.

Two stories are linked in this one. The plot centers on two characters who lead distinctly unique but intertwined lifestyles. Following each plot, in turn, the story jumps back and forth in chapters. Kafka, a 15-year-old, runs away from his father's house in the odd-numbered chapters, while Nakata, an elderly man, finds employment as a cat finder in the even-numbered chapters.

15 I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey

"I need a hug. Lou, will you hug me? ‘What? Those spikes, perhaps? Leave me alone! Shoo!’ In this book, a tiny porcupine only wants a cuddle. Will she ever get the cuddle she so desperately wants, though, with those sharp spikes?

16 How to grow a friend by Sara Gillingham

"A great metaphor imparts important lessons on how to treat people and foster friendships! Like cultivating a flower, making friends requires time, consideration, and space to flourish. Your tiny gardeners will soon own their green fingers, one of life's most crucial abilities.

17 A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khalid Hosseini

Even if life's unexpected turns can sabotage the best-laid plans, you must keep going. You'll find it difficult to put this book down, even when events take a tragic turn and a joyful conclusion seems impossible.

A Thousand Splendid Suns have well-paced prose that evokes a variety of emotions, including happy, sad, and neutral ones. Popularity belongs to Khalid Hosseini for his engaging storytelling. As a result, A Thousand Splendid Suns will make you cheer for the characters and provide you with information about another world that exists right now.

18 Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Jeff Kinney

Since it debuted in 2007, this comic book series has become quite popular among young readers. Greg Heffley, a thin child who wants to be popular at school but just can't seem to get it right, is the main character.

This comic book is written in the style of a journal Greg keeps for the day he becomes "Rich and Famous." The book is made to resemble a school notebook, complete with handwriting and drawings to make it appear as though a kid created it. This series is one of the greatest book recommendations for beginners because of the relatable characters and straightforward writing.

19  The Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahri

You wouldn't want to miss any of the nine stories in this collection because the author has nicely drawn them. The stories touch on a variety of facets of human life, including marriage, relationships, and other topics, and many well-known people, like Oprah Winfrey, have proposed to them. Consequently, it became a popular novel among readers.

20  Shoedog by Phil Knight

This is the autobiography of the company's creator, Nike. The struggle one must endure through pure willpower and perseverance to succeed in life and business is described to the readers. The novel takes you back to 1960, which is around 50 years ago, and then the history of the narrative continues.

21  A Boy in stripped pyjamas by John Boyne

The book tells the heartwarming story of Bruno and Shmuel, two youngsters who, despite living in the same neighborhoods, had quite different levels of living. One of them enjoyed every amenity, but the other was a prisoner who was virtually completely devoid of anything. Their friendship is at the center of the narrative. This book is such a unique tale that highlights the atrocities of a global conflict.

22  Calling Sehmat by Harinder S. Sikka

This novel is set in the year 1971 when tensions between India and Pakistan were at an all-time high. The book tells the tale of a courageous Indian girl spy who made a significant contribution to winning the Indo-Pak naval war in 1971. This novel holds the reader's attention from start to finish.

23  Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

This novel tells the tale of Morrie, a college professor, and his pupil, with whom he hasn't been in touch recently. It explains how the student attempts to meet the professor and how their encounter changes both of their lives.

24  A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

This is the tale of Ove, a 59-year-old man who struggles to discover the purpose of his life. It is claimed that a variety of emotions, including hope and grief, are felt by the readers as they read the story. However, because they can relate to the plot, older folks are considerably more fond of this book.

25  Dopehri by Pankaj Kapoor

This is the story of an aging widow by the name of Amma Bi. She is a resident of a haveli in Lucknow. Every afternoon at three o'clock, she hears footsteps approaching, but when she peeks out the window, she sees no one. Sahiba, a new girl who soon enters her life, causes a lot of changes in her lonely situation.

26 Stories of Akbar and Birbal

When children first enter the world of literature, this is one of their favorite titles. This book is an excellent combination of wit and humor.

Birbal was renowned for his sense of humor in addition to his bright intelligence. Numerous stories about Akbar and Birbal are told in this book. Everyone who wants to indulge in a quick read can enjoy it.

27 Gulliver Travel by Jonathan Swift

We've all seen the movie where Gulliver ends up on an island populated by Lilliputians and starts having adventures. Just one chapter of the book was that. Do read this book to discover a wonderful adventure that is waiting for you. This book is the best book for beginners, thus if we don't include it, the list won't be accurate.

28 The Invisible Man by H.G Wells

This book is included in the curriculum. And this is unquestionably one of the best stories in a book to date. This book transports you to the exploration of a scientist who has discovered the secret to invisibility.

29 Percy Jackson by Rick Riordon

This book is for you if you enjoy mythology or fictional characters like Thor. This literary masterwork is a real delight for anyone who enjoys mythology.

The protagonist of the novel is a little child named Percy, who is not aware that he is the son of the Greek god Poseidon. He soon learns who he is and embarks on an incredible journey.

Without it, our list of recommended novels would be lacking. You'll experience an entirely new level of adventure with this book. You won't be sorry you picked up this book.

30  Pokhran by Uday Singh

We are all aware that India conducted its initial nuclear test at Pokhran. But although everyone praises India for reaching this milestone, not a single person mentions the consequences of this test. In this book, a little boy who lives there encounters nightmares as a result of the incident.

The readers of this book will gain a wider perspective on everything in the world. It will convey to you the idea that everything has a price.

31 The Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas

This epic classic, known for sword fights, deceit, and drama, is a terrific book for readers of all ages. The plot centers on Edmond Dantes and takes place in late-Napoleonic 19th-century France.

Dantes, who is only 19 years old, is compelled to embark on a perilous journey to escape the evil individuals plotting against him and exact his vengeance.

32 Animal Farm – George Orwell

This widely praised book was a well-known critique of communism and its murky underbelly. It illustrates the nasty side of revolutions by telling the story from the viewpoint of farm animals who toppled the farmers.

There is no better way to summarise the book than the phrase "All creatures are equal, but some are more equal than others." Orwell used the book Animal Farm to subtly and amusingly draw attention to the problems with authoritarian civilizations. Orwell also produced the ground-breaking 1984, a considerably darker masterpiece.

It guides us through the dangers of a surveillance state in which the government has excessive control over citizens. Aldous Huxley's "Brave New World" and George Orwell's "1984" are frequently compared by readers. It is interesting to consider the great disparity between the apocalyptic futures envisioned by these two authors. They are among the best novels for beginners to read since the stories are written simply even though they deal with complex issues.

33 Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White

The famous novel Charlotte's Web, which was first published in 1952, tells the adventures of Wilbur, a farm pig, and Charlotte, a barn spider. One of the most popular children's books of all time, it inspired countless kids to like reading.

Children can learn the value of friendship and innovation in the face of adversity through Charlotte's Web, a tale of an unusual friendship. The book's simplicity places it highly among the best novels for novices to read.

34 Harry Potter Illustrated Books – J.K. Rowling

What began as a children's book changed into a tale that won people's hearts around the globe. Even young children can now access the world of witchcraft and sorcery thanks to the Harry Potter illustrated books.

The Harry Potter series' wonderful world encourages children to eventually acquire strong reading habits! When you can see magic potions, flying keys, and vicious three-headed dogs with the moniker Fluffy, everything makes so much more sense. The beautifully illustrated Harry Potter books teach readers how to create a fantasy world in their minds.

35 The House on Mango Street – Sandra Cisneros

Esperanza Cordero, a 12-year-old girl growing up in Chicago, has a heartbreaking and redemptive narrative to tell. She moves into a new neighborhood at the start of the book, transitioning from a little child to a woman.

Complex issues including domestic violence, sexism, racism, and sexual harassment that girls like Esperanza deal with daily are addressed in The House on Mango Street. The House on Mango Street is also one of the best books for beginners that is suitable for young adults.

36 The Outsiders Book – S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders Book, penned by 16-year-old S. E. Hinton, is one of those straightforward English novels that depicts the conflict between two neighborhood gangs. The Greasers, from the working class, and Socs, from the upper class, fight until both sides have had enough.

Curtis Ponyboy, one of the greasers alongside his two older brothers, serves as the story's main character in The Outsiders Book. A look inside the world of dysfunctional families and how things may quickly spiral out of control is provided by The Outsider.

37 Chicken Soup for the Soul books – Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen

These are short story anthologies that have been compiled and published in regular volumes. The tales are potent and ideal for regular leisure reading. They are among the best books for novices to read because of this.

Books that are "chicken soup for the soul" will encourage you to read more frequently and highlight heartwarming tales from real people's lives. It is one of the finest books for beginners because of how easy it is to read.

38  The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The narrator is left with very few options for survival when his jet crashes in the Sahara desert at the beginning of the novel. The story changes when the broken narrator is contacted by a young prince who merely requests that the narrator draw a sheep.

39 The Fountainhead By Ayn Rand

A masterpiece from 1943. The Fountainhead is, in a nutshell, a story about sticking to one's principles rather than giving in to social standards. The novel takes place in the 1920s and is about newly graduated architect Howard Roark who is dismissed from the Stanton Institute of Technology's Architectural School relatively early in his career due to insubordination.

The book opens by outlining the difficulties Howard had because his architectural concepts were viewed as radical and unique and he was continuously under pressure to design by the recognized architectural standards and styles. The novel's storyline constantly undermines the basic notion of an independent mind, which forces the reader to reflect on personal values and decisions.

40 Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh

The narrative opens in Mano Majra, a made-up village located on the border between India and Pakistan. The book does, however, discuss the kind of destruction that the Partition produced. Muslims said that Hindus planned and carried out the slaughter, according to a statement from the book. The Hindus blamed the Muslims for the problem. It is a reality that both sides lost lives. Both of them used a gun, a knife, a spear, and a club. Both were tormented Both were raped.

The language is fairly simple, and given its Indian background, it makes for a book that will leave you with a mark, which is why you should pick it up.

41  Malgudi Days by R K Narayanan

Any Indian child who wishes to indulge in some nostalgia should read this book. Despite being easy to read, the narration captures a very normal Indian upbringing. It is a collection of 32 short stories, all of which are set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi.

The stories, however, are so authentic that you aren't aware of any of the fiction at all. It addresses social concerns that bothered the older generation and those that the younger generation is most emotionally connected to. A straightforward compilation that will keep you returning until the book is finished, and even then, you'll want to read more.

42  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

We've all heard of this tale and are familiar with Alice, but reading children's books as an adult can give you a completely different understanding of the work. When Alice notices a white rabbit wearing a waistcoat, the story starts. She chooses to pursue it, and before she knows it, she has fallen into a rabbit hole.

She encounters various species and accumulates experiences. Overall, the book appears to be a metaphor for life when read by an adult. In the end, it's always a good idea to maintain your sense of wonder and to think of everyone as slightly insane.

Conclusion 

You all are just a single step away from the path of wisdom and enlightenment, pick a book and start your journey now. It is never too late to read a book. In the day-to-day world there are so many options a beginner can opt from, but choose wisely according to your will and with firm determination, any habit can be incorporated, especially reading. Join the reading world today and shape your personality.