By PAULINE FAYE V. TRIA Millions of books have been written in this great big world of ours. Thousands of words scribbled on the pages we look to for leisure, romance, or maybe even adventure. With the endless plethora of books in the universe, this gives us infinite possibilities to choose from. The question is: What books should you read? We’ve rounded up some of the best books to read in your lifetime, the kind of books you should be able to namedrop at any party, especially at parties where everybody pretends to have read everything.

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This novel is an amalgamation of all sorts. It is about the l ife of children Scout, her brother Jem, and their neighbor Dill. The story revolves around the shenanigans of the three children and their seem­ingly harmless fascination with their mysterious neighbor Boo Radley. It all seems innocuous but tensions arise as social prejudice come to the surface. If you want to learn about not judging a book by its cover, this novel is the one for you.

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

This book is a perfect fit for coming-of-age teens who are looking for something to relate to. Narrated by a young man named Holden, the book tackles the hardships of grow­ing up, and the dynamic of how we relate to one another. The story tells us how Holden struggles with con­necting to people and his desperate attempt to cling to his childhood. Many teenagers will surely identify with Holden in this simply written yet impactful book.

3. Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

Popular in modern culture, this book has been made into a play, a mu­sical, and even a movie. The interpre­tations are all the same, though. The story consists of several plot lines that have been intricately woven together by the author. The stories revolve around protagonist Jean Valjean, Fan­tine, Cosette, Marius, and Eponine. If you’re looking for a love story, whether it is reciprocal, unrequited, or familial, this is it. But if you’re also looking for a book that tackles social and political woes, look no further because this book has it all.

4. Animal Farm by George Orwell

Ignite the activist in you as Ani­mal Farm brings you stories of barn animals led by Old Major as they fight for freedom in Manor Farm. With characters such as Snowball, Napoleon, and Squealer, this book is all about fighting for freedom and combating oppression. In this case, oppression from the evil humans. A politically intriguing book, Animal Farm will teach you to never let anyone control or abuse you

5. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A prominent novel in the literature scene, Little Women centers around four sisters named Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy and their mother Marmee. Pre­viously a wealthy family, the March sisters grapple with life as they face poverty in the 17th century. The story follows the March sisters’ adventures as they adjust to their new lifestyle and latch on to their innocence.

6. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This novel follows Nick Car­raway, an aspiring bond trader who moves to Long Island. He meets his next-door neighbor Jay Gatsby, a mysterious wealthy man who throws extravagant parties every weekend. Jay Gats­by takes Nick under his wing, and Nick learns of Jay’s undying love for Daisy, who is unfortunately married. The movie tackles forbidden love and secret ren­dezvous and is an unexpected thriller in the name of love.

7. Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

A true story in the era of Hilter, this book is filled with entries from Anne Frank’s diary which she fondly calls “Kitty.” As Jews living in Holland, the novel follows Anne as she and her family hide behind a bookcase, fearing for their lives. If found, they will surely be sent to a concentration camp where they will all be killed. While in hiding, Anne is forced to accept her fate as a Jew all while exploring the difficulties of growing up.

8. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

If you’re all for passionate love that spans decades, this is the book for you. It follows Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza as they fall madly in love during their youth. With no luck on their side, Fermina eventually marries a wealthy doctor and time passes. After her husband dies, Florentino comes back to Fermina and declares her undy­ing love for her once again. Will their love survive the second time around? Read to find out.

9. Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

Travel back to your childhood days as Bridge to Terabithia sparks the imaginative kid in you. It follows the life of lonely kid Jes­se who eventually meets quirky girl Leslie. The two become best friends and create adventures in their imaginary land called Tera­bithia. A tragedy befalls on them and one must find a way to keep their magical land alive.

10. The Trial by Franz Kafka

Written in 1915, this novel chronicles the life of young bank­er Joseph K. as he is arrested for a crime he did not commit. One year later, he is killed. The story reveals the struggles of Joseph K. as he grapples with the fact that he is a victim of injustice. An eye-opener, this book will shake you to realize the injustice that happens in our society behind closed doors.

11. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

This novel takes place in a land called Umuofia, which is comprised of nine villages in lower Niger. The story fol­lows Okonkwo, a man of high power in Umuofia. Things Fall Apart chronicles the lives of the people in the tribe, and how they must make sacrifices to restore peace in the land.

12. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Set in the 17th century, the story centers on the life of young Hester Prynne as she is led from the town prison with her infant child. One thing to note is the pervasive red “A” sown on her breast. This book tackles social ostracization, and how one pas­sionate act could change the course of your life forever.

13. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Set in an era of totalitarian­ism and theocratic society, the novel follows the life of Offred, a handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. In a time of low popula­tion, the handmaids are forced to bear children for the elite couples who cannot conceive. The story is about the daily life of Offred as she faces social oppression and gender discrimination. Read this book if you want a glimpse of his­tory’s sexism and injustice and how it mirrors today’s society.

14. Never Let Me Go by Kazui Ishigo

Set in a dystopian world where human clones are created so they could donate their or­gans, this story follows the life of Katy, a clone, who meets fellow clones Tommy and Ruth. The three are raised in a boarding school for clones and chronicles how their life turns out as mere piggy banks for organs. Tensions rise as a love triangle forms be­tween Katy, Tommy, and Ruth. The novel is about how they must grow up and accept the fate that awaits them.

15. The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers

This novel is set in the time of the Great Depression, with deaf-mute protagonist John Singer. Although perceived as odd, he is mostly well-liked in the community and considers to only having one friend, fellow deaf-mute Spiros Antonapoulos. After Spiros is sent away, John meets different people such as young aspiring musician Mick Kelly, owner of New York café Biff Brannon, drifter Jake Blount, and black doctor Bene­dict May Copeland. These lost souls find solace and a connec­tion with John as they struggle during the Great Depression.