Reading is an important part of life, truly. There are many must-read fiction books that are sure to impress you.

Despite the uprising of technology and ever-changing modifications of modern times, reading is still a timeless treasured activity.

I remember a time when reading books, you know, the ones you can actually hold in your hand, was the only way to read. So many of us can look back at a simpler time as this.

From then until now, I’ve encountered many must-read fiction books that remained with me throughout the years…touched my soul even. But there are others too.

Thousands of words could leave no impression at all, just as one sentence could leave a deep indention upon one’s soul.

There are books to read for fun, non-fiction books to learn facts, then there is must-read fiction which proves to be some of the best books in existence.

Here’s where we take a close look at a few must-read fiction books. How many have you read?

1. Hope for the Flowers, Trina Paulus, (1972)

To some, this story may seem like a children’s book, but at a closer look, you will notice the allegorical and rather mature meaning of the story.

Hope for the Flowers relays a tale of two caterpillars, as they ponder their destinies. One caterpillar assumes you must crawl and step on everyone else to get to the top and realize the best of life. The other caterpillar does what comes instinctual and builds a life that is rewarding.

Stripe, the caterpillar who has climbed a mountain of other caterpillars, finally reaches the top of the mound and only finds hundreds of other mounds of caterpillars, in the distance, doing the same thing. Yellow, the caterpillar who followed her instincts has built a cocoon and emerged as a beautiful butterfly.

The best part of this story is that yellow is willing to help Stripe remember his instincts. I think you will love this story and it will leave a warm feeling in your soul.

2. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, (1988)

First written in Portuguese, this must-read inspirational fiction book, became a bestseller worldwide. There’s a reason for such adoration.

The story is about a shepherd boy who decides to follow his destiny because of a dream he had while in an old church. A fortune teller suggests he follow his dream and travel to Egypt in search of treasure within the pyramids. As the boy travels, he encounters many obstacles and learns many lessons.

After meeting an alchemist, who teaches him how to know his true self, he is changed. When he is robbed, one of the thieves accidentally reveals a great revelation.

We learn from this story that sometimes what we need and desire the most is right where we are. Fruitless searching will take us right back to the beginning.

3. Fight Club, Chuck Palahniuk, (1996)

You may have seen the movie, but you should read the book as well.

In this must-read fiction novel, an unnamed protagonist struggles with insomnia. He seeks help only to be told that insomnia isn’t really suffering. He seeks help in support groups instead.

Finally, he meets a man who would change his life by introducing him to underground fighting arenas. This environment, you might say, becomes his therapy.

This novel became so popular that a movie was adapted from the story, as I mentioned. It even has a following of young men who see the story as inspiration.

4. The Road, Cormac Maccarthy, (2005)

This story touched my soul in that it showed me the depths of human nature alongside the love and beauty of it as well. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic landscape where every living human being is out to survive at any cost. This means killing other humans and even more depraved acts.

The main protagonist and his son travel in hopes of finding long term sanctuary. The novel will rip your heart out at times but does end with a glimmer of hope.

Although the story may be hard to stomach at times, it will certainly leave you thinking about human nature for quite a while after reading.

5. The Story of Keesh, Jack London (1904)

We, as humans, have trouble understanding things beyond our learned abilities. We may understand the strength and we may understand a certain level of magic, or say, “witchcraft”, as The Story of Keesh reminds us.

One thing that sometimes makes human beings struggle is the act of strategy. While some strategies are easy to understand, some are so simple, they go over our heads.

In the story of Keesh, the young 13-year-old Keesh teaches his tribe about using strategy to hunt, even to hunt animals that seem impossible to capture and kill. Keesh’s father before him was killed by a large bear, and yet, Keesh managed to kill many of them for his village.

Did he use strength? No! Did he use witchcraft, as the elders suggested? No, he did not. He simply created a trap that would kill the animal from the inside out.

This story leaves an impression on our souls and reminds us that there is so much power in the human mind and in determination. We don’t forget stories of this kind.

6. Sophie’s World, Jostein Gaarder, (1991)

Some people never really ask the important questions about life until they are older.

As for Sophie, she gets the opportunity to learn about philosophy as a teenager. After meeting Alberto Knox, her life changes forever. During the novel, she experiences an ability to utilize her imagination like never before.

After reading this book, you may learn a few new things yourself. And I promise, your soul will be left with an impression like no other.

The must-read fiction book became so popular that it was translated from its native Norwegian to 59 other languages. The book was also adapted into a film and video game too.

7. To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee (1960)

It’s amazing just what we miss when we’re not paying attention. In this novel, Scout and her brother Jem are lost in the wiles of childhood. Meanwhile, their lawyer father, Atticus, is busy trying to win his most important case. A black man has been accused of raping a white woman, and Atticus must prove his innocence.

This novel will touch your soul as you read about the truth of Southern Alabama in the 60s. You will realize just how much we take for granted about human rights and freedom. While some of the historical language usages may be jarring, it’s a must-read.

Sometimes Fiction Can Change You

There are many self-help books and non-fiction journals that change the way we see the world and ourselves. There are also outstanding must-read fiction books that change us as much as other genres.

I encourage you to explore fiction titles in your area. You never know when you might find a gem worth sharing with others.

Until we read from different lives, perspectives, and even imaginative stories, we never really understand the full scope of the life we live. Our souls can only be touched by allowing the fullness of life to enter. So, go forth, read, read, read…, and get to know yourself and the world like never before.


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