What Are The Best Books To Read?

There is really nothing that compares to picking up a good book from time to time and becoming completely engrossed in a story. Some of the best books to read over the history of literature have topped lists around the world time and again, despite the constant flow of new writing every year. Here is a list of some of the world's greatest stories of all time.

'Don Quixote', written by Miguel De Cervantes, is a book that was published in 1605 and 1615 in two separate volumes. This is one of the most influential pieces of Spanish literature. The story follows the protagonist - Alonso Quixano - as he sets out on a journey to revive chivalry and uphold justice, having lost all common sense and sanity after reading too many romances. His sidekick, Sancho Panza provides witty comic relief throughout.

'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens was published bit by bit throughout 1859 in Dickens' monthly literary periodical. It follows the plight of the peasants in Paris, frustrated by the treatment they receive from the aristocrats in the years preceding the French Revolution. The story runs parallel to similar events in London at the same time.

J. R. R. Tolkien has two of his works on bestselling lists around the world and both were made into blockbuster Hollywood movies. 'The Hobbit' and 'Lord of the Rings' are both classed as fantasy novels for children. However, the writing in these works is so wonderful that, much like J. K. Rowling's 'Harry Potter' series, the books are read by audiences of all ages.

'The Hobbit' came out at the end of 1937. It tells the story of a hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who is not really remarkable in any way, until he sets out on an adventure. Bilbo is on the hunt for treasure that is supposed to be closely guarded by none other than a dragon. The book has won the title of best juvenile fiction and was even nominated for none other than the Carnegie Medal.

'The Lord of the Rings' is originally the sequel for 'The Hobbit'. However, it stands alone as a work of genius as well. Finished in in the late forties, the story follows 3 hobbits who leave the Shire and travel across Middle Earth, witnessing the War of the Ring. The work is so large that it is split into three volumes.

'The Little Prince' by Antoine de Saint-Exupery holds the fourth spot in the world's most translated books. It also holds the title of the best book of the twentieth century in France. It is a simple book which tells the story of the communication and conversation between a pilot stranded in the desert and a young prince who has come to Earth on an asteroid.

When it comes to mentioning some of the greatest books of all time, Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' surely makes the cut. The Brazilian author has many highly acclaimed works under his belt, however, 'The Alchemist' is a story about the ultimate quest for self-knowledge and understanding. The key theme in this book is that of destiny.