I feel like nowadays, there are fewer and fewer people that I can talk to about books. Except for professors and people who are in my field of study. Reading is cool if you ask me. Especially reading older books, and getting a glimpse of what life was like back then. So, my duty as a 20-year-old – who reads classic novels and today’s novels – is to give some recommendations on some books you should at least try to read once or appreciate more if you’ve already read them. I love books, and I hope one of you reading this feels the same way, or will have a curiosity light within you to at least read one of them.

1. "Wuthering Heights" – Emily Brontë

This is probably my favorite novel that I have ever read. Everything about it is absolutely beautiful. From the setting to the characters, to the story that intertwines them. It’s just amazing, and if I ever recommend a novel to anyone I know or anyone who asks me, I tell them this one.

2. "Brave New World" – Aldous Huxley

I’ve read this book three or four times, and every time I make it through it, I love it more and more. It’s kind of weird if I have to be honest. It takes place in futuristic London, where everyone is divided into class and they each have a job that is specific to their class and vital to the place they live. There is a lot more going on than just this, trust me, but if I told you anymore, it would be ruined.

3. "Age Of Innocence" – Edith Wharton

Age Of Innocence is a novel that I had to read in high school, and I’m happy I did. It’s well writing and has a beautiful storyline that I think anyone would love. The relationship between all the characters and setting – New York in 1919/1920 – it’s perfect. It takes you on a journey that you might not expect, and you grow a connection with the characters.

4. "Kindred" – Octavia E. Butler

Kindred is a book that I don’t think I ever would have read if I hadn’t taken the actual time to read what it’s about. It’s absolutely amazing. The novel is encompassed around time travel and a slave narrative. With how sad it is at some points, it’s amazing at others.

5. "Hamlet" – William Shakespeare

Shakespeare was and still amazing. I’ve many of his plays, and I decided to pick one of my favorites, but don’t count out Macbeth or A Midsummer Night’s Dream either. They are honestly great and are in more of our society nowadays than what we might know. I mean, Lion is literally based on Hamlet. Hamlet is a great tragedy, I know how bad that sounds, of when power gets out of hand, and other people get thrown into the mix.

6. "The Bluest Eye" – Toni Morrison

When I read this novel, it honestly broke my heart. Toni Morrison’s writing in this book is beautiful. I don’t want to give too much away, but it centers around a little girl who has one of the most tragic upbringings and how she lives her life around it.

7. "Lord Of The Flies" – William Golding

Everybody raise your hand if you had to read this book in school. Okay. A lot of us have. If you were anything like me, you probably didn’t care for it all that much when you were being “forced” to read it. Well, times have changed and I think it should be visited it. This novel is wonderful and heartbreaking and wildly accurate of what might happen if a group of children get stuck on an island. Also, there needs to be justice for Piggy, so check this out again.

8. The "Harry Potter" Series – J. K. Rowling

There is a reason everyone who has ever read these books tells everyone else to read them. They are amazing works of art. The movies included. The books are one another level though. When I finally took the time to read all of them, I didn’t regret it and you won’t either.

9. "Milk And Honey" – Rupi Kaur

This is the newest book on this list, and there was a reason I included it. Everyone who has ever felt heartbreak or sadness in their life needs to read this. This book of poetry is so moving that you won’t be able to put it down. It’s a quick read, but it’s so deep and raw and open. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of poetry, just give this a read.

10. "The Da Vinci Code" – Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code is the only book on this list that I haven’t read cover to cover, but I’m including it on this list because I’m a quarter of the way through it and I absolutely love it. There is a reason this book is a #1 worldwide bestseller. It’s amazing. The mystery and puzzles and the characters are all great.

Now, go and read a book. You’re missing out on some beautiful things because you don’t want to or don’t like to.