I love to read. I can almost always be found with a book in my hand. When I am bored, I would rather pick up my favorite book than watch Netflix. It may sound weird, but I am not the only person in the world who love to read. Like it or not, individuals who like to read run the world. To improve vocabulary, learn about other cultures, understand history, etc. People must read. Below are some of the books everyone should read in their lifetime, even if they hate reading.

1. "The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat" by Oliver Sacks

The title says it all. This book delves into neurological disorders through the cases of neurologist Oliver Sacks. Through many different records, Dr. Oliver Sacks explores many neurological disorders and their treatments.

2. "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde

This play by Oscar Wilde uses satire to criticize Victorian society. When in need of comedic relief this play is a good option, plus it does not take long to read. For those who don't like to read this is the play for them.

3. "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese

This story follows two twin brothers as they grow up in Ethiopia (which at this time is on the brink of revolution). The sons of a doctor, adopted by two doctors, and they also become doctors; this book weaves medicine throughout the story. Unlike many other books with a medical component, it is not necessary to have a medical degree to read and enjoy this story.

4. "Where The Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein

This childhood poetry classic is a must on all book-lovers bookshelves. The messages Shel Silverstein delivers with poetry are astounding. Ages anywhere from four years old, to 94, will enjoy this compilation of poetry.

5. "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone" by J.K. Rowling

All ages seem to love Harry Potter. It is hard not to enjoy fiction about witches, wizards, and other magical creatures. The mystery behind magic makes books like Harry Potter enjoyable. Not to mention, that J.K. Rowling does an excellent job of incorporating lessons into each of her books without boring her readers to sleep.

6. "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck is a classic American author with literary works such as "Of Mice and Men" and "The Grapes of Wrath" (which won a Pulitzer Prize in 1940). One of my personal favorites is "East of Eden," a novel spanning multiple generations tackling issues such as love, self-destruction, greatness and much more.

7. "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini

This novel follows two Afghan women over the span of 40 years. Through the tumultuous history of Afghanistan, author Khaled Hosseini weaves an intricate tale of the lives of women in Afghanistan.

8. "I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban" by Malala Yousafzai

This girl took a bullet that cost her hearing. She fought for her fundamental rights, and her story deserves to be heard. This book is incredibly moving and makes me thankful for what I have been given in life.

9. "The Bible"

Reading the Bible does not have to be necessarily for religious purposes. In fact, many great literary works have allusions to "The Bible" in them. "The Idiot" by Fyodor Dostoyevsky, for example, includes several references to The Bible and countless Christian imagery.

10. "Richard III" by Shakespeare

What list about reading would be complete without Shakespeare? "Richard III" happens to be one of my favorite of Shakespeare's histories. This play isn't pleasant, in fact, it is rather bloody. However, most of history is bloody and reading Shakespeare's dramatization of Richard III's reign is not different.

11. "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" by Susan Cain

At first, a book like this may not stick out on a shelf in a bookstore, but it is important not to judge a book by its cover. In this book, Susan Cain tells the world what all introverts have been saying for a while now; introverts are just as important as extroverts. Not only is this book a fascinating and enjoyable read, but this book manages to teach us too.

12. "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch

Many college campuses across the nation will have faculty members give their "last lecture." Whether the faculty member is actually leaving or just imagining what their final speech would be like, these lectures are now revered. This book stems from the address Dr. Pausch gave entitled "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams"; a lecture Dr. Pausch gave after he learned he was dying of Pancreatic Cancer.

---

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list–these just happen to be some of my personal favorites that I have read. Whether it is "Why Not Me?" by Mindy Kaling or one of Shakespeare's many works, reading is important and everyone benefits from reading.