For bookworms, fiction is always influential, bringing us into new worlds with amazing characters. While many teach valuable lessons, some novels have stood the test of time and have transformed into the most influential fiction books of all time. Whether it’s due to everlasting characters, messages that still apply today, or unforgettable worlds, check out these seven selections to add to your TBR.
7. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
Starting our list of the most influential fiction books is The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. The collection of short stories was written by Arthur Conan Doyle and features a sleuth unlike any other. Before James Bond was Sherlock Holmes, unraveling the toughest of mysteries from his 221B Baker Street apartment alongside Dr. John Watson. Holmes may not be the most endearing character, but he has endured over time with numerous adaptations in both book and film.
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6. The Shining by Stephen King
Next on our list of the most influential fiction books is The Shining. Stephen King is known for his immersive horror novels, but there is nothing quite like The Shining. You might want to read this novel with the lights on, as Jack Torrence’s slide into insanity is eerily chilling. Combine that with the visceral descriptions of the Overlook Hotel, it seems like you’re right there with Jack and his family as everything goes wrong.
5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Fifth on our list of the most influential fiction books is The Hobbit. Readers who prize high fantasy and all the creatures that come with it will fall in love with Tolkien’s masterpiece. Tolkien was a pioneer of the fantasy genre, praised for his immersive worldbuilding and storytelling. Filled with dragons, wizards, dwarves, and treasure, the novel has inspired many other fantasy authors in the present, such as Victoria Aveyard.
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4. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Fourth on our list of the most influential fiction books is J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. Often tangled in controversial topics, there is no denying the power of Salinger’s book and the message it holds. Full of teenage angst, the novel resonates with anyone who’s experienced the trials and tribulations of growing up. This novel is one of the first Young Adult novels, ushering in a lush genre that appeals to all ages.
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3. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Rounding out the top three most influential fiction books is Frankenstein. Created by Mary Shelley, this is one of the original sci-fi novels that every reader should add to their book lists, whether you like the genre or not. The novel explores dark themes, ambition gone wrong, and gothic horror as a scientist reanimates a corpse. Some inventions are not worth following through, and Frankenstein is the perfect example of that.
2. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Second on our list of the most influential fiction books is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. One of the classics in literature, every reader should encounter this book at least once. Set in 19th-century England, the world is portrayed through the eyes of Lizzie Bennet, a strong female lead. One of the first enemies-to-lovers novels, it continues to stand the test of time and is present in many classroom syllabi.
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1. 1984 by George Orwell
Last but not least on our most influential fiction books list is 1984 by George Orwell. Dystopian to its very core, some elements in this novel are even more chilling than Stephen King’s. While a work of fiction, the descriptions of state surveillance and societal control feel more like nonfiction than anything else. Orwell’s stripped-back writing makes it a fast-paced read, but it will keep you hooked for years after.
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