Cult classic books or movies are pieces of entertainment that have gathered a cult following. They have a dedicated and passionate fanbase, keeping their presence alive for decades after they are released. For books, this is even more important, as some of these written works have been published for nearly a century. Whether they have memorable characters or powerful messages that usher warnings to society, these six cult classic books are worth the read.
6. 1984 by George Orwell
A dystopian novel and a cautionary tale, 1984 is sixth on our cult classic books list, written by George Orwell. This was Orwell’s ninth and final book completed in his lifetime, published in 1949. While the novel is influenced by the consequences of totalitarianism, it broadly examines the idea of truth and facts and how they can be manipulated in societies. In the novel, much of the world is in perpetual war, constantly watched by Big Brother and the Party’s Thought Police. 1984 shows the power of persuasion and gives readers a different outlook on government control.
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5. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
One of the most widely discussed and over-analyzed books in print is The Catcher in the Rye, our fifth selection for cult classic books. Written by J.D. Salinger, the book was published in serial form in 1945-1946 before becoming a novel in 1951. Since then, both adults and teens have pored over the pages, which are filled with main character Holden Caulfield’s current life events and opinions on a variety of topics. The book covers themes of coming of age, mental health, human connection, and alienation, and has been named to several “must-read” lists over the years.
4. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Margaret Atwood is one of the most prolific authors out there, so it only makes sense that her novel The Handmaiden’s Tale is on our cult classic books list. Published in 1985, the book is set in a near-future New England plunged into a patriarchal, totalitarian state known as the Republic of Gilead. Offred is the main character and one of the “Handmaids,” or women assigned to produce children for the “Commanders.” While obviously exploring government, the novel also looks at reproductive rights, agency, and what it means to gain independence.
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3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
If you haven’t heard of any of the previous cult classic books yet, you should recognize our third choice The Great Gatsby. The book was written by F. Scott Fitzgerald and published in 1925, set during the Jazz Age on Long Island. The main character Nick Carraway is plunged into the world of Jay Gatsby and his obsession to reunite with former lover Daisy after Nick introduces himself as Gatsby’s neighbor. The novel is filled with the lavishness of the roaring twenties, but it also delves into the darker parts of socialite’s lives, and the intense emotions gripping their souls.
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2. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Landing in our top two selections for best cult classic books is The Bell Jar, published by Sylvia Plath under the pseudonym “Victoria Lucas” in 1963. It was the only novel written by Plath and is thought to have been semi-autobiographical with names of people and places altered in the final novel. The Bell Jar‘s protagonist descends into mental illness, which ironically shadows Plath’s own dealings with what may have been clinical depression or bipolar II disorder. The novel was published in the United States eight years after its initial release, and became an instant best seller.
1. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Last on our list but probably the most unforgettable is A Clockwork Orange, taking the number one spot for cult classic books. Written by Anthony Burgess and published in 1962, the novel is set in a near-future society that has an extremely violent youth subculture. The main character is Alex, who narrates his violent exploits and interactions with the authorities who try to reform him. Each chapter plunges the reader into more uncomfortable situations and truly juxtaposes the pureness and evilness in each of us.
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