Books that every literature lover should read before turning 30

For many people, literature is a refuge of peace and comfort and an opportunity to cultivate the mind. If you are one of them, you probably frequently look for new suggestions to expand your library. In this case, you have come to the right place because below we offer you a list of books to read before you are 30.

The titles you will see went down in history for different reasons and became literary classics.. Nowadays, they are almost a must for anyone who claims to be a lover of literature. In addition, they are an excellent way to discover other worlds, other points of view and become enriched.

Books to read before 30 and benefits of doing so

You may be wondering: why read these books before 30? There are several reasons. First of all, they tell stories that have amazed the minds of millions of people around the world. That is to say, there is almost universal interest.

On the other hand, reading stimulates a whole series of cognitive processes:

Intelligence.Creativity.Imagination.Thought.Language.Memory.

Reading helps you keep your brain active. In addition, it prevents the development of neurological conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and expands your vocabulary.

Another reason why you should consider this list of books to read before 30 is because it enhances your empathy. This is stated in an article published by Keith Oatley, novelist and psychologist. According to the author, reading fiction books favors empathy and the development of theory of mind.

Now that some of the main benefits of reading are clear, we will present our suggestions to you.

1. The Portrait of Dorian Gray (Oscar Wilde, 1890)

This was the only novel by the Irish writer Oscar Wilde and is considered a classic of modern literature. The plot focuses on the character of Bassil Hallward, a painter who becomes fascinated with the beauty Dorian Gray, a young aristocrat. Hallward’s impression is such that he decides to paint a portrait to immortalize him.

One day, while Dorian and Bassil were chatting at the latter’s house, Lord Henry, a friend of the painter, appears. Dorian is interested in his vision of youth, pleasures and beauty. After this conversation, he realizes that one day he will stop being beautiful and makes a kind of dark pact. Thus, the image of the painting would age, while he would remain young forever.

2. Perfume (Patrick Suskind, 1985)

Written by German Patrick Süskind, it tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, a fictional serial killer.

Since childhood, Grenouille had a highly developed sense of smell and could pick up smells like no other person. Years later, during a celebration, he smells a smell that obsesses him and discovers that it comes from a young redhead. In his eagerness to capture all her scent, Jean-Baptiste ends up murdering the girl.

After that episode, he set himself the goal of becoming the most recognized perfumer of all time. Thus, throughout the novel, he learns perfumery techniques and murders women to preserve his scent.

3. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea (Jules Verne, 1870)

This is another of the books to read before 30, since it is one of the most important classics. Through its pages, you can live the adventure of Professor Pierre Annorax, who sets out to find a strange marine animal. During the expedition, he is kidnapped by Captain Nemo, owner of the Nautilus submarine.

The novel tells the adventures that the professor lives with the captain and his crew on a voyage of twenty thousand leagues.. Together they will explore different locations around the world where they will see exotic animals and find incredible treasures.

4. gone With the Wind (Margaret Mitchell, 1936)

One of the best-selling books in history that cannot be missing from your reading list. gone With the Wind will put you in the shoes of Scarlett O’Hara, a young American with a daring character.

The novel tells a romantic drama between Scarlett, Ashley (her lifelong love) and Rhett Butler.a man of ill repute.

The events of this historical novel take place during the time of the American Civil War. One of the highlights of it is the development of the characters as they survive the war.

In addition, Scarlett’s character is considered a feminist for her rebellious behavior in the face of the social impositions that women of her time experienced.

5. Hopscotch (Julio Cortázar, 1963)

Its author refers to the book as a “counternovel.” and is classified as one of the best in Hispanic literature. The reason why it is one of the books to read before you are 30 is its unique storytelling style.

In Hopscotch, Cortázar tries to break with the comfort that traditional stories offer and does something new. Its protagonist Horacio sets out on a search in which there will never be very clear answers.

6. 1984 (George Owell, 1949)

Is about one of the most notable works of the 20th century for exploring themes of politics and dystopian fiction. The events of the novel occur in 1984, in a futuristic London divided into three social groups. In this region, citizens live under a totalitarian regime and are monitored at all times by the authorities.

Today, the term “Orwellian” is used to talk about real states that operate according to this system. In fact, some analysts of the work have achieved certain parallel situations between the novel and current society. For that reason, It is a novel with great influence on popular culture.

7. Mrs. Dalloway (Virginia Wolf, 1925)

The following novel will put you in the shoes of Clarissa Dalloway, who lives in England after the Great War. One of the most praised aspects of the book is its monologue-style narrative. that takes the reader through time and space. Not only Clarissa’s point of view is observed, but also that of other characters. Consequently, the work ends by showing a picture of the fabric of society after the war.

With this work the list of books to read before turning 30 ends. Of course, there are many more works with which to enrich and enjoy. Which one would you add?

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