Novels that Changed The World

Radio France (2022), 20 Books

The French book list focuses on novels that have not only made significant marks on the literary world but have also influenced real historical events throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, transcending national borders. It highlights how some novels have transformed the societies in which they were written, altering perceptions of what a "novel" can be, or even changing the very image of literature within their originating countries. The list covers works from twenty authors—ten men and ten women—whose writings range from creating new worlds and narratives to contributing to the dismantling of old ones and reshaping our understanding of history. This initiative, curated by Mathias Enard and directed by Laure-Hélène Planchet, with Aurélie Marsset as the production assistant, delves into texts that have notably stirred their times.

This list has 20 books, and each book as a podcast that discusses the books by renowned literary critics, experts, and authors.

Latitude Festival's Top 20 Books by Women

Latitude Festival goers (2016), 20 Books

The Latitude Festival(2016) invited all festival goers to vote for their top 20 favorite books by women. The participants wrote their choices on luggage tags and tied them to The Tree of Stories in the festival’s Faraway Forest.

Latitude Festival is an annual music and arts festival set within the grounds of Henham Park, near Southwold, Suffolk, England

National Book Award for Translated Literature (1967-1983)

National Book Award (Yearly Award), 23 Books

The winners of the National Book Award for Translated Literature from 1967 to 1983. The award was reintroduced in 2018 with different eligibility criteria.

who voted:
The prize was judged by Karen Maeda Allman, Sinan Antoon, Susan Bernofsky, and Álvaro Enrigue and chaired by Harold Augenbraum.

The Complete 500: OCLC

OCLC (2024), 495 Books

This list is from OCLC and is a bit different than most lists on this site. OCLC is a global library organization that provides shared technology services, original research, and community programs for its membership and the library community at large. This list is based on how many libraries have a copy of a book on their shelves. Here's their own description:

What makes a novel “great”? At OCLC, we believe literary greatness can be measured by how many libraries have a copy on their shelves.
Yes, libraries offer access to trendy and popular books. But, they don’t keep them on the shelf if they’re not repeatedly requested by their communities over the years. We’ve identified 500 timeless, top novels—those found in thousands of libraries around the world—using WorldCat, the world’s largest database of library materials'.

11 Must-Read Norwegian Novels in Translation

Books & Bao (2022), 11 Books

A list of 11 Must-Read Norwegian Novels by Willow Heath

12 Essential Modern Mexican Novels

Books & Bao (2022), 12 Books

List by Willow Heath focusing on modern Mexican novels by contemporary Mexican authors.

The Books You've Always Meant to Read

Waterstones (2020), 229 Books

That classic you're too embarrassed to admit you've never read? That doorstopper of a read still propping up one leg of your bed? You're amongst friends! Make good all your bookish ambitions with our guide to the essential additions to your home library - the best books you've never read.

100 Best Novels in the World (Published in 1899)

The Daily Telegraph (1899), 101 Books

The Daily Telegraph published an article in 1899 listing the 100 Best Novels. The list was selected by the editor of The Daily Telegraph with the assistance of Sir Edwin Arnold, H. D. Traill, and W. L. Courtney.

These books were also sold to the public, so it was a commercial proposition.

Extreme Classics: The 100 Greatest Adventure Books of All Time

National Geographic Adventure Magazine (2004), 101 Books

The 100 greatest adventure books chosen by National Geographic.

Fifty Representative Historical Novels (Jonathan Nield, 1925)

A Guide to the Best Historical Novels and Tales by Jonathan Nield (1925), 50 Books

This list was compiled by Jonathan Nield who published several editions of "A Guide to the Best Historical Novels and Tales" between 1902 and 1929. This list is from the 1925 edition.

National Book Award for Young People's Literature

National Book Award (Yearly Award), 56 Books

The National Book Award for Young People's Literature is one of five annual National Book Awards. It was established in 1996, following earlier “Children’s” categories that were awarded from 1969 to 1983.

Who voted: The award is judged by five litterateurs, whose names can be seen on the National Book Awards' website.

The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written

Martin Seymour-Smith (1998), 100 Books

The 100 Most Influential Books Ever Written: The History of Thought from Ancient Times to Today (1998) is a book of intellectual history written by Martin Seymour-Smith (1928–1998), a British poet, critic, and biographer.

The Greatest Books of 2023 - Honorable Mention

The Greatest Books (2023), 723 Books

This is honorable mention lists of greatest books of 2023. The original list of the top 100 is here: https://thegreatestbooks.org/admin/lists/1041. This list are the books ranked 101 and after.

This list is aggregated from every best of list we could find for 2023 using our same tried and true weighted algorithm.

The 20 'forgotten' Welsh classics

BBC (2004), 20 Books

This list highlights a collection of 20 Welsh literary classics in English, curated as part of the 'Library of Wales' initiative, which aims to revive and promote Wales' English-language literary tradition from the 20th century. The selection was made by Professor Dai Smith, a historian and culture writer, who led a panel of five experts. The list is part of a £250,000 effort by the Welsh Assembly to make these works more accessible by reprinting titles that are out of print or hard to find. The initiative plans to distribute free copies to secondary schools and libraries and intends to publish ten books per year. The project underscores the literary richness of Wales' English-language tradition, aiming to foster a sense of identity and cultural heritage among the Welsh people.

The 13 Best Science Books for the General Reader

The Guardian (2015), 13 Books

Steven Weinberg, The Nobel laureate, lists his 13 best science books for the general reader

50 Books Every Kid Should Read

Entertainment Weekly (2016), 50 Books

This list presents a curated set of 50 recommended books designed to build a kids’ library and spark a lifelong love of reading, spanning early picture books through teen novels and organized with age-range guidance and short editorial notes; selections are driven by editorial judgment focused on age-appropriateness, lasting literary quality, cultural relevance, award recognition, and the books’ ability to teach empathy, imagination, or essential life lessons, with each entry accompanied by a brief staff-written blurb explaining why it made the cut. The list was put together by Entertainment Weekly’s editorial team and reflects an internal curation process rather than a public poll, with clear age recommendations and occasional references to awards or historical significance noted alongside each entry.

Who Voted: EW Staff, the number of voters and names are unknown

Top 10 South African Books

Guardian (2001), 10 Books

Gillian Slovo is the daughter of two of South Africa's most prominent anti-apartheid campaigners, and first became known as a crime writer. This is her recommended list of top works on South Africa, both fiction and non fiction.

15 Australian Classics for your Consideration

The Sydney Morning Herald (2010), 15 Books

15 Australian books that every Australian can enjoy if they want to understand our literature, our country and ourselves. Susan Wyndham, the Herald's literary editor consulted friends, colleagues and Australian Classics by Jane Gleeson-White and The Macquarie PEN Anthology of Australian Literature, edited by Nicholas Jose and others.

501 Must-Read Books

LibraryThing (2006), 501 Books

501 Must-Read Books (Octopus/Bounty Books, 2006) is a 544-page coffee-table guide that distils the literary world into 501 illustrated, one-page entries. Edited by Emma Beare, the picks are spread across eight genre-based chapters—Children’s Fiction, Classic Fiction, Modern Fiction, Thrillers, Science-Fiction, History, Memoirs & Biography, and Travel—each essay pairing a brisk synopsis with key publication facts and a quick “why it matters” hook. Billed by the publisher as “the wisest, cleverest, best-read and most trusted friend you have ever had,” the list itself was drawn up by “a bibliophile and writer with a peerless reputation,” while the descriptive write-ups were farmed out to a team of lecturers, critics and book lovers. The result is an accessible, browsable canon designed to lure general readers into corners of the bookshop they might otherwise overlook.

Who voted: 1 unnamed expert

A Response to David Handlin’s “One Hundred Best American Novels”

The American Scholar (2014), 101 Books

This is a contrasting list of One Hundred Best American Novels, 1770 to 1985 by author and feminist scholar Sandra M. Gilbert

I highly recommend reading her description of this list.

87 Books Written by Women That Are So Good, You Won't Be Able to Put Them Down

Pop Sugar (2020), 93 Books

A list from Pop Sugar. here's the description from their website:

Without women, some pretty amazing things wouldn't exist. Book-lovers know best that women have changed the world in so many important ways — oftentimes, with their words. We've rounded up more than 80 novels, essays, poem collections, and memoirs written by women writers. From popular books-turned-movies like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to classics like Anne of Green Gables and To Kill a Mockingbird, there's a piece of literature in here for almost everyone to enjoy. If you haven't read these amazing literary works in your lifetime, now's the time!

Top 200 Science Fiction Books (Pre-2000)

Sci-Fi Lists (2021), 200 Books

This is a list of the best 200 Pre-2000 science fiction books as determined by Peter Sykes at Sci-Fi Lists.

25 Books by Black Authors You Should Read This February

Oprah Daily (2024), 25 Books

Oprah's curated list celebrates Black authors, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Black voices throughout the year, not just during Black History Month. This selection showcases a range of perspectives, from the profound insights of esteemed writers like Maya Angelou to the fresh narratives of newer talents like Oprah's Book Club selection Leila Mottley, as well as pioneering figures such as Ann Petry. The list is designed to enrich readers' understanding of both the adversities and achievements of Black people in America through the powerful medium of literature. By featuring a mix of historical and contemporary voices, Oprah's collection highlights the significant contribution of African American authors to literature and society, offering readers a selection of seminal works that reflect the diverse and dynamic experiences of the Black community.

100 Great 20th Century English-language Works of Fiction by Women

Feminista! (1998), 96 Books

Feminista! created this list in response to the infamous Modern Library list. Here's their description:

While we’d [Feminista!] agree that the Modern Library’s list features some extraordinary and wonderful works of fiction, we’re a little dismayed by a list of major 20th century English language novels that completely overlooks such writers as Margaret Atwood, Nadine Gordimer, Zora Neale Hurston, Harper Lee, Doris Lessing, Toni Morrison and Sylvia Plath. We could go on, but instead we’ve compiled our own list of 100 Great 20th Century English-language Works of Fiction by Women. In order to choose the works on the list, women’s online forums and lists were canvassed. Unlike the Modern Library’s, our list is not ranked. We’ve also restricted it to one work per author, since our aim was to showcase the extraordinary richness and variety of 20th century fiction by women.

The Best Korean Fiction In Translation

BookRiot (2010), 9 Books

This list, curated by Pierce Alquist for Book Riot, showcases notable works of Korean fiction translated into English. The selection emphasizes critically acclaimed and popular successes, reflecting the burgeoning interest in Korean literature in the global literary scene. The list is presented by an expert in literature in translation, and highlights the contributions of various translators who have brought these works to an English-speaking audience. The methodology involves highlighting influential works and their translators, without specifying a particular voting or contribution process from the public. As it stands, the list serves both as a celebration of Korean literary achievements and as a resource for readers interested in exploring Korean fiction through translated works.

60 Essential English-Language Works of Modern Indian Literature

World Literature Today (2010), 62 Books

60 Essential English-Language Works of Modern Indian Literature. There's not much information on

25 Essential High School Reads From the Last Decade

Edutopia (2022), 25 Books

This list, curated by Edutopia and authored by Paige Tutt, presents '25 Essential High School Reads From the Last Decade,' aiming to highlight recent literature that high school students might find engaging and relevant. The selection was based on a community-driven process where members were asked to nominate novels published within the last ten years that they wished they had read during their high school years. The list contrasts with a previous list from 2016, which was heavily dominated by classic literature. In this updated version, hundreds of nominations were received, emphasizing a diverse array of themes, genres, and author identities, including works featuring protagonists of various ethnicities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. This reflects an educational shift towards a more inclusive and representative curriculum, aligning with movements like #DisruptTexts.

Paste Magazine's Best Books of the Decade(2000-2009)

Paste Magazine (2009), 26 Books

The top 20 best books of the 2000s by Paste Magazine. It includes both fiction and nonfiction.

50 Books to Read Before You Die

Barnes and Noble (2015), 55 Books

Barnes and Noble's selection of the 50 most essential books.

Australia’s Radio National top 100 books of the 21st century

ABC Radio national (2025), 100 Books

ABC RN launched this as an annual, Hottest-100-style books poll: Australians voted for their 21st-century favourites (fiction and nonfiction), and RN counted them down over a weekend special. The inaugural winner was Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe, with Markus Zusak’s The Book Thief at #2; ABC’s summary also breaks down voting patterns by gender, age, and state

25 Books to Read Before You Die: World Edition

Powell's Books (2016), 25 Books

This list, titled "25 Books to Read Before You Die: World Edition," is curated by Powell's Staff and aims to highlight literature that broadens readers' perspectives by exposing them to diverse cultures and ways of life. The selection criteria focus on books that encourage readers to step out of their comfort zones and explore different worldviews, emphasizing works that have a significant impact on a global scale. The list is part of Powell's Books annual series designed to inspire reading outside one's typical choices, aimed at enriching one's literary experience. The methodology for selection involves Powell's Staff's insights and expertise, and the list is presented on Powell's Books blog, which engages its audience through various social media platforms, evidenced by its significant engagement metrics, such as 14.1K Facebook shares.

The 100 best books of the 21st century

The Guardian (2019), 100 Books

Dazzling debut novels, searing polemics, the history of humanity and trailblazing memoirs ... Read our pick of the best books since 2000

The Best Political Nonfiction Books Ever

Esquire (2021), 15 Books

This list comprises 'The Best Political Nonfiction Books Ever,' curated by Esquire's editors. The selection criteria emphasize timelessness and essential reading status, targeting works that are intellectually substantial and potentially transformative for readers. The list was curated by Charles P. Pierce, a contributor to Esquire, and includes 15 books deemed essential for an informed understanding of political narratives. Each book was selected for its enduring significance and ability to engage with complex political themes. The curation process involved careful editorial selection rather than public voting or contributions from multiple sources.

The British Science Fiction Association Awards - Novel

British Science Fiction Association (Yearly Award), 54 Books

The BSFA Awards are literary awards presented annually since 1970 by the British Science Fiction Association (BSFA) to honour works in the genre of science fiction. Nominees and winners are chosen based on a vote of BSFA members. More recently, members of the Eastercon convention have also been eligible to vote.

16 Essential Romantasy Novels

Books & Bao (2025), 16 Books

This list presents a curated selection of 16 essential romantasy novels, which are characterized by their blend of romantic and fantastical elements, with a strong focus on romance as a central theme. The selection criteria emphasize the combination of magical, action-packed plots enriched with intense romantic narratives, distinguishing them from general fantasy works with mere romantic subplots. The list is curated by Polly Clover and is hosted on the website Books and Bao, with an emphasis on 'spicy' must-reads within the romantasy genre. The methodology appears to be based on thematic appeal and the ability of these novels to engage readers with compelling series and world-building, as well as their popularity and critical acclaim in the genre.

Select 100

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2015), 100 Books

"This list was compiled by tabulating nominations by UWM faculty, staff and students for the Select 100. It includes changes which have resulted from nominations received since the original list was released. We asked you to recommend books which you have found to be so useful and important that no one could consider himself/herself an educated or enlightened person without having read them. This is your cumulative response."

D. G. Myers’ 50 Greatest English Language Novels

D. G. Myers (2009), 50 Books

D. G. Myers’, critic and literary historian’s 50 Greatest English Language Novels.

A critic and literary historian for nearly a quarter of a century at Texas A&M and Ohio State.

The Best Of The 1980s

Sun-News (1989), 20 Books

The Best Of The 1980s from a newspaper article on December 22nd, 1989 from the Associated Press Editors.

This is the Canon: Decolonize Your Bookshelves in 50 Books

This is the Canon(Book) (2021), 50 Books

This is from a book from Kadija Sesay, Deirdre Osborne, Joan Anim-Addo

The editors description is:

Upending our traditionally white-dominated 'to be read' piles, Joan Anim-Addo, Deirdre Osborne and Kadija Sesay push to the fore the voices and cultural perspectives that demand a place on everyone's shelves.

From literary giants such as Toni Morrison, Salman Rushdie and Chinua Achebe to recent Man Booker Prize winners Paul Beatty and Bernardine Evaristo, the novels recommended here are in turn haunting and lyrical; innovative and inspiring; edgy and poignant. They are books that reflect the wide and diverse experiences of people from around the world, of all backgrounds and all races. They are books that represent voices that have for too long been silenced or side-lined.

The description from the book's first 2 chapters:
Each title has been carefully chosen as a result of our commitment to diversify the traditional literary canon of novels and short stories available in the English language... It should be understood to mean this is a canon, neither replacing nor adding to what has existed previously, but one of many possible selections... Those who oppose or criticize the act of decolonization often fear contamination or a lowering of standards. To reassure readers, we are emphatically opposed to exalting books that are mediocre, or outside the possibility of literary success.

31 Books Every South African Should Read

Brand South Africa (2016), 31 Books

This list, titled '31 Books Every South African Should Read,' is curated by Brand South Africa, aiming to provide readers with a deeper understanding of South African culture, history, and societal issues through literature. The selection includes a diverse range of genres such as non-fiction, fiction, and poetry, showcasing the works of influential South African novelists, poets, journalists, and historians. The list does not specify the methodologies or criteria used for selecting these works, nor does it detail the number of contributors or voters involved in its creation. However, it serves as a cultural touchstone for insights into the country's past and present, reflecting on themes of apartheid, democracy, and identity within the South African context.

One Hundred Italian Novels (1901-1995)

Cento Romanzi Italiani (1996), 100 Books

From Cento Romanzi Italiani (1901-1995), edited by Giovanni Raboni. A list of one hundred twentieth century Italian novels. Initially, it was going to be one for every year but, while they have kept somewhat to that, there are exceptions. No more than one novel per author.

*note. thanks to The Modern Novel for this book list and description

100 Best Western(United States) Works of Fiction

San Francisco Chronicle (1999), 100 Books

A list from the San Francisco Chronicle from 1999. 600 readers contributed to the list.

Potter, Pi, and Pilgrim: What any library of the aughts ought to contain (Best from Canada)

The National Post (newspaper) (2010), 10 Books

The National Post, a famous and popular Canadian newspaper published an article in January of 2010 about the best books of the 2000s. They did both Canadian specific, International specific, as well as honorable mentions for both lists. This list is the best Canadian novels of the 2000s.

They asked a broad selection of Canadian writers, critics, editors, agents, bloggers, and others who work in the publishing industry.

From Zero to Well-Read in 100 Books

Jeff O'Neal at Bookriot.com (2013), 99 Books

100 books that, in the opinion of Bookriot.com editor-in-chief Jeff O'Neal, one should read before deeming themselves "well-read".

The 100 Best Books by Women Writers in Translation

biblibio (2019), 100 Books

The 100 Best Books by Women in Translation is a crowdsourced list created through nominations and votes from readers around the world over a nearly two-month period. Focused on works originally written in languages other than English, it celebrates books by women, trans, and nonbinary authors that have resonated deeply with readers. While not claiming to be definitive, the list reflects global reading passions and highlights both acclaimed titles and hidden gems that deserve more attention. It is a tribute to the diversity, richness, and emotional power of women’s voices in translation.

Who voted?
readers could sent up to 10 recommendations. Overall they got 800 unique books. I am going to estimate they had 100 people who sent feedback. Although I suspect it's probably more.

Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels

David Pringle (1985), 100 Books

Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels, An English-Language Selection, 1949-1984 is a nonfiction book by David Pringle, published by Xanadu in 1985 with a foreword by Michael Moorcock. Primarily, the book comprises 100 short essays on the selected works, covered in order of publication, without any ranking. It is considered an important critical summary of the science fiction field.

40 Essential Feminist Books to Read for Women's History Month

Harpers Bazaar (2024), 40 Books

Harpers Bazaar list of the 40 essential feminist books. Here's the description from their website:

a list of thought-provoking books that cover everything from reproductive justice and economic equity to domestic labor and sex work. Whether you're looking to brush up on the early days of the movement, be inspired by modern-day feminist heroes, or witness how far we've come (and how far we still have to go), these are the perfect books to pick up for Women's History Month—and every other time of year.

The American Library Association's Recommended Reading

The American Library Association (1998), 18 Books

This partial list of fictional books recommended by the American Library Association (ALA) can strengthen your knowledge of past and present literature, round out your reading, and provide a source for independent learning.

The ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world. More can be learned about their organization here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Library_Association

The Best 100 Arabic Books

Arab Writers Union (2010), 107 Books

This is an interesting and difficult one. Big thanks to arablit.org. Evidently it was created by the Arab Writer's Union. There's not many voter details and many of the books are not published in english. The original wikipedia page is offline but here's an old verison of it: https://web.archive.org/web/20100425013711/http://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D8%A3%D9%81%D8%B6%D9%84_%D9%85%D8%A6%D8%A9_%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%8A%D8%A9_%D8%B9%D8%B1%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A9

Who voted?
No contemporary source specifies a figure.
Akhbār al-Adab issue 426 (the list’s print source) is not digitised online, and its table of contents reproduced on Goodreads and other sites does not mention voters.

Later commentary (e.g., Al-Khalīj 23 Jan 2024) only says the list followed a “pan-Arab poll” of senior writers and critics, without giving totals.
alkhaleej.ae

I am going to assume it's more than 1. 10 seems like a conservative number. If anyone has any more additional information please let me know.

Overlooked Five direly underappreciated U.S. novels >1960.

Salon (1999), 5 Books

David Foster Wallace's l ist of 5 underappreciated us novels released after 1960