About this list

Powell's Books, 25 Books

This list, titled '25 Books to Read Before You Die,' was created by Powell's Books staff in response to a customer request for a list of essential reads. The selection criteria focused on books that have the potential to change the way readers think and feel, reflecting a diverse range of interests and perspectives. The list was curated through a collaborative process involving Powell's colleagues, with over 1,400 nominations received before a final vote determined the 25 titles included. The methodology emphasized a broad representation of influential texts without restricting choices to any specific genre or canon, highlighting a mix of classic and contemporary works. The list last received an update in May 2023, aiming to offer readers transformative literary experiences.

This list was originally published in 2023 and was added to this site about 1 year ago.