As students, one of the best things you can do is broaden your mind through literature. Regardless of what subject you are studying, reading classic literature, science fiction, and works from the world’s greatest writers can greatly help your development.

There is a huge list of must-read books that can transform the way you think, and give you greater insight into the world, human nature, and the society we live in. In the below text, we give our tips and share with you seven particular renowned works that we believe every student should read:

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Let’s start with an epic fantasy saga. The world of Middle Earth that J.R.R. Tolkien created is one of the best recognized in the literary world – it has also spawned some excellent films that grossed billions. Possibly his most notable work, however, from this world is the Lord of the Rings.

This story tells of an epic tale of a Hobbit who has to face adversity and travel to the ends of Middle Earth to destroy the one ring, and stop the evil Sauron from returning to his full power.

1984 by George Orwell

George Orwell has two entries in this list, the first of which is the legendary 1984. This was his last published novel during his lifetime, and often the most cited. It concentrates on themes of totalitarian governments, surveillance, and the consequences these repressive functions can have on society.

It is a fantastic piece of literature and fun to read, but also has deeper meaning and can help students have a greater understanding of the negative effects of poor governance.

The Lord of the Flies by William Golding

The Lord of the Flies is a harrowing tale of childhood, innocence, and an inevitable descent into chaos and unorder. We watch as a group of young boys survive a plane crash and land on an uninhabited island. They attempt to survive and govern their own lives which eventually leads to disaster.

This novel is often listed as one of the greatest modern literary works and gives us an eye-opening look at instinctive human nature, our impulses, and social organization.

Hamlet by William Shakespeare

Hamlet is one of the best-known works of William Shakespeare and it has some iconic characters and phrases – the most noteworthy being “to be or not to be”.

It is considered one of the most influential literary works of all time and continues to be published and shown as theatrical performances worldwide. The story is based on Prince Hamlet and his encounter with the ghost of Denmark’s King – this results in a chain of actions that ultimately lead to Hamlet’s own demise.

Shakespeare can often be a difficult subject at college and you may have to write literature reviews and need inspiration for titles or help deciphering the language used. If you have such tasks to complete, you could also benefit from a literature review writing service that could show you areas of improvement and help in your analytical and reviewing techniques.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Harper Lee crafted a novel that was both fun but also poignant. To Kill a Mockingbird follows the tale of a young girl as she grows up. We see Jean Finch go through various trials and tribulations on the way and watch as she learns about life and how it is often harsh and unfair.

This story also shows us about important issues like a loss of innocence, racism, classism, and the roles of gender.

Dante’s The Divine Comedy

The Divine Comedy is split into three titles – The Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. These represent the three stages that someone must pass through in Dante’s literary world to ascend to heaven. There is no denying that the reading is tough, but each book is a tremendous work of literary skill.

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We the reader follow Dante as he ascends into the seven-level of hell and confronts different types of sin. Witness then as he travels through purgatory, and eventually reaches the gates of heaven.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

The second entry by George Orwell is Animal Farm. This is a short and simple book, but it has a fantastic hidden meaning and twist. Essentially, it is an allegory that shows the negative aspects of a communist society built on a dictatorship.

This is portrayed via a farm full of animals and the hierarchies that exist within such as the perceived intelligence of the pigs. It is a fantastic book, and the clear message that it presents is also interesting considering the time it was written, and the viewpoints of the author.

Conclusion

These are just a small sample of some of the greatest literature ever written. Aside from broadening your mind, reading these books can also help your studies. Regardless of the purpose, the seven titles we have listed are all iconic pieces of literature. We wholeheartedly encourage you to read at least one during your education – you will find the experience enlightening.