There are more books in the world than there is time in one life.

But some books stand apart; books that shape our thinking, stir our emotions, and stay with us long after the final page. Whether you’re a seasoned reader or just beginning your literary journey, this list of 10 life-changing books will take you across centuries, cultures, and philosophies.

You won’t find all-time favorites like Pride and Prejudice and Sapiens missing here. These titles are celebrated across the world for a reason, and at Books Mandala, we believe every reader deserves to discover them.

Each book in this list is available to order from Books Mandala, with international delivery, used copies where available, and gift-wrapping options. You can also explore our full collection of bestsellers, fiction and literature, or used books for more timeless reads.

Let’s begin.

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

A witty, romantic masterpiece that has defined the genre for over two centuries. Pride and Prejudice follows the sharp-witted Elizabeth Bennet and the enigmatic Mr. Darcy through misunderstandings, societal expectations, and personal growth. Full of sparkling dialogue, clever satire, and emotional depth, it remains one of the most beloved novels in English literature.

2. 1984 by George Orwell

A haunting dystopian vision of a totalitarian future where freedom, truth, and individuality are crushed under the weight of surveillance and control. Orwell’s chilling warning is as relevant today as it was in 1949, making 1984 a must-read for anyone who values independent thought.

3. Beloved by Toni Morrison

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Beloved is a powerful exploration of trauma, memory, and motherhood set in the aftermath of slavery. With poetic language and supernatural elements, Morrison’s novel unearths the buried grief of a past that refuses to be forgotten.

4. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Step into the glamour and disillusionment of the Roaring Twenties. Through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway, Fitzgerald presents the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a man consumed by his impossible love for Daisy Buchanan. A dazzling portrait of wealth, obsession, and the American Dream.

5. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Adapted from her viral TEDx talk, Adichie’s concise, powerful essay redefines feminism for the 21st century. With personal anecdotes and sharp insight, she explores how gender expectations hurt everyone, and why equality benefits us all.

6. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Told through the eyes of a child, this American classic captures a town’s simmering racial tension and a father's quiet bravery. With humor and heart, Lee’s novel reminds us of the importance of empathy, justice, and moral courage.

7. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Often called the first science fiction novel, Frankenstein explores what happens when human ambition pushes past the limits of nature. Shelley's tale of creation and consequence still resonates in an age of artificial intelligence and genetic engineering.

8. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

A groundbreaking African novel that tells the story of Okonkwo, a proud Igbo warrior whose life is upended by colonialism. Achebe’s masterwork captures the tension between tradition and change, and the cost of cultural erasure.

9. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah’s hilarious and heartbreaking memoir offers a glimpse into apartheid-era South Africa through the eyes of a mischievous, whip-smart kid. A testament to resilience, rebellion, and a mother’s fierce love, it’s a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think deeply.

10. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

This global bestseller zooms out to explore the entire arc of human evolution, from early foragers to modern society. Drawing from science, history, and philosophy, Sapiens challenges everything you thought you knew about humanity, and opens your mind to new questions.

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Explore curated collections on bestsellers, fiction and literature, or Nepali books. Want to gift one of these titles? Read our full guide on how to send books to loved ones in Nepal.

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