The list was determined via ranked ballots and first placed into descending order by number of critic votes, then into descending order by total critic points, then alphabetically (for 73 to 100, the titles listed are tied).

1. The Odyssey (Homer, 8th Century BC) – A foundational epic of Western literature, this poem explores themes of heroism, adventure, and human resilience in Odysseus’ journey home.
2. Uncle Tom’s Cabin (Harriet Beecher Stowe, 1852) – This anti-slavery novel galvanized the abolitionist movement and influenced public opinion on the cruelty of slavery in the U.S.
3. Frankenstein (Mary Shelley, 1818) – Considered the first modern science fiction novel, it raises ethical questions about creation, responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge.
4. Nineteen Eighty-Four (George Orwell, 1949) – Orwell’s dystopian novel is a critical examination of totalitarianism, surveillance, and the loss of individual freedoms, shaping discussions of state control.
5. Things Fall Apart (Chinua Achebe, 1958) – Achebe’s novel, central to African literature, provides a postcolonial critique of the devastating effects of European colonization in Africa.
6. One Thousand and One Nights (various authors, 8th-18th Centuries) – This influential collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian tales has shaped storytelling traditions across the world with its narrative ingenuity.
7. Don Quixote (Miguel de Cervantes, 1605-1615) – As one of the earliest modern novels, it explores themes of idealism, reality, and the nature of heroism, influencing Western literary forms.
8. Hamlet (William Shakespeare, 1603) – Shakespeare’s tragedy is a deep philosophical exploration of human nature, dealing with themes of revenge, morality, and the meaning of life.
9. One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel García Márquez, 1967) – This landmark work of magical realism delves into the cyclical nature of history and memory in Latin America, merging myth with reality.
10. The Iliad (Homer, 8th Century BC) – Another of Homer’s epic poems, it captures the tragic grandeur of war, heroism, and fate during the Trojan War, forming the basis for classical storytelling.
11. Beloved (Toni Morrison, 1987) – This novel addresses the haunting legacy of slavery in the United States, blending history with personal trauma and the supernatural.
12. The Divine Comedy (Dante Alighieri, 1308-1320) – Dante’s allegorical journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise is a profound exploration of sin, redemption, and the human soul.
13. Romeo and Juliet (William Shakespeare, 1597) – This tragic love story has influenced countless adaptations and discussions about fate, love, and conflict between individuals and society.
14. The Epic of Gilgamesh (author unknown, circa 22nd-10th Centuries BC) – One of the oldest known works of literature, it explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the search for immortality.
15. Harry Potter Series (JK Rowling, 1997-2007) – Rowling’s series became a global phenomenon, shaping a generation’s views on morality, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.
16. The Handmaid’s Tale (Margaret Atwood, 1985) – Atwood’s dystopian novel critiques patriarchal oppression and religious extremism, serving as a powerful feminist text and cautionary tale.
17. Ulysses (James Joyce, 1922) – A modernist masterpiece, this novel revolutionized narrative form and language, capturing the complexity of everyday life and consciousness.
18. Animal Farm (George Orwell, 1945) – Orwell’s allegory critiques political corruption and totalitarianism, reflecting the dangers of power and propaganda.
19. Jane Eyre (Charlotte Brontë, 1847) – This novel blends gothic romance with a strong female protagonist, exploring themes of independence, morality, and social criticism.
20. Madame Bovary (Gustave Flaubert, 1856) – Flaubert’s novel dissects the banality of bourgeois life and the dangers of romantic idealism, influencing realist literature.
21. Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Luo Guanzhong, 1321-1323) – This epic historical novel from China has had a profound impact on Chinese culture, exploring themes of loyalty, strategy, and power.
22. Journey to the West (Wu Cheng’en, circa 1592) – A classic of Chinese literature, this adventure story blends mythology, religion, and allegory, shaping the cultural imagination.
23. Crime and Punishment (Fyodor Dostoyevsky, 1866) – This psychological novel delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and morality, influencing existential thought and modern fiction.
24. Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen, 1813) – Austen’s exploration of love, class, and social norms has made this novel a beloved classic, influencing the portrayal of strong female protagonists.
25. Water Margin (attributed to Shi Nai’an, 1589) – This classic Chinese novel explores rebellion, honor, and justice, contributing to the shaping of Chinese narrative traditions.
26. War and Peace (Leo Tolstoy, 1865-1867) – Tolstoy’s epic examines the personal and national impact of the Napoleonic Wars, blending historical and philosophical musings on fate and history.
27. To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee, 1960) – This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explores racial injustice and moral growth in the American South, becoming a cornerstone of American literature.
28. Wide Sargasso Sea (Jean Rhys, 1966) – Rhys’s postcolonial prequel to Jane Eyre reinterprets the story from the perspective of the marginalized, dealing with race, identity, and madness.
29. Aesop’s Fables (Aesop, circa 620 to 560 BC) – These moral tales have become a foundational element of storytelling, imparting life lessons through animals and allegory.
30. Candide (Voltaire, 1759) – Voltaire’s satirical novel critiques optimism, religion, and society, becoming a significant Enlightenment text shaping modern thought.

31. Medea (Euripides, 431 BC) – This Greek tragedy explores themes of revenge, betrayal, and the complexities of human emotions, making Medea one of the most powerful figures in classical drama.
32. The Mahabharata (attributed to Vyasa, 4th Century BC) – One of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, this monumental work encompasses themes of duty, righteousness, and the moral dilemmas of war, profoundly influencing Hindu philosophy and culture.
33. King Lear (William Shakespeare, 1608) – Shakespeare’s tragedy portrays the devastating consequences of pride, power, and familial discord, raising timeless questions about justice and human suffering.
34. The Tale of Genji (Murasaki Shikibu, before 1021) – Often considered the world’s first novel, this Japanese classic delves into court life, personal relationships, and the fleeting nature of life, shaping the literary landscape of Japan and beyond.
35. The Sorrows of Young Werther (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1774) – This novel, an early exemplar of Romanticism, explores intense emotion and individualism, inspiring a cultural phenomenon and influencing the development of European literature.
36. The Trial (Franz Kafka, 1925) – Kafka’s exploration of bureaucratic absurdity and the individual’s helplessness in the face of an incomprehensible legal system has become a defining work of existential literature.
37. Remembrance of Things Past (Marcel Proust, 1913-1927) – This monumental work delves into memory, time, and human experience, revolutionizing the modern novel with its introspective narrative style.
38. Wuthering Heights (Emily Brontë, 1847) – A masterpiece of gothic fiction, this novel examines themes of passion, revenge, and the darker sides of human nature, challenging Victorian norms of morality and behavior.
39. Invisible Man (Ralph Ellison, 1952) – This powerful exploration of race and identity in America has become a landmark of African American literature, addressing the invisibility of marginalized people in society.
40. Moby-Dick (Herman Melville, 1851) – Melville’s epic novel of obsession and the human condition blends adventure with philosophical musings on nature, society, and the unknown, cementing its place as an American literary classic.
41. Their Eyes Were Watching God (Zora Neale Hurston, 1937) – This novel tells the story of a black woman’s journey to find her voice and self-empowerment, becoming a key text in African American literature and feminist studies.
42. To the Lighthouse (Virginia Woolf, 1927) – Woolf’s modernist masterpiece focuses on perception, time, and the inner lives of her characters, contributing to the development of stream-of-consciousness narrative technique.
43. The True Story of Ah Q (Lu Xun, 1921-1922) – A key text in modern Chinese literature, this novella satirizes the Chinese national character and reflects the complexities of cultural identity and modernity during a time of political turmoil.
44. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll, 1865) – Carroll’s whimsical and surreal tale has enchanted readers with its playful use of logic and language, influencing both children’s literature and surrealism.
45. Anna Karenina (Leo Tolstoy, 1873-1877) – Tolstoy’s exploration of love, infidelity, and societal hypocrisy is a cornerstone of realist literature, offering profound psychological insights into its characters’ inner lives.
46. Heart of Darkness (Joseph Conrad, 1899) – This novella delves into the darkness of imperialism and the human soul, critiquing European colonization and leaving a lasting impact on modernist literature and postcolonial thought.
47. Monkey Grip (Helen Garner, 1977) – This novel explores the complexities of relationships, addiction, and countercultural life in 1970s Australia, making it a seminal work in Australian literature.
48. Mrs Dalloway (Virginia Woolf, 1925) – Woolf’s innovative narrative style in this novel, focusing on a single day in the life of its protagonist, provides a deep exploration of memory, identity, and the passage of time.
49. Oedipus the King (Sophocles, 429 BC) – This Greek tragedy is a foundational text in Western literature, exploring fate, free will, and the tragic downfall of its protagonist, Oedipus, shaping concepts of dramatic irony and tragedy.
50. The Metamorphosis (Franz Kafka, 1915) – Kafka’s novella, in which a man transforms into a giant insect, is a profound exploration of alienation, absurdity, and the human condition, influencing existential and modernist literature.
51. The Oresteia (Aeschylus, 5th Century BC) – This trilogy of Greek tragedies explores themes of justice, revenge, and the evolution of legal systems from personal vengeance to societal law, influencing Western legal and moral thought.
52. Cinderella (unknown author and date) – One of the most famous and enduring fairy tales, “Cinderella” has shaped storytelling traditions worldwide, influencing countless adaptations that explore themes of transformation, kindness, and justice.
53. Howl (Allen Ginsberg, 1956) – Ginsberg’s landmark poem of the Beat Generation critiques societal norms, conformity, and materialism, becoming a defining work of post-war American counterculture and the free expression movement.
54. Les Misérables (Victor Hugo, 1862) – This epic novel tackles themes of justice, redemption, and the struggle for freedom, shaping societal perceptions of poverty and revolution, particularly in France.
55. Middlemarch (George Eliot, 1871-1872) – Eliot’s novel explores the intricate social and political dynamics of provincial life, offering a complex portrayal of human ambition, relationships, and reform.
56. Pedro Páramo (Juan Rulfo, 1955) – This pioneering work of magical realism blends reality and the supernatural to explore themes of memory, guilt, and the consequences of the Mexican Revolution, influencing Latin American literature.
57. The Butterfly Lovers (folk story, various versions) – This Chinese folk tale of tragic love has become a cultural symbol of devotion and sacrifice, inspiring literature, music, and opera.
58. The Canterbury Tales (Geoffrey Chaucer, 1387) – Chaucer’s diverse collection of stories told by pilgrims reflects the complexities of medieval society, influencing English literature with its exploration of human nature and social critique.
59. The Panchatantra (attributed to Vishnu Sharma, circa 300 BC) – This ancient Indian collection of moral stories and animal fables has shaped storytelling traditions worldwide, imparting practical wisdom and ethical lessons.
60. The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas (Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, 1881) – This Brazilian novel, known for its satirical tone and innovative narrative structure, challenges traditional storytelling and explores themes of mortality and self-reflection.

61. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (Muriel Spark, 1961) – This novel portrays the complexities of influence and power dynamics within education, as Miss Brodie’s charismatic yet authoritarian personality impacts the lives of her students, highlighting themes of individuality and conformity.
62. The Ragged-Trousered Philanthropists (Robert Tressell, 1914) – A powerful socialist novel, this book critiques the capitalist system by exposing the exploitation of workers, and it has influenced labor movements and socialist thought in the UK and beyond.
63. Song of Lawino (Okot p’Bitek, 1966) – This long poem contrasts traditional African values with the influences of Western culture, providing a critical perspective on cultural identity and the effects of colonialism, making it a cornerstone of African literature.
64. The Golden Notebook (Doris Lessing, 1962) – This novel explores themes of gender, politics, and mental health through an experimental narrative structure, making it a key work in feminist literature and a trailblazer in postmodern fiction.
65. Midnight’s Children (Salman Rushdie, 1981) – This novel, blending magical realism with historical fiction, explores the partition of India and the birth of a nation through the lens of a family saga, making it one of the most important works of postcolonial literature.
66. Nervous Conditions (Tsitsi Dangarembga, 1988) – This novel examines the intersection of race, gender, and colonialism in Zimbabwe, offering a profound exploration of the complexities of identity and societal expectations, and becoming a key text in African feminism.
67. The Little Prince (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, 1943) – This philosophical tale, often viewed as a children’s story, explores deep themes of love, loss, and the human condition, becoming one of the most translated and beloved books in the world.
68. The Master and Margarita (Mikhail Bulgakov, 1967) – A satirical critique of Soviet society, this novel blends the fantastical with the real, challenging censorship and political oppression, and becoming a key text in Russian literature.
69. The Ramayana (attributed to Valmiki, 11th Century BC) – One of the great Indian epics, this work explores themes of duty, morality, and devotion, shaping the religious and cultural ethos of Hinduism and Indian society for millennia.
70. Antigone (Sophocles, c 441 BC) – This ancient Greek tragedy examines the tension between individual conscience and state power, raising timeless questions about law, morality, and civil disobedience, influencing Western thought on justice and ethics.
71. Dracula (Bram Stoker, 1897) – Stoker’s novel defined the modern vampire genre and continues to influence gothic literature, horror, and popular culture with its exploration of fear, otherness, and immortality.
72. The Left Hand of Darkness (Ursula K. Le Guin, 1969) – This science fiction novel explores gender, politics, and identity, challenging societal norms and making it a foundational work in feminist and speculative fiction.
73. A Christmas Carol (Charles Dickens, 1843) – This novella’s themes of redemption, charity, and social responsibility have made it a timeless classic, influencing the way we think about Christmas and human compassion.
74. América (Raúl Otero Reiche, 1980) – This Bolivian novel, centered around the cultural and historical identity of Latin America, critiques colonialism and explores the region’s complex relationship with its indigenous past and colonial legacy.
75. Before the Law (Franz Kafka, 1915) – A parable of existential and bureaucratic absurdity, this short work distills Kafka’s exploration of the human condition, influencing literature’s treatment of authority and alienation.
76. Children of Gebelawi (Naguib Mahfouz, 1967) – This allegorical novel critiques power and religion in Egyptian society, blending modern storytelling with deep philosophical themes, making Mahfouz one of the leading voices in Arabic literature.
77. Il Canzoniere (Petrarch, 1374) – This collection of poems by Petrarch was key in the development of the Renaissance and humanism, influencing the growth of lyric poetry and the concept of individualism in Western literature.
78. Kebra Nagast (various authors, 1322) – This ancient Ethiopian text ties the nation’s rulers to the biblical King Solomon and Queen of Sheba, playing a significant role in shaping Ethiopia’s national and religious identity.
79. Little Women (Louisa May Alcott, 1868-1869) – This novel, focusing on the lives of four sisters, addresses themes of family, womanhood, and social expectations, and remains a beloved classic in both children’s literature and feminist studies.
80. Metamorphoses (Ovid, 8 AD) – This Roman epic poem, which recounts the myths of transformation from Greek and Roman mythology, has had a lasting impact on Western art, literature, and culture by preserving the classical tradition.
81. Omeros (Derek Walcott, 1990) – This epic poem, drawing on Homeric tradition and Caribbean history, explores colonialism, identity, and the legacy of slavery, making Walcott a key voice in postcolonial literature.
82. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich (Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, 1962) – This novel’s stark portrayal of a Soviet labor camp provides a harrowing account of totalitarianism and oppression, making it one of the most influential works of Russian dissident literature.
83. Orlando (Virginia Woolf, 1928) – This novel, a playful exploration of gender fluidity and time, is a landmark in LGBTQ+ literature and modernist experimentation with narrative form.
84. Rainbow Serpent (Aboriginal Australian story cycle, date unknown) – Central to Australian Aboriginal mythology, this story cycle explains the creation of the land and its people, reflecting deep connections between spirituality, culture, and nature.
85. Revolutionary Road (Richard Yates, 1961) – This novel offers a critique of suburban life, conformity, and the American dream, exploring themes of disillusionment, identity, and the cost of societal pressures.
86. Robinson Crusoe (Daniel Defoe, 1719) – Often considered the first English novel, this tale of survival and self-reliance on a desert island shaped the adventure genre and contributed to discussions of colonialism and individualism.
87. Song of Myself (Walt Whitman, 1855) – Whitman’s expansive, free-verse poem celebrates the individual, democracy, and the interconnectedness of all people, influencing American literature and poetry with its bold style and themes.
88. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (Mark Twain, 1884) – This novel’s exploration of race, freedom, and moral growth, particularly through its portrayal of slavery, has made it a cornerstone of American literature and an enduring subject of controversy.
89. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (Mark Twain, 1876) – Twain’s novel of boyhood adventure and mischief captures the spirit of childhood and the American frontier, influencing generations of literature with its humor and sense of freedom.
90. The Aleph (Jorge Luis Borges, 1945) – This short story blends philosophical inquiry with magical realism, exploring themes of infinity, perception, and time, making Borges a key figure in modernist and postmodern literature.
91. The Eloquent Peasant (ancient Egyptian folk story, circa 2000 BC) – This ancient Egyptian tale of a peasant’s quest for justice highlights the values of eloquence and fairness, influencing early notions of law and justice in literature.
92. The Emperor’s New Clothes (Hans Christian Andersen, 1837) – This fairy tale’s critique of vanity and societal hypocrisy has become a timeless moral lesson, influencing modern discussions of authority, truth, and self-delusion.
93. The Jungle (Upton Sinclair, 1906) – Sinclair’s muckraking novel exposed the horrors of the American meatpacking industry, leading to public outcry and major reforms, and influencing investigative journalism and social justice movements.
94. The Khamriyyat (Abu Nuwas, late 8th-early 9th Century) – These classical Arabic poems are some of the earliest to celebrate wine and hedonism, offering a counter-narrative to Islamic moral norms and influencing Arabic literature’s treatment of taboo subjects.
95. The Radetzky March (Joseph Roth, 1932) – This novel captures the decline of the Austro-Hungarian Empire through the fate of a single family, exploring themes of duty, loyalty, and the collapse of old-world aristocracy, shaping Central European literature.
96. The Raven (Edgar Allan Poe, 1845) – Poe’s famous poem of loss, madness, and the supernatural has become a hallmark of gothic literature, influencing horror and psychological fiction with its haunting themes and rhythmic mastery.
97. The Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie, 1988) – This controversial novel blends magical realism with an exploration of religion, identity, and cultural conflict, sparking debates on freedom of expression and making Rushdie a central figure in contemporary literature.
98. The Secret History (Donna Tartt, 1992) – This novel explores the moral ambiguity of intellectualism and privilege, introducing readers to dark academia and influencing a generation of readers with its suspenseful, philosophical narrative.
99. The Snowy Day (Ezra Jack Keats, 1962) – A pioneering children’s book that features an African American protagonist, this simple yet profound tale celebrates childhood wonder and urban life, challenging racial stereotypes in literature.
100. The Thousand and One Nights (various authors, dates unknown) – This collection of Middle Eastern folktales, blending fantasy, adventure, and morality, has profoundly influenced storytelling traditions across cultures, from literature to film.

Book descriptions by Chatty Gepetto