Throughout our school years, there are certain books that tend to be staples of the curriculum, and others that, for one reason or another, slip through the cracks. Whether due to time constraints, a lack of interest, or simply missing the opportunity, there are plenty of remarkable books you may have overlooked in your school years. If you haven’t yet encountered these titles, now is the perfect time to pick them up and discover why they should have been part of your education. Here are five books you should have read in school but didn’t — and why they’re worth your time now.
1. “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
A classic coming-of-age novel, The Catcher in the Rye offers a deep dive into the complexities of adolescence and identity. Written from the perspective of Holden Caulfield, a troubled teen who has just been expelled from his prestigious school, Salinger’s work explores themes of alienation, the loss of innocence, and the struggle for authenticity in a world that often feels phony. Though it may have been part of many high school reading lists, it’s often overlooked or misunderstood. Reading it as an adult allows you to appreciate its nuanced exploration of mental health, societal expectations, and the search for meaning in life.
2. “1984” by George Orwell
George Orwell’s dystopian masterpiece 1984 is a chilling vision of a totalitarian society where individuality is crushed, and every aspect of life is controlled by an all-powerful government. While many are aware of its famous phrases like “Big Brother is watching you” and “thought crime,” the novel offers a sobering reflection on the dangers of surveillance, political manipulation, and the erosion of personal freedoms. Though it’s often included in high school curricula, many students never get the chance to truly absorb its haunting message. Reading it as an adult will highlight the relevance of Orwell’s warnings in today’s increasingly surveilled and politicized world.
3. “Beloved” by Toni Morrison
Toni Morrison’s Beloved is a powerful and haunting novel about slavery, trauma, and the painful process of coming to terms with the past. Set after the Civil War, it follows Sethe, a former slave who is haunted by the ghost of her deceased daughter, Beloved. Morrison’s prose is deeply poetic, and her exploration of memory, identity, and the legacy of enslavement makes this book a compelling and essential read. Often a challenging novel, Beloved is sometimes bypassed in favor of easier texts, but it’s a book that rewards readers with its profound emotional depth and unflinching portrayal of historical injustice.
4. “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Many students are familiar with The Great Gatsby as part of the classic American literature canon, but it’s often read too quickly or without fully appreciating its deeper themes of wealth, social class, and the American Dream. Fitzgerald’s novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and enigmatic man obsessed with rekindling a lost love. At its core, The Great Gatsby is a tragic commentary on the elusive nature of happiness and the emptiness of material success. For many, reading it later in life uncovers a more sophisticated understanding of its symbolism and social critique.
5. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
One of the earliest examples of science fiction, Frankenstein is a tale of ambition, hubris, and the dangers of playing God. Shelley’s novel follows Victor Frankenstein, a scientist whose quest to create life results in the creation of a grotesque monster. The novel explores profound questions about the nature of life, the responsibilities of creators, and the effects of isolation. Despite being widely regarded as one of the most important works of English literature, Frankenstein is often overshadowed by its more sensationalized adaptations in film. Reading it in its original form provides a much richer and more thought-provoking experience.
