Books that CHANGED Society

In our society, literature and the form of written expression perseveres regardless of the media-and-technology centralized trends.

A good book remains a good book no matter what and it is crucial to read these and shape our persons around them.

Here, I have compiled a list of 5 books I believe to be crucial to a persons’ self-discovery and personal-development.

There are so many novels worth reading out there spreading from as early as 500 B.C. to present day; what is important is to come away from this article and motivate yourself to accomplish reading at least one of them.

The list I have put together is probably not reflective of the top 5 BEST books in the world. If anyone were to put such a list, they would most likely fail as the quantity of good-quality reads out there is overwhelming.

I believe however, that these books have truly changed our society and the views of the people at the time when they were written. (and many other reviews and writers would very much agree with me)

You can find all of the following books on both online and physical reviews and “top 10 / 100 / whatever charts”.

This article links into hARTS’ November Theme of “the power of BLACK and WHITE” as the simplistic manner – of black words on white paper – of how books are printed and have the power to change and alter society. Through them people have found the comfort necessary to succeed; or on the contrary they have been challenged to such extent they were eager to prove themselves right – all of which pushed our society to improve and continuously search for the better.

Ceasing the chat and moving onto the main topic at hand, here are the top 5 books EVERYONE should read in their lifetime.

5th place: The Art of War by Sun Tzu

This book, as the title presents, demonstrates that behind the most violent human acts, there is both reasoning and thought. It argues on the importance of war in the past and proves that there should not be need for it in the future. Written in 500 B.C., it was meant to solve Chinas’ warring period and yet it is still very much accurate today.

4th place: Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

This beautifully written love story demonstrates that love is so much more complicated than expressed in most love-stories. It pictures the ideal relationship, proves its flaws whilst at the same time adding mystery, drama and suspense in its midst. It is a marvelous read that can easily be enjoyed by most experienced readers.

3rd place: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind

A mysterious love turned into obsession. This book has marveled readers everywhere with its fresh attempt to capture what love could signify. It is the “story of a murderer” who goes to any extent to capture the essence of the woman he has fallen in love with.

2nd place: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

This novel approaches society in a different manner. In a world where Firefighters do not put out fires but burn books, this dystopian book lies its basis on the power and knowledge of the written word and how people’s mentalities can be changed through them. The way the novel is written, presents a possible future world where people’s everyday life is controlled and surveilled.

1st place: Lord of the flies by William Golding

This novel tackles human nature in a concrete and direct manner. Put a group of boys on a deserted island and see what happens. The way the author directly pictures and clearly sketches pure human nature is striking; you will not leave the book without a strong emotional impact. The book addresses human behavior and carnal attitudes in an creative manner, leaving the reader with many controversial questions ringing in his or her head.

Placing all these fantastic reads in an order was a struggle. The quality and success of these books can not be placed on a scale – these things are always subject to bias and personal preference. It can not be denied however, that these books have changed the way people view our modern-day society and have impacted many views and perspectives of the world surrounding us.

Whether you are looking for a catchy, interesting read or for personal discovery and development, these books are for you!

Leave all thoughts, initial reactions and personal views in the comments!

Laura Ionescu

Editor-in-Chief and Creative Designer of hARTS magazine