lou's library

As I like to torture myself, I’ve decided to rank my 25 favourite books of all time. This list is highly subjective and you may disagree. I, however, will die on the hill that these books are perfect (as of February 2026, I dearly hope I will continue to find new favourite books that will make the list and am also aware my taste might change over time). To keep this post from becoming very long, I’ll justify each choice in only one sentence. Let’s go!

25 Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne

A silly little bear going on adventures with his friends, what’s not to love?

24 The Club by Takis Würger

Dark and sinister subject matter, insanely atmospheric writing.

23 Narcissus and Goldmund by Hermann Hesse

So much wisdom on what it means to be alive disguised as a beautiful coming-of-age tale.

22 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

The time travel novel to end all time travel novels, featuring the sexiest Scot you will ever come across.

21 Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett

Unputdownable World War II spy thriller that is so good you will love it even if you do not like World War II spy thrillers.

20 The Hearts’ Invisible Furies by John Boyne

A tender and equal parts moving and funny story of one man trying to find his path in life.

19 Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

Unlike anything I’ve ever read, deeply imaginative world building and stunning writing.

18 The Offing by Benjamin Myers

The portrayal of a friendship in a gorgeous setting that will make you want to hug your friends and move to the sea.

17 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A one-of-a-kind peek behind the decaying curtain of the world of the filthy rich Americans of the early 20th century with an unforgettable narrator.

16 After You’d Gone by Maggie O’Farrell

Made me sob on a train, which is the biggest praise I can give a book.

15 Perfume by Patrick Süsskind

Made me realise how extremely bad I am at describing scents and that some people truly have a wild imagination.

14 Atonement by Ian McEwan

Tricked me into believing everything would be alright, and then it wasn’t.

13 Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie

I want to cry every time I think of Peter up in the sky waiting for Wendy to join him but she cannot because SHE HAS GROWN UP.

12 Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling

The best book in the series, I do not currently accept differing opinions on this matter.

11 Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Highly nostalgic, which has bumped it up on the list but I will defend this time-travel romance until my dying day.

10 Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart

I would sell my soul for Mungo, that’s how much I love this boy and want him to be okay.

9 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Captures the feeling of childhood like no other novel and oozes with kindness and compassion.

8 Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

My two favourite pick-me, delulu teens decide to go and die for each other, because why not?

7 The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

A gay Greek myth retelling that will have you weeping every other page, sign me up any day!

6 I’m the King of the Castle by Susan Hill

Immaculate Gothic vibes, characters that will keep you up at night and an ending that has left my jaw on the floor where it remains to this day.

5 In Memorian by Alice Winn

Nothing like a devastating World War I novel to break the heart, bonus points for all the literary references and clever hints!

4 The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Oh Charlie, you utterly unforgettable boy, you stole my heart when I was 14 and never gave it back.

3 Normal People by Sally Rooney

I am a simple girl, so of course I obsess over Connell and Marianne a dozen times a day, don’t you?

2 Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

I think about this book all the time, it has left a permanent mark on my brain, I am obsessed and firmly believe every single sentence to be perfection.

1 All Quiet On The Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque

I reread this every year and every year I am flabbergasted about how immaculate this novel is, and the last paragraph breaks my heart into a million little pieces every single time.

Aaaah, choosing the top ten was so stressful and I am paranoid I have forgotten a very important book, but hey ho! Do let me know if there are any of your faves on this list or if you think I’ve forgotten something!