This is the Best Book of All Time, According to Reader’s Digest
Have you ever wondered what’s the best book of all time? It’s always interesting to see which books are considered the most culturally and educationally significant in the world. Well, the experts at Reader’s Digest have put together a tally of the best books of all time, including the very best book of all time. While some of the titles are familiar to me, others surprise me. These books might surprise you, too. There’s also a good chance you’ve read many of the books they deem the best of all time. That said, I personally haven’t read the No. 1 book on their list.
This is the Best Book of All Time, Reader’s Digest Says
The experts at Reader’s Digest have kind of a morbid way of titling this best-of story. They say these are not only the best books of all time but also the books you should read before you die. Let’s not think about that latter point, but in any case, you should get these books on your radar. They actually have a list of a whopping 100 books, so this should be enough for your summer reading for years to come. If you’re someone who loves summer reading outside while getting some sunshine, then this list should be useful.
So, what did it take to make this roster of the 100 best books of all time? Reader’s Digest says it was a high bar. “To land in the top 100, a book needed to truly stand out in the stacks,” they explain. “We considered best sellers, award winners, and books that are highly rated by readers and critics alike.” They added that many of these books have been made into blockbuster movies. So, if you don’t want to read them, you can watch them, although that’s never as fun.
Before we get to the best book of all time, let’s look at the top five. No. 5 is The Shining by Stephen King. I haven’t read that one, but I’m not surprised to see it so high on the tally. No. 4 is Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann, followed by Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein at No. 3 and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee at No. 2. I probably would have made To Kill a Mockingbird No. 1, but this isn’t my list. No. 1 on their tally is Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. “Most critics pin it as one of most iconic literary love stories, and for good reason,” they explain, adding that this “sweeping Russian tale of star-crossed lovers is littered with swoon-worthy love quotes…” So, if you haven’t read it yet, like me, let’s get on it. Read reading below to see some staycation ideas, including reading at home.
Fun and Affordable Staycation Ideas
Netflix and Chill
Have a vacation in your living room or bedroom. Make it a movie-watching marathon. Watch a string of your favorite guilty-pleasure movies or binge-watch a brand new series. Either way, it’ll be cozy and comfy.
Getty Images / demaerre
Visit a Local or National Park
If you have a state or national park nearby, use your vacation time to go adventuring. Being at a local park can offer some breathtaking scenery, especially in the summer. Have a picnic out there, too. If you don’t have a state or national park close by, try a local park.
Getty Images / corradobarattaphotos
Visit a Local Museum or Art Gallery
Nearly every town has a local museum or art gallery. Perhaps you’ve never really had the time to visit your local museum or art spot. Use your vacation time to explore those local spots, and you might find a new favorite place.
Getty Images / shironosov
Stay at a Local Hotel, Airbnb or Bed-and-Breakfast
If you’ve driven by that new hotel for a while and wondered what it’s like inside, why not book it for a night? You don’t have to be traveling to say at a hotel, Airbnb or local bed-and-breakfast. It can make for an exciting adventure right in your backyard.
Getty Images / Kristen-Prahl
Have a Party
Using vacation time to plan a big party for friends is a good use of that time. Instead of traveling around the world, bring to world to you. Invite lots of your good friends, and spend some of the cash you would have on a vacation for your party. It’ll be the party of the year. Make that decade.
Getty Images / SeventyFour
Have a Spa Day
Pamper yourself. Maybe you think having a spa day is too much of a luxury, but if you’re saving money by not taking a big trip, why not use that money for a spa day? It’s not just for ladies, either. Guys can book a spa day for a variety of services. It’ll make for a day of bliss.
Getty Images / monkeybusinessimages
