4.62 avg rating — 144,344 ratings

"Modern fantasy would not exist like it does today without the Lord of the Rings. In many ways story telling in general has been touched by Tolkien in some shape or form. If you get passed the magic and creatures, at its heart, it is a story about people and relationships both with the world around them and with themselves. "

4.12 avg rating — 2,810,360 ratings

"This book was incredibly influential on me while I was growing up. It remains one of my favorite books that I pick up to read again every other year. This should be required reading for young teens everywhere."

3.93 avg rating — 5,922,393 ratings

"This book resonates as much today as when it was first published. The consumerism and greed as well as the disappointment and sadness of the "American Dream" is something that is often never talked about. But this book made it the central theme. There is a reason that every sophomore in high school has this on their reading list."

4.30 avg rating — 4,808,335 ratings

"This is the book that I measure all romance literature against. In some cases romance in real life as well, (Which probably isn't that healthy) Essentially I just want a Mr. Darcy."

3.83 avg rating — 1,193,858 ratings

"This is quite literally one of the first books ever written and has endured for so long for a reason. Also a book that you don't appreciate while you are forced to read it in high school and yet you look back at it fondly as you get older."

4.15 avg rating — 2,426,395 ratings

"This was my first foray into feminist literature. I remember being scandalized, shocked, and couldn't believe my teacher was letting me write a book report on it. But I was also inspired, and enlightened and my eyes were opened to a concept of womanhood that my 15 year old mind was just starting to comprehend. I am grateful for this book. "

4.45 avg rating — 2,736,236 ratings

"Just like Tolkien, George R.R. Martin, reinvented the fantasy genre. He added the grit and the realism that, dare I say, Tolkien lacked. No character is safe. All the dangerous situations that the hero faces and is "Supposed" so walk away from doesn't happen. He gets wounded and in many cases, fatally wounded. It is a roller coaster of a ride that has also opened up the genre to a lot of new people, which is exciting. "

4.50 avg rating — 3,797,846 ratings

"The fifth book of Harry Potter was very significant for many reasons. Harry is an angry teenager just like everyone reading the book. He was relate able. Especially that part when he realizes the world does not revolve around him. which was something I needed to hear when I was 15 years old. "

4.40 avg rating — 296,242 ratings

"I love Edgar Allen Poe. His works were so creepy and still are today in this hyper violence filled world."

3.94 avg rating — 2,525,181 ratings

"While I liked the first book in this series better, no one can deny the way The DaVinci Code shook the world when it realeased. The documentaries and TC specials alone was enough for anyone to realize the cultural stir it made in the western world. "