Best Page-Turners with Redeeming Social Value

This Listopia is inspired by Nicholas D. Kristof's "Best Beach Reading Ever" list, published by The New York Times, which includes great works of fiction with a social justice angle. He writes, "Summer reading often consists of mindless page-turners, equally riveting and vacuous. So as a public service I’m delighted to offer a list of mindful page-turners — so full of chase scenes, romance and cliffhangers that you don’t mind the redeeming social value."

Vote for your favorite works that combine great literature and a social conscience! You can vote for books already listed or add new books to the list.

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All Votes Add Books To This List

1		To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 4.26 avg rating — 6,331,838 ratings score: 109,450, and 1,119 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
2		The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Goodreads Author) 4.47 avg rating — 2,838,865 ratings score: 77,888, and 805 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
3		The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Goodreads Author) 4.35 avg rating — 3,233,852 ratings score: 65,953, and 682 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
4		1984 by George Orwell 4.19 avg rating — 4,801,839 ratings score: 54,960, and 564 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
5		Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen 4.29 avg rating — 4,379,114 ratings score: 44,516, and 457 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
6		The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (Goodreads Author) 4.39 avg rating — 2,647,396 ratings score: 43,070, and 445 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
7		A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (Goodreads Author) 4.44 avg rating — 1,583,659 ratings score: 39,889, and 413 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
8		Animal Farm by George Orwell 3.99 avg rating — 4,036,590 ratings score: 36,668, and 383 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
9		Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë 4.15 avg rating — 2,145,447 ratings score: 31,826, and 333 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
10		The Giver (The Giver, #1) by Lois Lowry (Goodreads Author) 4.12 avg rating — 2,567,431 ratings score: 30,651, and 327 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
11		The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank 4.19 avg rating — 3,847,912 ratings score: 28,060, and 299 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
12		Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden 4.15 avg rating — 2,031,975 ratings score: 28,015, and 295 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
13		Lord of the Flies by William Golding 3.70 avg rating — 2,978,805 ratings score: 27,657, and 297 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
14		The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck 4.01 avg rating — 928,826 ratings score: 25,469, and 266 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
15		Harry Potter Series Box Set (Harry Potter, #1-7) by J.K. Rowling 4.74 avg rating — 292,104 ratings score: 24,507, and 262 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
16		Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 3.89 avg rating — 2,617,409 ratings score: 24,329, and 262 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
17		Night (The Night Trilogy, #1) by Elie Wiesel 4.37 avg rating — 1,276,046 ratings score: 23,467, and 255 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
18		Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell 4.31 avg rating — 1,233,490 ratings score: 21,852, and 233 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
19		Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating — 343,334 ratings score: 20,471, and 215 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
20		Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 546,321 ratings score: 20,381, and 214 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
21		The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein 4.38 avg rating — 1,156,978 ratings score: 20,315, and 224 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
22		The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (Goodreads Author) 4.09 avg rating — 1,310,425 ratings score: 20,037, and 217 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
23		Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 4.16 avg rating — 2,287,844 ratings score: 20,028, and 221 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
24		The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver 4.10 avg rating — 757,357 ratings score: 19,536, and 208 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
25		The Handmaid’s Tale (The Handmaid's Tale, #1) by Margaret Atwood (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 2,125,837 ratings score: 17,731, and 196 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
26		Life of Pi by Yann Martel 3.94 avg rating — 1,659,524 ratings score: 17,381, and 187 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
27		The Zombie Room by R.D. Ronald 3.78 avg rating — 29,601 ratings score: 17,081, and 180 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
28		Les Misérables by Victor Hugo 4.20 avg rating — 809,430 ratings score: 17,052, and 186 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
29		Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë 3.89 avg rating — 1,864,747 ratings score: 16,521, and 179 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
30		The Color Purple by Alice Walker 4.27 avg rating — 706,223 ratings score: 15,577, and 175 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
31		Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 3.96 avg rating — 2,512,050 ratings score: 15,098, and 172 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
32		The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain 3.83 avg rating — 1,282,119 ratings score: 14,957, and 166 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
33		The Elephant Tree by R.D. Ronald 3.73 avg rating — 28,324 ratings score: 14,864, and 156 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
34		A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith 4.30 avg rating — 477,895 ratings score: 14,643, and 163 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
35		The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (Goodreads Author) 4.13 avg rating — 1,405,342 ratings score: 14,634, and 162 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
36		The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon 3.89 avg rating — 1,510,148 ratings score: 14,613, and 164 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
37		Brave New World / Brave New World Revisited by Aldous Huxley 4.16 avg rating — 167,412 ratings score: 13,828, and 153 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
38		The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 4.06 avg rating — 1,030,905 ratings score: 13,454, and 149 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
39		The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde 4.13 avg rating — 1,614,288 ratings score: 13,419, and 148 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
40		East of Eden by John Steinbeck 4.42 avg rating — 559,101 ratings score: 13,278, and 146 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
41		All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque 4.08 avg rating — 475,057 ratings score: 13,155, and 141 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
42		The Road by Cormac McCarthy 3.99 avg rating — 938,423 ratings score: 12,907, and 142 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
43		The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (Goodreads Author) 4.32 avg rating — 1,255,028 ratings score: 12,803, and 142 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
44		Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom (Goodreads Author) 4.18 avg rating — 1,067,180 ratings score: 12,709, and 144 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
45		The Club by Ellery Lloyd (Goodreads Author) 3.30 avg rating — 111,801 ratings score: 11,694, and 124 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
46		Frankenstein: The 1818 Text by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 3.88 avg rating — 1,654,309 ratings score: 11,593, and 127 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
47		The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 4.33 avg rating — 2,187,944 ratings score: 11,484, and 132 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
48		Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt, #1) by Frank McCourt 4.15 avg rating — 637,729 ratings score: 11,211, and 128 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
49		Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea (Goodreads Author) 4.19 avg rating — 42,300 ratings score: 11,065, and 116 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
50		The Pillars of the Earth (Kingsbridge, #1) by Ken Follett (Goodreads Author) 4.34 avg rating — 780,203 ratings score: 10,992, and 122 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
51		Gray After Dark by Noelle W. Ihli (Goodreads Author) 4.25 avg rating — 28,006 ratings score: 10,945, and 116 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
52		The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding (Goodreads Author) 4.06 avg rating — 95,547 ratings score: 10,943, and 115 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
53		A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 728,355 ratings score: 10,865, and 122 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
54		No One Can Know by Kate Alice Marshall (Goodreads Author) 3.68 avg rating — 53,624 ratings score: 10,857, and 115 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
55		The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer 4.19 avg rating — 768,775 ratings score: 10,852, and 123 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
56		Think Twice (Myron Bolitar, #12) by Harlan Coben (Goodreads Author) 4.33 avg rating — 26,422 ratings score: 10,545, and 111 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
57		One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey 4.20 avg rating — 745,253 ratings score: 10,481, and 121 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
58		The Girl in the Eagle's Talons (Millennium, #7) by Karin Smirnoff 3.43 avg rating — 15,275 ratings score: 10,467, and 110 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
59		Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides 4.03 avg rating — 646,536 ratings score: 10,466, and 116 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
60		Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 1,096,078 ratings score: 10,462, and 112 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
61		The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 28,690 ratings score: 10,356, and 109 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
62		Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 117,660 ratings score: 10,250, and 108 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
63		The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donlea (Goodreads Author) 4.20 avg rating — 100,202 ratings score: 10,151, and 107 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
64		Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe 3.91 avg rating — 231,457 ratings score: 10,029, and 108 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
65		Emma by Jane Austen 4.05 avg rating — 909,070 ratings score: 10,003, and 115 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
66		What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall (Goodreads Author) 3.96 avg rating — 144,014 ratings score: 10,002, and 106 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
67		My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 1,237,324 ratings score: 10,001, and 114 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
68		Corrupt (Devil's Night, #1) by Penelope Douglas (Goodreads Author) 3.80 avg rating — 305,972 ratings score: 9,999, and 105 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
69		The Roommate by Kiersten Modglin (Goodreads Author) 3.91 avg rating — 7,438 ratings score: 9,964, and 105 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
70		Look Closer by David Ellis 4.21 avg rating — 68,527 ratings score: 9,909, and 104 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
71		Head Like a Hole by Andrew Van Wey (Goodreads Author) 3.88 avg rating — 4,888 ratings score: 9,862, and 104 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
72		Captive in the Dark (The Dark Duet, #1) by C.J. Roberts (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 73,808 ratings score: 9,812, and 103 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
73		Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky 4.27 avg rating — 942,638 ratings score: 9,746, and 115 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
74		The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, #2) by Dan Brown (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 2,396,969 ratings score: 9,712, and 116 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
75		A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (Goodreads Author) 4.24 avg rating — 325,414 ratings score: 9,588, and 106 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
76		Keep It in the Family by John Marrs (Goodreads Author) 4.09 avg rating — 110,021 ratings score: 9,550, and 100 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
77		Killing Sarai (In the Company of Killers, #1) by J.A. Redmerski 4.08 avg rating — 32,380 ratings score: 9,490, and 100 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
78		It Ain't Me, Babe (Hades Hangmen, #1) by Tillie Cole (Goodreads Author) 4.05 avg rating — 54,578 ratings score: 9,298, and 98 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
79		Consequences (Consequences, #1) by Aleatha Romig (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 42,728 ratings score: 9,297, and 98 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
80		Not Forever, But For Now by Chuck Palahniuk (Goodreads Author) 3.10 avg rating — 3,891 ratings score: 9,268, and 98 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
81		A Winter Grave by Peter May (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 7,822 ratings score: 9,206, and 97 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
82		The V Girl: A Coming of Age Story by Mya Robarts 3.98 avg rating — 16,156 ratings score: 9,184, and 99 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
83		Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark, #1) by Pepper Winters (Goodreads Author) really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 41,033 ratings score: 9,174, and 97 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
84		Truth (Consequences, #2) by Aleatha Romig (Goodreads Author) 4.34 avg rating — 32,458 ratings score: 9,163, and 97 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
85		One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez 4.12 avg rating — 1,001,079 ratings score: 9,156, and 105 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
86		Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 3.79 avg rating — 821,345 ratings score: 9,148, and 107 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
87		Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 1,641,971 ratings score: 9,080, and 105 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
88		The Holy Bible: King James Version by Anonymous (Type) 4.44 avg rating — 297,015 ratings score: 8,939, and 98 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
89		The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Goodreads Author) 3.91 avg rating — 3,185,777 ratings score: 8,842, and 102 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
90		The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 3.80 avg rating — 3,619,741 ratings score: 8,826, and 102 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
91	$Souls Unfractured (Hades Ha...$	Souls Unfractured (Hades Hangmen, #3) by Tillie Cole (Goodreads Author) 4.41 avg rating — 27,574 ratings score: 8,735, and 92 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
92		Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier 4.25 avg rating — 651,062 ratings score: 8,406, and 100 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
93		The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (Goodreads Author) 4.20 avg rating — 608,449 ratings score: 8,359, and 97 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
94		The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating — 865,225 ratings score: 8,091, and 94 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
95		The Odyssey by Homer 3.81 avg rating — 1,109,322 ratings score: 7,994, and 91 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
96		The Jungle by Upton Sinclair 3.77 avg rating — 147,958 ratings score: 7,965, and 89 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
97		The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway 3.80 avg rating — 1,191,489 ratings score: 7,919, and 93 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
98		Atonement by Ian McEwan (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 531,510 ratings score: 7,864, and 91 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
99		Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand 3.69 avg rating — 394,715 ratings score: 7,848, and 89 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
100		Things Fall Apart (The African Trilogy, #1) by Chinua Achebe 3.73 avg rating — 382,851 ratings score: 7,608, and 86 people voted	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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7,075 books · 5,852 voters · list created July 9th, 2011 by Jessica (votes) .

Tags: page-turners, social-justice

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message 1: by Linda (new)

Jul 10, 2011 11:14AM

The Book Thief
The Shadow of the Wind

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message 2: by Moumendj (new)

Jul 10, 2011 11:15AM

شكرا ، جزيلا ،

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message 3: by Karen (new)

Jul 10, 2011 11:39AM

I don't know. I think this totally misses the point of the "beach read". That is, something you can read without having to strain your brain (and while having what my husband calls "boat drinks" OR while watching your kids play in the surf). That said, there are fantastic beach reads out there that are well written, but still offer that fun easy escape that I, at least, look for in a beach read.

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message 4: by Janet (new)

Jul 11, 2011 05:32AM

I just read "Summer Rental" by Mary Kay Andrews. It was well written, suspenseful and had themes of love, friendship and personal growth. Just because it was fun to read doesn't mean it has no value.

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message 5: by Hayley (new)

Jul 15, 2011 11:43AM

Question...who put Life of Pi on here? that book bored me to death.

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message 6: by Steve (new)

Jul 16, 2011 10:41AM

Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????

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message 7: by Maureen (new)

Jul 16, 2011 10:49PM

the life of PI is awesome...and has a message..

but why are the twilight books included..and the bible

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message 8: by Josette (new)

Jul 17, 2011 09:25AM

Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????"
Amen! The Twilight books may be an entertaining read for some, but I can't find their "Redeeming Social Value".
Hayley wrote: "Question...who put Life of Pi on here? that book bored me to death."

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message 9: by Tracy (new)

Jul 18, 2011 08:19PM

I just finished reading The Help. It was a page turner, for sure! This is now at the top of my favorites list.

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message 10: by Damira (new)

Jul 20, 2011 10:43AM

I found the Life of Pi to be really good! The ending completely blew me away and kept me thinking about the "real version" of his journey for a while after I was done... A story of unconventional circumstances and perseverance makes for a good read.

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message 11: by Breanne (new)

Jul 20, 2011 01:58PM

Tiger saga all the way!!!!

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message 12: by [deleted user] (new)

Jul 24, 2011 02:36PM

I wouldnt call this beach reads but they are good page turners.

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message 13: by Holly (new)

Jul 30, 2011 04:39PM

The only thought the twilight series will provoke is thoughts of suicide

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message 14: by Mdmebrat (new)

Jul 31, 2011 05:26PM

'Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????'

^^ My thoughts exactly. :\

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message 15: by Hayley (new)

Aug 02, 2011 01:42PM

Redeeming? Why would a page-turner need to be redeemed?

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message 16: by Miranda (new)

Aug 03, 2011 06:42PM

What's with this Tiger Saga? I've never heard of them and all of a sudden they are popping up on every single list!

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message 17: by The Pirate Ghost (new)

Aug 21, 2011 03:43PM

The Pirate Ghost (Formerly known as the Curmudgeon)

WHere's Animal Farm? We learned more from that than about the rise and fall of comunism.

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message 18: by Daenerys (new)

Aug 22, 2011 05:58AM

I don't see the connection between the title of the list and half of its contents.. in particular, what in the world is the twilight saga doing in this list??

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message 19: by Cassie (new)

Aug 23, 2011 01:51PM

Jasper Fforde's "Shades of Grey". Well, anything by Jasper Fforde, though you have to be a big reader to be in on some of the jokes.

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message 20: by Amber (last edited Aug 24, 2011 06:44PM) (new)

Aug 24, 2011 06:41PM

Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????"That's exactly what I was wondering!

Nevermind, stopped reading list when I found the Anita Blake books on here... social value?

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message 21: by G.w. (new)

Aug 25, 2011 08:07PM

I've heard Victorian novels called a lot of things before but never page-turners.

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message 22: by Ami (new)

Aug 26, 2011 11:36AM

I love science fiction, but I enjoy the mix of scifi with romance and dabs of paranormal. I am biased, but I love Shifter Evolutions, books 1-6. When I'm bored with tv, I'll read them again and again. amiblackwelder.blogspot.com

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message 23: by Ami (new)

Aug 26, 2011 11:36AM

Ami wrote: "I love science fiction, but I enjoy the mix of scifi with romance and dabs of paranormal. I am biased, but I love Shifter Evolutions, books 1-6. When I'm bored with tv, I'll read them again and aga..."

And yes they have a lot of social commentary:)

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message 24: by Ami (new)

Aug 26, 2011 11:38AM

Daenerys wrote: "I don't see the connection between the title of the list and half of its contents.. in particular, what in the world is the twilight saga doing in this list??"

Exactly, most people don't have a clue about social value or commentary within books.
My books tend to be nothing like the mainstream reads. While the genres are typical PRN, my style and content is very different.

amiblackwelder.blogspot.com

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message 25: by Ami (new)

Aug 26, 2011 11:39AM

G.w. wrote: "I've heard Victorian novels called a lot of things before but never page-turners."

LOL-the state of modern reading....

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message 26: by Andrea (new)

Aug 28, 2011 09:45PM

I'm puzzled at how a lot of the books on here have "redeeming social value." Also, it sort of bothers me how a book with themes such as social justice can be classified as a "beach read".

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message 27: by [deleted user] (new)

Sep 06, 2011 01:40PM

My feeling is that any book should be well written,be it a beach read,non-fiction,a mystery,a biography,a novel or just any book.I find myself getting tired of poorly written books no matter who wrote them.G.W. Try Phillippa Gregory for a good victorian novelist.She may not be a page turner but she is historically correct and a good writer.YES I totally agree about the Twilight saga redeeming features???where???

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message 28: by G.w. (new)

Sep 06, 2011 02:27PM

Thanks for the recommendation, Lucy. The truth is I have no problem with victorian novels. In fact, I've read plenty of them. I've just never heard them referred to as "page-turners," which to my mind does not necessarily denote a "well written book" but simply a book whose plot moves quickly. I don't believe the designation "page turner" is always tantamount to "well written."

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message 29: by [deleted user] (new)

Sep 07, 2011 09:50AM

G.W.,you are absolutely right.Some page turners are horribly written,you seem to keep on reading them simply because they are page turners.I guess I like P.G. because she is historically correct and an interesting read.

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message 30: by Erin (new)

Sep 08, 2011 11:54AM

I think it is absolutely horrible that twillight books have managed to make it onto this list. where is the redeeming social value? besides that, i think its a perfect "to read" list.

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message 31: by Katie (new)

Sep 08, 2011 06:59PM

Erin wrote: "I think it is absolutely horrible that twillight books have managed to make it onto this list. where is the redeeming social value? besides that, i think its a perfect "to read" list."

I totally agree and was looking for a button which would allow me to vote against a book.

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message 32: by Terry (new)

Sep 14, 2011 07:31AM

I have never read a Twilight book,but I know many young people have and if it gets them turned on to
reading books..Hallelujah! With all of the media and
electronics..if anything can bring them back to books..don't knock it.
However, I agree with most of you that although I have
read a majority of these books, I definitely would not
call them beach reads.

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message 33: by [deleted user] (new)

Sep 16, 2011 06:05PM

To TERRY I'm with you as far as getting kids turned onto reading. Some religious groups were against the Harry Potter series. My view is that if it gets kids reading more GREAT!! Lucy

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message 34: by Evelyn (new)

Sep 16, 2011 06:54PM

Maureen wrote: "the life of PI is awesome...and has a message..

but why are the twilight books included..and the bible"

Have you read the Bible?

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message 35: by [deleted user] (new)

Sep 17, 2011 08:36AM

Yes, Maureen,I have a print out of how to read the Bible in one year and have done so x2. I have no idea why the Twilight series was included, I for one, didn't include it. Lucy @11:35 on 9-17-11

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message 36: by Terry (new)

Sep 17, 2011 09:54AM

Yes, Maureen, I have read the Bible too. Definitely
not a beach read. But lots of wisdom, social value,
and love.

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message 37: by Allie (new)

Sep 23, 2011 08:20PM

Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????"

I know, right! If anything, it has detrimental value. It presents a terrible role model for young girls.

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message 38: by [deleted user] (new)

Sep 24, 2011 09:38AM

To Lisa from Lucy Absolutely right it does. @12:40 p.m. on 9-24-11

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message 39: by [deleted user] (new)

Dec 18, 2011 04:51PM

What, biting people's necks is detrimental? At least it's not "The Hunger Games." However, for a totally uplifting page turner with a thoughtful undertone, read "The Ballad of Young Tam Lin." Love, romance, the Queen of Elfland, and neo-pagan morality. Can't put it down.

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message 40: by [deleted user] (new)

Dec 20, 2011 04:39PM

I'll put this one on my tbr list Thanks!! LUCY @ 7:45p.m. on12-20-11.FOR karl

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message 41: by Bri (new)

Dec 30, 2011 09:06PM

Why isn't Harry Potter #1?

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message 42: by [deleted user] (new)

Dec 30, 2011 09:33PM

Because it doesn't have enough sex or sexual symbolism (think about the whole neck biting thing in Twilight - penetration without the penis.)

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message 43: by [deleted user] (new)

Dec 31, 2011 07:26PM

Reply to Brian, I don't know it certainly got lots of people to read.

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message 44: by Dolly (new)

Jan 15, 2012 12:25AM

Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value?

Perhaps could argue it teaches teens the value of self-restraint and delayed gratification. These characteristics aren't en vogue today with kids...so for its y.a. age category...I feel it has value here.

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message 45: by [deleted user] (new)

Jan 15, 2012 11:42AM

Seems a lot of posters/voters ignored the "redeeming social value" element, but, in that context, I have to question Gone With the Wind. It's totally an apologist manifesto in favor of slavery. Redeeming social value???

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message 46: by [deleted user] (new)

Feb 03, 2012 10:25AM

The Ballad of Young Tam Lin by Patricia A. Leslie

On the surface, just a romantic fantasy, but lots of deep insight into what our purpose is on Earth, and what we owe to each other and the living world. Great writing.

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message 47: by Bri (new)

May 16, 2012 07:19PM

To Kill A Mockingbird shouldn't be on this list. It has redeeming social value, but it isn't a page-turner (chase scenes, fights, dragons, etc).

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message 48: by Shanna (new)

May 22, 2012 08:46AM

Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????"

Absolutely not. They teach horrible ideas about women and sex.

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message 49: by Sophie (new)

Jun 04, 2012 04:43PM

Steve wrote: "Twilight books have "Redeeming Social Value" ?????"

I was just about to say that! It has absolutely no redeeming social value because the only message it sends young teen girls is the importance of having a boyfriend.

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message 50: by Shacoria (new)

Jul 24, 2012 11:55AM