1. Great Expectations ~ Charles Dickens
One of the best classics in English literature that every college going student must read. It is a first person account of an orphan Pip, who is the protagonist of the story. Reading this beautiful novel will propel you to achieve your dreams and meet your greatest expectations in life. The journey of Pip to conquer his dreams has been phenomenally described by Dickens, in his best literary work.

2. 1984 ~ George Orwell
Thought to be one of the greatest works ever in English literature, George Orwell’s 1984 is a vision of 3 totalitarian states who’re at war with each other and use technology to defeat and suppress one another. The book was inspired by Orwell’s observation and study of the cruel regimes of dictators like Hitler and Stalin. Although, 1984 has been controversial regarding several issues, this book will give you an account of how bad totalitarianism can turn out to be. For the uninitiated, totalitarianism is a form of anarchic government, wherein a single ruler has all the powers. Political, social and economic science students might find this a thoughtful read.

3. The Scarlet Letter ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne
Written in 1850, when the US was not even 100 years old, ‘The Scarlet Letter’ was one of the most popular books of its era, and it dealt with issues quite close to individuality like community, passion, wild emotions and defying societal rules. The novel will brainstorm your mind and expose you to various practical questions we’ve to deal with in everyday world. It is the story of a young pregnant woman named Hester Prynne in US, in the mid – 17th century, who is accused of adultery.

4. The Grapes of Wrath ~ John Steinbeck
Yet another great novel in the American history, The Grapes of Wrath played a great role in shaping American history. It is one of the best read for students who will be able to closely understand the plight of millions of people in the harsh times of the Dust Bowl or the Great Depression of 1930s. It deals with some of the most important attributes common to Americans like hard work and self determination. It is great book that will broaden your horizon and deepen your understanding about humanity and life, in general.

5. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ~ Mark Twain
If you really want to know typical American life, you got to read this classic from Mark Twain. In this colorful and vivid description of people and places along the Mississippi river, Mark Twain has immortalized this novel by depicting some interesting adventures of Huck and Jim especially. If you’re a teenager, this can be a great book to read before college.

6. The Lord of the Rings (Trilogy) ~ J.R.R Tolkien
It is beyond doubt one of the best books for young adults and a masterpiece by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is the story of good vs. evil, and it depicts wars between the evil forces (Saruman & Sauron) and the hobbits, elves, dwarfs and men. The exceptional portrayal of courage and will power of elves, dwarfs and men point out to the fact that evil is finally destroyed, no matter how indomitable it seems. Definitely, one of the must read books for all young adults.

7. To Kill a Mockingbird ~ Harper Lee
All guys out there. It is certainly one of the best books to read, especially because of the character, Atticus Finch. Some of the greatest virtues in a man are honesty and commitment of words and lawyer Atticus Finch portrays this fact beautifully in this book. Lee’s excellent use of humor and depiction of how Finch fights for a black man charged for rape of a white woman, is extraordinarily brilliant.

8. The Kite Runner ~ Khaled Hosseini
Written in 2003, this is also one of the best reads before entering college because the issues it deals are what we have been experiencing in the last decade. Khaled Hosseini’s first novel, Kite Runner is set in the background of chaotic events like the fall of Afghanistan’s monarchy, escape of refugees from Afghanistan to US and Pakistan and the rising powers of Taliban regime. Though the story deals with hostile environment, it has beautiful depiction of friendship. Read it to enjoy it.

9. Harry Potter Series ~ J. K Rowling
Here comes the book which most of you must have read many times by now. If not, then rush to the nearest book store and do read it. It doesn’t matter if you have seen the movies. If you love reading, you’ll find the books far more enriching with some amazing connectivity in all the 7 parts of this book. One of the best sellers of all times, J.K Rowling’s fictional work, Harry Potter is must read for teenagers to experience drama, thrill, mystery and imaginative expressive power. No imagination can be better than Harry Potter book, to say the least. It is a brilliant work of fiction. And being written in British English, it is extremely beautiful to read every sentence, decorated by great sense of language.

10. Republic ~ Plato
For college freshmen, my last pick amongst 10 books is a personal favorite. This book is a Socratic dialogue that was written by Plato, the Greek Philosopher around 380 BC. For all students opting for studies in humanities, as well as for general students, this book can be a great food for thought regarding definitions of an ideal state. It is regarded as Plato’s best work ever, and the relevance of this book holds great significance in today’s world dealing with issues of democracies, equality in society and other social issues.