Top 8 Underrated Novels Every Intellectual Must Read

2024 is a treat for many markets; arts, technology, fashion, and even literature. There are so many exciting books and everyone wants to read something they can boast about. And in this fast-moving era, we need something thought-provoking and impactful. Lucky for you, we’ve brought some amazing recommendations to fit the criteria. So, if you want to seem smart to your crush or friends, here are 8 underrated novels to explore. Promise to keep it all spoiler-free! Without further ado, let’s dive in! 

1. 1984 – George Orwell

Nothing sets the mood like a dystopian political philosophy. Our first pick is an acclaimed yet less-recommended book by George Orwell. It threatens your reality in the wildest ways possible. There are many societal parallels you will see and relate to. 

If you are a fan of questioning authorities and protecting civil rights, this is the perfect book for you. Animal Farm sets an impression, and 1984 carries it in a more complex and brooding yet impactful manner. 

2. Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury 

Let’s paint a scene; a faraway distant land, from the biggest machine to the smallest gadget, everything is monitored. If that isn’t a cautionary tale, we don’t know what is. A highly digital era where forming independent thoughts can cost you your life. Too dark? Ok, we’ll present a gentler review. If you are a book lover, this may give you trauma. The indirect criticism of spoon-fed agendas and lack of rational behaviors is compelling and well-executed. 

3. The Prophet – Khalil Gibran 

There are several books with the ability to soothe your mind and soul. The Prophet is one of them. This is self-help without even meaning to be. The poetic nature of the essays acts as a beautiful life lesson. There are many subjects of wisdom including love, money, partnership, grief, contentment, and more. It even has a Netflix movie too. However, we suggest reading the book separately to soak the essence of it all. 

4. Letters to a Young Poet – Rainer Maria Rilke 

Short, riveting, impressionable. These three adjectives describe the book perfectly. All the letters included in the book feel personal. For the duration of the book, you assume the identity of the receiver, and boy does it feel good to get these letters! Anyone struggling with writing can find solace in this book. Learning to cling to your skill and improving it with conscious efforts can be hard, but RMK makes it seem worthwhile. 

5. Demian – Hermann Hesse

Unlearning and relearning life to become your ultimate self; is the core theme behind Demian. Moving from childhood to teenage and adulthood, we see a vast journey of human morals. How have you grown up? What does your inner child remember? What did you lose? It takes you on a wild journey of self-assessment. Things might seem grim in the start but the concept develops into a bigger lens way beyond sad and happy. 

6. Ikigai – Francesc Miralles and Hector Garcia

Based on a popular Japanese philosophy, this book is a very practical depiction of a Japanese lifestyle. How to enjoy a long and happy life, what to eat, what to think, how to rest. It has good advice on how to live better with your mind and body in a healthier state. There are many impressive facts to assure the science behind each rule and history supports the effectiveness of the shared philosophy. 

7. The Metamorphosis – Franz Kafka 

The idea of oblivion, solitude, and self-awareness is enough to humble anybody. Especially if you’re a cockroach. Not only does it have the classy ‘nobody gets me’ and ‘I am all alone’ vibe but it uses superb symbolism to make its point. Isolation can have a massive impact on your identity and the constant struggle to be yourself in a fast and unpredictable world. It’s a book that sees people irrespective of color, culture, and geographic location and depicts their struggles interestingly. 

8. Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom 

With a 1999 movie by the same name, this book is a masterpiece. Since it’s a memoir by the author, the characters are easy to relate to. We see the resilience of the human spirit in beautiful conversations. The element of reality makes the lessons lasting and idealistic. It’s a great read for individuals yearning for good advice from a senior individual who’s hopeful and positive until his very last breath. 

And that’s a wrap! If you’ve read any of these, pat yourself on the back. But if you haven’t, better start reading! And since most of these novels fit the ‘classic’ criteria, you can find them online. If you’ve got a smart ISP with budget-friendly packages like Spectrum Internet plans, not only can you download PDFs but also listen to audiobooks uninterrupted.

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