Some books catch our eyes from the retail shelves (or Amazon screen), beckoning us to crack their spines and dig in. Other works of literature are so visually imposing as to send another message. Rather, these tomes challenge us to read them—if we dare. As imposing as they may seem, these books are worth facing head-on. Don’t be afraid of the most challenging books to start reading—they’re worth the effort.
Les Misérables by Victor Hugo
You’ve seen the movie, you loved the musical—now, experience this revolutionary work, in more ways than one, as the author intended. Clocking in at nearly 1,500 pages in most printings, it will take you more than one lovely evening to get through the story in novel form, but if you have an interest in French history and culture, this book is much more landmark than doorstop.
Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
Perhaps this is harder to finish than to start. With one of the most famous opening lines in literature, this tale of whaling is one that countless readers have embarked upon as they set out to conquer one of the most enduring works of American literature. Where the waters get rough is in its infamous middle section, which diverges from the narrative structure to offer a history of whales and the whaling industry—details the author didn’t get entirely right.
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
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Gravity’s Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
Before there was Infinite Jest, this was the postmodern masterpiece that gave readers fits. Full of twisting wordplay, existential bleakness, and a giant monstrous adenoid straight from the worst drive-in movie you can imagine. Though a struggle at first, this epic is eventually rewarding.
The King James Bible
Before there were postmodern marathons pushing readers to the limit, there was this premodern tome: 1611’s first widely accepted translation of the Bible into the English language. With its arcane lexicon, its continued use of “thee” and “thou,” and figures of speech translated straight from Hebrew and Greek, it’s one of the most challenging books to start reading—which is why you’ll find so many study and reference guides to help you along the way. It’s still a worthwhile read, and you’ll familiarize yourself with a cornerstone of English literature along the way.
