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 — 6,731,785 ratings score: 109,057, and 1,103 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
2	The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Goodreads Author) 4.47 avg rating — 2,975,275 ratings score: 78,085, and 797 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 — 3,423,401 ratings score: 65,752, and 670 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 4.20 avg rating — 5,281,101 ratings score: 55,162, and 566 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 — 4,673,249 ratings score: 44,418, and 456 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 — 2,819,034 ratings score: 42,940, and 442 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) 4.45 avg rating — 1,695,475 ratings score: 39,785, and 412 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 4.01 avg rating — 4,400,945 ratings score: 36,966, and 386 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 4.16 avg rating — 2,274,336 ratings score: 34,371, and 356 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 — 2,749,724 ratings score: 30,459, and 319 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	Little Women (Little Women, #1) by Louisa May Alcott 4.17 avg rating — 2,408,030 ratings score: 28,767, and 309 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	The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank 4.20 avg rating — 4,100,154 ratings score: 28,226, and 302 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	Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden 4.16 avg rating — 2,089,251 ratings score: 27,807, and 293 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	Lord of the Flies by William Golding 3.70 avg rating — 3,136,182 ratings score: 27,565, and 292 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	The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck 4.02 avg rating — 976,685 ratings score: 24,986, and 261 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	Brave New World and Brave New World Revisited by Aldous Huxley 4.16 avg rating — 1,250,178 ratings score: 24,485, and 263 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	The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde 4.13 avg rating — 1,804,187 ratings score: 24,436, and 260 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	Harry Potter Series Box Set (Harry Potter, #1-7) by J.K. Rowling 4.73 avg rating — 300,376 ratings score: 24,415, 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
19	Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck 3.89 avg rating — 2,770,047 ratings score: 24,329, and 259 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	Night by Elie Wiesel 4.38 avg rating — 1,340,697 ratings score: 23,534, and 250 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	Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell 4.31 avg rating — 1,247,691 ratings score: 21,753, and 231 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 Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger 3.80 avg rating — 3,822,434 ratings score: 21,412, and 236 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	The Beasts of Success by Jasun Ether 4.22 avg rating — 481 ratings score: 21,140, and 212 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 Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein 4.38 avg rating — 1,215,597 ratings score: 20,122, and 216 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 Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd (Goodreads Author) 4.10 avg rating — 1,341,353 ratings score: 19,921, and 213 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	The Odyssey by Homer 3.83 avg rating — 1,164,548 ratings score: 19,741, 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
27	The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver 4.11 avg rating — 783,373 ratings score: 19,523, 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
28	Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom (Goodreads Author) 4.20 avg rating — 1,165,225 ratings score: 18,896, and 209 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	Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury 3.97 avg rating — 2,745,618 ratings score: 18,761, and 213 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	Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica (Goodreads Author) 4.12 avg rating — 703,410 ratings score: 18,600, 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
31	Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak (Goodreads Author) 4.15 avg rating — 523,126 ratings score: 18,481, and 194 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	Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë 3.90 avg rating — 1,973,226 ratings score: 17,767, and 192 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 Handmaid’s Tale (The Handmaid's Tale, #1) by Margaret Atwood (Goodreads Author) 4.15 avg rating — 2,346,816 ratings score: 17,548, and 192 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	Life of Pi by Yann Martel 3.94 avg rating — 1,734,165 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
35	Les Misérables by Victor Hugo 4.21 avg rating — 833,701 ratings score: 16,857, 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
36	Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer (Goodreads Author) 4.02 avg rating — 1,172,114 ratings score: 16,814, and 190 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	Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives by Dan Millman 4.13 avg rating — 55,650 ratings score: 16,285, and 169 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 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain 3.83 avg rating — 1,323,305 ratings score: 16,207, 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
39	The Zombie Room by R.D. Ronald 3.91 avg rating — 37,737 ratings score: 16,045, and 169 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	The Color Purple by Alice Walker 4.28 avg rating — 740,925 ratings score: 15,572, 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
41	The Elephant Tree by R.D. Ronald 3.88 avg rating — 37,465 ratings score: 14,721, and 155 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 Outsiders by S.E. Hinton (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 1,552,553 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
43	The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon 3.89 avg rating — 1,575,995 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
44	A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith 4.30 avg rating — 502,519 ratings score: 14,550, and 160 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	Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates 3.93 avg rating — 92,405 ratings score: 14,494, and 158 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	The Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe 3.92 avg rating — 85,788 ratings score: 13,670, and 151 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 Book by Selden Edwards 3.75 avg rating — 5,005 ratings score: 13,384, and 138 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	East of Eden by John Steinbeck 4.43 avg rating — 610,670 ratings score: 13,338, 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
49	The Road by Cormac McCarthy really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 1,009,579 ratings score: 13,175, 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
50	All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque 4.10 avg rating — 508,683 ratings score: 13,155, and 140 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	The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath 4.05 avg rating — 1,170,861 ratings score: 13,134, and 145 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	Frankenstein: The 1818 Text by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley 3.89 avg rating — 1,786,909 ratings score: 12,987, and 143 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	The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls (Goodreads Author) 4.32 avg rating — 1,334,205 ratings score: 12,813, 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
54	The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry 4.33 avg rating — 2,397,729 ratings score: 12,798, 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
55	Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier 4.25 avg rating — 703,892 ratings score: 12,012, 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
56	Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand 3.69 avg rating — 403,803 ratings score: 12,000, and 134 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	The Club by Ellery Lloyd (Goodreads Author) 3.28 avg rating — 123,390 ratings score: 11,580, 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
58	Angela’s Ashes (Frank McCourt, #1) by Frank McCourt 4.15 avg rating — 652,776 ratings score: 11,111, 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
59	A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 757,259 ratings score: 10,958, 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
60	The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer 4.19 avg rating — 797,669 ratings score: 10,942, 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
61	The Pillars of the Earth (Kingsbridge, #1) by Ken Follett (Goodreads Author) 4.35 avg rating — 814,424 ratings score: 10,897, 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
62	One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest by Ken Kesey 4.20 avg rating — 770,672 ratings score: 10,663, 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
63	Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides 4.04 avg rating — 658,740 ratings score: 10,449, 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
64	No One Can Know by Kate Alice Marshall (Goodreads Author) 3.65 avg rating — 75,647 ratings score: 10,101, 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
65	Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe 3.92 avg rating — 240,255 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
66	Those Empty Eyes by Charlie Donlea (Goodreads Author) 4.16 avg rating — 80,608 ratings score: 10,005, 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
67	Emma by Jane Austen 4.05 avg rating — 957,483 ratings score: 10,003, 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	My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 1,266,855 ratings score: 10,001, and 113 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 Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 149,639 ratings score: 9,907, 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
70	Gray After Dark by Noelle W. Ihli (Goodreads Author) 4.20 avg rating — 88,424 ratings score: 9,830, 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	Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky 4.28 avg rating — 1,037,430 ratings score: 9,746, 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
72	The Da Vinci Code (Robert Langdon, #2) by Dan Brown (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 2,486,239 ratings score: 9,694, 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
73	Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (Goodreads Author) 4.01 avg rating — 1,189,811 ratings score: 9,613, 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
74	Think Twice (Myron Bolitar, #12) by Harlan Coben (Goodreads Author) 4.24 avg rating — 45,501 ratings score: 9,591, and 101 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 — 333,509 ratings score: 9,494, 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
76	The Girl in the Eagle's Talons (Millennium, #7) by Karin Smirnoff 3.42 avg rating — 18,558 ratings score: 9,429, 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
77	The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis really liked it 4.00 avg rating — 39,978 ratings score: 9,397, 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
78	Great Expectations by Charles Dickens 3.80 avg rating — 861,290 ratings score: 9,333, 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
79	The V Girl: A Coming of Age Story by Mya Robarts 3.96 avg rating — 16,749 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
80	One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez 4.12 avg rating — 1,078,649 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
81	Look Closer by David Ellis 4.17 avg rating — 131,240 ratings score: 9,133, and 96 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	Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli (Goodreads Author) 4.08 avg rating — 176,322 ratings score: 9,117, and 96 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	The Girl Who Was Taken by Charlie Donlea (Goodreads Author) 4.17 avg rating — 159,140 ratings score: 9,091, and 96 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	Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (Goodreads Author) 4.11 avg rating — 1,685,540 ratings score: 9,083, 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
85	What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall (Goodreads Author) 3.94 avg rating — 188,362 ratings score: 9,054, and 96 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	The Roommate by Kiersten Modglin (Goodreads Author) 3.78 avg rating — 12,653 ratings score: 9,028, and 95 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	The Holy Bible: King James Version by Anonymous (Type) 4.44 avg rating — 310,741 ratings score: 8,939, 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
88	Corrupt (Devil's Night, #1) by Penelope Douglas (Goodreads Author) 3.79 avg rating — 402,972 ratings score: 8,934, 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
89	Head Like a Hole by Andrew Van Wey (Goodreads Author) 3.85 avg rating — 5,785 ratings score: 8,930, 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
90	The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 3,462,429 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
91	Keep It in the Family by John Marrs (Goodreads Author) 4.07 avg rating — 213,102 ratings score: 8,791, 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	Captive in the Dark (The Dark Duet, #1) by C.J. Roberts (Goodreads Author) 3.93 avg rating — 74,752 ratings score: 8,671, 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
93	Killing Sarai (In the Company of Killers, #1) by J.A. Redmerski 4.08 avg rating — 32,687 ratings score: 8,645, 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
94	It Ain't Me, Babe (Hades Hangmen, #1) by Tillie Cole (Goodreads Author) 4.04 avg rating — 55,714 ratings score: 8,550, and 90 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	Consequences (Consequences, #1) by Aleatha Romig (Goodreads Author) 3.92 avg rating — 43,173 ratings score: 8,438, 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
96	The Red Tent by Anita Diamant (Goodreads Author) 4.20 avg rating — 625,931 ratings score: 8,359, and 96 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	Not Forever, But For Now by Chuck Palahniuk (Goodreads Author) 3.04 avg rating — 4,808 ratings score: 8,321, and 88 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	Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark, #1) by Pepper Winters (Goodreads Author) 3.99 avg rating — 42,157 ratings score: 8,223, and 87 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	A Winter Grave by Peter May (Goodreads Author) 4.06 avg rating — 9,217 ratings score: 8,153, 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
100	Truth (Consequences, #2) by Aleatha Romig (Goodreads Author) 4.34 avg rating — 32,551 ratings score: 8,134, 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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8,071 books · 5,779 voters · list created July 9th, 2011 by Jessica (votes) .

Tags: page-turners, social-justice

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Comments Showing 1-50 of 68 (68 new)

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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