Must-Have Bedside Books Every Avid Reader Should Own

For any avid reader, finding new book recommendations is a never-ending activity. Whether fiction, memoirs, or timeless classics, they each present an exciting, unique opportunity to experience a beautiful piece of art. 

With new novels being published daily, finding the perfect book just for you can become overwhelming. However, regardless of personal preference, some published works have become universal favorites, proving to be the ideal choice for your bedside table. Some notables not mentioned in the following article include spiritual works like Bibles, the Qur’an, the Hindu Gita, and more–these are great texts to have at the bedside to provide inner peace and strengthen the values you hold dear. 

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse – Charlie Mackesy

Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in this beautifully profound illustrated story about four unusual friends who explore kindness, bravery, love, and friendship. A curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox and a wise horse find themselves together in unfamiliar and, at times, rugged terrain.

They share stories through their adventures, exploring their greatest fears and most significant discoveries. Appearing on the bestsellers list for the New York Times, the WSJ and USA Today, it is perfect for all ages hoping to learn some important life lessons. 

The Four Agreements – Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements, written by Don Miguel Ruiz, a former doctor turned spiritual guide, is a 1997 classic depicting four simple yet immensely profound lessons taken from Toltec Wisdom that will change your life. 

A testament to its popularity, it stayed on the New York Times bestseller list for decades. As life gets more and more complicated, you will find yourself returning to this incredible book’s insights and wisdom. 

The Shack – William P. Young

William P.Young, the Canadian author of The Shack, initially wrote the novel to explain the mysteries of God to his six children. It follows the story of Mackenzie Allen Phillips, whose youngest daughter was abducted on a family vacation, with evidence pointing to her murder in an abandoned shack. 

Four years on, in the midst of grief and sadness, he receives a letter supposedly from God inviting him back to his biggest nightmare. Once he returns, his life is forever changed. Publishers initially rejected the book several times before Young self-published it in 2007. It has since become a bestseller with a movie adaptation. 

The Nightingale – Kristin Hannah

Published in 2015, The Nightingale follows two sisters who struggle to survive in a war-torn, occupied France during World War II. Vianne has said goodbye to her husband, who is heading to the front, while she has to protect her daughter when the invading Nazis requisition their home. 

Elsewhere, her younger sister, a rebellious 18-year-old, is looking for a purpose in a world that is quickly falling into chaos. She eventually joins the Resistance after suffering deep betrayal, risking it all to save the lives of others. Although separated by years, experiences, ideals and circumstances, this gripping novel depicts a lesser-known part of history: the women’s war. 

Tuesdays with Morrie – Mitch Albom

This 1997 classic memoir was penned by Mitch Albom, who spent several Tuesdays visiting his favorite college professor, Morrie Schwartz, who was battling Lou Gehrig’s disease. During their time together, Schwartz offered Albom many essential lessons in life. 

The novel has since sold over 18 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 48 languages. It is one of the bestselling memoirs in the history of publishing and is a wonderful read for book lovers of all ages. 

Maame – Jessica George

Jessica George perfectly writes about the joy and guilt felt when you step away from your responsibilities and choose a path of self-discovery in life. Maame tells the story of Maddie, who is the primary caretaker for her father, a man who has advanced-stage Parkinson’s. 

Aside from her duties at home, she has to deal with a nightmare boss and being the only person of color at her company. But, through her late-blooming and self-realization, Maddie discovers she has to be a voice for herself, her ambitions, wants and needs. 

The Red Tent – Anita Diamant

 The Red Tent is a 1997 work of fiction inspired by biblical literature, allowing women to take the lead as the storytellers and protagonists. It begins with Dinah, the sole daughter of Jacob, who believes she must tell the story of herself and her mother to stop them from being forgotten. 

The story focuses on women, their everyday lives and their monthly meetings in the red tent. You will be treated to the history, traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood in a male-dominated society. 

We All Want Impossible Things – Catherine Newman

This Catherine Newman novel is an emotional yet uplifting and wonderfully inspiring tale about the power of friendship. Although heartbreak is a dominant theme in this 2022 bestseller, it depicts the joy of friendship between two women, Edi and Ash, who have shared a friendship spanning 42 years. 

Their bond has carried them through marriages, heartbreak, infertility and raising children. But now the unthinkable has happened, Edi is losing her battle with ovarian cancer. During their last days together, they reminisce over their years with unquestionable compassion, wicked humor and timeless wisdom.