10 Books Every Reader Should Have on Their Kindle Right Now

There is something satisfying about a Kindle library that feels curated. Not a dumping ground for every free download you have ever grabbed, but a collection that reflects who you are as a reader: the stories you loved, the ideas that shifted something, and the books you keep going back to.

These are the ten that earn a permanent spot.

1. A Timeless Literary Novel

One you can return to in different seasons of your life. Normal People by Sally Rooney, or A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara if you are ready for it, and heads up on that one: it goes to very dark places and does not let up. The highlight and note function is where the Kindle earns its keep for this kind of reading.

2. A Long, Immersive Fantasy

For the long flight, the rainy weekend, the week of leave. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss or The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson are the kind of books that make you forget where you are, in the good way.

3. A Brilliant Memoir

The part of the library where you keep the books that make you feel less alone. Educated by Tara Westover, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, Know My Name by Chanel Miller.

4. A Book That Changed How You Think

Everyone has one. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari does it for a lot of people. So does Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. Keep it so you can go back to the parts that mattered.

5. A Novel That Made You Cry

There is honour in this. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, an Australian classic, or Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. The ones you pressed into someone's hands saying you have to read this.

6. A Classic You Have Always Meant to Read

The Kindle is genuinely brilliant here, because most classics are free through Project Gutenberg. Jane Eyre, Pride and Prejudice, Crime and Punishment. Pick the one you have been avoiding and let it sit there until the mood arrives. Our list of free Kindle e-books you can download today is a good place to start.

7. A Thriller You Can Read in One Sitting

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. For the nights you want to be gripped. If you subscribe, there are more in our thriller and mystery reads on Kindle Unlimited.

8. A Book About Reading Itself

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is the obvious one, but also 84 Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. Books about books have a warmth that is hard to describe. They feel like reading about your own people.

9. Something by an Author You Have Not Tried

Keep one. Australian writers are a good place to start if you have not: Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton is a magnificent way in.

10. Your Re-Read

Every reader has one. Whatever yours is, keep it on the device. There is something steadying about knowing it is always there.

A Library That Feels Like Yours

The whole point of reading on a Kindle is that the library comes with you. Always in the bag, always ready. Worth keeping it tidy, too, and a few of the tricks in our Kindle tips guide will save you every scroll after it.

And the device that holds all of it may as well be one you like picking up. Browse the Kindle case range.