Book Recommendations for Beginners: Where to Start Your Reading Journey

If you’re new to reading, welcome!

There’s no better time to begin than right now.

Reading strengthens your mind the way exercise strengthens your body. It sharpens your language skills, deepens your thinking, boosts your creativity, and helps you understand the world and yourself better. Whether you're looking to improve your focus, find an escape, or just want to build a new habit, the right book can make all the difference.

But where should you start? With thousands of books available, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated this beginner-friendly list to get you started. These books are engaging, easy to follow, and impossible to forget.

Let’s dive in.

1. Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

A modern classic. Even if you’ve seen the films, the books offer a deeper and more magical experience. Follow Harry, Ron, and Hermione through seven years at Hogwarts as they discover the world of magic, face impossible odds, and grow up together.

Fantasy, Coming-of-Age

2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Greek mythology meets modern adventure in this fast-paced, witty series. Percy Jackson discovers he's a demigod and must navigate quests, gods, and monsters—all while trying to save the world.

Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult

3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

A literary staple for a reason. Told from the perspective of Scout Finch, this novel unpacks racial injustice, moral growth, and childhood in the American South. It’s thought-provoking, emotional, and unforgettable.

Classic, Historical Fiction

4. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

This novel captures the voice of teenage rebellion like no other. Through Holden Caulfield’s wandering thoughts and sharp observations, it explores themes of alienation, identity, and growing up.

Classic, Psychological Fiction

5. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Set in Kabul and later in America, this emotional story explores friendship, betrayal, and redemption. It offers a gripping glimpse into Afghanistan’s recent history and is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Historical Fiction, Drama

6. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

The powerful real-life diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish teenager hiding from the Nazis. It offers insight into life during the Holocaust and is a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

Memoir, History

7. Atomic Habits by James Clear

A beginner-friendly self-help book that actually works. Learn how to build good habits, break bad ones, and rewire your systems for lifelong growth.

Self-Help, Productivity

8. Ek Sarko Maya by G.S. Poudel

A gripping contemporary Nepali novel about love, addiction, and psychological unraveling. This book keeps you guessing until the very end.

Nepali Fiction, Thriller

9. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Step into the glittering world of 1920s New York. This short but rich novel explores love, loss, and the illusions of wealth through the enigmatic Jay Gatsby.

Classic, Tragedy

10. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

A deeply moving memoir by a neurosurgeon diagnosed with terminal cancer. It’s an exploration of purpose, mortality, and the question—what makes life worth living?

Memoir, Philosophy, Medicine

Bonus Pick: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne

A beginner-friendly introduction to the law of attraction and the power of positive thinking. This book can spark mindset shifts that influence how you live and think.

Self-Help, Spirituality

These are just a few of the books that can help you fall in love with reading. Whether you’re looking for magic, mystery, self-growth, or deep emotional stories, there’s something here to get you started.

We’ll keep adding more beginner guides and book lists on our blog to help you find the right reads at the right time. You can also check out our bestsellers, new arrivals, or curated staff picks to explore further.

Browse our full catalog of over 50,000 titles at Books Mandala.