20 books you must read as an academic

The nasty question about hobbies usually comes very unexpectedly. At job interviews, chatting with fellow students or at family reunions. “Reading” is the classic answer. But what happens when a heated literary discussion breaks out and the last book you read is called “5 Friends”? To exude intellect and skillfully incorporate literary quotations into all conversations, our top 20 book recommendations will help. If you are interested, we will link either to the book or to the free audio book from Audible, which you can access as part of the also free test phase.

1. "The Bible" >>

One of the most beautiful fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.

2. "Buddenbrooks" by Thomas Mann >>

768 pages of concentrated suspense about the decline of a merchant family. The description of the threshold between the hall and kitchen floor can easily take up 10 pages. Now read yourself into a vegetative state. Our audio book fans don't have to miss this book either. You can listen to Buddenbrooks completely free on Audible with a trial month .

3. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho >>

Oriental wisdom encourages you to make your life's dream come true. True to this motto: Life is a tough nut to crack that can't be cracked between two soft pillows. You can also listen to this book completely free on Audible .

4. "Ulysses" by James Joyce >>

In a whopping 18 chapters you accompany an advertising agent through Dublin. Have fun with your literary journey through South Africa. James Joyce's "Ulysses" is available as an audio book here.

5. "Faust" by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe >>

The most cited work in German literature. To read or not to read is the question here. Oh no, that was Hamlet.

6. “Social Theory and Cultural Criticism” by Theodor W. Adorno

... and the left alternatives are happy!

7. "The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka >>

A man wakes up one morning as a beetle - world literature! A must-have as a wallpaper base in any room that needs renovation!

8. "Kamasutra" by Vatsyayana Mallanaga >>

Should also be found hidden behind encyclopedias in every academic household. Because from time to time you have to turn off your head and just fuck hot!

9. "1984" by George Orwell >>

This work always manages to establish a current connection to reality. Of course you can also listen to this bestseller on Audible for free .

10. "The Steppenwolf" by Herrmann Hesse >>

Perfect for the waiting room of your trusted therapist. Then go to the treatment room, lie on your back and tell us how you and your 8 other manic-depressive personalities are doing. As a book or audio book , whatever you prefer, we have both.

11. "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway >>

Please don't think of the Hemingway Sour first. Anyone who immediately associates the American writer with an alcoholic drink should read his work immediately! This is about an epic fight between a fisherman and a marlin.

12. "Wetlands" by Charlotte Roche >>

A “slimy spotting” is an alliteration and therefore a literary device.

13. “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoyevsky >>

A novel about a penniless student who, in his delusion, commits a double murder. Could also be your biography, right?

14. "Effi Briest" by Theodor Fontane >>

Novel for the reality documentary “Mitten im Leben”.

The book is also available as a free audio book .

15. "War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy >>

One of the most important works of world literature. Anyone who has actually read the 1536 pages can join the circle of intellectuals!

16. "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith >>

Highly recommended for sociology students. This way you can at least score points in one area.

We also have the perfect offer for students with little time. On Blinkist you will find a summary of the reading with all the important information for reading and listening.

17. "Disgust" by Jean-Paul Sartre >>

Antoine Roquentin tries to get to the bottom of his increasing disgust for things and people. The visions are still explosive today!

18. "The Discovery of Slowness" by Sten Nadolny >>

Highly recommended for students who are at risk of burnout!

19. "Whatever You Want" by William Shakespeare >>

Don't we all love the good old poet? Actually, every one of his works should be listed here. In “What You Want” a girl takes on the role of her twin brother. Funny, charming and with a happy ending!

20. "Nothing new in the West" by Erich Maria Remarque >>

Fear, cold, dehumanization – the First World War. A scenario on the Western Front. A book for strong minds.

What else might interest you:

• Interested, but not that much time? Here are 10 abstracts of literary classics that you must read !
• Blinkist currently has an unbeatable student discount offer: 20% off all of their non-fiction summaries - there's no easier way to get through your studies
• These are the topics for 2022: Top 10 books for your general knowledge, read now!

Which books of world literature should you know? We'll tell you!