Iconic books everyone should read at least once in their lives

The Handmaid's Tale isn't just a hit TV show - it's based on a book that comes VERY highly recommended. The story follows Offred, a woman trapped in a religious totalitarian state. Her only function in life is to breed or be killed. Read as Offred navigates through a terrifying landscape in order to build her future.

Dr Maya Angelou wrote six autobiographical books during her life and this is the first of that series. We learn about the author's childhood with her grandmother in the American south in the 1930s. It's a tough read, but ultimately it's incredibly uplifting.

The story follows the lives of the four March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy - and is thought to be based on the lives of the author and her three sisters. If you loved the latest film release, it's definitely worth getting the book.

PSA: Every woman should read this essay. Virginia Woolf takes a look at the way women have been neglected throughout history when it comes to education, social standing and financial independence. It's sure to get those brain juices flowing.

Chaos ensues when the regime of Nurse Ratched is disrupted by the troublesome McMurphy - a cocky prisoner who's moved to the facility in Oregon. He vows to overthrow the power in the establishment, bringing his fellow bunkmates along for the ride.

If you find yourself doing more worrying than anything else, this is the book for you. It'll help you to loosen up and think about things differently and many say it changed their lives.

Eat, Pray, Love follows the story of a woman who's given an all-expenses paid trip by her editor in order to find herself - the dream, right? Uplifting and inspiring, it might make you want to leave your life behind and go on an adventure.

This laugh-out-loud novel follows two drug-fuelled characters and their ridiculous adventures in Las Vegas. Loved the film? Check the book out.

Why do we choose to share our lives with the people we do? Wickedly funny, this book delves into break-ups, make-ups and what it means to be in love.

If you've ever felt like you're living in a 'Big Brother' society, this book will really stay with you. It centres around a world where a totalitarian regime makes for a depressing look into the future. The main character, Winston Smith, begins a secret love affair, but soon discovers the true price of freedom.

Jane Eyre is an orphan with a terribly sad story. But rising from the ashes, she endeavours to make something of her life, and eventually lands a great job, where she meets Mr. Rochester. Full of twists and turns, Jane Eyre is considered a masterpiece.

Many of us adored the Harry Potter books when we were children and still love the HP universe now. What better time to experience the magic of Hogwarts again than with the complete collection?

When Esther Greenwood wins an internship at a New York fashion magazine, she believes she will finally achieve her dreams. What follows, though, is a downward spiral with difficult relationships and a realisation that society will never recognise her ambitions.

The Blind Assassin describes a risky affair in the turbulent thirties between a wealthy young woman and a man on the run. The story twists and turns through love, sacrifice and betrayal. Filled with deep humour and dark drama, this novel is compelling and funny.

Pride and Prejudice has been remade more times than we can count - but that's because the story is so good. It follows the story of Mrs. Bennet and her insistence that her daughters find rich husbands and settle down.

This cult favourite is about a rebellious teenage boy who's struggling to find his place in society, deeply disgusted by the adult world and the "phonies" that surround him. A cult classic.

Captain Corelli's Mandolin can be quite difficult to get into, but persevere - it's brilliant once it picks up. It's a story involving the horrors of war, love, longing and a mandolin.

You've seen the film, now delve deep into the glitzy and glamorous world of West Egg and East Egg in the summer of 1922 - and the mysterious Jay Gatsby.

A book that's loved by many, you might have read this one while in school. It's absolutely worth giving it a read as an adult. The tale follows Atticus Finch, a lawyer who's defending a black man charged with the rape of a white girl. It will enrage and inspire you.

Wuthering Heights is easily one of the best-known novels of the last two centuries. It's a passionate story of the intense love between Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff, an abandoned child adopted by Catherine's father. After leaving Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff returns a wealthy man and seeks his revenge on the people there.

A group of young boys find themselves alone on a deserted island - what can go wrong? You'll just have to read it and find out.

Head back to the roots of the hilarious film with the original book. Once you're done with this one, don't forget Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Bridget Jones's Baby.