10 Books People Claim to Have Read to Sound Cool

"1984" by George Orwell

This dystopian classic is widely discussed, but many never make it past the first few pages.

"Ulysses" by James Joyce

Hailed as a masterpiece of modernist literature, it's notorious for its complexity and length.

"War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy

A monumental novel about Russian society, but its size alone scares off many readers.

"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald

A tale of the Jazz Age and the American Dream, it's often discussed more than actually read.

"Moby Dick" by Herman Melville

A dense tale of obsession and revenge, it’s more quoted than truly understood.

"Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen

This romantic classic is beloved but is often skimmed or watched on-screen instead of read.

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

A favorite among intellectuals, but not everyone resonates with Holden Caulfield's angst.

"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

Its philosophical themes attract many readers, though some claim they read it for its trendy appeal.

"The Divine Comedy" by Dante Alighieri

This epic poem is famous but challenging to read without deep historical knowledge.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee

This classic is often praised but not always revisited after school days.