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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
The books we encounter as part of our educational curriculum do more than just fill our heads with facts and figures; they challenge our perspectives, stir our emotions and inspire our aspirations. Many of which resonate with us beyond the classroom. Books like, “Too Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Grapes of Wrath,” among others, are ones that, even beyond schooling, we can’t help but pick back up, dive back in and rediscover all the stories and messages of these timeless tales.
From analytical thinking to empathetic understanding, the books designated as required reading in colleges or universities can serve as critical tools in helping prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of college life and beyond.
As a Christian institution, Grand Canyon University also recognizes the profound impact of the Bible, the most read and arguably the most influential book in human history, which continues to guide and enlighten millions in their personal and educational journeys. While this article focuses on required readings in school curriculums, the Bible's omnipresence in the lives of many cannot be understated, underscoring its unique role in shaping moral and ethical discourse worldwide.
At GCU, we understand literature's role in a student’s life. In fact, our students make extensive use of our library’s resources, both online through the database and in person on our Phoenix campus. That’s why our literary curiosity was piqued. We wanted to know which college-required reading books are the most popular across the country.
We analyzed a combination of Goodreads and Google Trends data to determine the most popular required reading books overall, based on ratings from Goodreads reviews and geographical search trends.1,2 Keep reading to see what we found.
Our investigation reveals a fascinating look at college reading across the U.S., with classics and contemporary masterpieces capturing the minds and curiosities of students in various states.
Among these literary jewels, "Dracula" emerges as a dark horse, reigning supreme in six different states — Alaska, Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, New Mexico and West Virginia. Bram Stoker’s timeless masterpiece of Gothic literature enthralls readers with its haunting tale of the vampire count's quest from Transylvania to England and his battle with Van Helsing.3 Its themes of mystery and horror could reflect an enduring fascination with the supernatural and the complexities of good versus evil — themes that resonate deeply in today's cultural landscape.
"Macbeth: Moment by Moment" and "The Road" also carve out their niches, each dominating in several states. The former, a detailed exploration of Shakespeare's tragedy, captivates students in Hawaii, Nevada, Rhode Island and South Carolina with its timeless examination of ambition and fate.4 Its detailed storyline makes Shakespeare's work accessible and relevant, engaging students with timeless questions of power and morality.
Meanwhile, "The Road," Cormac McCarthy's portrayal of a post-apocalyptic journey, resonates with readers in Colorado, Maine and New Hampshire, possibly reflecting contemporary concerns about survival and the essence of humanity. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel paints a bleak yet touching story of a father and son's journey through a post-apocalyptic world.5,6 Its stark depiction of love amidst desolation resonates deeply, offering profound reflections on hope and resilience.
The diversity of required reading in higher education encompasses a wide array of genres and eras. From the dystopian insights of "1984" in California to the haunting introspection of "The Diary of a Young Girl" in Arkansas, the selections mirror the varied landscapes of human experience and thought.7,8 "The Odyssey," a foundational epic of Western literature, finds its place in Georgia, Indiana, Michigan and Virginia, suggesting an ongoing appreciation for stories of adventure, exploration and the quest for home.9
The broad spectrum of search interest in school reading books showcases the profound impact of literature on education and culture. Through these texts, students can embark on a journey that extends beyond the classroom into the spaces of critical thinking, empathy and a lifelong love of reading.
To identify the most popular required school reading books, we analyzed common college reading books, according to Goodreads.1 We collected the average star rating out of a possible 5 and the number of reviewers for each title. From there, we were able to rank the titles, according to the star ratings of readers.
To explore the most popular college-required reading book in every U.S. state, we evaluated Google Trends search interest over the past 12 months (March 2023 to March 2024) for each title.2 We used high search interest as an indicator of popularity.
Google assigns a value from 0 to 100 to each search term, reflecting its frequency compared to all other searches in a region, with 100 indicating the highest popularity. Through this approach, we can uncover the relative popularity of different search terms across states. This allows us to identify which search terms are more consistently popular in certain areas compared to others.
Of course, no one knows the quality of a book better than the readers themselves. That's why we wanted to delve into the titles that have resonated most deeply with their audiences, according to Goodreads.1 This platform, a hub for book lovers, offers a unique lens into the books that captivate and leave a lasting impact on their readers.
Topping the charts with a 4.56 out of a possible five stars, "The Return of the King," the final installment in J.R.R. Tolkien’s "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, concludes an epic journey that speaks to courage, loyalty and the power of hope.10 Students often find themselves drawn into the moral weight of choices made under immense pressure, discovering through characters like Frodo and Sam that perseverance can lead to a better, more just world.
With a 4.43 rating, Khaled Hosseini’s "A Thousand Splendid Suns" immerses readers in the emotional landscape of two Afghan women bound together by tragedy and love.11 Its portrayal of resilience amid oppression sparks deep conversations about compassion, cultural understanding and the courage it takes to endure hardship. Students encountering this story can gain a stronger appreciation for the strength and dignity found in everyday acts of survival.
“The Fellowship of the Ring,” the opening chapter of Tolkien’s trilogy, holds a 4.39 rating and continues to engage readers with its blend of myth, adventure and moral complexity.12 Rather than focusing on mighty warriors, it emphasizes everyday individuals stepping up to confront darkness. By doing so, it nurtures discussions in the classroom about friendship, integrity and the idea that heroism can emerge from the most unexpected places.
Earning a 4.37 rating, Elie Wiesel’s memoir "Night" is a sober reflection on one of history’s darkest chapters.13 By recounting his experiences in the Holocaust, Wiesel underscores the importance of bearing witness, reminding readers that understanding the past is a responsibility we all share. This book often leads students to grapple with ethical questions, the fragility of humanity and the vital need to remember and learn from our collective history.
"The Kite Runner," rated 4.34, takes readers from Afghanistan to the United States in an intimate exploration of guilt, redemption and the fragile nature of childhood bonds.14 Khaled Hosseini’s storytelling invites students to wrestle with the complexities of personal responsibility, forgiveness and cultural identity. In doing so, it encourages a depth of empathy and understanding that resonates far beyond the final page.
Each of these books, clearly beloved by readers, stands as a testament to the power of literature to enlighten, challenge and transform. Through their pages, we find not only entertainment but also a deeper understanding of the human condition, the injustices of our societies, and the potential for hope and renewal in the face of daunting challenges.
Educators understand the value of these stories and know that including books such as these in college-required reading lists can help expose students to important themes, encourage critical thinking and foster empathy and understanding of complex social issues, which they can take with them through life.
Our article highlighting the popularity and ratings of college reading illustrates the expansive literary tastes and preferences that captivate students and readers across the U.S. This journey through literature exhibits the profound impact that storytelling has on our overall outlook on life.
At GCU, fostering a love for reading and an appreciation for diverse perspectives is at the heart of our educational mission. The array of books we highlighted — from the sweeping heroism of "The Return of the King" to the powerful personal reflections in "Night" — reflects the rich spectrum of human experience and the countless ways literature can challenge, inspire and enlighten us.
These books represent the height of creative and intellectual achievement, echoing the values of perseverance, insight and exploration that are central to our academic community. Their themes of justice, resilience and exploration across realms both real and imagined resonate with the ethos of GCU, serving as a beacon for what is possible when talent and tenacity converge. From the characters to the storylines, there are many facets to these books that leave lasting impressions and serve as examples of life lessons that young adults can take with them beyond college.
This list of “College Required Reading Books” is set by Goodreads since, historically, these are books covered by educators. For those interested in exploring these works further, the College of Education at GCU offers numerous opportunities to engage with classic and contemporary literature in an educational setting.
Feeling inspired to dive deeper? Explore our liberal arts degree programs to help nurture your creative skills and knowledge as you progress in your career journey. From professional writing to English, or even screenwriting and journalism, your journey to literary attainment can begin here.
GCU offers various degree programs for avid readers; or, consider adding a literature minor to your major to help broaden your resume.
