Indie books are independent publications created by non-traditional authors, such as self-publishers. These books have been growing in popularity and gaining recognition in recent years, as more writers are driven to make their own voices heard amid the ever-growing array of mainstream mainstream literature.
Today, readers have access to an abundance of extraordinary indie books that have the potential to ignite new passions, or simply provide an unforgettable experience of storytelling. The following are some of the greatest indie books of all time, each representing a unique, captivating writing style and compelling book-reading journey.
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Life of Pi is an adventure story about a young boy, Pi Patel, who survives a journey by shipwreck and becomes stranded on a lifeboat for 227 days with a Bengal tiger. This Booker Prize-winning novel has become one of the world’s most popular indie titles, selling more than 15 million copies to date. A unique blend of philosophy, spirituality, and adventure, this epic tale of survival and resilience is considered one of the essential works of modern literature.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The Bell Jar is a scathing, semi-autobiographical coming of age novel by the late poet Sylvia Plath. Originally published under a pseudonym, this novel explores themes of depression, desperation, and ambition. It’s a devastating account of a young woman’s descent into darkness, and a powerful exploration of the effects of society’s expectations on a young woman’s psyche. This book has been hailed by many as a literary masterpiece, and is consistently listed as one of the greatest indie books of all time.
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
Lolita is an intricate and controversial novel by Russian-born author Vladimir Nabokov. Told from the point of view of a middle-aged scholar, Humbert Humbert, this novel chronicles his obsession and eventual relationship with his 12-year-old stepdaughter, Lolita. This book is not only a reflection of the depths of depravity and darkness within human nature, but a study of the power of obsession, language, and memory. It remains one of the most talked-about, and controversial, indie books of all time.
The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus by Richard Preston
The Hot Zone is a non-fiction book by science and technology writer Richard Preston that chronicles an outbreak of the ebola virus within the United States in 1989. Preston is known for his ability to use vivid and compelling language to craft tales of science and nature, and this book is no exception. It’s an incredibly gripping and eye-opening look at the Ebola virus, and is considered one of the great non-fiction indie books of all time.
A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
A Confederacy of Dunces is a hilarious novel about a 30-year-old man who is searching for his purpose in life amidst the insanity of New Orleans. One of the most popular novels of the twentieth century, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel captures the unique humor and distinct atmosphere of the city. Through its intoxicating chaos and unsettling atmosphere, this book can be deeply affecting and surprisingly moving.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is a classic novel by J.D. Salinger, originally published in 1951. It follows Holden Caulfield, a disaffected teenaged outsider, as he wrestles with deeper issues of identity, the idea of growing up, and the meaning of life. This book has become an icon of modern literature, and its influence can still be felt in today’s cultural landscape.
The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway
The Old Man and the Sea is a novella by Ernest Hemingway that follows an elderly Cuban fisherman’s epic battle against a giant marlin. This story is widely considered to be Hemingway’s masterpiece, and it is widely revered for its spare and profound prose. This book offers an inspiring exploration of human dignity and determination in the face of adversity.
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Slaughterhouse-Five is a science fiction-tinged novel by Kurt Vonnegut inspired by his own experience in World War II. This novel follows the journey of Billy Pilgrim, a soldier fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, as he navigates his way through time and space in search of his own identity. The book contains elements of war and extraterrestrial life, but at its heart it is a complex exploration of ideas such as free will and the human experience.
The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje
The Cat’s Table is a lyrical and thought-provoking novel by Michael Ondaatje about an 11-year-old boy on a three-week sea voyage from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to England. The story revolves around the boy’s experiences on the ship, but it also tackles larger themes of identity, love, and loss. With its exquisite writing and captivating characters, this book is an unforgettable journey that resonates with readers from all walks of life.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Road is a post-apocalyptic novel by Cormac McCarthy that follows a father and son as they make their way across a barren landscape in search of a safe haven. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel has been praised for its emotionally charged narrative and its examination of themes such as courage, compassion, and hope in the darkest of times. An incredibly moving book, The Road is universally recognized as one of the greatest indie books of all time.
From heartbreaking stories to thrilling adventures, these ten books represent some of the greatest indie books of all time. They are each masterpieces in their own right, and are designed to inspire, delight, and challenge the reader. Whether you’re looking for something to read for pleasure or for something to spark creative thought, the above books are all sure to provide an unforgettable journey that you won’t soon forget.
