Best Books To Read For Students in 2025 in 5 Different Genre

Best Books To Read For Students- Books have always been an important part of a student’s education as they provide knowledge, motivation, and insights into many kinds of sectors of life. The perfect book can have a lasting effect, whether it is for academic or personal development or even for the enjoyment of an engaging tale. The following is the list of the top 10 books to read for students in 2025, arranged according to different kinds of genre and interests.

Table of Contents

1. Self-Help & Personal Development

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Overview

Focus: The book explores how small, consistent habits can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
Key Idea: Clear introduces the concept of “atomic habits”—tiny, incremental changes that compound over time to produce remarkable results.
4 Laws of Behavior Change:
1. Make it obvious: Clear cues to trigger the desired habit.
2. Make it attractive: Create a positive association with the habit.
3. Make it easy: Break down the habit into small steps.
4. Make it satisfying: Ensure immediate rewards to reinforce the habit.
Practical Tips: Includes strategies like habit stacking, environment design, and tracking progress for success.
Price: $13

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The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

Overview

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Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck

Overview

Focus: Explores the power of mindset in shaping success in personal and professional life.
Key Idea: People adopt one of two mindsets:
1. Fixed Mindset: Belief that abilities and intelligence are static, leading to avoidance of challenges and fear of failure.
2. Growth Mindset: Belief that abilities can be developed through effort, learning, and persistence.
Core Message: Embracing a growth mindset fosters resilience, learning, and personal improvement, unlocking potential in areas like education, relationships, and business.
Practical Application: Offers actionable advice for shifting to a growth mindset and cultivating it in children, teams, and organizations.
Price: priced between $12 and $20 for paperback; hardcover editions may cost more depending on the retailer.

This insightful book is ideal for anyone looking to unlock their potential and transform challenges into opportunities for growth.
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Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins

Overview

Focus: A raw and inspiring memoir about overcoming extreme adversity and unlocking one’s true potential through mental toughness and self-discipline.
Author’s Journey: David Goggins shares his transformation from an overweight, bullied young man to a Navy SEAL, ultra-endurance athlete, and motivational figure.
Key Lessons:
1. The Accountability Mirror: Face the truth about yourself and hold yourself accountable for change.
2. Callusing Your Mind: Push through discomfort to build resilience and strength.
3. The 40% Rule: When you think you’re done, you’ve only tapped into 40% of your true capacity.
4. Purpose Over Pain: Use past struggles as fuel to achieve greatness.
Interactive Challenge: Each chapter ends with a challenge to help readers apply Goggins’ principles in their own lives.
Price: Generally ranges from $12 to $25 for paperback and hardcover editions, with audiobook and eBook options also available.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to conquer their limits and achieve extraordinary results through sheer grit and determination.
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Think Like A Monk by Jay Shetty

Overview

Focus: A practical guide to achieving peace, purpose, and fulfillment by applying timeless wisdom from monkhood to modern life.
Author’s Journey: Jay Shetty draws on his experiences as a monk to share insights on living a meaningful and balanced life.
Key Themes:
1. Identity: Learn to detach from external expectations and discover your authentic self.
2. Negativity: Manage negative thoughts and relationships through mindfulness and compassion.
3. Purpose: Align actions with your values and find fulfillment in service to others.
4. Routine: Build effective daily habits, including meditation, gratitude, and intention setting.
5. Resilience: Embrace challenges and setbacks as opportunities for growth.
Actionable Advice: The book includes practical exercises and techniques for self-reflection and mindfulness.
Price: Priced between $15 and $25 for paperback and hardcover editions, with eBook and audiobook formats also available.

This inspiring book is perfect for anyone looking to find calm, clarity, and purpose in today’s fast-paced world.
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2. Fiction

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Overview

Genre: Classic American literature, fiction, drama.
Setting: The racially segregated town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s.
Plot: The story is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl, as she and her brother, Jem, navigate childhood under the guidance of their father, Atticus Finch. Atticus, a lawyer, defends a Black man, Tom Robinson, falsely accused of assaulting a white woman, exposing the deep racial injustices in their community.
Themes:
1. Racial Injustice: Explores prejudice and inequality in the legal system.
2. Moral Growth: Chronicles the development of empathy and understanding in the young protagonists.
3. Courage and Integrity: Highlights standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition.
Awards: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1961).
Price: Ranges between $10 and $18 for paperback editions, with hardcover and special editions costing more.

This timeless novel explores morality, justice, and humanity, making it essential reading for all ages.
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1984 by George Orwell

Overview

Genre: A story about a dark future with no freedom.
Setting: A place called Oceania, ruled by a harsh leader called Big Brother.
Plot: Winston Smith, the main character, works for the government changing facts to fit their lies. He starts to hate the rules and secretly fights for freedom, but the cost is very high.
Key Ideas:
1. Power: Shows what happens when the government has all the control.
2. Spying: Talks about how watching people all the time takes away their freedom.
3. Truth: Explains how lies can replace facts when people are forced to believe them.
4. Choice: The fight between doing what’s right and following the crowd.
Famous Ideas: Words like Big Brother, Thoughtcrime, and Newspeak come from this book.
Price: Costs about $8 to $15 for paper versions; special ones cost more.

This is a powerful book about the danger of losing freedom and truth, still important today.
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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Overview

Genre: Classic American story, drama, romance.
Setting: 1920s America, in the wealthy towns of West Egg and East Egg, New York.
Plot: The story is told by Nick Carraway, who moves next door to Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire. Gatsby throws big parties to get the attention of Daisy Buchanan, a woman he loves but who is married. The story shows their lives full of secrets, dreams, and heartbreak.
Key Ideas:
1. The American Dream: Shows how people chase success and happiness but may never find it.
2. Love and Obsession: Explores how love can turn into longing and control.
3. Class Divides: Talks about the rich and poor and the gap between them.
4. Loss: A story about dreams that don’t come true.
Famous Symbol: The green light across the bay, representing unreachable dreams.
Price: Costs about $8 to $15 for paperback editions, with fancier versions costing more.

This book is a moving tale of love, wealth, and the search for meaning in life.

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The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

Overview

Genre: Coming-of-age story, drama.
Setting: 1950s America, mostly in New York City.
Plot: The story is about Holden Caulfield, a teenager who leaves his school and spends a few days in New York. He struggles with growing up, feeling lonely, and finding meaning in a world he sees as fake.
Key Ideas:
1. Growing Up: Talks about the fear of losing innocence.
2. Loneliness: Shows the struggle of feeling alone and misunderstood.
3. Rebellion: Explores rejecting rules and norms.
4. Searching for Truth: Holden looks for honesty in people and life.
Famous Symbol: The “catcher in the rye,” which represents protecting children from growing up too fast.
Price: Usually costs $8 to $15 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions costing more.

This book is a deep look at teenage struggles and the search for identity, making it a timeless favorite.
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Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Overview

Genre: Historical fiction, family drama.
Setting: Korea and Japan, spanning the early 1900s to the late 20th century.
Plot: The story follows four generations of a Korean family living in Japan. It begins with Sunja, a young woman who faces hardship after becoming pregnant by a wealthy man. She marries another man and moves to Japan, where her family struggles with poverty, discrimination, and finding their identity in a foreign land.
Key Ideas:
1. Family and Sacrifice: Explores the sacrifices parents make for their children.
2. Identity and Belonging: Shows the challenges of being treated as outsiders in another country.
3. Resilience: Highlights the strength of people who endure hardship and build better lives.
4. Hope and Legacy: A story about survival and the desire to leave something meaningful for the next generation.
Symbol: Pachinko, a gambling game, represents luck, struggle, and survival.
Price: Costs about $12 to $20 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions priced higher.

This powerful story of love, loss, and resilience is perfect for readers who enjoy deep family sagas.
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3. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Overview

Genre: Non-fiction, history, anthropology.
Setting: Covers the history of human beings from the Stone Age to the present day.
Plot: The book explores the story of humankind, focusing on how Homo sapiens became the dominant species on Earth. Harari discusses key events like the Cognitive Revolution, the Agricultural Revolution, and the Scientific Revolution, showing how these changes shaped societies, economies, and the environment.
Key Ideas:
1. Human Evolution: Explains how Homo sapiens evolved and became the most powerful species.
2. Culture and Society: Discusses how myths, religions, and ideologies have shaped human societies.
3. Science and Technology: Examines the impact of scientific advancements on human life.
4. The Future: Looks at the potential future of humanity with technology and genetic engineering.
Famous Concept: The idea that humans create shared myths to cooperate in large groups.
Price: Usually priced between $12 and $20 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions available at higher prices.

This thought-provoking book is perfect for anyone curious about the history of humanity and where we might be heading.
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A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking

Overview

Genre: Non-fiction, science, cosmology.
Setting: Covers topics in the universe, space, and time.
Plot: Stephen Hawking explores complex concepts about the universe, including the Big Bang, black holes, and the nature of time. The book explains scientific ideas in simple terms, aiming to make them accessible to everyone, even if they don’t have a background in science.
Key Ideas:
1. The Beginning of the Universe: Discusses the origins of the universe and the Big Bang theory.
2. Black Holes: Explains what black holes are and how they work.
3. Time and Space: Talks about how time and space are connected and the theory of relativity.
4. Theories of Everything: Examines the search for a unified theory that can explain all the forces of nature.
Famous Concept: The idea of time having no beginning or end in a closed universe.
Price: Typically priced between $10 and $20 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions costing more.

This groundbreaking book is perfect for readers who want to learn about the universe in an easy-to-understand way,

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Homo Deus by Yuval Noah Harari

Overview

Genre: Non-fiction, philosophy, future studies.
Setting: Looks into the future of humanity as we advance through technology and science.
Plot: In this book, Harari explores what the future might hold for humans as we move beyond survival to the pursuit of higher goals like immortality, happiness, and god-like abilities. He discusses how advancements in technology, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology could shape our future and change what it means to be human.
Key Ideas:
1. The New Human Agenda: Explores how humans may seek to enhance themselves through technology and biological advancements.
2. Artificial Intelligence: Looks at the impact of AI and machine learning on jobs, life, and society.
3. The Search for Immortality: Discusses the pursuit of eternal life and the power of biotechnology.
4. Humanism and Ethics: Examines the ethical dilemmas as humans move toward becoming “gods” with power over life and death.
Famous Concept: The idea that humans may one day be able to design their own evolution.
Price: Typically priced between $12 and $20 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions available at higher prices.

This book is perfect for readers interested in the future of humanity, technology, and the ethical questions surrounding our quest for god-like powers.
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Cosmos by Carl Sagan

Overview

Genre: Non-fiction, science, astronomy.
Setting: Explores the universe, its history, and our place within it.
Plot: Carl Sagan takes readers on a journey through space and time, explaining the wonders of the universe, from the birth of stars to the possibility of life on other planets. He also discusses human history, scientific progress, and the importance of understanding our place in the cosmos.
Key Ideas:
1. The Universe: Explains the vastness of space, the evolution of stars, galaxies, and the nature of time.
2. Science and Exploration: Highlights the importance of scientific discovery and human curiosity.
3. Life and Intelligence: Discusses the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe and the search for intelligent life.
4. Our Responsibility: Emphasizes the need to take care of our planet and make informed decisions for the future.
Famous Concept: The idea of the “Pale Blue Dot,” referring to the Earth as seen from space, reminding us of our smallness in the grand universe.
Price: Usually priced between $10 and $20 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions costing more.

This book is a captivating read for anyone fascinated by the universe and our quest to understand it.
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AI Superpowers by Kai-Fu Lee

Overview

Genre: Non-fiction, technology, business.
Setting: Focuses on the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in China and the U.S., and its global impact.
Plot: Kai-Fu Lee, a former executive in both Silicon Valley and China, explores the development of AI and compares how it is advancing in China and the United States. He discusses how AI will shape the future of jobs, economies, and societies, and the challenges and opportunities that come with this technology.
Key Ideas:
1. AI in China and the U.S.: Compares the strengths of China’s data-driven approach with the U.S.’s focus on innovation and Silicon Valley.
2. Impact on Jobs: Looks at how AI will replace some jobs but also create new ones, and the need for re-skilling workers.
3. Economic and Social Change: Explores how AI will influence global economies, healthcare, education, and other fields.
4. Ethical Considerations: Discusses the challenges of using AI responsibly and the need for global cooperation.
Famous Concept: The “AI race” between China and the U.S., and how it could reshape global power structures.
Price: Typically priced between $12 and $20 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions available at higher prices.

This book is ideal for readers interested in the future of AI, its global impact, and how it will change the world.
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4. Business & Finance

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Overview

Genre: Personal finance, self-help.
Setting: Focuses on Kiyosaki’s own life, comparing the financial advice of his “rich dad” and “poor dad.”
Plot: The book contrasts the mindsets of two father figures: Kiyosaki’s biological father (the poor dad), who valued traditional education and job security, and his best friend’s father (the rich dad), who believed in financial education, investments, and entrepreneurship. Through these lessons, Kiyosaki teaches how to build wealth through smart financial decisions.
Key Ideas:
1. Assets vs. Liabilities: Emphasizes the importance of acquiring assets (things that make money) and minimizing liabilities (things that cost money).
2. Financial Education: Stresses that understanding money is key to financial success, even more than formal education.
3. Entrepreneurship: Encourages readers to think like entrepreneurs and focus on creating multiple income streams.
4. Mindset: Focuses on the importance of changing one’s mindset about money to achieve wealth.
Famous Concept: The idea that working for money is not enough; instead, you should have money work for you.
Price: Priced between $8 and $20 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions available at higher prices.

This book is great for anyone looking to improve their financial knowledge and create wealth through smarter choices.
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The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham

Overview

Genre: Finance, investing.
Setting: Focuses on the principles of value investing in the stock market.
Plot: Benjamin Graham, known as the father of value investing, provides timeless advice on how to approach investing. He teaches investors how to evaluate stocks, bonds, and other securities, focusing on long-term wealth building. The book also emphasizes the importance of a disciplined, conservative approach to investing.
Key Ideas:
1. Value Investing: Focuses on buying undervalued stocks and holding them for the long term, rather than speculating on short-term market movements.
2. Margin of Safety: Stresses the importance of investing with a margin of safety, meaning buying assets at a price lower than their intrinsic value to reduce risk.
3. Mr. Market: Introduces the concept of “Mr. Market,” a metaphor for the stock market’s unpredictable behavior, and how investors should not let emotions drive their decisions.
4. Long-term Focus: Emphasizes the importance of patience and discipline for long-term success in investing.
Famous Concept: The idea of “value investing” – buying stocks for less than their worth and holding them for long-term growth.
Price: Typically priced between $15 and $30 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions priced higher.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of investing and building wealth over time.

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Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Overview

Genre: Personal development, self-help, wealth building.
Setting: Based on interviews and research about successful people in the early 20th century.
Plot: Napoleon Hill shares principles and techniques for achieving success and building wealth. The book focuses on the power of thoughts, goal setting, and persistence as key tools for achieving one’s dreams. It combines practical advice with motivational insights.
Key Ideas:
1. Definite Purpose: Success starts with having a clear goal or purpose.
2. Faith and Belief: Confidence in your ability to achieve your goals is crucial.
3. Persistence: Consistent effort and never giving up are essential for success.
4. Mastermind Group: Surround yourself with like-minded people who support and inspire you.
5. Autosuggestion: Repeating positive affirmations to influence your subconscious mind.
Famous Concept: “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.”
Price: Priced between $8 and $15 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions costing more.

This timeless classic is ideal for readers who want to improve their mindset, set goals, and achieve success in any area of life.
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The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Overview

Genre: Business, entrepreneurship.
Setting: Focuses on starting and growing successful businesses in a fast and efficient way.
Plot: Eric Ries introduces a new approach to building startups by using lean principles. The book emphasizes creating a product or service based on customer feedback, testing ideas quickly, and learning from failures to save time and resources. It’s designed to help entrepreneurs succeed in uncertain environments.
Key Ideas:
1. Build-Measure-Learn: A cycle where businesses create a product, gather customer feedback, and improve based on what they learn.
2. Minimum Viable Product (MVP): Start with the simplest version of a product to test ideas quickly.
3. Validated Learning: Use real customer feedback to make decisions instead of assumptions.
4. Pivot or Persevere: Decide whether to change direction or continue based on what the data shows.
Famous Concept: “Build-Measure-Learn” loop to create better products faster.
Price: Usually costs between $12 and $20 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions available at higher prices.

This book is perfect for entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone looking to start or grow a business in a smarter way.
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5. Motivation and Inspiration

You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero

Overview

Genre: Self-help, personal growth.
Setting: Focuses on improving confidence, happiness, and success in everyday life.
Plot: Jen Sincero shares personal stories, exercises, and advice to help readers overcome self-doubt, set goals, and create a life they love. The book blends humor with practical tips to inspire readers to take charge of their lives and achieve their dreams.
Key Ideas:
1. Self-Belief: Trusting yourself is the first step to success.
2. Mindset Shift: Replace negative thoughts with positive, empowering beliefs.
3. Taking Action: Bold steps are necessary to reach your goals, even if they’re uncomfortable.
4. Energy and Focus: What you focus on grows, so focus on what you want.
Famous Concept: The idea that changing your mindset can transform your life.
Price: Costs between $10 and $18 for paperback editions, with hardcover and audiobook versions priced higher.

This funny and motivating book is perfect for anyone looking to boost confidence, overcome fears, and build the life they desire.
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Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

Overview

Genre: Self-help, personal development, psychology.
Setting: Focuses on embracing vulnerability to lead a more courageous and fulfilling life.
Plot: Brené Brown explains how vulnerability is not a weakness but a source of strength and connection. Through research and personal stories, she teaches readers how to let go of shame, build meaningful relationships, and find the courage to take risks and grow.
Key Ideas:
1. Vulnerability: Embracing vulnerability leads to stronger relationships and personal growth.
2. Shame vs. Guilt: Understanding and addressing shame is crucial for self-acceptance.
3. Courage and Worthiness: Feeling worthy and taking risks is essential for living a full life.
4. Connection: Authentic connections require honesty and vulnerability.
Famous Concept: “Daring greatly” means having the courage to show up and be seen, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Price: Typically costs between $12 and $20 for paperback editions, with hardcover and audiobook versions available at higher prices.

This book is inspiring for readers who want to overcome fear, embrace vulnerability, and live more meaningful lives.
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The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

Overview

Genre: Self-help, personal development.
Setting: Focuses on how positive thinking can improve life and overcome challenges.
Plot: Norman Vincent Peale shares practical techniques and inspiring stories to help readers develop a positive mindset. The book emphasizes faith, self-confidence, and the power of visualization to achieve success and happiness.
Key Ideas:
1. Positive Thinking: A positive attitude leads to better outcomes and inner peace.
2. Faith and Prayer: Trusting in a higher power can give strength and hope.
3. Overcoming Worry: Replace worry with positive actions and affirmations.
4. Confidence Building: Believe in yourself to achieve your goals.
Famous Concept: “Change your thoughts, and you change your world.”
Price: Typically costs between $10 and $15 for paperback editions, with hardcover versions priced higher.

This uplifting book is ideal for anyone looking to boost confidence, overcome negativity, and live a more fulfilling life.
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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Overview

“The Alchemist” is a famous novel about following your dreams. It tells the story of Santiago, a young shepherd from Spain, who dreams of finding a treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. His journey teaches him about life, love, and listening to his heart.

Key Themes:
- Dreams: Follow your personal legend (life purpose).
- Signs: Learn to read and trust omens.
- Persistence: Never give up on your goals.
- Universal Connection: Everything in the world is connected.
Author’s Message:
Coelho reminds readers that true treasure is not just wealth but personal growth and self-discovery.
Price:
The price varies but is usually between $10 and $15 for a paperback. E-book and audiobook formats are also available, often at a lower price.

It’s a short, inspiring book that’s easy to read and has a worldwide fan base.

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Born a Crime by Trevor Noah

Overview

“Born a Crime” is a memoir by comedian Trevor Noah, telling the story of his childhood in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. Trevor, born to a Black mother and a white father, navigates life as a “crime” because interracial relationships were illegal during apartheid. The book is both funny and deeply emotional, shedding light on race, family, and resilience.

Key Themes:
- Identity: Struggles of being biracial in a divided society.
- Family: A tribute to his strong and fearless mother.
- Humor: Using comedy to survive hardships.
- Resilience: Overcoming challenges with hope and determination.
Author’s Message:
Trevor shows how love, courage, and humor can help overcome even the toughest situations.
Price:
Paperback editions usually cost $12 to $16, while e-books and audiobooks (narrated by Trevor himself) are often priced similarly.

The book is heartfelt, eye-opening, and filled with humor despite its serious themes.
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CONCLUSION

Books are the key to inspire, teach, and transform our lives. Each of the titles mentioned offers unique lessons, whether it’s about improving finances, mastering personal growth, or understanding the world around us. By embracing the wisdom shared in these books, readers can take meaningful steps toward achieving their goals and living more fulfilled lives. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, gain knowledge, or find motivation, there’s a book here for everyone. Happy reading!

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Best Books To Read For Students in 2025

1. Self-Help & Personal Development

2. Fiction

3. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

4. Business & Finance

5. Motivation and Inspiration

CONCLUSION

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