15 Books Everyone Pretends to Like but No One Actually Reads

You’ve probably noticed that some books get a lot of hype, and everyone acts like they’ve read them. It might feel like you’re supposed to know these titles just to fit in or seem well-read.

The truth is, many people pretend to like or have read certain famous books, but rarely finish them or actually dive into the pages. Understanding why this happens can make you more aware of reading culture and your own reading habits.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

You’ve probably heard about The Alchemist like it’s some magical life-changer. It tells the story of a young shepherd on a quest for meaning and treasure. Lots of people say it “always helps” during tough times.

But here’s the thing—you might notice not many people actually finish it. It’s short and simple, but some find the philosophical ideas hard to connect with or a bit overhyped.

You might get more out of it if you’re in the right mindset, but don’t feel bad if it’s not your favorite. Plenty on Reddit have shared how their views changed after rereading it years later. For more on these mixed feelings, check this discussion on Reddit.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

You’ve probably heard of To Kill a Mockingbird. It’s one of those classics people say they love but often haven’t actually read. The story deals with heavy topics like racism and injustice in the American South.

The narration is from a child’s perspective, which helps soften the darker themes. But some readers find the old-fashioned language and length a bit tough to get through.

If you’re honest, you might admit it’s easy to pretend you’ve read it just to join the conversation. Many people feel this way, making it one of the most commonly faked reads out there, according to discussions like on Reddit.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

You’ve probably heard of The Hobbit, and maybe even said you read it. It’s a classic fantasy about Bilbo Baggins going on an unexpected adventure. The story is light and playful, more like a fairy tale than a heavy novel.

However, some find it a bit slow or childish, especially if you’re used to fast-paced books. The tone might feel like it’s talking down to you. If you don’t usually read fantasy, parts might not grab you right away.

Still, the world Tolkien creates is iconic. You might enjoy it more than you expect once you get into the groove. For more about its readability, check this Reddit discussion on Tolkien’s writing.

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens

You’ve probably heard of Great Expectations, one of Charles Dickens’ most famous novels. It’s often seen as a classic everyone should have read, but the truth is, many people haven’t finished it.

The story can feel slow, especially in the beginning, and some find the old-fashioned language tricky. You might enjoy parts of it, but getting through the whole book takes patience.

Despite that, it’s still a book people pretend to have read to sound well-read. If you ever want to actually dive in, there are plenty of discussions online about making sense of it and appreciating its story and characters. Check out opinions about Great Expectations on Reddit.

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

You’ve probably heard about Moby Dick a lot. It’s one of those classic books everyone says they’ve read but few really finish. The story is about a captain obsessively hunting a giant whale.

The language can be pretty dense, and the detailed descriptions of whaling sometimes slow the pace. That’s why many people pretend to like it without actually reading it.

If you try it yourself, expect a mix of adventure and heavy, sometimes confusing, prose. It’s not an easy read, but some do enjoy its unique style and depth. For more on why people skip or skip around it, see 15 Books Everyone Claims They Have Read But Haven’t.

The Bible

You’ve probably heard a lot about the Bible. It’s one of the most referenced books out there.

But here’s the thing: many people admit they haven’t actually read it cover to cover.

That’s partly because it’s long, dense, and full of complex language. You might recognize verses or stories without really knowing the whole book.

It’s kind of like a cultural touchstone—everyone feels like they should have read it, but few have truly done so.

If you want to explore why this happens, check out discussions on books people pretend they’ve read, including the Bible, on places like Reddit.

1984 by George Orwell

You’ve probably heard of 1984 as a must-read classic about a dystopian future where Big Brother is always watching. It’s known for its ideas on surveillance and control, which definitely stick with you.

But if you actually try reading it, you might notice the story repeats some themes quite a bit. Some people find it a bit slow or repetitive as the book drills those points hard.

Still, 1984 is one of those books people often pretend to have read to keep up in conversations. If you want to dive in, check out discussions like this Reddit thread breaking down what people really think.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

You’ve probably heard how much everyone loves Pride and Prejudice. It’s one of those books people say they adore but often admit it’s a slow start.

The language might feel old-fashioned, and the plot can seem a bit dry at first. But if you stick with it, the witty dialogue and character dynamics become pretty enjoyable.

Still, it’s easy to see why some just pretend to have read it. If you want to try it, the humor and social observations are waiting beneath the surface. For more thoughts on this book’s appeal, check out this discussion.

Ulysses by James Joyce

If you’ve ever tried reading Ulysses, you know it’s a tough nut to crack. The book is famous for being difficult—not because of the story itself, but because of how complex and experimental the writing is. A lot of people talk about it like they’ve read it, but only around 5% actually finish it.

You might find yourself lost in dense passages or struggling to follow the stream of consciousness style. It’s less about a straightforward plot and more about wrestling with the text itself.

That said, many folks study it in university classes, so while it has plenty of fans, it definitely isn’t your casual beach read according to a 2021 survey.

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

You’ve probably heard people say they’ve read War and Peace. It’s famous for being long and dense, so you might wonder how many actually finish it. The book mixes history, philosophy, and family drama over 1,200 pages, which is a lot to take in.

If you’ve tried it, you know it can drag at times. Many pretend to have read it just to sound well-read or sophisticated. It’s one of those books people claim to conquer but often end up with just a vague idea of the story.

If you’re thinking about reading it, be ready for a serious commitment. More than just a war story, it’s about life, death, and everything in between. You’re not alone if you haven’t finished it.

See why people admit to faking it with War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.

Why Do People Pretend to Like Certain Books?

Sometimes, the reasons behind pretending to like or read a book come down to fitting in or meeting expectations set by society. These reasons involve how others view you and the idea of what it means to be well-read.

Social Pressures and Literary Status

You might feel pressure to seem educated or sophisticated, especially in conversations where books come up. Saying you’ve read popular or “important” books can boost your image without you actually having done the reading.

This is often about social status. Knowing or claiming familiarity with famous books makes you appear smarter or cultured. Sometimes, it’s easier to fake the knowledge than admit you haven’t read them.

People also use book titles as a kind of social currency. If you drop names like Ulysses or The Great Gatsby, you might get more respect or interest. This social pressure can lead many to pretend they like these works just to stay in the conversation.

Cultural Expectations Around “Classic” Reads

Certain books, especially classics, are seen as a must-read in school or in adult life. You may feel like you’re missing out on a shared cultural experience if you haven’t read them.

Classics often show up on reading lists or reference points in media, so people might pretend to have read them to avoid feeling left out or ignorant.

People expect you to appreciate the themes or status of these works, even if you find them tough or boring. Since these titles carry a cultural weight—like Moby Dick or Pride and Prejudice—saying you’ve read them can feel like a ticket to cultural belonging.

This pressure can make you go along with the crowd, nodding knowingly while secretly not having opened the book at all.

For more insight, check out discussions about books people pretend to read on r/TheStoryGraph.

The Real Impact of Not Finishing ‘Must-Read’ Books

Not finishing a popular or “must-read” book can affect how you feel about yourself and your reading habits. It may challenge your ideas about what it means to be a reader or shape how you choose books in the future.

Book Guilt and Reader Identity

You might feel guilty for not finishing a book everyone talks about. This guilt can make you doubt your taste or commitment to reading. It’s common to worry that quitting early means you’re missing out on something important or that you’re not a “real” reader.

But reading is personal. Your identity as a reader isn’t defined by completing every book on a list. What matters more is finding books that resonate with you and hold your attention. Trying to force yourself through difficult or uninteresting books just because they’re famous can actually turn you off reading altogether.

Key points to remember:

• Guilt for quitting is normal but not necessary
• Your reader identity should be based on what you enjoy
• It’s okay to skip books that don’t engage you

Alternatives to Forcing Your Way Through a Book

If a book isn’t clicking, it’s better to shift gears than to push through. Try switching genres or authors that fit your current mood or interests.

You can sample parts of the book through summaries, reviews, or even audiobooks if the format matters. This way, you still get a sense of the story or ideas without the pressure to finish.

Here are some alternative approaches:

• Set a reading timer: Give a book a set amount of time before deciding to quit
• Switch formats: Try the audiobook or graphic novel version
• Read alongside others: Join a book club or discussion group for motivation
• Mix up your reading: Alternate between light and heavy reads

These options help you stay connected to reading without the stress of “must-finish” rules.