20 best books on obsession – 2023 reading list & recommendations

Are you ready to dive into the fascinating world of obsession? Whether you’ve experienced it yourself or simply find it intriguing, there’s no denying the power of obsession in literature. From classic novels to contemporary page-turners, there are countless books that explore the depths of this intense emotion. In this article, we have curated a list of the 20 best books about obsession that will captivate your imagination and leave you pondering the complexities of the human mind. So, get ready to lose yourself in these gripping stories and discover the allure of obsession in all its forms.


The Silent Patient

by Alex Michaelides

The Silent Patient is a gripping book on obsession that will leave you breathless from start to finish. This mesmerizing psychological thriller by Alex Michaelides delves into the dark depths of the human mind, taking you on a rollercoaster ride of secrets, lies, and obsession.

The story revolves around Alicia Berenson, a renowned artist who seemingly has it all—until one fateful night when she shoots her husband multiple times and never speaks another word. Dubbed “the silent patient,” Alicia becomes an enigma, locked away in a secure psychiatric unit, refusing to communicate with anyone.

Enter Theo Faber, a psychotherapist with a burning desire to unravel Alicia’s silence and uncover the truth behind her crime. Driven by his own obsession with her case, Theo becomes increasingly entangled in Alicia’s dark and twisted world. As he delves deeper into her past, he uncovers a chilling web of deception, jealousy, and ultimately, a shocking revelation that will leave you questioning everything.

With its masterful storytelling and clever plot twists, this compelling book about obsession will keep you guessing until the very end. As you turn the pages, you’ll find yourself becoming completely immersed in the mind games and psychological warfare between Theo and Alicia, eagerly trying to solve the puzzle of her silence.

Prepare to be captivated by The Silent Patient—a spellbinding obsession book that will leave you questioning the nature of truth, the power of love, and the lengths one can go to protect their secrets.

The Girl on the Train

by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a thrilling book about fixation and compulsion. This enthralling novel takes readers on a wild journey through the mind of an obsessed individual.

The Secret History

by Donna Tartt

The Secret History is a captivating book on obsession that will leave you spellbound from the very first page. It is a mesmerizing tale that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring the dark corners of our minds and the lengths we will go to satisfy our deepest desires.

Gone Girl

by Gillian Flynn

Gone Girl, a gripping novel by Gillian Flynn, is a riveting book on obsession that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. This enthralling story delves into the twisted minds of two individuals, exploring the depths of their obsession with each other.

Amy and Nick Dunne’s marriage appears to be perfect on the surface, but beneath the facade lies a web of deceit, manipulation, and obsession. When Amy mysteriously disappears on their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick becomes the prime suspect. As the police investigation unravels, secrets are revealed, and the true nature of their obsession with each other is exposed.

Flynn masterfully crafts a tale that keeps readers guessing until the very end. With every turn of the page, the intensity of the obsession between Amy and Nick grows, leading to shocking revelations and unexpected twists. The book’s dark and twisted narrative explores the depths of human obsession, showcasing the lengths people will go to in order to control and possess another person.

Gone Girl is not just a book about obsession, it is a haunting exploration of the human psyche. Flynn’s writing is sharp, intelligent, and filled with psychological depth that will leave readers captivated. This thrilling novel challenges readers to question the nature of love, trust, and the dark side of human nature.

Prepare to be immersed in a world of manipulation, deceit, and obsession as you dive into Gone Girl. This obsession book will keep you guessing until the very last page, making it a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and anyone fascinated by the complexities of the human mind.

The Talented Mr. Ripley

by Patricia Highsmith

The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith is a gripping novel that delves into the twisted mind of a young man named Tom Ripley. This book on obsession takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark depths of Ripley’s psyche.

The Picture of Dorian Gray

by Oscar Wilde

The Picture of Dorian Gray is an extraordinary book on obsession that delves into the dark depths of human desire and vanity. Oscar Wilde, the master of wit and social commentary, weaves a mesmerizing tale of a young man’s descent into a world consumed by his own insatiable desires.

The Great Gatsby

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is a mesmerizing tale of glamour, love, and desire, a riveting book on fixation that will leave you breathless. Set against the backdrop of the roaring 1920s, this literary masterpiece by F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the dark depths of obsession, revealing the lengths to which one man will go for the woman he loves.

Rebecca

by Daphne du Maurier

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is an enthralling novel that delves deep into the dark abyss of passion and fixation. This mesmerizing tale can only be described as a captivating book on infatuation, a story that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more.

The Shadow of the Wind

by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

The Shadow of the Wind is a mesmerizing book on obsession that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark streets of Barcelona. Set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, this atmospheric novel is a perfect choice for anyone seeking a book about obsession that will keep them hooked from beginning to end.

The Shining

by Stephen King

The Shining is a mesmerizing book on obsession that takes readers on a chilling journey into the depths of the human mind. Stephen King, the master of horror, weaves a thrilling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

This book about obsession centers around the Torrance family, who have recently become the caretakers of the isolated Overlook Hotel during the harsh winter months. As the snow blankets the hotel, they find themselves trapped in a world where reality and nightmares merge into one.

Jack Torrance, a struggling writer and recovering alcoholic, becomes consumed by the dark forces that reside within the Overlook. His obsession to complete his novel drives him to the brink of insanity, as the hotel’s malevolent spirits manipulate his mind.

Meanwhile, his young son, Danny, possesses a unique gift known as the “shining,” allowing him to see the hotel’s chilling past and glimpse into the future. His obsession becomes survival, as he navigates the hallways filled with supernatural horrors.

King’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions create an obsession book that will haunt your thoughts long after you turn the final page. The tension and suspense build relentlessly, leading to a heart-stopping climax that will leave you breathless.

So, if you’re ready to delve into the twisted world of the Overlook Hotel, grab a copy of The Shining and prepare yourself for a bone-chilling journey into the depths of obsession.

The Catcher in the Rye

by J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye is an iconic coming-of-age novel written by J.D. Salinger. This timeless masterpiece delves into the mind of its protagonist, Holden Caulfield, in a captivating exploration of adolescent angst and the yearning for connection. With its vivid portrayal of rebellion, alienation, and the search for identity, this book on fixation whisks readers away on a thrilling journey through the complexities of teenage life.

Lolita

by Vladimir Nabokov

Lolita is a masterpiece of literature that delves into the dark and controversial world of passion, desire, and fixation. Written by Vladimir Nabokov, this captivating novel is a rollercoaster of emotions, exploring the depths of human obsession.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a captivating book on obsession that delves into the dark depths of the human psyche. Written by the talented author Robert Louis Stevenson, this obsession book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the streets of Victorian London.

The Tell-Tale Heart

by Edgar Allan Poe

The Tell-Tale Heart, a chilling and haunting tale of madness and fixation, is a mesmerizing short story by the legendary master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe. This captivating literary masterpiece explores the depths of the human psyche, delving into the darkest corners of obsession, fixation, and compulsion.

The Book Thief

by Markus Zusak

The Book Thief: A Gripping Tale of Literary Fascination

Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the pages of The Book Thief, a mesmerizing literary masterpiece by Markus Zusak.

This extraordinary novel, often described as a book on obsession, delves into the remarkable life of Liesel Meminger, a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany during World War II. However, it would be unfair to label this story simply as a book about obsession. Instead, Zusak’s work is a beautifully haunting exploration of a deep and unrelenting fascination with the written word.

Liesel, our resilient protagonist, discovers not only the power of books but also the weight of words in a world where propaganda and censorship reign supreme. As she navigates the tumultuous landscape of war-torn Germany, her obsession with books becomes an anchor in her life, offering solace and escape from the harsh realities that surround her.

Through Zusak’s masterful storytelling, we witness Liesel’s relentless desire to possess and devour books, even resorting to theft to satisfy her insatiable hunger for stories. With each stolen book, she dives deeper into a world of enchantment, where words become her closest companions and the boundary between reality and fiction blurs.

However, The Book Thief is not solely a tale of Liesel’s personal obsession; it also explores the obsession of those around her. From her foster father, whose love for reading ignites a passion within Liesel, to the enigmatic Max Vandenburg, who shares her deep connection to words, each character in this extraordinary novel possesses their own obsession that intertwines with Liesel’s journey.

As you turn the pages of The Book Thief, be prepared to be captivated by Zusak’s rich prose, his unique narrative style, and his ability to evoke a range of emotions. This obsession book will leave an indelible mark on your heart, reminding you of the enduring power of words, the strength of human connection, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

So, step into the world of The Book Thief and allow yourself to become immersed in a story that will leave you breath

The Da Vinci Code

by Dan Brown

The Da Vinci Code is an enthralling book on obsession that takes readers on a heart-pounding journey through the hidden secrets of art, religion, and history. This captivating masterpiece by Dan Brown is not just a mere book about obsession, but a thrilling rollercoaster ride of puzzles, symbolism, and cryptic codes that will leave you breathless.

American Psycho

by Bret Easton Ellis

American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is a chilling exploration of the dark depths of the human mind, an obsession book that will leave you questioning your own sanity. Set in the decadent world of 1980s Wall Street, this book on obsession follows the life of Patrick Bateman, a wealthy investment banker who seems to have it all.

But beneath Bateman’s polished exterior lies a sinister obsession with violence and control. As he navigates through a world of designer suits and exclusive restaurants, he becomes increasingly consumed by his own sadistic fantasies. From meticulously describing his daily skincare routine to meticulously describing his victims’ demise, Bateman’s obsession knows no bounds.

Ellis masterfully crafts a narrative that blurs the line between reality and hallucination, leaving the reader questioning what is truly happening and what is a product of Bateman’s twisted mind. His vivid and graphic descriptions of violence are both shocking and hypnotic, drawing the reader deeper into Bateman’s world of depravity.

Through Bateman, Ellis delves into the darker aspects of human nature, forcing us to confront our own capacity for obsession and violence. With its razor-sharp prose and unflinching exploration of the human psyche, American Psycho is a book about obsession that will grip you from the first page and refuse to let go.

The Handmaid’s Tale

by Margaret Atwood

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a gripping book on obsession. Set in a dystopian future, it tells the story of Offred, a handmaid assigned to a powerful commander in the totalitarian society of Gilead. This haunting book about obsession explores themes of power, control, and identity in a world where women’s bodies are reduced to mere vessels for procreation.

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a thrilling and captivating book about obsession. Set in a dystopian society, this obsession book takes readers on an adrenaline-fueled journey.

The Maze Runner

by James Dashner

The Maze Runner, written by James Dashner, is a thrilling book on obsession that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Set in a dystopian future, the story follows a group of young boys who find themselves trapped in a mysterious maze with no memory of their past lives.

This obsession book takes you on a heart-pounding journey as the boys attempt to uncover the secrets of the maze and find a way to escape. Dashner’s vivid descriptions and fast-paced storytelling will leave you hooked, unable to put the book down.

The characters in The Maze Runner are incredibly well-developed, each with their own unique personality and motivations. As they navigate the treacherous maze, their obsession with finding answers and surviving drives the story forward, adding layers of tension and suspense.

With its unpredictable twists and turns, The Maze Runner is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction and those who enjoy a book about obsession. Dashner seamlessly weaves together mystery, action, and emotion, creating a truly immersive reading experience.

If you’re looking for an obsession book that will keep you guessing until the very end, The Maze Runner is the perfect choice. Prepare to be captivated by this thrilling tale of survival, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of answers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 books about obsession dive deep into the complexities of the human mind and explore the lengths people will go to in pursuit of their desires. From thrilling mysteries to heartbreaking love stories, these books captivate readers with their vivid characters and gripping plots. Whether you’re fascinated by the dark side of obsession or simply enjoy exploring the depths of human emotions, these books are sure to leave you spellbound. So, grab a copy of one (or all!) of these mesmerizing reads and prepare to be consumed by the world of obsession.