Last Updated on November 23, 2023 by Louisa
Orange books make a unique and colorful statement on any bookshelf. They are eye-catching, vibrant, and have an energy that stands out.
Orange is associated with knowledge, creativity, and intelligence – all qualities that likely appeal to most book lovers. It’s also used to represent happiness and optimism, and sometimes even romance.
Readers may want some books with orange covers because they offer a unique aesthetic presence on their bookshelf, or maybe you just want to brighten up your coffee table.
No matter your reasons for looking for orange books, you need to make sure you pick one that has a gripping story to tell, too.
In this guide, we’ve listed our favorite books with an orange cover so you can add a bold touch to any bookshelf!
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Acclaimed Books with An Orange Cover
To start things off, I’m going to reveal my favorite highly acclaimed books with orange covers.
These are top-rated books, international best-sellers, and award-winning authors.
1. Fahrenheit 451 – Ray Bradbury
If you’re looking for an orange book with a dark, burnt orange/red color, you might like Fahrenheit 451.
Ray Bradbury’s international bestselling novel Fahrenheit 451 is a timeless classic, gripping story of a bleak, dystopian future without books.
The story follows Guy Montag, a fireman whose job is to destroy illegal objects – books and the houses they are found in.
He never questioned the destruction until, one day. He met a woman who would rather die than see her books destroyed.
Then his young neighbor, Clarisse, introduces him to a world where people can see the world through the pages of a book instead of the mindless noise from the TV.
Suddenly, the fireman questions everything.
Fahrenheit 451 is a thought-provoking and powerful work of literature that explores the dangers of censorship and the importance of intellectual freedom.
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2. Illuminae – Amie Kaufman
Another dystopian novel with an orange cover is Illuminae.
The story begins when Kady wakes up one morning thinking that breaking up with Ezra would be the hardest part of the day. And it was until her planet was invaded…
In 2575, two rival megacorporations are fighting over a small planet that Kady calls home.
But with the fight getting closer to home, Kady and Ezra are forced to evacuate with a hostile warship chasing their tail.
Soon, a plague breaks out, and the fleet’s AI may be turning against them.
To uncover the truth, Kady hacks into the computer, where she stumbles on a terrifying secret, and to make matters worse, the only person to help her is her ex-boyfriend.
Illuminae by Amie Kaufman is an action-packed science fiction novel that takes readers on an intergalactic journey of suspense and adventure.
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3. The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel following the events of Holden Caulfield, who was just expelled from the Pencey Prep School at Christmas Time.
Conflicted about his options – to go home, tell his family, and face the music or to wander the streets of New York City seeking solace in the brief encounters he makes.
He chooses the latter.
After wandering around Central Park, getting beaten up by pimps, shooting the bull in run-down hotels with strangers, and more, he finds that the big city of New York can be a beautiful and terrible place.
As he wanders around the city, his mind is always drawn to his little sister, Phoebe, who he feels is the only person who understands him.
Determined to escape the phonies and understand the meaning of life, Holden embarks on a journey of self-reflection and discovery.
The Catcher in the Rye is a timeless classic that captures the essence of teenage angst, loneliness, and confusion in a creative and captivating way.
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Related Reading: Books Like A Catcher in the Rye
4. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (A Song of Ice and Fire) – George R. R. Martin
Reading A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a must for Game of Thrones fans. The story takes place a century before A Game of Thrones and features three official prequel novellas.
In this book, these exclusive adventures recount when the Targaryen line was still strong on the Iron Throne.
As you might expect with a George R. R. Martin book, this novel is packed with action, dragons, and battles against royalty.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is a gripping fantasy novel, full of violence and political intrigue, that immerses readers in a breathtakingly vivid world.
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5. Dry – Neal Shusterman
Neal Shusterman’s Dry is an ingeniously crafted story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, heartbroken and hugely satisfied as they traverse a post-apocalyptic landscape of relentless drought.
California is hit by a catastrophic drought, which forces one teen to make life-and-death decisions for her family.
The draught, or ‘Tap-Out,’ has been going on for some time. Everyone’s life is hanging in the balance.
When the taps run dry in Alyssa’s quiet suburban street, it becomes a warzone as people become desperate to save their families and hunt for water.
When her parents don’t return from their trip to get water, Alyssa has to make impossible decisions to save herself and her brother.
This harrowing dystopian novel of epic survival is a New York Times bestseller, and for good reason. It’s gripping from start to finish.
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Non-Fiction Books with An Orange Cover
If you want to fill your bookshelf with more non-fiction books. Then you may enjoy these best non-fiction books with orange covers.
6. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life – Mark Manson
A book with an orange cover that embodies a no-nonsense attitude is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.
In his very direct style, Mark Manson approaches life with the view that everything is seriously screwed, so we must figure out what we give a f*ck about.
Both serious in approach, with a touch of sarcasm, this book helps you work towards accepting the whole messiness of your humanity.
This is a fresh breath of air in the world of inspirational books. A must-read, especially if you’re looking for a book to read after a break up!
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7. How to Do the Work: Recognise Your Patterns, Heal From Your Past and Create Your Self – Nicole LePera
In How to Do the Work, Clinical psychologist Dr. Nicole LePera shares her tips and tools for how people can heal themselves.
It is a manifesto for self-healing and a guide to creating a more fulfilled and joyful life.
Backed up by research from diverse scientific fields, Dr. LePera teaches how to avoid adverse experiences and trauma in childhood.
She highlights why leaving unaddressed traumas and behaviors often leads to unhappiness and how and why you may feel unfulfilled or self-sabotaging.
In How to Do the Work, readers can find a way to break free from destructive behaviors and take back control of their happiness.
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8. The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life – Robin Sharma
Robin Sharma’s The 5 AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life is an inspiring roadmap to success that helps readers discover life-changing habits and practices while teaching them the power of discipline and focus.
Leadership and performance expert Robin Sharma shares how a morning routine can maximize productivity, activate the best health possible and improve mood.
The 5 am Club is a manifesto of this life-changing guide, who has spent more than four years discovering how this early-rising habit can help humans accomplish epic results.
If you are looking for more happiness, helpfulness, and energy, then this book should be top of your reading list.
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9. Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live) – Eve Rodsky
Once upon a time, Eve Rodsky felt unsatisfied, overworked, and unappreciated by her family.
One day she created a list of all the unpaid, invisible work she does for her family and gave it to her husband, asking for change.
His response made her realize that simply identifying unequal labor in a marriage is not enough but a solution needed to happen for her sanity, marriage, and career.
The result is highlighted in her book, Fair Play. If you’re in a relationship filled with anxiety and feeling like all the domestic responsibilities are unfairly divided, then this is the book for you.
Featuring the interviews of more than five hundred men and women, she has been able to come up with four easy-to-follow rules and more than 100 household tasks that instill fair play in your relationship.
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10. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks – Rebecca Skloot
Henrietta Lacks, otherwise known as HeLa to scientists, was born the daughter of a Southern tobacco farmer whose ancestors were slaves to the same farm he worked on.
But her cells helped lead to an important discovery in medicine. Her cells helped grow the first “immortal” human cells, which are still alive today.
HeLa has been dead for more than 60 years, but her cells have helped develop vaccines for polio, uncovered breakthroughs in cancer research, and helped understand viruses.
HeLa cells have even helped advance technological advances such as glowing, gene mapping, and in Vitro fertilization.
In The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, the life of this unknown heroine has been bought to light.
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Young Adult Books with An Orange Cover
For those readers who prefer reading YA books, here are the best young adult book with an orange cover…
11. When the Angels Left the Old Country – Sacha Lamb
If you’re looking for LGBTQ books with orange covers, then When the Angels Left the Old Country is the book for you.
It follows an angel named Uriel and a demon called Little Ash, supernatural creatures in a tiny village called Shtetl.
The angel and demon have been studying together for centuries, but soon they must leave their small village for America.
In the movie, one of their friends goes missing, and it’s up to Uriel and Little Ash to find her.
Along the way, they meet humans who need help, but even with these obstacles in the way, they must continue to search for their missing comrade.
This is an action-packed, supernatural fantasy book with queer elements.
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12. Queenie – Candice Carty-Williams
Queenie Jenkins is a Jamaican-British woman in her mid-twenties who finds herself stuck between two cultures.
Working for a national newspaper she’s constantly comparing herself to her peers, who come from white middle-class backgrounds.
When she breaks up with her long-term boyfriend, she seeks comfort with the wrong people, including men who do nothing for her self-esteem.
One questionable life decision after another, Queenie is constantly questioning herself.
This is a heartwarming story of a woman’s journey of self-love and self-acceptance and trying to find meaning in a complicated world.
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13. Flamecaster – Cinda Williams Chima
Flamecaster is the first novel in the Seven Realms series, a series of four novels with dark magic, action, and a storyline that tipples between life and death.
The story follows Ash, a trained healer with powerful magic looking for revenge.
After a series of murders forces him into hiding, the queendom is in chaos.
But now he’s so close to killing the man responsible for his isolation, the cruel King of Arden, and it’s a rush against the clock to get his revenge once and for all. But can he use his powers to end life rather than save it?
Meanwhile, Jenna Bandelow is a mage with a mysterious mark, and when the King’s Guard is tasked with finding a girl with the same mark, she is forced to flee.
Not knowing why she is being hunted, she knows she can’t get caught.
Purely by chance, Ash and Jenna cross paths, and with their shared hatred of the king, they must work together to end it once and for all.
Cinda Williams Chima’s Flamecaster is a spellbinding journey of self-discovery, love and redemption for fans of epic fantasy adventure full of thrilling twists and turns.
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14. Turtles All The Way Down – John Green
Turtles All The Way Down is a heartwarming orange novel that tells of love and the power of friendship.
It follows Aza Holmes, who investigates the disappearance of fugitive and billionaire Russell Pickett for a hundred-thousand-dollar reward.
Her best friend, Daisy, is keen to investigate and so they work together to unravel the mystery.
But around all this, she’s trying to be a good friend and daughter and ace her schoolwork.
Is it possible to be a detective with so much going on in your personal life?
John Green’s Turtles All The Way Down is a powerful story of resilience, courage, and hope in the face of adversity, with profound empathy that shows us there is always a way out of the darkness.
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15. The Poisonwood Bible – Barbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible is the untold story of a wife and four daughters of an evangelical Baptist, Nathan Price, who takes his family to the Belgian Congo on a mission in 1959.
They pack up everything they believe they need from home, from garden seeds to scripture, only to find that it has all been damaged on the African soil.
The events that follow this one family’s tragic undoing span over three decades. This is a story of terrible beauty, redemption, and power.
Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible is a captivating and poignant tale that provides an eye-opening glimpse of the African continent and its people, while exploring themes of faith, family, and identity.
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Romance Books with An Orange Cover
If you love a good romance book, then you may want to explore the best romance books with orange covers…
16. The Dead Romantics – Ashley Poston
The Dead Romantics follows a disillusioned ghostwriter for a prolific romance writer, but after a disastrous breakup, she no longer believes in love.
Her new editor is a handsome and ambitious man who won’t give her an extension on her deadline, and to make matters worse, she has to return to her small town after her father passes away.
Things get confusing when she meets a ghost standing at the funeral parlor’s front door.
This heartwarming tale is about a woman trying to give love a second chance.
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17. The Spanish Love Deception – Elena Armas
The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas ticks all the boxes if you’re looking for sizzling grumpy sunshine romance books with themes of enemies to lovers and fake relationship romances.
It’s playful and funny and restores your faith in love. The story follows Catalina Martín’s desperate attempts to find someone who’ll pretend to be her boyfriend for a transatlantic journey to a wedding in Spain.
Although she cannot tolerate him, her colleague Aaron Blackford seems like the unlikely best choice—instead, the only choice Catalina has—and they embark on a trip that will change their relationship forever.
Swoon-worthy and steamy, The Spanish Love Deception is a story about the rambunctious wedding that brings Catalina and Aaron together.
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18. People We Meet on Vacation – Emily Henry
Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation explores the complicated realities of love in the way of Alex and Poppy’s perfect reconciliation and slow-burning love.
It follows best friends Poppy and Alex who live apart year-round, except for a singular week during summer vacation, which they’ve been spending together every year for a decade—until one trip changes everything and creates a rift between them that lasts for two whole years.
An adorable romance story and the winner of the 2021 Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Romance, People We Meet on Vacation is an ode to being true to yourself and your feelings.
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19. Maybe Someday – Colleen Hoover
A thrilling read by Colleen Hover is Maybe Someday, which follows 22-year-old Sydney, who recently finds out her perfect boyfriend, Hunter, has been cheating on her.
Deciding on her next move, she finds herself running into her attractive and elusive neighbor, Ridge.
Despite being newly single, the attraction she feels for him is undeniable. Every time she hears him play his guitar out on the balcony, she finds she can’t ignore him.
And the feeling is mutual. Soon they realize they need each…in more ways than one.
CoHo’s Maybe Someday is a breathtakingly beautiful exploration of love, music, and self-discovery that will make readers laugh, cry and question the power of fate and hope.
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20. How Not To Die Alone – Richard Roper
How Not to Die Alone is a heartwarming story about love, loneliness, and stepping out of your comfort zone.
The story follows Andrew, who just wants to be expected. People believe that he has a perfect wife and two kids at home, but the truth is, his life isn’t all people think.
The truth is about to catch up to him, and he’s realizing that he hasn’t truly lived his life the way he wants to live it. Until now…
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Fantasy/Sci-Fi Books with An Orange Cover
Perhaps the genre I most associate with orange books, is sci-fi. If you’re looking for a story from another world, then check out the below fantasy and sci-fi novels with orange covers!
21. The Martian – Andy Weir
Perhaps the most well-known sci-fi novel with an orange cover is The Martian.
Mark Watney is left on his own after a treacherous storm forces the rest of his team to evacuate Mars, believing he has perished.
With no communication with Earth and limited resources, this daunting task looms over him as he faces the question; will his bravery, knowledge and resilience be enough to see him through?
Mark rallies himself against the overwhelming odds and uses every ounce of strength he has in order to survive on an unforgiving planet.
In this thrilling story, follow Mark’s journey as he turns the impossible into possible and strives for a way back home.
The Martian story will have you on the edge of your seat until the end. It’s suitable for sci-fi fans and anyone looking for a unique and exciting story.
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Related Reading: Books Like The Martian
22. The Priory of the Orange Tree (The Roots of Chaos) – Samantha Shannon
The Priory of the Orange Tree is about a divided world where a queen rules without an heir and an enemy seeks to destroy the lands.
Queen Sabran is the ruler of The House of Berethnet, who has ruled Inys for centuries.
But she must conceive a daughter to protect her realm from falling apart, meanwhile facing off assassins who are nearing closer.
Her lady-in-waiting, Ead Duryan, is an outsider at court, but she is also loyal to a secret society of mages.
While Sabran fends off the assassins, Ead keeps a watchful eye on her and protects her with forbidden magic.
Meanwhile, across the sea, a dragon rider seeks to change the fate of everything…
Samantha Shannon’s The Priory of the Orange Tree is an epic fantasy masterpiece that will leave readers spellbound, with its imaginative world and captivating characters.
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23. Dune – Frank Herbert
In Dune, Frank Herbert weaves a complex and fascinating story of global politics, imperial court intrigues, and destiny that will leave readers enthralled.
Set in the year 10,191, human beings have spread out and colonized planets throughout the universe.
On the desert planet Arrakis, Paul Atreides is tasked with ruling in a society where the only item of worth is the “spice” melange, a substance capable of prolonging life and expanding awareness.
Melange is a reward worth killing for, especially among the wealthy.
When House Atreides is betrayed, the devastation of Paul’s family sets him on a path to a destiny greater than he could have dreamed.
And as he matures into the mystical Muad’Dib, he will realize humanity’s most ancient and unachievable goal.
A fast-paced and thought-provoking read.
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24. The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist tells the tale of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy.
When Santiago has reoccurring dreams of treasure to be found at the foot of the pyramids in Egypt, he sets off on an adventure to (literally) follow his dreams.
During his quest, Santiago meets various people, including a crystal merchant, an Englishman, and Fatima, his love.
But none are more fascinating, nor as impactful, than the Alchemist. The Alchemist becomes something of a philosophical mentor to Santiago and accompanies him on his trip to Egypt.
As Santiago learns about the Soul of the World, a principle that connects all things to one another, he gains insights that help him understand what it is that keeps men from following their dreams.
Above all, The Alchemist is a tale of self-discovery and love; it will speak to those who seek spiritual awakening as much as those who need a different, fresh outlook on life.
The Alchemist is the sort of tale that leaves you with warm and comforting thoughts.
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25. The Stand – Stephen King
From the highly acclaimed horror fiction author Stephen King, The Stand is about an apocalyptic world plagued and tangled in a struggle between good and evil.
In the future, a deadly pandemic of weaponized influenza will break loose across the globe. In the aftermath, the few surviving humans gather in factions, where they must learn to survive in this new world.
But survival is not easy when the plague is not the only threat to the human race.
The edition with an orange cover also includes illustrations from graphic novel artist Bernie Wrightson.
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Children’s Books with An Orange Cover
Now I couldn’t forget about the little ones, could I? Here are the best children’s books with orange covers!
26. Horton Hears a Who! – Dr. Seuss
One of the greatest and most acclaimed children’s novelists of all time is Dr. Seuss.
In Horton Hears a Who, children learn about acts of kindness with Horton the elephant and the iconic cast of Whos from Who-ville.
Set in the colorful Jungle of Nool, Horton discovers a speck of dust that contains an entire miniature world. The world is called who-villa and has everything from houses to grocery stores to a mayor!
But when the Whos of Who-ville need someone to fight for them, Horton and his elephant-sized heart save the day.
The moral of the story is that no matter how big or small a person is, you have the power to make a difference if you speak out for what’s right. It’s a tale of compassion and determination.
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27. The World’s Worst Teachers – David Walliams
Another classic tale by acclaimed children’s author David Walliams is The World’s Worst Teachers, a tale of the most gruesome grown-ups ever.
If you think you have a bad teacher, just wait until you read this book!
In The World’s Worst Teachers, children are introduced to ten classic tales of sinister teachers, from Dr. Dread the science teacher who is half man, half monster, to Miss Seethe, who is always on a detention rampage.
Then there is Pent, a teacher with a difference – he’s terrified of children!
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28. Danny the Champion of the World – Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl is one of the most beloved children’s authors, and one of his lesser-known works is Danny the Champion of the World.
The story follows a young boy who lives in a gypsy caravan. He’s also the youngest car mechanic in town, and his dad is his best friend.
One night Danny learns that his dad has been keeping a secret, and together with his dad, they plot against a nasty villain, Victor Hazell.
Will Danny and his dad pull it off? And will Danny be the champion of the world?
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29. Up and Down – Oliver Jeffers
Up and Down follows the story of a penguin who believes he can fly. After all, penguins have wings!
After trying to fly by himself, the penguin still feels incomplete. He discovers that some experiences are better when they are had with people you love.
This is a story of friendship, finding oneself, and companionship.
It features the lovable duo in Oliver Jeffers’s other classic tale, Lost and Found.
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30. Spinderella – Julia Donaldson
Spinderella is a highly anticipated picture book by Julia Donaldson about a spider with a passion for football.
Spinderella tries to play with her siblings but doesn’t know how to count. How many people should be on the team? And how many goals has she scored?
Fortunately, her Hairy Godmother is here to help.
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Final Word on Best Books With An Orange Cover
So there you have it, those are my favorite books with an orange cover!
As you can see, there is a huge amount of variety on this list. I hope that you found something that is not only enjoyable to read but also adds a pop of color to your bookshelf!
Did I miss anything? Let me know in the comments!
And if you need more colorful books, check out these other guides:
- Books With A Pink Cover: YA, Romance, Sci-Fi + More!
- Books With Purple Covers: YA, Romance, Sci-Fi + More!
- Books With A Yellow Cover: YA, Romance, Sci-Fi + More!
- Books With A Red Cover: YA, Romance, Sci-Fi + More!
- Books With A Blue Cover: YA, Romance, Sci-Fi + More!
- Books With A Green Cover: YA, Romance, Sci-Fi + More!
- Books With A Black Cover: YA, Romance, Sci-Fi + More!
- Books With A White Cover: YA, Romance, Sci-Fi + More!
