must-read book; required reading
Refers to a book considered essential or obligatory to read, often in educational, professional, or cultural contexts.
This novel is a must-read for students.
It's a book often cited as required reading for business managers.
Compound of 必 (hitsu, 'must, necessary') + 読 (doku, 'read') + 書 (sho, 'book'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from its components.