Here are some of the most commonly read and taught Jain books (scriptures and basic texts). “Most read” will vary by country, language, and tradition, but these come up almost everywhere:

1. Tattvārtha Sūtra (Tattvārthādhigama Sūtra)

- Author: Āchārya Umāsvāmī / Umāsvāti - Accepted by both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions. - Short aphoristic text summarising all main Jain principles – soul, karma, vows, path to liberation.

1. Uttarādhyayana Sūtra (Śvetāmbara)

- Very popular in Śvetāmbara tradition. - 36 chapters with stories and teachings on right conduct, renunciation, saṃyam, etc. - Often read during festivals like Paryushan.

1. Ācārāṅga Sūtra & Bhagavatī (Vyākhyāprajñapti) Sūtra (Śvetāmbara)

- Core Āgama texts. - Ācārāṅga: rules of conduct for monks, deep teachings on ahiṃsā. - Bhagavatī: detailed question–answer style text on doctrine, cosmology, karma, etc. - Frequently studied in Śvetāmbara circles.

1. Kalpa Sūtra (Śvetāmbara)

- Very widely read, especially during Paryushan / Das Lakshan. - Contains life-stories of Tirthankaras, especially Bhagwān Mahāvīr, and monsoon rules.

1. Samayasāra (Samayasār) (mainly Digambara)

- Author: Āchārya Kundakunda. - Extremely important in Digambara tradition. - Focus on the true nature of soul, and difference between real self and karmic bondage.

1. Niyamasāra, Pravacanasāra, Pañchāstikāya (Digambara classics)

- Also by Āchārya Kundakunda (except some commentaries). - Deep texts on vows, conduct, and the six dravyas (substances). - Heavily studied in Digambara pathsālās and advanced classes.

1. Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra (mainly Digambara, but read widely)

- Author: Āchārya Samantabhadra. - Standard text for layperson’s conduct (śrāvaka-dharma). - Explains small and great vows, daily practices, and ideal lifestyle for householders.

1. Purushārtha Siddhyupāya

- Author: Āchārya Amṛtacandra. - Very popular for explaining how to practice Jain principles in daily life, with focus on inner purity.

1. Mahāpurāṇa (Ādi Purāṇa & Uttarapurāṇa)

- Authors: Āchārya Jinasena & Āchārya Guṇabhadra (Digambara). - Epic-style text with lives of Tirthankaras and other great souls. - Many stories from here are retold in sermons and children’s Jain story books.

1. Basic “Pathshala” and Introduction Books (modern, easy level)

These are not scriptures, but are among the most widely read today, especially by children and beginners: - Jain Pathshala series (various levels – alphabets, stories, basic principles). - Simple introductions to Jainism in English / Hindi / Gujarati explaining: - 24 Tirthankaras - Nav-tattva (nine fundamentals) - 5 vows - Festivals and daily practices

For a beginner, a very practical order is:

1. Simple Pathshala / introductory books (stories, basic principles).
2. Easy explanations of Tattvārtha Sūtra and Śrāvakācāra (layperson conduct).
3. Then, depending on your tradition:

- Śvetāmbara: Uttarādhyayana, Kalpa Sūtra, selected Āgamas. - Digambara: Samayasāra, Niyamasāra, Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra, Purushārtha Siddhyupāya.

You can also see a simple recommended book list on JainKnowledge here