You should check out 'The School for Good Mothers' by Jessamine Chan. It delves into the idea of motherhood and society's expectations. It makes you think about what it really means to be a 'good' mother and how society can be so judgmental.
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. This book is set in 17th - century Amsterdam. It's about a young bride who receives a cabinet - sized replica of her new home, along with some mysterious miniatures. It has elements of historical fiction, mystery, and family drama.
A great fictional read currently is 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It has a really interesting plot twist that keeps you on your toes. Another one is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood, which is a follow - up to 'The Handmaid's Tale' and further explores the dystopian world she created. 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates is also very good, with its blend of historical and magical elements.
One that I really like is 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel. It's a post - apocalyptic novel that not only focuses on the survival aspect but also on the importance of art and culture in the face of disaster. Another good one is 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney. It's a very relatable story about the relationship between two young people, exploring themes of class, love, and identity in a very nuanced way.
There's also 'To the End of the Land' by David Grossman. This book is a powerful exploration of a mother's love and the impact of war. It's written in a way that really makes you feel the pain and the hope of the characters in the context of Israel. It's quite long but well worth the read as it delves deep into the human psyche in relation to the Israeli situation. For example, the main character's journey is not just a physical one but also an emotional and spiritual exploration of what it means to be an Israeli and to face the constant threat of war. The writing is very descriptive, and you can almost feel like you are walking in the shoes of the characters, experiencing their joys and sorrows.
In the realm of women fiction, 'Alias Grace' by Margaret Atwood is quite good. It's based on a true story of a female murder suspect in the 19th century. 'The Secret Life of Bees' by Sue Monk Kidd is also a great read. It's about a young girl who runs away and finds solace and a new family among a group of beekeeping sisters. 'Eat, Pray, Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert is popular as it chronicles a woman's journey of self - discovery across different countries.
One of the best is 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. It has strong spiritual undertones. Another good one is 'The Shack' which presents a unique view on the Christian concept of God. And 'Life of Pi' is also great as it delves into religious and spiritual exploration during Pi's journey at sea.
Some other good books are 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson. It's a classic pirate adventure with buried treasure and swashbuckling action. 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad is also interesting. It delves into the darkness of the human soul during a journey in Africa. And 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde, which is a story about a man who stays young while his portrait ages, exploring themes of vanity and morality.
A great fiction book is '1984' by George Orwell. It's a dystopian masterpiece that warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. The world Orwell creates is both terrifying and thought - provoking, and his concepts like 'Big Brother' have become part of our cultural lexicon.
I also recommend 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. Set during World War II, it tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy. The prose is beautiful, and it does an excellent job of showing different perspectives during the war, both on the home front and in the military.
A notable one is 'The Glass Bees' by Ernst Jünger. It presents a future where technology and humanity interact in complex ways. Another is 'The End of the World as We Know It' by Christoph Ransmayr, which offers a unique vision of a post - apocalyptic world. And 'The Golem' by Gustav Meyrink, which, while an older work, still holds significance in German science fiction for its exploration of the supernatural in a somewhat scientific context.