'Sea of Tranquility' by Emily St. John Mandel is also a top pick. It's a complex time - travel story that weaves together different timelines. The characters are well - drawn, and the exploration of how different moments in history are connected is fascinating.
Another great one is 'Matrix' by Lauren Groff. This book reimagines the life of a 12th - century nun. It has beautiful prose and delves deep into themes of power, gender, and faith. The descriptions of the convent life and the main character's struggles are really engaging.
One of the must - read 2022 fiction books is 'The Lincoln Highway' by Amor Towles. It's a story full of adventure and great character development. The characters' journeys are both physical and emotional, taking readers on a ride through post - World War II America.
I also recommend 'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi. It tells the story of two half - sisters from Ghana, one sold into slavery and one who remains in Africa. The novel spans generations, showing how their descendants' lives are affected by that initial split. It's a beautifully written exploration of family, history, and the African diaspora.
One must - read 2020 fiction book is 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells the story of twin sisters who take very different paths in life, exploring themes of race, identity, and family. Another great one is 'Hamnet' by Maggie O'Farrell, which gives a fictional account of Shakespeare's family life, especially focusing on his son Hamnet. And 'Shuggie Bain' by Douglas Stuart is also highly recommended. It's a heart - wrenching story of a boy growing up in poverty - stricken Glasgow.
'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens is another wonderful 2018 fiction. It combines mystery, nature, and a coming - of - age story. The story of Kya, a girl growing up alone in the marshes, is both heart - breaking and heart - warming.
Some of the must - read fantasy fiction books include 'The Chronicles of Narnia' by C.S. Lewis. It's a classic that takes readers on a journey to a magical land full of talking animals and epic battles between good and evil. 'The Earthsea Cycle' by Ursula K. Le Guin is also highly recommended. It has a unique magic system and follows the story of a young wizard's growth. And don't forget 'Mistborn' by Brandon Sanderson. It has an innovative magic system and a great plot.
Another interesting 2014 fiction is 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves' by Karen Joy Fowler. It's a unique story that combines family drama with some really interesting ethical and scientific concepts in a very engaging way.
One great must - read 2015 fiction book is 'Go Set a Watchman' by Harper Lee. It offers a different perspective on the characters from 'To Kill a Mockingbird'. Another is 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara, which is a deeply emotional and complex exploration of friendship and trauma. And 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins was a very popular thriller that year.
One must - read fiction adventure book is 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It takes readers on a thrilling journey with Bilbo Baggins through Middle - earth, facing dragons and all sorts of magical creatures. Another great one is 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson. The story of Jim Hawkins and his search for pirate treasure is full of excitement, with battles on the high seas and encounters with the infamous Long John Silver. 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' by Jules Verne is also a classic. It follows the adventures of a group of explorers as they descend into the earth, facing strange and dangerous terrains.
One must - read 2021 fiction book is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story of a woman's struggle during the Great Depression. The characters are vivid and the description of the era makes you feel like you're there. Another great one is 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. It has an amazing plot with a lone astronaut trying to save humanity. The science - fiction elements are really engaging.
Some of the best must - read fiction books include 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This book delves into the American Dream, wealth, and love during the Jazz Age. 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding is a thought - provoking read. It shows how quickly civilization can break down when a group of boys are stranded on an island. Also, 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is a must - read. It takes readers into a magical world full of adventure, friendship, and the battle between good and evil.