For must - read first - person fiction, 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath stands out. Esther Greenwood's first - person story of her mental breakdown is a powerful and poignant read. 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' by Gabriel García Márquez, although not strictly first - person throughout, has parts that use first - person to great effect in telling the complex family history. 'A Tale of Two Cities' also has some great first - person elements through the character of Sydney Carton that add depth to the story.
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 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.
I would say 'The Expanse' series is a must. It has a great blend of military action, political intrigue, and character development. 'Gateway' is also important. It's a thought - provoking story that involves military - related exploration. And 'Hammer's Slammers' is a great military - focused read. It gives a detailed look at the operations of a mercenary military unit.
One great example is 'War and Peace' by Leo Tolstoy. Although Tolstoy was Russian, Russia is part of Europe. This novel vividly depicts the Napoleonic Wars and the impact on Russian society. It delves deep into the lives of various characters, from nobles to peasants. Another is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. Set in a medieval Italian monastery, it combines mystery, theology, and historical details. The complex plot and detailed descriptions of the era make it a classic in European historical fiction.
Definitely 'The Lord of the Rings'. It has an incredibly detailed and immersive world, with different races like hobbits, elves, and dwarves all having their own cultures and roles in the grand adventure. Another is 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain. It's a coming - of - age adventure as Huck and Jim float down the Mississippi River, facing various challenges and learning about life and society. 'The Call of the Wild' by Jack London is also great, following Buck's transformation from a domestic dog to a wild beast in the Alaskan wilderness.
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.
One of the best is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. The first - person narration through Scout gives a unique and innocent perspective on the complex social issues in the Deep South. Another great one is 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. Holden Caulfield's first - person account makes the reader feel his alienation and teenage angst deeply. Also, 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. Jane's first - person story of her life, love, and self - discovery is truly captivating.
For me, 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens was a must-read. The story is beautifully written, with rich characters and a compelling plot. Another one was 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides, which kept me on the edge of my seat.
There are several. 'The Secret of the Lost City' by Emily Johnson is a captivating read. It has a unique plot and rich characters.
Well, 'Exit West' by Mohsin Hamid and 'Little Fires Everywhere' by Celeste Ng were both highly recommended in 2017. They offered unique perspectives and engaging stories.