A third option could be 'Lucky Boy' by Shanthi Sekaran. While not strictly a 'black - only' story as it also involves other characters, it has important elements related to race and identity. It's about two families, one of which is an undocumented Mexican immigrant family and the other an African - American family, and how their lives intersect in unexpected ways.
Some popular 2017 fiction books include 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful novel that uses a fantastical concept of an actual underground railroad as a means of escape for slaves, exploring themes of race and freedom in a very unique way.
One of the notable books could be 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a story that follows a young boy's life after a tragic event at an art museum. Another might be 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel, which is a post - apocalyptic novel that explores the importance of art and human connection. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, a beautifully written novel set during World War II that tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy.
Some well - known ones could be 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, class, and society through the relationship of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
In 2015, 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik is a great choice. Although it has elements of fantasy, it also has strong science - fiction undertones. It's about a young woman who is taken away from her village to live with a wizard. The world - building and character development are really engaging.
Another one could be 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' by Neil Gaiman. It's a magical and somewhat dark story that blends elements of fantasy and reality. Gaiman has a unique way of creating a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly.
One notable book could be 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It's a classic that has defined vampire horror. Another might be 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley, which explores the horror of creation gone wrong. 'The Shining' by Stephen King is also a great one, with its terrifying hotel setting and psychological horror.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It's a thrilling dystopian story about a girl fighting in a deadly game. Another might be 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling, which is about a young wizard's adventures at Hogwarts. Also, 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' by Rick Riordan, which combines modern - day kids with Greek mythology.
One of the notable ones could be 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It's a classic with complex world - building, political intrigue, and a unique desert planet setting. Another is '1984' by George Orwell, which, although often considered dystopian, has strong science - fiction elements in its vision of a totalitarian future. 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is also great. It presents an epic scope of a galactic empire's fall and the attempts to rebuild civilization through the science of psychohistory.
There's also 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a story that deals with racial injustice in the American South. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, we see the unfair trial of Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused, and it also shows the growth and moral education of Scout and her brother Jem.
Some well - known ones could be 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in a charming and witty way. Another might be 'To Kill a Mockingbird' which deals with racial injustice and moral growth in the American South.