There are many. Jhumpa Lahiri is a notable contemporary American novelist. She often writes about the immigrant experience in America. Jeffrey Eugenides is also well - known for works like 'Middlesex', which explores complex themes of identity. And of course, we can't forget Stephen King, who has been writing for decades and his horror and thriller novels have a huge following.
Sherman Alexie is quite well - known. His works often deal with the experiences of Native Americans in modern society. Another is Louise Erdrich. Her novels are rich in Native American culture and history.
One well - known contemporary graphic novelist is Marjane Satrapi. Her work, such as 'Persepolis', is highly regarded. It tells her personal story growing up in Iran during a tumultuous time, and it's a great example of how graphic novels can be used to convey important historical and cultural experiences.
One of the well - known contemporary western novelists is Salman Rushdie. His works often blend different cultures and mythologies. For example, in 'Midnight's Children', he tells a story that is deeply intertwined with the history and culture of India. Another is J.K. Rowling. Although she is famous for the 'Harry Potter' series which has elements of fantasy, her writing has had a huge impact on contemporary western literature in terms of its popularity and the way it has engaged a wide range of readers.
Anne Rice is quite well - known. Her works often blend elements of the Gothic with the supernatural, like vampires. Another one is Stephen King. His novels are filled with horror and Gothic elements, often set in small - town America with lots of psychological twists. Gillian Flynn is also a notable figure. Her books like 'Gone Girl' have elements of the Gothic in terms of the dark and complex relationships and the sense of unease throughout the story.
Don DeLillo is a well - known author. His works like 'White Noise' are very popular. Cormac McCarthy is another. His novels often have a dark and gritty tone, such as 'The Road'. And then there's Jonathan Franzen, who has written books like 'The Corrections' which deal with family and society in a modern American context.
One well - known author is Zora Neale Hurston. Although she was writing earlier in the 20th century, her influence on contemporary African American novels is significant. Her work 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a classic. Ta - Nehisi Coates is a more recent author who has made a name for himself with his novel 'Between the World and Me'. Octavia Butler is also renowned for her science - fiction works that often incorporate African American experiences.
One of the prominent authors is Zora Neale Hurston. Although she was writing earlier in the 20th century, her influence on African American contemporary novels is huge. Her work 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' is a classic. Then there's Ta - Nehisi Coates, who has written books that explore race and identity in modern America. Jesmyn Ward is also a well - known contemporary author with works that often deal with the struggles of African American communities in the South.
One well - known author is Leslie Marmon Silko. Her works are rich in Native American culture and often deal with themes like the land, traditions, and the impact of the outside world on Native communities. Another is N. Scott Momaday. His writing is very evocative and has been crucial in bringing the stories and voices of American Indians to a wider audience. James Welch is also highly regarded. His novels give insights into the lives of Native Americans, especially in Montana and the Plains regions.
Raymond Carver is a very well - known author. His stories are often noted for their minimalist style and focus on the ordinary lives of working - class people. Another is Jhumpa Lahiri, who, although of Indian origin, writes stories set in America that deal with themes of immigration, cultural clash, and identity.
Philip Roth is a very well - known author. His works often deal with Jewish - American experiences, exploring themes like family, identity, and the changing cultural landscape. Another is Michael Chabon. His novels blend elements of Jewish culture, history, and the American experience in unique ways.