I think 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a must - mention. Holden Caulfield is an iconic character. His angst, his disillusionment with the adult world are so relatable. And in 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, Heathcliff and Cathy are two very passionate and tortured characters. Their love - hate relationship is both tragic and fascinating.
For amazing fictional characters, 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell is a great choice. The animals on the farm each represent different types of people or ideas in society. Boxer is a hard - working and loyal character, while the pigs represent the corrupt leaders. Also, 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens has some vivid characters like Sydney Carton, whose self - sacrifice at the end is very moving.
I would say 'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara. It focuses on the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War and does an excellent job of bringing the characters and the events to life. It makes you understand the different perspectives of those involved in the war. Another is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Set during World War II, it shows the power of words and the resistance against the Nazi regime, which can be considered a revolutionary act. Also, 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas has elements of revolution as it is set against the backdrop of political intrigue in France.
Well, 'The Bone Collector' by Jeffery Deaver is worth mentioning. The main character, Lincoln Rhyme, is a quadriplegic forensic expert who tries to catch a serial killer. It has a lot of forensic details and keeps you on the edge of your seat. And 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' by Jeff Lindsay. It's about Dexter Morgan, a blood - spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who also happens to be a serial killer himself, but he only kills other killers. It's a very unique take on the serial killer genre.
I also like 'How to Train Your Dragon' which features dragons, which are kind of like dinosaurs in a way. It shows the relationship between a young Viking boy and his dragon. It's a story full of adventure, humor, and lessons about acceptance and friendship.
I highly recommend 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton. It's a mystery - thriller with a unique time - loop concept that keeps you on your toes. 'A Column of Fire' by Ken Follett is also great. It's a historical fiction that continues the Kingsbridge series and is full of political intrigue and complex characters. And 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn, which is set during World War I and II and tells the story of female spies.
I'd recommend 'Flight Behavior' by Barbara Kingsolver. It deals with themes like climate change and the impact on a rural community. It has really engaging characters that draw you into the story.
I highly recommend 'The Vanishing Half'. It has a really engaging plot about race and identity. The characters are well - developed and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Definitely 'The Magicians' series by Lev Grossman. It features a world where magic exists and there are different realms that can be considered parts of a multiverse. 'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester also has some multiverse - like ideas in its exploration of space and human potential. 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer has a strange and mysterious world that can be seen as part of a larger, weirder multiverse.
I highly recommend 'Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen. It's a story of two sisters and their different approaches to love. Austen's writing is brilliant in depicting the social and emotional aspects of relationships. Another good one is 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger. The concept of a man who time - travels and his relationship with his wife is unique and full of love and challenges.
I highly recommend 'The Wedding Date' by Jasmine Guillory. It has a great interracial romance plot that is both modern and engaging. The characters are well - developed and the chemistry between them is palpable. Another one is 'Second First Impressions' by Sally Thorne. It's about a young woman working at a retirement village and her unexpected romance. It's really sweet and has some great comedic moments.
I'd highly recommend 'Sing, Unburied, Sing' by Jesmyn Ward. It's a story that delves deep into family, race, and the South. The characters are complex and the writing is beautiful, painting a vivid picture of a family's journey.