A very popular best urban novel is 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' by Junot Díaz. This novel combines elements of urban Dominican - American life with elements of magic realism. It tells the story of Oscar, a Dominican - American nerd, and his family, set against the backdrop of the Dominican Republic's history. 'Invisible Man' by Ralph Ellison is also a classic. It follows the journey of an unnamed African - American man through the urban landscapes of the United States, facing racism and the search for identity.
One of the best is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It offers a vivid portrayal of the urban life in the 1920s, with its parties, social classes, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Another is 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens which gives a detailed look at the urban situations in London and Paris during the French Revolution. And 'Middlesex' by Jeffrey Eugenides also stands out as it weaves together family history and urban development in Detroit.
One of the best urban novels is 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker. It vividly depicts the life of African - American women in the rural South, which also reflects urban - influenced social issues like discrimination and poverty. Another great one is 'Native Son' by Richard Wright, exploring the life of a young black man in Chicago, dealing with themes of race, class, and violence in an urban setting.
Well, 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes can be considered an urban romance novel. It's a heart - wrenching story of a young woman who becomes a caregiver to a man in a wheelchair and their relationship evolves in an unexpected way. 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion is also excellent. The main character, a genetics professor, goes on a quest to find a wife and meets Rosie, which leads to a very interesting and romantic journey. And 'One Day' by David Nicholls, which follows the relationship of two friends over the years, with many ups and downs.
One of the best urban noir novels is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features a hard - boiled detective, Philip Marlowe, navigating the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. Another great one is 'Sin City' by Frank Miller. Its dark, gritty art and noir - like stories set in Basin City are really captivating. And 'The Wire' (which also has a novelization) can be considered in this genre as it shows the complex and often dark aspects of urban life in Baltimore.
Well, 'It' by Stephen King can be considered as an urban fiction classic in a way. It takes place in a small town but has that sense of urban horror and the complex relationships among the characters. 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn' is also excellent. It shows the life of a girl growing up in a poor urban neighborhood in the early 20th century, with themes of poverty, family, and dreams. 'The Outsiders' by S. E. Hinton is another must - read. It explores the class differences and loyalty among teenagers in an urban - like setting.
Well, 'A Discovery of Witches' by Deborah Harkness is a top urban fantasy novel. It combines history, magic, and a love story. Then there's 'Good Omens' co - written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. It's a humorous take on the apocalypse with angels, demons, and all sorts of magical happenings in a modern world. Also, 'The Iron Druid Chronicles' by Kevin Hearne is really good. It features an ancient druid in a modern - day America filled with gods and mythical creatures.
One of the best urban street novels is 'The Coldest Winter Ever' by Sister Souljah. It vividly portrays the life in the inner city, with complex characters and a gripping plot.
One of the best new urban fantasy novels is 'The City We Became' by N.K. Jemisin. It's a unique take on urban fantasy where cities come to life. Another great one is 'A Deadly Education' by Naomi Novik, which combines dark magic and a school setting in an urban - like environment. And 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by TJ Klune also stands out with its heartwarming yet fantastical story set in a world full of magic and mystery.
The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher is also great. Harry Dresden is a wizard in modern - day Chicago, dealing with all sorts of supernatural problems while trying to make ends meet. There are lots of action - packed adventures, complex characters, and a unique take on urban magic.
One great urban fantasy romance novel is 'A Discovery of Witches' by Deborah Harkness. It combines elements of magic, history, and a passionate romance between a witch and a vampire. Another is 'Fever' series by Karen Marie Moning. The story is set in Dublin and follows MacKayla Lane as she gets involved in a world filled with Fae and dark mysteries, with a strong romantic sub - plot. Then there's 'Mercy Thompson' series by Patricia Briggs. Mercy, a shape - shifter, has a complex relationship with the werewolves and vampires around her in an urban fantasy setting that also includes a lovely romance.