A popular one is 'Shanghai Baby' by Wei Hui. It explores the modern life in Shanghai, with themes like love, self - discovery, and the cultural clashes in the urban context. The story is centered around a young woman's experiences in the city, her relationships, and her pursuit of her own identity.
One highly recommended Chinese urban fiction book is 'Beijing Doll' by Chun Sue. It vividly depicts the life of a young girl in Beijing, including her growth, dreams, and the challenges she faces in the urban environment.
I highly recommend 'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi. It's a beautifully written book that traces the generations of two families, one in Ghana and one in America. It shows how their lives are interconnected by history and the legacy of slavery.
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.
For beginners, 'Coiling Dragon' is a great choice. It has a relatively straightforward plot that is easy to follow. The story is full of action and adventure, which can quickly draw you into the world of light novels. Another one is 'Battle Through the Heavens'. It has a simple yet engaging story about a young man's growth in the world of martial arts and alchemy.
I highly recommend 'The Underground Railroad'. It's not only a great work of historical fiction but also a powerful exploration of race in America. The way Colson Whitehead uses the concept of the railroad is both imaginative and thought - provoking.
I highly recommend 'Because of Winn - Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo. It's about a girl named Opal who befriends a dog. The story is full of love, loss, and the power of friendship. It has simple yet beautiful language that 5th graders can easily understand.
'These Broken Stars' by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner is also a must - read. A pampered socialite and a jaded military hero are the main characters. Their spaceship crashes on an uncharted planet. As they struggle to survive, they also start to develop feelings for each other. The story has elements of mystery, danger, and a very sweet love story set against a science - fiction backdrop.
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.
A good beginner - friendly 2019 science fiction book is 'The Future of Another Timeline' by Annalee Newitz. It has an exciting concept about time travel and different timelines that is easy to grasp. The writing style is engaging and it doesn't require a lot of prior knowledge of science fiction. Another option is 'Gideon the Ninth' by Tamsyn Muir. Although it has some unique elements, the story is told in a way that is accessible to new readers, with a strong main character and an interesting mystery to solve.
A third book could be 'The Drowned World' by J. G. Ballard. It presents a post - apocalyptic world where much of the Earth is underwater. It explores themes like human adaptation and the relationship between humans and the changed environment. The descriptions of the flooded landscapes and the new forms of life are both beautiful and a bit terrifying at the same time.
One of the most popular Chinese romance novels is 'A Dream of Red Mansions'. It intricately weaves the love stories of various characters within a large family setting. The relationship between Jia Baoyu, Lin Daiyu and Xue Baochai is complex and full of emotions. Another popular one is 'The Legend of Condor Heroes'. The love between Yang Guo and Xiao Longnv is very touching, facing many difficulties and still staying true to each other.