Well, 'Commonwealth' by Ann Patchett is worth reading. It tells the story of two families joined together by an affair. The story unfolds over decades, exploring the relationships between the family members, the impact of secrets, and how people change over time. Patchett's writing is elegant and the characters feel very real.
One of the great ones could be 'Pride and Prejudice'. It's a classic that offers a wonderful look at society, relationships, and the concept of love and pride. The characters are well - developed and the story is engaging.
The book 'Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days' by Jeanette Winterson is a great pick. It combines stories with the idea of Christmas feasts in a very creative way. Each story has its own charm and gives a different perspective on the Christmas spirit.
Well, 'The Calculating Stars' by Mary Robinette Kowal is a great one. It's set in an alternate history where an asteroid has hit the earth and a space program is being rapidly developed. It has a strong female lead and interesting takes on scientific progress and social change.
One of the must-reads from 2016 was 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful and thought-provoking novel.
There are many great books in the '100 essential fiction books'. For instance, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville. It's not just a story about a man hunting a white whale, but it delves deep into themes of obsession, fate, and the nature of good and evil. 'Jane Eyre' is also part of it. Charlotte Bronte's novel tells the story of a strong - willed woman's journey through life, love, and self - discovery. This book has complex characters and a richly detailed setting that draws the reader in.
A lot of people liked 'The Interestings' by Meg Wolitzer in 2013. It's about a group of friends who meet at a summer camp and then their lives unfold over the years. It's interesting to see how their relationships change as they grow older, face different challenges, and have different levels of success.
On the best book lists for fiction, 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding is often included. It tells the story of a group of boys stranded on an island and how their society devolves into chaos. It's a thought - provoking exploration of human nature. Additionally, 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling has captured the hearts of millions. It's a magical journey filled with friendship, courage, and the battle between good and evil.
A notable 2016 fiction book is 'The Association of Small Bombs' by Karan Mahajan. This book looks at the aftermath of a terrorist bombing in Delhi. It's a profound exploration of the human condition in the face of such tragedies. There are also interesting character dynamics that make it a great read.
I really liked 'Babel' by R.F. Kuang in 2022. It's a dark academia novel that delves into themes of colonialism, language, and power. The story is set in a fictional version of Oxford University and follows a young Chinese boy named Robin Swift. It's a complex and engaging read.
Gillian Flynn's 'Gone Girl' was also from 2013. It's a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns about a marriage gone wrong. The unreliable narrators add to the mystery.