'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank is a must - read. It is her real - life account of hiding from the Nazis during World War II. It gives a very personal and poignant view of the horror of the war and the hope that still existed in such difficult times.
'Unbroken' is also a great book based on a true story. It's about Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete who then endures incredible hardships as a prisoner of war. His story of survival and resilience is truly remarkable.
One great book is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a story about a woman's struggle during the Great Depression, showing the harsh reality of that era.
Another great one was 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama. It details her life from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago, through her time in the White House, and how she has become the person she is today. It gives an in - depth look at her personal growth, her family, and her influence. The book was very popular as it allowed readers to get to know the former First Lady on a more personal level.
For a more recent true story, 'Educated' by Tara Westover is a great choice. Tara grew up in a strict and isolated Mormon family in Idaho. She overcame many obstacles to educate herself and eventually attend Cambridge University. Her story is one of self - determination and the power of education.
One popular 2013 fiction book is 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a coming - of - age story wrapped around a famous painting. The characters are complex and the plot is full of twists and turns.
I'd say 'The Vanishing Half' is a must - read. Its exploration of race, identity, and family is really deep and engaging. The characters are well - developed, and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.
I think 'Lessons in Chemistry' is a must - read. It not only has a great female lead but also shows the challenges women faced in the scientific community in the past. It has a great balance of serious topics like sexism and lighter moments, like Elizabeth Zott's relationship with her dog.
Definitely 'The Three - Body Problem'. It's not only a great science fiction story but also makes you think about deep concepts like the Fermi Paradox. It shows how different civilizations might interact in the vastness of the universe.
Definitely 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells. It was one of the first books to really explore time travel in a speculative way. Wells takes the reader on a journey to the far future, showing different species that have evolved. Another must - read is 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle. It has a unique blend of science, fantasy, and religious themes as the characters travel through different dimensions to battle evil. And 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is also a great one. It has an intricate plot and a diverse set of characters, all with their own stories, set in a far - flung future universe.
In my opinion, 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' is a must - read from this list. It has a complex and interesting plot with a great mix of romance, adventure, and magic. The characters are well - developed and the world - building is superb. It can draw readers into a whole new world and keep them hooked from start to finish.
One of the top 10 could be 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh. It gives a heart - wrenching account of the partition of India. 'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga is another notable one. It's a darkly humorous look at the class divide in India through the eyes of a chauffeur. 'Interpreter of Maladies' by Jhumpa Lahiri is also highly regarded. Her short stories in this collection explore the experiences of Indian immigrants in the United States.