Yes, 'Save the Cat! Writes a Novel' by Jessica Brody. It breaks down the structure of a novel in a very accessible way. It has concepts like the 'beat sheet' which helps writers plan their stories effectively. This book is great for those who want to learn how to create engaging and well - paced stories.
A more recent addition is 'How to Write an Autobiographical Novel' by Alexander Chee. While it focuses on autobiographical elements, it has many lessons for fiction writers too. It talks about how to draw from personal experiences and transform them into fictional stories. It also delves into the importance of details and how to create a sense of place and character.
For me, '1984' by George Orwell is a top choice. It's a dystopian novel that warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. The concepts in this book are still relevant today, and it makes you think about privacy, freedom, and the power of the state.
Among the best in 2016 fiction are 'LaRose' which is a very emotional and deep story about two families. 'The Vegetarian' is quite unique. It's not just about a diet choice but about a woman's inner struggle and her relationship with the world. 'Commonwealth' is also excellent as it shows how one event can have a ripple effect on multiple lives over time.
For beginners, 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a great choice. It has a simple yet engaging story, with a clear hero's journey as Bilbo Baggins goes on an adventure. 'Charlotte's Web' by E.B. White is also good. It's a heartwarming story about friendship between a pig and a spider that is easy to understand. Another option is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll. The strange and wonderful world of Wonderland and its unique characters are very appealing to new readers.
Well, 'Station Eleven' was a great 2014 fiction book. It had a unique take on a post - apocalyptic world. Also, 'The Miniaturist' was quite good. The setting in Amsterdam and the mystery around the miniaturist made it a really interesting read. 'The Rosie Project' was also popular for its light - hearted and humorous take on love and relationships.
Well, 'The Godfather' is often at the top of the list. It has been adapted into an iconic movie, but the book itself is a masterpiece. It shows how family and business intertwine in the world of the mafia.
The book 'Yellowface' by R.F. Kuang is a great one in 2023 fiction. It delves into issues like cultural appropriation in the publishing world in a satirical and thought - provoking way.
The book 'Remote Control' by Nnedi Okorafor is one of the best in 2020 fiction. It's a science - fiction story set in a post - apocalyptic Africa. The main character has a special power and her journey is both exciting and thought - provoking. Also, 'Interior Chinatown' by Charles Yu is a great read. It's a satirical take on the Asian - American experience in Hollywood and in society at large. It has a really creative structure and engaging story.
Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason series is quite famous. These books feature the brilliant lawyer Perry Mason who always manages to solve the mystery and win the case for his clients. They are a great example of classic fictional lawyer stories.
In 2018, 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones was highly regarded. It was a powerful story about a young African - American couple dealing with the husband's wrongful imprisonment. The book really showed the impact on their relationship and on their individual lives.
I think 'Dune' by Frank Herbert is a top - notch nerdy fiction book. It has a complex political and ecological story set in a far - flung future. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is also great. The way it weaves together different stories in a science - fiction epic is really engaging. And 'Watership Down' by Richard Adams, while it may seem like a simple story about rabbits, has a lot of depth and is loved by nerdy readers for its exploration of society and leadership.