For me, 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood is a crucial popular speculative fiction read. It portrays a dystopian future where women are subjugated in a theocratic regime. It's a powerful commentary on gender and power. 'The Invisible Man' by H.G. Wells is another. It's a fascinating exploration of invisibility and the moral and psychological implications for the person who becomes invisible. Also, 'The Giver' by Lois Lowry. It shows a seemingly utopian but actually very restrictive society where one boy discovers the truth about the world he lives in.
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.
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 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.
One popular Japanese fiction book is 'Norwegian Wood' by Haruki Murakami. It's a coming - of - age story filled with love, loss, and self - discovery. Another is 'The Tale of Genji', which is a classic, often considered the world's first novel. It gives a great insight into the Heian period of Japan. 'Battle Royale' by Koushun Takami is also well - known for its intense and thought - provoking story about a brutal survival game among students.
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.
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.
A wide range of people read speculative fiction, including science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts, those who enjoy imagining alternative realities and futures.
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.
Well, 'Neuromancer' is a must for those interested in cyberpunk apocalyptic stories. It was very innovative when it was released and still has a lot to offer in terms of exploring a world dominated by technology. 'The Hunger Games' is also a great pick. It not only has an exciting story but also makes you think about social inequality and power struggles in a post - apocalyptic setting. And 'Ender's Game' is a must - read as it delves into the psychology of a child who has to save humanity from an alien threat.
One great historical fiction book from 2021 is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story about a woman's struggle during the Great Depression in America. The characters are vivid and the historical details are well - researched, making it a very engaging read.