Well, different people have different favorites. However, many classic short stories are highly rated. Stories like 'The Gift of the Magi' by O. Henry are often loved. It has a beautiful message about love and sacrifice. Also, Edgar Allan Poe's short horror and mystery stories are quite popular. They are masterpieces in creating an eerie atmosphere and have complex characters and plots that are still fascinating today.
Well, on Goodreads, 'The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born' by Ayi Kwei Armah is often listed among the best African fiction. It's a powerful exploration of post - colonial Ghana. Then there's 'Waiting for the Wild Beasts to Vote' by Ahmadou Kourouma, which offers a unique perspective on African politics and society. Also, 'Weep Not, Child' by Ngugi wa Thiong'o is a notable work. It was one of the first major novels in English by a Kenyan writer, dealing with the Mau Mau Rebellion and its impact on ordinary people.
Another one is 'Carrie Soto Is Back'. This novel focuses on a tennis star who decides to come out of retirement. It's not just about sports but also about self - discovery, the price of fame, and the relationships that are affected by a person's pursuit of their dreams.
Some of the popular science fiction works on Goodreads in 2017 might include 'The Three - Body Problem' series. It's a fascinating exploration of alien contact and the implications on humanity. Another could be 'Ready Player One' which was also quite well - received. It's set in a virtual reality world filled with 80s pop - culture references.
One of the books could be 'Exit West' by Mohsin Hamid. It's a story about a young couple in a war - torn city who find mysterious doors that lead to other parts of the world, exploring themes of displacement, love, and the global refugee crisis.
One of the best fiction books on Goodreads is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a classic that deals with themes of racism and justice in the American South. The characters are vividly drawn, especially Atticus Finch, a moral compass in the story.
Some of the popular 'Goodreads best books 2022 fiction' include 'The Maid' by Nita Prose. It's a charming mystery with an endearing protagonist. Another one could be 'Lessons in Chemistry' by Bonnie Garmus, which has a unique and engaging story about a female chemist in a male - dominated field.
There's also 'Educated' by Tara Westover. Although it's more of a memoir, it has elements that read like fiction. It's about her journey growing up in a strict and somewhat isolated family in Idaho and her struggle for education and self - discovery.
Some of the books might include 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful novel that reimagines the Underground Railroad as an actual railroad system underground, exploring themes of slavery, freedom, and the African - American experience in a unique and impactful way.
One of the highly regarded 2017 fiction books on Goodreads was 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood. It's a dystopian novel that explores themes of women's rights and a totalitarian society. Another great one was 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty. It has a complex web of characters and a mystery at its core. And 'Lincoln in the Bardo' by George Saunders was also well - liked, with its unique narrative style and exploration of life and death.
There were likely many great books on that list. 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones was also a significant work. It delved into the complex relationships within marriage and race in America. Without having the exact list in front of me, it's hard to name them all, but these are some of the well - received books around that time that might have made it to the list.