Definitely '1984' by George Orwell. It's a dystopian novel that warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. The concepts like Big Brother watching, doublethink, and newspeak are so impactful and relevant even today. It makes you think about freedom, privacy, and the power of the state.
In my opinion, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is one of the best. It's not just a story about a man's obsession with a white whale. It's a complex exploration of human nature, fate, and the relationship between man and the natural world. The writing is rich in symbolism and the descriptions of the sea and the whaling industry are very detailed.
One of the best is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It has a complex structure and a richly imagined universe. The different stories of the pilgrims on their way to the Time Tombs are really engaging. 'I, Robot' by Isaac Asimov is also a classic. It introduced the Three Laws of Robotics, which have been a staple in science - fiction discussions about artificial intelligence. And 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury, while often seen as a dystopian novel, has strong science - fiction elements in its vision of a future society that burns books.
I think 'Star Wars: Expanded Universe' books (now known as 'Star Wars Legends') are great. They expand the already vast Star Wars universe with many different storylines, characters, and planets. It gives fans a deeper look into the lore behind the movies.
Some all - time great fiction books are 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne. It explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption in Puritan society. 'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a psychological masterpiece. It delves deep into the mind of a man who commits a crime and his subsequent moral struggle. Also, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde is a great work. It examines the consequences of vanity and the pursuit of pleasure.
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.
Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. It's a story of Heathcliff and Catherine. Their love is wild and tempestuous. The brooding moors and the complex family relationships create a backdrop for this intense love story. It's not your typical love story as it has elements of revenge and madness intertwined with love.
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.
Definitely 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy. It's a post - apocalyptic novel that shows the journey of a father and son. The sparse writing style adds to the bleak atmosphere of the story. It's a profound exploration of love, survival, and the human condition in a desolate world.
I think 'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara is a great military fiction book. It tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg in a very engaging way. It gives detailed descriptions of the military maneuvers and the characters involved.
For 7th - grade fiction, 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett is a classic. It's about a girl who discovers a hidden garden and how it transforms her. 'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M. Montgomery is another great pick. The adventures and misadventures of Anne are both charming and relatable. 'Little House on the Prairie' by Laura Ingalls Wilder can also be a great choice as it shows a different time period and a family's struggle and growth.