If you're interested in stories about cultural and religious differences, 'Small Great Things' is a great choice. It tells the story of a black nurse who is accused of a crime she didn't commit in a racially charged environment. It shows Picoult's skill in exploring different perspectives and the power of human connection in the face of bigotry.
Another good option is 'The Pact'. This novel explores the relationship between two teenagers who make a suicide pact. It has a great mix of mystery, drama, and emotional depth. It gives a good taste of Picoult's ability to handle complex and difficult topics.
I'd recommend 'Handle with Care'. It's a great example of Picoult's ability to write about complex family relationships. The story revolves around a child with a brittle bone disease and the legal battle that ensues within the family. It's an emotional rollercoaster that really showcases Picoult's writing skills.
A good starting point could be 'The Baron in the Trees'. It has an engaging and accessible story about a young boy who decides to live in the trees. It gives a taste of Calvino's creative imagination and his ability to create a vivid and unique world.
If you prefer shorter works, 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich' might be a good start. It's a more concise novel but still packs a punch. It delves deep into the life of Ivan Ilyich, his illness, and his realization about his life. It gives you a taste of Tolstoy's profound insights into human existence.
I'd recommend 'The Camel Club'. It's a really interesting Baldacci novel. It follows a group of misfits who form a sort of club to investigate various mysteries. There are multiple storylines that all come together in an exciting way. The characters are well - developed and you get drawn into their world easily.
You could start with 'The Firm'. It's one of his most popular novels and gives a great introduction to his style of writing legal thrillers.
If you prefer something shorter and more focused, 'Cannery Row' might be a good choice. It has a more light - hearted tone in some ways compared to his other works, while still exploring themes of community, friendship, and the human experience. It gives you an introduction to Steinbeck's way of writing about the everyday lives of ordinary people in a particular place.
I would recommend starting with 'Vanity Fair'. It is one of his most well - known works. It gives a great overview of the different aspects of Thackeray's writing, like his character development and his exploration of society. The story is full of interesting characters and a complex plot that will keep you engaged.
I'd recommend starting with 'Shards of Honor'. It's a great introduction to the series and sets the stage for the complex universe and characters.
Learning programming could start from learning basic grammar, data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming. Beginners can choose a programming language such as Python or Java, which is easy to learn and has a wide range of applications. Learning programming requires patience and perseverance. It is recommended that beginners can learn through online tutorial, video tutorial or books. At the same time, you can try to write some simple programs to consolidate your knowledge and participate in open source projects or programming communities to gain more programming experience and communication opportunities. Which language to choose depends on your personal interests and goals. You can refer to some popular programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, etc. to understand their characteristics and application scenarios, and then choose the language that suits you to learn.
I'd recommend 'One Piece' if you like adventure and a huge cast of characters. It has a rich world and an engaging story.