Well, 'The Nix' by Nathan Hill is also great. It has a complex plot that weaves together different time periods and characters. It's full of humor and poignant observations about family, politics, and growing up. It's a book that keeps you engaged from start to finish.
One more that's worth mentioning is 'LaRose' by Louise Erdrich. This book is set in Native American communities and deals with themes of justice, forgiveness, and family. Erdrich's writing is rich and immersive, making it a truly engaging read.
I highly recommend 'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi. It's a beautifully written book that traces the generations of two families, one in Ghana and one in America. It shows how their lives are interconnected by history and the legacy of slavery.
One highly recommended Chinese urban fiction book is 'Beijing Doll' by Chun Sue. It vividly depicts the life of a young girl in Beijing, including her growth, dreams, and the challenges she faces in the urban environment.
I highly recommend 'The Vanishing Half'. It has a really engaging plot about race and identity. The characters are well - developed and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.
I highly recommend 'The Underground Railroad'. It's not only a great work of historical fiction but also a powerful exploration of race in America. The way Colson Whitehead uses the concept of the railroad is both imaginative and thought - provoking.
I highly recommend 'Because of Winn - Dixie' by Kate DiCamillo. It's about a girl named Opal who befriends a dog. The story is full of love, loss, and the power of friendship. It has simple yet beautiful language that 5th graders can easily understand.
'These Broken Stars' by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner is also a must - read. A pampered socialite and a jaded military hero are the main characters. Their spaceship crashes on an uncharted planet. As they struggle to survive, they also start to develop feelings for each other. The story has elements of mystery, danger, and a very sweet love story set against a science - fiction backdrop.
I highly recommend 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton. It's a mystery - thriller with a unique time - loop concept that keeps you on your toes. 'A Column of Fire' by Ken Follett is also great. It's a historical fiction that continues the Kingsbridge series and is full of political intrigue and complex characters. And 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn, which is set during World War I and II and tells the story of female spies.
A good beginner - friendly 2019 science fiction book is 'The Future of Another Timeline' by Annalee Newitz. It has an exciting concept about time travel and different timelines that is easy to grasp. The writing style is engaging and it doesn't require a lot of prior knowledge of science fiction. Another option is 'Gideon the Ninth' by Tamsyn Muir. Although it has some unique elements, the story is told in a way that is accessible to new readers, with a strong main character and an interesting mystery to solve.
A third book could be 'The Drowned World' by J. G. Ballard. It presents a post - apocalyptic world where much of the Earth is underwater. It explores themes like human adaptation and the relationship between humans and the changed environment. The descriptions of the flooded landscapes and the new forms of life are both beautiful and a bit terrifying at the same time.
I'd recommend 'Flight Behavior' by Barbara Kingsolver. It deals with themes like climate change and the impact on a rural community. It has really engaging characters that draw you into the story.
Well, 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is really popular. It's a hilarious and absurd take on space travel and the universe. 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card is another top pick. It tells the story of a child prodigy in a military - like setting for space battles. And 'Foundation' by Isaac Asimov, which has an epic scope of a galactic empire's fall and rise.