Sherman Alexie's 'The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven' is also highly regarded. It's a collection of short stories that are both humorous and poignant. Alexie uses his unique perspective as a Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian to explore issues like poverty, alcoholism, and the search for meaning within Native American communities.
I highly recommend 'Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee' by Dee Brown. It's a historical novel that gives a detailed account of the plight of Native Americans in the late 19th century. It's very eye - opening and shows the hardships they faced.
One of the best Indian science fiction novels is 'The Three - Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. Although the author is Chinese, this novel has been widely popular in India as well. It presents a complex and mind - boggling view of the universe, with alien civilizations and high - stakes space exploration.
One of the best Hindi fiction books is 'Godan' by Munshi Premchand. It's a classic that delves deep into the rural Indian society, highlighting the struggles of the poor farmers. The characters are well - crafted and the story gives a great insight into the social and economic conditions of that time.
One of the best Tamil fiction books is 'Ponniyin Selvan' by Kalki Krishnamurthy. It is a historical epic that takes readers on a journey through the Chola dynasty. The detailed descriptions of the era, the political intrigue, and the well - developed characters make it a classic.
David Grossman's 'The Smile of the Lamb' is also highly regarded. It deals with the Israeli - Palestinian conflict in a thought - provoking way. Through the relationship between an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian boy, it explores themes of humanity, power, and coexistence.
One great female teen fiction book is 'The Hunger Games' by Suzanne Collins. It follows Katniss Everdeen in a dystopian world where she has to fight in a deadly game. Another is 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han. It's a charming story about Lara Jean and her love letters. And 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth is also a top pick. Tris Prior has to choose a faction in a divided society.
Another great one is 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. Set in 1896 New York, it follows a team of investigators trying to solve a series of grisly murders. It has a great atmosphere, with the seedy underbelly of the city and the emerging field of criminal psychology playing important roles.
One of the best standalone fantasy fiction books is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It has a richly detailed world, a complex and likable protagonist in Kvothe, and a story full of magic, mystery, and adventure. The writing is beautiful and draws you into the story from the very first page.
One great modern fiction war book is 'The Things They Carried' by Tim O'Brien. It's a collection of stories that vividly portrays the experiences of soldiers in the Vietnam War. The way O'Brien writes about the physical and emotional burdens the soldiers carry is both heart - wrenching and eye - opening.
One great Native American YA novel is 'The Absolutely True Diary of a Part - Time Indian' by Sherman Alexie. It's a semi - autobiographical story that follows a young Native American boy as he leaves his reservation school to attend an all - white school in the nearby town. It deals with themes like identity, cultural clash, and the challenges of growing up between two worlds.