I would recommend 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells the story of twin sisters who choose very different paths in life. One passes as white and the other doesn't. It's a thought - provoking exploration of race, identity, and family.
'Transcendent Kingdom' by Yaa Gyasi. This novel delves into the life of a Ghanaian - American family, exploring themes of science, faith, and mental health. The main character is a neuroscientist trying to make sense of her family's struggles through her scientific lens, and it's a really interesting read.
'Leave the World Behind' by Rumaan Alam. It's a gripping story about two families who find themselves in an unexpected and rather strange situation. It makes you think about modern society, technology, and human relationships. It's a page - turner with a unique premise that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Another great one is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Set in the 1920s, it explores wealth, love, and the American Dream. The characters are complex, and the writing style is beautiful, making it a must - read for any fiction lover.
A must - read in 2021 fiction is 'The Push' by Ashley Audrain. It's a psychological thriller that delves deep into motherhood and family secrets. The writing is so gripping that it's hard to put the book down once you start.
One of the good 2018 fiction books is 'Educated' by Tara Westover. Although it's memoir - like, it reads like a fictional story of self - discovery and growth. Another is 'My Year of Rest and Relaxation' by Ottessa Moshfegh which is a darkly humorous take on a young woman's decision to basically hibernate for a year.
One of the highly recommended best - seller fiction books is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a classic that delves into themes of racial injustice and moral growth in the American South. Another is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which explores the decadence and disillusionment of the Jazz Age. 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling is also a massive best - seller. It takes readers into a magical world filled with wizards, witches, and exciting adventures.
'The Sentence' by Louise Erdrich is a remarkable book. It's set in a Minneapolis bookstore and deals with themes of Native American culture, the pandemic, and the power of books. The narrative is engaging and the characters are very relatable.
One of the well - known ones is 'The Art of Cycling'. It's a fictional exploration of cycling that has some really unique perspectives on the sport. It's like a love letter to cycling.
One of the well - known holocaust fiction books is 'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' by John Boyne. It tells the story from the perspective of a young boy, Bruno, whose family moves near a concentration camp. Another is 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman, which is a unique graphic novel presenting the holocaust experience in an engaging and poignant way. Also, 'Sarah's Key' by Tatiana de Rosnay is a great example, exploring the round - up of Jews in Paris during the holocaust.
A great occult fiction book is 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin. It's a chilling tale of the occult, centered around a young woman and her unborn child. Another is 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' by Oscar Wilde, which has elements of the occult as Dorian's portrait ages instead of him, a very strange and occult - like concept. 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer also has some occult - ish vibes, with the strange and otherworldly area that the characters explore.
Some 2018 recommended fiction books often had strong character - driven plots. For example, in 'Educated' by Tara Westover, the main character's journey from a very restricted upbringing to seeking education is central. It shows how her character evolves through her experiences.
I'd recommend 'Body of Lies' by David Ignatius. It offers a look into the Middle East operations of the CIA. The story shows how the CIA agents operate in a complex and dangerous environment, with political intrigue and personal struggles.