One of the most underrated detective novels is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It has a complex plot filled with mystery and a hard - boiled detective, Philip Marlowe. The atmosphere is gritty and the dialogue is sharp, but it doesn't always get the recognition it deserves compared to some more mainstream detective stories.
G. K. Chesterton's 'The Man Who Was Thursday' is often overlooked as a detective - like novel. It has elements of mystery and a sense of the unknown. The protagonist has to figure out the true identities of those around him. It's full of Chesterton's unique brand of humor, symbolism and philosophical musings, which makes it not only a great detective - style read but also a thought - provoking piece of literature.
The 'Bartimaeus Trilogy' by Jonathan Stroud is often overlooked. It tells the story from the perspective of a djinni named Bartimaeus. The world - building is excellent, with a complex magic system and a society divided between magicians and commoners. It has a great mix of humor, action, and political intrigue, which makes it a great read for fantasy lovers who are looking for something a bit different.
One of the top 5 literary novels is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that beautifully portrays the society of its time, especially in terms of marriage and class. Another is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee, which tackles themes of racism and injustice through the eyes of a young girl. '1984' by George Orwell is also in the list. It's a dystopian novel that warns about totalitarianism. 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald is famous for its exploration of the American Dream and the decadence of the wealthy. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, which is a complex tale about obsession and the power of nature.
One of the must - read Indian novels is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It beautifully weaves the story of a family in Kerala, exploring themes of caste, love, and loss. Another is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie, which is a magical realist take on India's independence and the generations that followed. 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is also great, as it delves into post - independence India through the search for a suitable boy for a young woman in a large and complex family.
Another great one is 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham'. The music in this film is a blend of traditional and modern sounds. The love story of Rahul and Anjali is beautifully depicted, and the songs like 'Suraj Hua Maddham' add to the romantic atmosphere.
One of the top rated Hollywood love stories is 'Titanic'. The story of Jack and Rose is iconic. Their love defied class differences on the ill - fated ship. The movie's grandeur, from the sets to the music, enhanced the love story. Another great one is 'The Notebook'. It shows a deep and lasting love between Noah and Allie. The flashbacks and the way their relationship is portrayed makes it a classic. Also, 'Pretty Woman' is a popular love story. The relationship between a rich businessman and a prostitute that blossoms into something more is quite engaging.
For female teen fiction, 'Thirteen Reasons Why' by Jay Asher is quite impactful. It deals with the tough topic of teen suicide through Hannah's tapes. However, it can be a bit heavy. 'Looking for Alaska' by John Green is also a great read. Alaska is a complex and fascinating character. And 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, although not strictly teen - targeted when first written, is a wonderful story of Elizabeth Bennet's journey in love and self - discovery that many teen girls can relate to.
Well, 'Aashiqui 2' is a must - watch Bollywood love story. The movie beautifully portrays a passionate and tragic love story. The music adds to the overall mood of the film. 'Veer - Zaara' is another gem. It's a cross - border love story that shows the power of love that transcends boundaries. Also, 'Love Aaj Kal' gives a modern take on love in different time periods.
One of the most underrated romance novels is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller. It's a beautiful retelling of the story of Achilles and Patroclus. The relationship between the two is tenderly and powerfully depicted, with a rich backdrop of Greek mythology.
Definitely 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and has a monk as a detective figure. It's full of complex theological and philosophical ideas, which might be why it's sometimes underrated as a detective novel. But the mystery of the murders in the monastery is really engaging.
Some of the most popular detective novels on Goodreads might include 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot and a unique protagonist. Another popular one could be 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle, which is a classic with brilliant deductions. And 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn also has a huge following due to its twisty plot and interesting characters.