You can't go wrong with 'Here I Am' by Jonathan Safran Foer. It's a complex family drama that deals with themes of identity, faith, and family. It has some very poignant moments and is full of Foer's unique writing style.
The book 'Remote Control' by Nnedi Okorafor is one of the best in 2020 fiction. It's a science - fiction story set in a post - apocalyptic Africa. The main character has a special power and her journey is both exciting and thought - provoking. Also, 'Interior Chinatown' by Charles Yu is a great read. It's a satirical take on the Asian - American experience in Hollywood and in society at large. It has a really creative structure and engaging story.
The book 'Yellowface' by R.F. Kuang is a great one in 2023 fiction. It delves into issues like cultural appropriation in the publishing world in a satirical and thought - provoking way.
Among the best in 2016 fiction are 'LaRose' which is a very emotional and deep story about two families. 'The Vegetarian' is quite unique. It's not just about a diet choice but about a woman's inner struggle and her relationship with the world. 'Commonwealth' is also excellent as it shows how one event can have a ripple effect on multiple lives over time.
For me, '1984' by George Orwell is a top choice. It's a dystopian novel that warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. The concepts in this book are still relevant today, and it makes you think about privacy, freedom, and the power of the state.
For beginners, 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien is a great choice. It has a simple yet engaging story, with a clear hero's journey as Bilbo Baggins goes on an adventure. 'Charlotte's Web' by E.B. White is also good. It's a heartwarming story about friendship between a pig and a spider that is easy to understand. Another option is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' by Lewis Carroll. The strange and wonderful world of Wonderland and its unique characters are very appealing to new readers.
I think 'Dune' by Frank Herbert is a top - notch nerdy fiction book. It has a complex political and ecological story set in a far - flung future. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is also great. The way it weaves together different stories in a science - fiction epic is really engaging. And 'Watership Down' by Richard Adams, while it may seem like a simple story about rabbits, has a lot of depth and is loved by nerdy readers for its exploration of society and leadership.
Well, 'Station Eleven' was a great 2014 fiction book. It had a unique take on a post - apocalyptic world. Also, 'The Miniaturist' was quite good. The setting in Amsterdam and the mystery around the miniaturist made it a really interesting read. 'The Rosie Project' was also popular for its light - hearted and humorous take on love and relationships.
I think 'The Road' is one of the best. The relationship between the father and son as they face the harsh reality of a post - apocalyptic world is both heart - breaking and inspiring. Also, 'Hatchet' is really good. The boy in the story has to quickly learn how to find food, shelter and protect himself in the wild. It's a great adventure of survival.
Definitely 'The Island'. It's a classic in Minecraft fiction. 'The Crash' is also good. It has a thrilling story. And 'Tales from the Mine' is a great collection.
I think 'The Sense of an Ending' by Julian Barnes was a top pick in 2011 fiction. It's a short but profound novel that delves into the nature of memory and how our past actions can come back to haunt us. The main character is forced to re - evaluate his memories and the events of his youth, and Barnes writes in a very thought - provoking way.