Can you recommend some humorous contemporary American novels?

Another characteristic is the creation of quirky characters. These characters usually have strange habits or beliefs. In 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' (although the author Gail Honeyman is British, it has a similar flavor), Eleanor has some odd social behaviors which lead to many humorous situations. In American humorous novels too, such characters drive the comical plot. They might be overly - confident but incompetent, or overly - paranoid, etc.

Sure. 'Beach Read' by Emily Henry. It's about two writers who challenge each other to write in different genres. The dialogue is hilarious as they butt heads and then gradually open up to each other. There are some really sweet and funny moments that make it a great read.

Sure. 'Beach Read' is a funny contemporary romance. It features two writers with different genres who make a pact to swap writing styles for the summer. Their interactions are filled with humor and the development of their relationship is really engaging. Also, 'The Kiss Quotient' is a lovely one. The main character, who has Asperger's, decides to hire an escort to practice dating skills, and the story that unfolds is both humorous and heart - warming.

Well, 'Candide' by Voltaire (again, not strictly American but highly influential on American satire). It's a very humorous take on the idea of optimism in the face of a cruel world. Among American novels, 'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon is a complex and humorous satire on various aspects of American society including consumerism and paranoia. 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' by Hunter S. Thompson is also a wild and humorous satire on the counter - culture and the American Dream gone wrong.

One amazing contemporary American novel is 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It tells a story of a boy's life after he survives a terrorist attack at an art museum and becomes involved with a small painting. Another is 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which explores race, identity, and love through the experiences of a Nigerian woman in America. 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is also great, with its complex characters and a thrilling plot full of twists.

Sure. One of the well - known contemporary American classic novels is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It deals with themes of racial injustice and moral growth in the American South. Another is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which explores wealth, love, and the American Dream. 'Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger is also a classic, following the story of a disillusioned teenager.

Yes. 'The Namesake' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a great contemporary American novel. It tells the story of an Indian - American family and their son's struggle with his identity. 'The Art of Fielding' by Chad Harbach is also a good read. It combines baseball, college life, and the relationships of the characters in an engaging way. 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel is another excellent choice, which is set in a post - apocalyptic world and shows how art and humanity survive.

Another excellent one is 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. This novel delves deep into the legacy of slavery, exploring the relationship between a mother and her daughter in a post - slavery world. The story is complex and beautifully written, with Morrison's unique prose bringing the characters and their experiences to life. It's a must - read for anyone interested in African American literature.

There's also 'Walking the Clouds: An Anthology of Indigenous Science Fiction' which contains some stories with elements of Native American romance. It showcases different perspectives within the Native American culture in a futuristic or alternative setting, where love still manages to find a way.

A good starting point for beginners could be 'Holes' by Louis Sachar. It has an interesting plot that combines mystery, adventure, and a bit of history. The characters are well - developed and the story is engaging from start to finish. 'Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson is also a wonderful choice. It deals with friendship, loss, and the power of imagination in a way that is both accessible and deeply moving. 'Stargirl' by Jerry Spinelli is another novel that new readers might enjoy, as it explores the themes of non - conformity and acceptance in a high school setting.