Well, 'Alice in Wonderland' can be considered. Alice is in a world full of strange and intelligent characters, and she herself shows great adaptability and quick thinking which could be seen as a form of genius. 'The Great Gatsby' also has Nick, who has an astute understanding of the people and society around him. And 'To Kill a Mockingbird' has Atticus Finch, a moral and intellectual genius in the way he approaches justice and understanding others.
Some good ones are 'Ender's Game'. Ender is a military genius, able to outthink his opponents in complex battle simulations. 'Brave New World' has Mustapha Mond, who is highly intelligent and has a deep understanding of the society's mechanisms. And '1984' where Winston Smith, in his own way, is a genius in his attempts to resist and understand the totalitarian regime, using his thoughts and intellect to fight against the system.
A Clockwork Orange is also from the 1960s. While it's a complex and often controversial work, the main character Alex is in a sense a 'genius' of sorts in his own devious and violent world. His intelligence is used in ways that are both thought - provoking and disturbing as the book delves into themes of free will and morality.
I'd recommend 'Fahrenheit 451'. Guy Montag, the protagonist, is not initially seen as a traditional genius, but as he begins to question the world around him and seek knowledge, his intellectual growth is remarkable. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' also has some genius - like characters. Ford Prefect, for example, is highly intelligent and resourceful in his adventures across the galaxy. And 'The Picture of Dorian Gray' where Dorian is sort of a social genius, able to charm and manipulate those around him with his beauty and wits.
The female geniuses in fiction are interesting because they break gender stereotypes. For example, Hermione is just as good, if not better, at magic than most of her male counterparts in Hogwarts. They also often have complex personalities. Like Lisbeth Salander, she's not just a hacking prodigy but also a deeply scarred and complex individual with her own moral code.
Fiction books can make you feel a whole range of emotions. You can be thrilled by a mystery novel, moved to tears by a tragic love story in a romance book. They are like little emotional rollercoasters. For example, 'The Fault in Our Stars' is a fiction book that has made many readers cry.
I think 'The Book Thief' is really interesting. It has a unique narrator in Death, and it shows how books can be a source of comfort and knowledge even in the darkest of times. The story of Liesel, the main character, stealing books while living in a Nazi - dominated town is both heart - breaking and inspiring.
One of the most interesting fiction books is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It tells a powerful story about racial injustice in the American South through the eyes of a young girl. Another great one is '1984' by George Orwell, which presents a dystopian future that makes you think about society and freedom. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien is also very interesting. It creates a vast and detailed fantasy world full of magic and adventure.
Well, 'Gattaca' stands out. It makes you question what it means to be human in a world where DNA determines your worth and opportunities. The story is full of suspense as the main character tries to outwit a system based on genetic superiority. 'The Island of Dr. Moreau' is also fascinating as it was ahead of its time in exploring the idea of creating new forms of life through what could be considered early ideas of DNA - like manipulation.
I think 'The Time Machine' by H. G. Wells can be considered. The Time Traveller goes to the future and discovers a world in an emergency state due to the evolution of humanity into two very different species. It's a thought - provoking look at how society can change and face emergencies. 'The War of the Worlds' by the same author is also interesting. It's about an alien invasion which is a huge emergency for the human race. The way the people react and try to survive is very engaging. And 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood, while more about a social and political emergency, is really interesting as it shows a dystopian future where women's rights are severely restricted.
The exploration of time is really interesting. In these books, characters can witness the passage of centuries, seeing how societies change, cultures evolve, and technology progresses. For example, in 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue', we see Addie experience different art movements, wars, and social revolutions over time.
The historical backdrop. These books usually blend real historical events with fictional elements. For example, they might describe the Templars' role in the Crusades and then add a fictional conspiracy or adventure on top of that. It gives readers a chance to learn about history while enjoying a fictional story.