The 'Hunger Games' series is quite popular. It takes place in a dystopian future where children are forced to participate in a deadly game for the entertainment of the Capitol.
The 'Harry Potter' series might be in the list. It follows the adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter, as he battles the dark wizard Voldemort and discovers the magical world. There are seven books in total, each filled with magic, friendship, and coming - of - age elements.
Well, 'The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao' was quite popular. It won a Pulitzer Prize. Its unique blend of cultures and the engaging story of Oscar made it stand out.
Another popular one was 'La Belle Sauvage'. Fans of Philip Pullman's 'His Dark Materials' were eager to read this prequel. It brought back the magic and the complex world - building that Pullman is known for, and introduced new characters and adventures in that universe.
One of the popular books from the list of 2016 fiction books could be 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It tells a story about a young slave girl's journey to freedom through a fantastical railroad system. Another one might be 'La La Land: The Screenplay' which was quite well - received. It was the basis for the popular movie and captured the essence of the story with its engaging screenplay.
Take 'Where the Crawdads Sing'. Its strong sense of place is a big characteristic. The marsh becomes almost like a character itself. And the mystery aspect keeps the readers hooked as they try to figure out what really happened in the story.
For example, 'The Book Thief'. One of its main characteristics is its unique narrator. Death as the narrator gives a very different view of the events in World War II. The language is also very vivid, painting pictures of the characters' lives and the horrors of the war. And it has a very strong emotional core, making readers feel for the characters.
Some popular books in the list have very unique settings. For example, like in 'The Yiddish Policemen's Union', the setting of an alternate history Alaska as a Jewish homeland makes it stand out. It allows for a different kind of cultural exploration within a mystery plot.
For 'State of Wonder', the vivid description of the Amazon setting is a major characteristic. The author really makes you feel the heat, the humidity, and the wildness of the place. Also, the moral and ethical dilemmas that the characters face while in this foreign and extreme environment add depth to the story.
For 'Freedom', it's known for its complex and well - developed characters. Franzen takes the time to really explore their inner thoughts and emotions, and through them, he examines larger social and cultural issues in a way that makes the reader think deeply about modern American life.
Take 'The Goldfinch' for example. It has a very engaging narrative that spans different time periods and locations. The characters are multi - dimensional, like Theo who is both a victim and a seeker in life. The description of the art world within the book is also very detailed, making it not just a story about a person but also about art and its significance.