Definitely 'The Magicians' series by Lev Grossman. It features a world where magic exists and there are different realms that can be considered parts of a multiverse. 'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester also has some multiverse - like ideas in its exploration of space and human potential. 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer has a strange and mysterious world that can be seen as part of a larger, weirder multiverse.
A third book could be 'The Drowned World' by J. G. Ballard. It presents a post - apocalyptic world where much of the Earth is underwater. It explores themes like human adaptation and the relationship between humans and the changed environment. The descriptions of the flooded landscapes and the new forms of life are both beautiful and a bit terrifying at the same time.
I highly recommend 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton. It's a mystery - thriller with a unique time - loop concept that keeps you on your toes. 'A Column of Fire' by Ken Follett is also great. It's a historical fiction that continues the Kingsbridge series and is full of political intrigue and complex characters. And 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn, which is set during World War I and II and tells the story of female spies.
One highly recommended science fiction book is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and immersive world-building with its desert planet Arrakis and the valuable spice. Another is '1984' by George Orwell. It's a dystopian science fiction that warns about totalitarian regimes and surveillance. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is also great. It's a humorous take on space travel and the meaning of life.
I'd recommend 'Flight Behavior' by Barbara Kingsolver. It deals with themes like climate change and the impact on a rural community. It has really engaging characters that draw you into the story.
I would say 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr. This book is set during World War II and follows the parallel lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. It's beautifully written and really captures the essence of that historical period. Also, 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak is excellent. It's narrated by Death and tells about a girl in Nazi Germany who steals books. Then there's 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens, which is set during the French Revolution.
A good beginner - friendly 2019 science fiction book is 'The Future of Another Timeline' by Annalee Newitz. It has an exciting concept about time travel and different timelines that is easy to grasp. The writing style is engaging and it doesn't require a lot of prior knowledge of science fiction. Another option is 'Gideon the Ninth' by Tamsyn Muir. Although it has some unique elements, the story is told in a way that is accessible to new readers, with a strong main character and an interesting mystery to solve.
I'd highly recommend 'Sing, Unburied, Sing' by Jesmyn Ward. It's a story that delves deep into family, race, and the South. The characters are complex and the writing is beautiful, painting a vivid picture of a family's journey.
I highly recommend 'The Vanishing Half'. It has a really engaging plot about race and identity. The characters are well - developed and the story keeps you hooked from start to finish.
I highly recommend 'Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen. It's a story of two sisters and their different approaches to love. Austen's writing is brilliant in depicting the social and emotional aspects of relationships. Another good one is 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger. The concept of a man who time - travels and his relationship with his wife is unique and full of love and challenges.
I highly recommend 'The Wedding Date' by Jasmine Guillory. It has a great interracial romance plot that is both modern and engaging. The characters are well - developed and the chemistry between them is palpable. Another one is 'Second First Impressions' by Sally Thorne. It's about a young woman working at a retirement village and her unexpected romance. It's really sweet and has some great comedic moments.