Top Books to Read 2020 Fiction: What Are the Must - Reads?

In 2023, 'Birnam Wood' by Eleanor Catton was highly regarded. It's a complex novel that involves environmentalism, politics, and a group of idealistic young people. It has a great plot that keeps you guessing. 'Victory City' by Salman Rushdie is also on the list. Rushdie's storytelling skills are on full display as he weaves a tale of a city's rise and fall in medieval India.

Then there's 'The Quantum Thief' by Hannu Rajaniemi. This book has a very complex and mind - bending plot that involves things like quantum cryptography. It's not for the faint - hearted but if you're into really deep and detailed science - fiction that touches on crypto concepts, it's a great choice.

One of the top military fiction books is 'The Red Badge of Courage' by Stephen Crane. It vividly depicts a young soldier's experiences in the Civil War, exploring themes of courage and self - discovery. Another great one is 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque. It gives a harrowing account of World War I from the perspective of German soldiers. And 'Gates of Fire' by Steven Pressfield is also highly recommended. It tells the story of the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae in a very engaging way.

I'm not sure of all 10 precisely, but 'Teza' is a very important Ethiopian fiction book. It tells a story that is both personal and reflective of the broader Ethiopian experience. Another one could be 'Afar Boy' which gives a unique perspective on life in the Afar region.

In my opinion, 'A Court of Thorns and Roses' is a must - read from this list. It has a complex and interesting plot with a great mix of romance, adventure, and magic. The characters are well - developed and the world - building is superb. It can draw readers into a whole new world and keep them hooked from start to finish.

Definitely 'The Collapsing Empire'. It's a page - turner. You'll be quickly drawn into the story of the crumbling galactic empire. The characters are well - developed, and the plot keeps you guessing as to how they'll deal with the impending doom of their travel network.

One of the top science fiction books in 2015 was 'The Martian' by Andy Weir. It's a great read as it combines scientific knowledge with a thrilling survival story on Mars. Another is 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie. It has a unique take on identity and empire in a far - flung future. And 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel, which is a post - apocalyptic story that also delves into themes of art and humanity.

'The Essex Serpent' by Sarah Perry is also worth mentioning. Set in Victorian England, it combines elements of mystery, historical context, and complex relationships. It delves into the superstitions and scientific thinking of the time, and the writing is both beautiful and evocative.

A must - mention in top war books fiction is 'The Things They Carried'. It's a collection of stories that shows the physical and emotional burdens carried by soldiers in the Vietnam War. 'Matterhorn' is another great one. It gives a gritty and realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War. Also, 'The Naked and the Dead' is an important work, showing the harshness and brutality of war.

Another must - read is 'Ant Tribe'. It's not only a story about individuals but also reflects some social phenomena in Chinese cities. It makes you think about the gap between dreams and reality for the young generation in big cities, and how they are trying to bridge that gap.