In 'The Stand' by Stephen King, a super - flu kills off most of the world's population. King does an amazing job of creating different groups of survivors and exploring their power struggles and moral choices in this post - apocalyptic setting. It's a long but really engaging read.
For me, '1984' by George Orwell is a top choice. It's a dystopian novel that warns about the dangers of totalitarianism. The concepts in this book are still relevant today, and it makes you think about privacy, freedom, and the power of the state.
Among the best in 2016 fiction are 'LaRose' which is a very emotional and deep story about two families. 'The Vegetarian' is quite unique. It's not just about a diet choice but about a woman's inner struggle and her relationship with the world. 'Commonwealth' is also excellent as it shows how one event can have a ripple effect on multiple lives over time.
One great 'end of the world' book in fiction is 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy. It shows a post - apocalyptic world where a father and son struggle to survive. The desolate landscapes and the relationship between the two characters are really engaging. Another is 'Station Eleven' which explores the world after a flu pandemic wipes out most of humanity. It focuses on the survivors and how they keep art and culture alive. Also, 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' is a classic. It's set in a future after a nuclear holocaust and follows the story of a monastic order trying to preserve knowledge.
Well, 'Station Eleven' was a great 2014 fiction book. It had a unique take on a post - apocalyptic world. Also, 'The Miniaturist' was quite good. The setting in Amsterdam and the mystery around the miniaturist made it a really interesting read. 'The Rosie Project' was also popular for its light - hearted and humorous take on love and relationships.
Well, 'The Godfather' is often at the top of the list. It has been adapted into an iconic movie, but the book itself is a masterpiece. It shows how family and business intertwine in the world of the mafia.
The book 'Yellowface' by R.F. Kuang is a great one in 2023 fiction. It delves into issues like cultural appropriation in the publishing world in a satirical and thought - provoking way.
The book 'Remote Control' by Nnedi Okorafor is one of the best in 2020 fiction. It's a science - fiction story set in a post - apocalyptic Africa. The main character has a special power and her journey is both exciting and thought - provoking. Also, 'Interior Chinatown' by Charles Yu is a great read. It's a satirical take on the Asian - American experience in Hollywood and in society at large. It has a really creative structure and engaging story.
Erle Stanley Gardner's Perry Mason series is quite famous. These books feature the brilliant lawyer Perry Mason who always manages to solve the mystery and win the case for his clients. They are a great example of classic fictional lawyer stories.
In 2018, 'An American Marriage' by Tayari Jones was highly regarded. It was a powerful story about a young African - American couple dealing with the husband's wrongful imprisonment. The book really showed the impact on their relationship and on their individual lives.
I think 'Dune' by Frank Herbert is a top - notch nerdy fiction book. It has a complex political and ecological story set in a far - flung future. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is also great. The way it weaves together different stories in a science - fiction epic is really engaging. And 'Watership Down' by Richard Adams, while it may seem like a simple story about rabbits, has a lot of depth and is loved by nerdy readers for its exploration of society and leadership.