I would say '1984' is a must - read. It's a warning about totalitarianism that is still relevant today. 'Brave New World' also gives you a different perspective on a controlled society. 'Foundation' is important for understanding the idea of large - scale future planning in a science - fiction context.
Definitely 'The Lord of the Rings'. It's a cornerstone of the genre. Its epic battles, like Helm's Deep, and the journey of Frodo are unforgettable. Another must - read is 'Dune'. The way it delves into power struggles and the spice trade is fascinating. 'A Song of Ice and Fire' too, especially if you like political intrigue and complex characters.
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.
One of the top military science fiction books is 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It tells the story of a young boy, Ender, trained in military strategy to fight an alien race. Another great one is 'Starship Troopers' by Robert A. Heinlein. It delves into the life of a soldier in a future military fighting against insect - like aliens. 'The Forever War' by Joe Haldeman is also a classic, exploring the effects of time dilation on soldiers fighting a long - distance war.
One of the top 10 could be 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh. It gives a heart - wrenching account of the partition of India. 'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga is another notable one. It's a darkly humorous look at the class divide in India through the eyes of a chauffeur. 'Interpreter of Maladies' by Jhumpa Lahiri is also highly regarded. Her short stories in this collection explore the experiences of Indian immigrants in the United States.
Well, it depends on different tastes. For example, if you like science fiction, there could be a new book in the top 10 that has amazing world - building. But if you're into more literary fiction, a book with complex characters and deep themes would be great. One such in the list might be a novel that delves into family relationships in a unique way.
Some of the top historical fiction books include 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages. Another great one is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which delves into the life of Thomas Cromwell in the Tudor court. And 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, set during World War II, is also highly recommended.
I'd say 'A Christmas Carol' is a must - read. It's a timeless classic that really embodies the Christmas spirit. Another is 'The Polar Express'. It has such a magical feel to it. And 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas!' is great for all ages.
Among the top ten 2016 fiction books, 'The Nix' by Nathan Hill is a standout. It's a complex and engaging story that weaves together different timelines and characters. The main character's relationship with his mother and his journey to understand her past is really captivating. 'Swing Time' by Zadie Smith is another gem. It's about two girls with a shared passion for dance and how their lives diverge over time. It also touches on themes like race, class, and friendship in a nuanced way. 'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang is a disturbing yet fascinating read that challenges our views on family, self - determination, and mental health through the story of a woman who decides to stop eating meat.
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.
'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.
Definitely 'The Calculating Stars'. It's not just a science fiction story but also a story about breaking gender barriers. The main character has to fight against the sexism of her time while also trying to save humanity. The world - building is excellent as it shows how Earth and its society change after the asteroid strike.