'The Elegant Universe' in novel form could be suitable. It simplifies the complex concepts of string theory. It tells the story of a group of scientists who are on a quest to understand the fundamental building blocks of the universe. The narrative makes the rather difficult ideas of string theory more accessible to those new to the subject.
'Galileo's Daughter' is also a good choice. While it focuses on Galileo's life, it also gives insights into his scientific work in physics. It shows how his ideas were revolutionary at the time and how he had to face challenges from the establishment. Reading about his life and work can be an interesting way for beginners to get into the world of physics.
I'd recommend 'Flowers for Algernon' by Daniel Keyes. While it's not strictly a physics - heavy book, it does touch on the idea of intelligence and how it could be affected by scientific experiments, which has some basis in neuroscience (related to physics in a way). Also, 'The City and the Stars' by Arthur C. Clarke is a good start. It has some interesting ideas about the future of humanity and the city's technology, which are based on scientific concepts, not too complex for beginners to grasp.
For physics books, 'Six Easy Pieces' by Richard Feynman is great. It covers fundamental physics concepts. In terms of novels, 'Slaughterhouse - Five' by Kurt Vonnegut contains some interesting time - related physics ideas. The main character experiences time in a non - linear way, which is related to some concepts in modern physics. This book also has a lot of social and cultural commentary along with its unique take on time. It's a very thought - provoking read.
Definitely, 'Interstellar' is a top pick. It accurately depicts the effects of relativity near a black hole, like time dilation. Another is 'Contact'. It presents a scientifically plausible scenario for communicating with extraterrestrial life using radio waves. 'Avatar' also has some elements. The floating mountains and the unique ecosystem of Pandora are based on some scientific concepts related to physics, like the idea of anti - gravity or different physical laws in a different world.
I would recommend 'Gulliver's Travels'. The various strange lands that Gulliver visits, like the land of the Lilliputians and the Brobdingnagians, are full of satirical elements that are both fun and educational for beginners. Also, 'A Modest Proposal' is short and to the point. It shows how satire can be used in a very powerful way to make a social or political statement, even if it's in a rather extreme way.
I would recommend 'The Windup Girl' for beginners. It has a fairly straightforward narrative that still manages to explore posthuman themes well. Also, 'Neuromancer' can be a good choice. Although it has some complex ideas, its influence on the posthuman genre makes it a must - read for those starting to explore this area.
A good one for beginners is 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells. It's a classic that introduced many people to the idea of alien invasion. It's easy to read and understand, and the concept of Martians coming to Earth in strange, tripod - like machines was revolutionary at the time.
A good one for beginners is 'Sophie's World' by Jostein Gaarder. It's like a storybook introduction to philosophy. It follows a young girl, Sophie, as she discovers different philosophical ideas and the history of philosophy in a very accessible way.
If you're a beginner, 'Number the Stars' is a wonderful history novel. It's about the Holocaust and is told from the perspective of a young girl in Denmark. It's simple yet powerful in conveying the horror and heroism of that time. 'The Kite Runner' is also a good option. While it mainly focuses on the relationship between two boys in Afghanistan, it also provides a lot of historical background about the country, from pre - Soviet invasion to the Taliban rule.
A good choice for beginners would be 'Herland' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. It focuses on a single - sex society which is an interesting concept to explore. And 'News from Nowhere' by William Morris is also suitable. It presents a pastoral and peaceful utopia in a way that is not overly difficult for those new to utopian literature.
For beginners, 'The Woman in Black' by Susan Hill is a great choice. It's a relatively short and straightforward horror novel. It has a spooky atmosphere and a simple yet effective plot about a haunted house and a vengeful ghost. Another good one is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. While it's more of a thriller with horror elements, it's very accessible. The character of Hannibal Lecter is one of the most iconic and terrifying in literature. And 'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman is also suitable. It's a young - adult horror story that is not too intense but still manages to be creepy with its alternate world and the 'Other Mother' concept.