For beginners, 'The Martian' by Andy Weir is a great start. It has a simple and engaging story of an astronaut stranded on Mars and his fight for survival. The science is also explained in an accessible way.
If you're just starting out in science fiction, 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells is a must. It's a short and straightforward read that explores the concept of time travel in an interesting way. Also, 'I, Robot' by Isaac Asimov is good for beginners. It has a collection of short stories that introduce the idea of robots and their relationship with humans in a simple yet thought - provoking manner.
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 recommend 'A Wrinkle in Time' by Madeleine L'Engle. It has a young protagonist and is full of adventure in different dimensions. It's a good introduction to the concept of time and space travel in science fiction. Also, 'I, Robot' by Isaac Asimov is a good choice. It has short stories that are easy to follow and they introduce some important ideas about artificial intelligence.
I'd recommend 'The Chronicles of Narnia'. It has a simple and engaging story that's easy for beginners to follow. The magical world of Narnia is full of talking animals and mythical creatures, which is really appealing. Another good one is 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. The strange and dreamy nature of the story makes it accessible and interesting.
I also recommend 'Homegoing' by Yaa Gyasi. It tells the story of two half - sisters from Ghana, one sold into slavery and one who remains in Africa. The novel spans generations, showing how their descendants' lives are affected by that initial split. It's a beautifully written exploration of family, history, and the African diaspora.
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.
One must - read fiction adventure book is 'The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien. It takes readers on a thrilling journey with Bilbo Baggins through Middle - earth, facing dragons and all sorts of magical creatures. Another great one is 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson. The story of Jim Hawkins and his search for pirate treasure is full of excitement, with battles on the high seas and encounters with the infamous Long John Silver. 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' by Jules Verne is also a classic. It follows the adventures of a group of explorers as they descend into the earth, facing strange and dangerous terrains.
One must - read 2021 fiction book is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story of a woman's struggle during the Great Depression. The characters are vivid and the description of the era makes you feel like you're there. Another great one is 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir. It has an amazing plot with a lone astronaut trying to save humanity. The science - fiction elements are really engaging.
A great beginner - friendly feminist novel is 'The Bell Jar'. It gives a very relatable account of a young woman's experiences, including her feelings of being trapped in a certain role. And 'Sula' is also a good pick. It has a simple yet profound story about female friendship and the search for self - identity that new readers to feminist novels can easily get into.
I'd recommend 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card. It's a classic that's easy to get into and has great world-building.
I would say 'The Expanse' series is a must. It has a great blend of military action, political intrigue, and character development. 'Gateway' is also important. It's a thought - provoking story that involves military - related exploration. And 'Hammer's Slammers' is a great military - focused read. It gives a detailed look at the operations of a mercenary military unit.