What are some excellent books to read fiction?

I'd recommend 'The Lord of the Rings'. The world-building and adventure are just amazing. The characters grow and the plot keeps you engaged throughout.

Sure. '1984' by George Orwell is an excellent choice. It's a dystopian novel that warns about totalitarianism and the loss of privacy and freedom. The concepts introduced in this book, like Big Brother and Newspeak, have become iconic in literature and popular culture.

Well, first of all, they have accurate historical settings. For example, in 'The Other Boleyn Girl', the details of the Tudor court are well - researched. Secondly, strong characters are crucial. In 'Cold Mountain', the main characters' stories are deeply intertwined with the historical backdrop of the American Civil War. And thirdly, they often have a compelling plot that keeps readers engaged, like in 'The Help' which shows the racial situation in the American South in the 1960s.

'Tipping the Velvet' by Sarah Waters is another good one. It tells the story of a young girl's journey into the world of female - female relationships. It's full of drama, passion and historical details that make it a great read.

One great fiction book to read in 2017 was 'The Underground Railroad' by Colson Whitehead. It's a powerful and imaginative take on the Underground Railroad, told in a somewhat magical - realist way that really makes you think about the horrors of slavery and the strength of the human spirit.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins was also popular in 2015. It's a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat as you follow the story of a woman who gets involved in a mystery related to a missing person.

For a really good sci-fi read, consider 'The Foundation Series' by Isaac Asimov. It explores themes of galactic empires and human civilization's future. The scope and depth of the storytelling are remarkable.

One characteristic is complex world - building. For example, in 'Dune', the detailed description of the desert planet Arrakis and its unique ecology and culture makes the story immersive. Another is deep exploration of ideas. In 'Neuromancer', it delves into concepts like artificial intelligence and the relationship between humans and technology. Also, complex characters are common. In 'Hyperion', each of the pilgrims has a rich backstory and complex motives.

Character development is key. In 'The Martian', we see Mark Watney grow from a stranded astronaut to a resourceful survivor. Another aspect is the ability to blend different genres. 'Snow Crash' combines cyberpunk with elements of adventure and mystery. And excellent science fiction books often create a new vocabulary or use existing words in new ways, as seen in 'Hyperion' with its complex and imaginative language.

Sure. 'The Pillars of the Earth' by Ken Follett is a great one. It vividly depicts the building of a cathedral in 12th - century England, with complex characters and a rich plot. Another is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel, which offers a unique perspective on the life of Thomas Cromwell during the Tudor period. And 'Gone with the Wind' is also a well - known historical fiction, showing the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era.