One can't miss 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney. It delves deep into the complex relationship between two young people, with very real and relatable characters. 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara is also a significant work. It's a long and often harrowing tale about friendship and the human condition, though it can be a difficult read due to its intense themes.
Some of the best books of the decade in fiction include 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a beautifully written story that follows a young boy's life after a tragic event. Another great one is 'Educated' by Tara Westover, which is a memoir but has elements of fictional - like storytelling as she recounts her journey from a strict, isolated upbringing to getting an education.
One great historical fiction book from 2021 is 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah. It tells a powerful story about a woman's struggle during the Great Depression in America. The characters are vivid and the historical details are well - researched, making it a very engaging read.
Well, 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara is also highly regarded. It's a long and complex novel that delves deep into the lives and relationships of its characters. It can be a tough read at times because of the heavy themes, but it's very powerful.
One of the best - selling fiction books in 2019 was 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens. It's a story that combines mystery, nature, and a coming - of - age tale. The vivid descriptions of the marshland make it a unique read. Another great one was 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a follow - up to 'The Handmaid's Tale' and further explores the dystopian world she created.
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 great 'Best Summer Books 2019 Fiction' is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It continues the story from 'The Handmaid's Tale' in a very engaging way. The characters are complex and the world - building is top - notch.
A third great best - selling fiction book in 2016 was 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. It told a powerful and moving story about two sisters in France during World War II. It explored themes of love, sacrifice, and survival against the backdrop of the war, and its well - developed characters and emotional depth made it a very popular read.
I think 'Lessons in Chemistry' is a must - read. It not only has a great female lead but also shows the challenges women faced in the scientific community in the past. It has a great balance of serious topics like sexism and lighter moments, like Elizabeth Zott's relationship with her dog.
I think 'Leave the World Behind' by Rumaan Alam is a great pick from 2020 fiction. It's a gripping story about a family on vacation when unexpected guests arrive, creating a sense of unease and exploring themes of race and class. Well, also, 'Transcendent Kingdom' by Yaa Gyasi is really good. It delves into the life of a Ghanaian - American family, dealing with issues like addiction, science, and faith.
One of the must - reads in teenage fiction is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Set during World War II, it tells the story of Liesel, a girl who steals books. The unique narrative style, with Death as the narrator, and the exploration of themes like love, loss, and the power of words make it special. 'Speak' by Laurie Halse Anderson is another important one. It deals with the difficult topic of sexual assault and a girl's journey to find her voice again.
In my opinion, 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' by Ocean Vuong is a must - read. It's a semi - autobiographical novel written as a letter from a son to his illiterate mother. It has beautiful prose and tackles themes like immigration, family, and the search for self in a unique way. It's a book that makes you think and feel deeply.