What are some examples of best contemporary novels?

One great example of best contemporary fiction is 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It weaves a complex story around a young boy's life after a tragic event and his connection to a famous painting. Another is 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney, which beautifully portrays the relationship between two young people, exploring themes like class, love, and identity. And 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara is also considered among the best, with its in - depth exploration of friendship and the human experience.

A really good one is from 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara. 'When the call came through on his private line, Jude was in conference with the litigators from Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.' This opening line drops the reader right into a scene. It makes you wonder who Jude is and what kind of work he's involved in with these litigators.

Well, in the realm of best contemporary short fiction, there's Raymond Carver. His minimalist style has influenced many. His stories are often about ordinary people facing life's hardships in a very real and relatable way. Then there's Zadie Smith. Her short fiction can be very thought - provoking, exploring topics like race, class, and modern society. And of course, there's Lydia Davis. Her short stories are often quite short but pack a punch, delving into the human psyche in interesting ways.

One example is 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams. It's full of absurd humor and clever wordplay. The story of Arthur Dent's adventures through the galaxy is both hilarious and thought - provoking.

Well, 'Ancillary Justice' by Ann Leckie is among the best contemporary science fiction. It has a unique take on artificial intelligence and empire - building. 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons is a classic of modern science fiction, with a rich tapestry of stories within a story. And then there's 'Altered Carbon' which explores ideas of immortality and body - swapping in a gritty, futuristic setting.

One example is 'The Stranger' by Albert Camus. It explores existentialist ideas through the character of Meursault, who seems indifferent to the world around him and society's norms. Another is 'Sophie's World' by Jostein Gaarder, which cleverly weaves philosophy into a fictional story about a girl learning about the history of philosophy.

Well, 'Where the Crawdads Sing' is a popular choice in the best new contemporary fiction. It combines a mystery with a coming - of - age story set in the marshlands. Also, 'The Overstory' by Richard Powers is notable. It tells the story of trees and the people whose lives are intertwined with them in a very unique and thought - provoking way.

One great example is 'The Three-Body Problem' by Liu Cixin. It combines science fiction elements like extraterrestrial contact with deep exploration of human nature and society. Another is 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel, which speculates on a post - apocalyptic world and the importance of art and human connection in such a context. Also, 'Annihilation' by Jeff VanderMeer, with its strange and otherworldly settings that challenge the reader's perception.

Well, 'The Secret Life of Bees' by Sue Monk Kidd is also among the best. It's set in South Carolina in 1964. It's a story about a young white girl who runs away from home and finds refuge with a trio of black beekeeping sisters. It shows southern life, relationships, and the changing racial dynamics of the era.

One great example is 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a captivating novel that follows the life of a young boy who survives a terrorist attack at an art museum. Another is 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney. It delves deep into the complex relationship between two young people in Ireland. 'Educated' by Tara Westover is also a notable one. It's a memoir - a form of contemporary non - fictionalized story - that reads like a fictional narrative, about her journey from a survivalist family in the mountains to getting an education.