What are the characteristics of the best reads in 2021 fiction?

Many of these books deal with important themes such as race, love, and survival. They often have a strong sense of place, whether it's a war - torn country in 'Exit West' or the rural South in 'Sing, Unburied, Sing'. The stories are engaging and make you think about different aspects of the human experience, which is probably why they are considered among the best reads of 2017 in the fiction category.

One characteristic is that they often have engaging storylines. For example, many of the 2019 summer reads fiction were page - turners, like 'The Testaments' which had a lot of suspense and mystery that kept readers hooked.

A notable one was 'A Little Life' by Hanya Yanagihara. This novel is a deeply moving exploration of friendship, trauma, and the human condition. It follows the lives of four friends in New York City over several decades, delving into their complex relationships and personal struggles. The prose is both beautiful and gut - wrenching, making it a very impactful read.

'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir is also among the top. It's a science - fiction masterpiece. The story follows an astronaut on a seemingly impossible mission in space. It has great character development and a really engaging plot that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

One of the great reads in 2014 fiction was 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a coming - of - age story with a richly detailed plot that takes the reader on an emotional journey. The characters are well - developed and the story is full of mystery and art - related themes.

Some of the best reads in 2012 fiction could include 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It had a really gripping plot full of twists and turns that kept readers on the edge of their seats. The characters were complex and the exploration of a troubled marriage was very engaging.

In 2018 fiction, 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney was a standout. It's a story about the relationship between two young people, Marianne and Connell, as they grow up and navigate love, class differences, and their own insecurities. The way Rooney writes about the nuances of their relationship and the emotions is really engaging.

One of the best reads in 2013 fiction could be 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a coming - of - age story with a beautifully crafted plot that involves a young boy's journey after a tragic event at a museum. The characters are well - developed and the writing is rich and detailed.

One of the best reads in 2018 fiction was 'Educated' by Tara Westover. It's a memoir written in a fictional - like style that tells the story of her journey from a strict and isolated upbringing in a survivalist family to getting an education. Another great one was 'Circe' by Madeline Miller. It reimagines the story of the Greek mythological figure Circe, giving her a complex and relatable character arc. And 'The Great Alone' by Kristin Hannah is also among the top. It's set in Alaska and explores themes of family, survival, and the power of nature.

Another top read was 'Exit West' by Mohsin Hamid. It's a story about refugees in a world where magical doors allow people to escape war - torn countries. It's very relevant to today's global issues and told in a beautifully written, concise style.