Definitely 'Strange the Dreamer' by Laini Taylor. It has a beautiful, lyrical writing style. The story is about a young librarian who is obsessed with a lost city and there are these amazing dream - like sequences. Also, 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo is worth mentioning. It has a great ensemble cast of characters, and the heist - like plot set in a fantasy world full of magic and danger is really engaging.
One of the great 2023 fiction books is 'Trust'. It offers a complex exploration of power, wealth, and relationships through multiple perspectives. Another is 'Demon Copperhead' which is a modern take on 'David Copperfield' and tells a powerful story of a boy's struggle in Appalachia. And 'The Covenant of Water' is also notable for its beautiful storytelling about family across generations.
One of the best standalone fantasy fiction books is 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss. It has a richly detailed world, a complex and likable protagonist in Kvothe, and a story full of magic, mystery, and adventure. The writing is beautiful and draws you into the story from the very first page.
Well, 'Demon Copperhead' by Barbara Kingsolver is also a top pick. It's a reimagining of 'David Copperfield' set in Appalachia. It delves deep into themes like poverty, addiction, and the human spirit's resilience. The characters are vividly drawn and the story is both heart - breaking and hopeful.
A really good one is 'Lord of the Flies'. While not your typical urban gang book, it's about a group of boys stranded on an island who form their own sort of 'gang' with its own rules and power dynamics. It shows how quickly things can turn chaotic and violent when there is no real authority. 'Animal Farm' can also be considered in a sense. The animals form a sort of 'gang' against the humans, but then power corrupts within their group as well, which is a very interesting exploration of group dynamics.
One of the best Hindi fiction books is 'Godan' by Munshi Premchand. It's a classic that delves deep into the rural Indian society, highlighting the struggles of the poor farmers. The characters are well - crafted and the story gives a great insight into the social and economic conditions of that time.
One of the best Tamil fiction books is 'Ponniyin Selvan' by Kalki Krishnamurthy. It is a historical epic that takes readers on a journey through the Chola dynasty. The detailed descriptions of the era, the political intrigue, and the well - developed characters make it a classic.
David Grossman's 'The Smile of the Lamb' is also highly regarded. It deals with the Israeli - Palestinian conflict in a thought - provoking way. Through the relationship between an Israeli soldier and a Palestinian boy, it explores themes of humanity, power, and coexistence.
One great 2014 fiction book is 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. It's a coming - of - age story that follows a young boy whose life is changed after a museum bombing. Another is 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, which tells a beautiful and poignant story set during World War II. 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel is also notable, exploring a post - apocalyptic world and the power of art.
In 2019, 'The Institute' by Stephen King was among the anticipated fiction books. King is known for his horror and suspense, and this book doesn't disappoint. It's about a sinister institute that kidnaps children with special abilities. Then there's 'The Water Dancer' by Ta - Nehisi Coates. It's a historical fiction that combines elements of magic and the real - life horrors of slavery in America.
One popular 2019 fiction book is 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It's a highly anticipated sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale' and continues to explore the dystopian world she created with great depth.