Best Fiction Books
MAKE TIME TO READ AT LEAST 5 PAGES A DAY
Reading fiction books is so important in my life, especially during covid - it is a chance to be taken to another universe and just completely indulge. I typically read all nonfiction until my brain needs a break from all the “life lessons” and instead takes a journey through a world that a writer has created.
In this post, I'll share my top picks for the best fiction books of all time. Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just looking for your next great read, this list has something for everyone. From classic literature to contemporary bestsellers, these books have stood the test of time and continue to captivate readers with unforgettable stories and characters. Without further ado, let's dive into the list!
In no particular order
Still Life
by Sarah Winman
A novel that delves into the themes of beauty, love, and fate, highlighting the things that give life meaning and the sacrifices we make for them.
Italy is my favorite country in the world and this book makes you feel the pull that the characters feel as they slowly make their way there. The story follows Ulysses Temper, a young English soldier, who during the midst of the war finds himself in a deserted villa's wine cellar. There, he meets Evelyn Skinner, a middle-aged art historian, who is salvaging paintings from the war-torn country and reminiscing on her own past (Evelyn is my hero). The two form a connection and their stories are intertwined in the most enchanting way. As Ulysses returns to London, he continues to carry his experiences in Italy with him. Years later, an inheritance brings him back to Tuscany, where it all began. The novel is written so beautifully, it feels like the ebbs and flows of life. I laughed, cried, and could not put it down, I was obsessed. It is a celebration of the beauty of Italy, love, and the making of a unique family.
The Distant Hours
by Kate Morton
The Distant Hours is a compelling and captivating story that keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
I read a pretty heavy nonfiction before picking this one up and I absolutely fell in love with the Sisters of Blythe, the Castle, the mysterious. The story kept me up at night, I just wanted to keep reading and reading to figure out what happened to Thomas and Juniper. The book is a historical fiction novel set in England, following the story of a woman named Edie Burchill who receives a letter from a castle inviting her to visit the place where her mother was stationed during World War II. As Edie investigates her mother's past, she uncovers long-buried secrets and forgotten history. The novel explores themes of family, love, and loss, as well as the power of the past to shape the present. The book tells three parallel stories, one in the 1950s, one in the 1920s, and one in the 1940s, all connected by the mysterious Milderhurst Castle. The novel is rich in detail and atmosphere and has been praised for its intricate plot and well-drawn characters.
A Thousand Splendid Suns
by Khaled Hosseini
It is a powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking novel that provides a glimpse into the lives of Afghan women during a tumultuous time in their country's history.
This story is so important, now more than ever. It deepens my respect for women all around the world. This inside look into the lives of two Afghan women deepens my respect and love for a place I don’t know as well as I should. This gut-wrenching and emotional story will develop your empathy for the war-torn country. The book is set in Afghanistan and tells the story of two women, Mariam and Laila, who come from different backgrounds but are united by their experiences of living in a war-torn country. Mariam is an illegitimate child and Laila is the daughter of a well-educated family but both suffer the consequences of the Taliban's rise to power in Afghanistan. The novel explores themes of women's rights, oppression, and the impact of war on ordinary people. The book tells the story of these two women over three decades, depicting their struggles for survival and their friendship. It has been widely praised for its vivid storytelling, rich character development, and its ability to shed light on the human cost of war.
The House in the Cerulean Sea
by TJ Klune
Set in a world of magical creatures and inhabited by misfits who have been rejected by society. The novel explores themes of love, acceptance, and finding one's place in the world.
This book is the definition of escaping to a beautiful fantasy world. It induces eudaemonic feelings for the whole read. I recommend this book to anyone who says they are having a hard time getting back into reading or need a brain break from nonfiction. This is a fantasy novel that follows Linus Baker, a caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. Linus is sent to a remote island to assess six mysterious and magical children who live in a home under the care of an eccentric wizard. Linus finds himself drawn to the wizard and the children, who have the power to change the world, as he navigates a complex web of secrets, lies, and magic. Through this heartwarming tale, Klune explores themes of love, acceptance, and belonging, while also delivering an entertaining and imaginative adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns.