Contemporary Fiction
Contemporary Fiction is set in modern times and deals with current themes, social issues, and everyday experiences of ordinary people.
A Man Called Ove
Behind a curmudgeon's cranky exterior lies a story of heartbreaking loss and unexpected friendship. After the death of his beloved wife, Ove has nearly given up on life until his boisterous new neighbors inadvertently interrupt his plans. Through humor and poignancy, the novel explores grief, love, and the profound impact we can have on others.
Daisy Jones & The Six
Daisy Jones & The Six is a fictional oral history of a 1970s rock band, chronicling their meteoric rise and sudden breakup. Told through a series of interviews, the novel captures the complexities of creative collaboration, fame, and personal relationships.
Wandering Stars
by Tommy Orange
Tommy Orange's Wandering Stars is an exploration of generational trauma, cultural identity, and the enduring spirit of Indigenous people. The novel intricately weaves narratives across centuries, from the brutal realities of the 19th-century boarding schools to the contemporary struggles of a family in Oakland. Through interconnected lives, Orange addresses themes of identity, violence, and survival, offering a poignant reflection on the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Native American communities. His storytelling captures the resilience and complexity of Indigenous experiences.
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
In Gail Honeyman's debut novel, 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine,' readers are immersed in the poignant and intriguing life of Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward and routine-driven woman with a traumatic past. The story delicately explores themes of loneliness, resilience, and the power of human connection as Eleanor's carefully constructed world begins to unravel when she forms an unlikely friendship with a coworker. As the layers of Eleanor's past are peeled away, the novel offers a heartfelt exploration of mental health, healing, and the importance of reaching out for help. With humor, sensitivity, and unforgettable characters, this book is a touching and hopeful journey of self-discovery.
Book Lovers
by Emily Henry
Emily Henry's witty and charming contemporary romance subverts genre tropes by focusing on two literary professionals with perceived "unlikeable" qualities who find unexpected connection. It's a smart and funny exploration of relationships, expectations, and the surprising allure of those who challenge our initial judgments, delivered with Henry's signature sparkling dialogue.
The God of Small Things
Set in 1960s Kerala, India, this Booker Prize-winning novel tells the story of fraternal twins Estha and Rahel, whose lives are shaped by a family tragedy and societal taboos. Roy’s lyrical prose weaves themes of caste, colonialism, love, and memory in a nonlinear narrative. The God of Small Things is a haunting, richly textured novel about loss, forbidden love, and the enduring pull of the past.
Purple Hibiscus
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s debut novel tells the story of Kambili, a 15-year-old girl growing up in Nigeria under the rule of her authoritarian and devoutly Catholic father. As political unrest brews in the country, Kambili experiences a different kind of life during a visit to her liberal aunt’s home. Through her coming-of-age journey, the novel explores themes of family, freedom, repression, and the clash between tradition and change. It’s a powerful examination of emotional resilience and personal awakening.
Young Mungo
Douglas Stuart's heartbreaking second novel depicts the precarious life and burgeoning love of a young gay boy in working-class Glasgow amidst sectarian violence and social hardship. With raw and tender prose, it explores themes of masculinity, vulnerability, and the search for intimacy in a harsh and unforgiving environment, echoing the emotional intensity of his debut.
Conversations with Friends
by Sally Rooney
In 'Conversations with Friends' by Sally Rooney, readers are immersed in the complex relationships and dynamics of four young individuals in contemporary Dublin. The story follows Frances and Bobbi, former lovers and friends turned performance poetry duo, as they navigate a complicated entanglement with an older married couple. Rooney skillfully dissects themes of youth, love, jealousy, and the intricacies of human connection with sharp, honest prose. The characters' introspective dialogues and emotional turmoil create a compelling narrative that delves deep into the complexities of modern relationships and identity. 'Conversations with Friends' is a thought-provoking exploration of self-discovery and the nuances of intimacy.
Malibu Rising
In 1983, the four Riva siblings—surfers and celebrities—throw their annual Malibu party. But as the night spirals, long-buried secrets rise, culminating in a fiery climax. Set against the backdrop of sun, surf, and fame, Malibu Rising explores family bonds, identity, and the cost of survival. Reid masterfully intertwines past and present in a fast-paced, emotionally rich novel about reinvention and resilience.
The Secret History
by Donna Tartt
Donna Tartt's The Secret History is the original American campus novel. When Richard Papen joins an elite group of clever misfits at his New England college, it seems he can finally become the person he wants to be. Donna Tartt's The Secret History is the original American campus novel. When Richard Papen joins an elite group of clever misfits at his New England college, it seems he can finally become the person he wants to be. But the moral boundaries he will cross with his new friends - and the deaths they are responsible for - will change all of their lives forever. The Secret History recounts the terrible price we pay for mistakes made on the dark journey to adulthood.
Disgrace
by J.M. Coetzee
J. M. Coetzee's Booker Prize-winning novel Disgrace, set in post-apartheid South Africa, takes us into the disquieting mind of twice-divorced university teacher David Lurie as he loses his job and his honour after engaging in an ill-advised affair with a susceptible student. When he retreats to his daughter's farm, a brutal attack highlights their fractured relationship. Is it only through intense suffering and shame-his own as well as that of others-that David can begin to change, to understand his country and what it means to be human? In Disgrace, this Nobel-Prize winning writer examines ideas of evil, violence, dignity and redemption in a country dominated by the power dynamics of race.
Honeybee
by Craig Silvey
When fourteen-year-old Sam Watson meets elderly recluse Vic on a bridge late at night, an unlikely friendship blooms. Together, they navigate life’s struggles—from gender identity and mental health to grief and healing. Honeybee is a tender, courageous Australian novel that explores resilience, acceptance, and the redemptive power of connection. It’s both heartbreaking and life-affirming, with a powerful voice at its center.
The Emperor of Gladness
by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong's The Emperor of Gladness is a poignant novel that follows Hai, a 19-year-old Vietnamese American grappling with trauma and addiction. After a chance encounter with Grazina, an elderly woman with dementia, Hai finds unexpected companionship and purpose. Set in East Gladness, Connecticut, the story explores themes of identity, resilience, and the healing power of human connection. Vuong's lyrical prose delves into the complexities of marginalized lives, offering a heartfelt narrative about finding hope and meaning amidst adversity.
No Country for Old Men
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy is a stark, violent meditation on fate, morality, and the unraveling of a modern American landscape. Set in 1980s Texas, the novel follows Llewelyn Moss, a hunter who stumbles upon a drug deal gone wrong and takes a suitcase full of money. He becomes the target of Anton Chigurh, a cold, remorseless killer with a twisted code of ethics. Sheriff Ed Tom Bell, haunted by the past, attempts to bring order amid the chaos. With sparse, powerful prose and existential weight, McCarthy crafts a gripping tale of justice in a world losing its grip on meaning.
An Absolutely Remarkable Thing
by Hank Green
In 'An Absolutely Remarkable Thing' by Hank Green, readers plunge into a world where a mysterious figure known as Carl transforms society with a series of perplexing statues around the globe. The protagonist April May becomes an overnight celebrity as one of the first to discover and share information about these statues. As the story unfolds, themes of social media, fame, relationships, and the consequences of rapid change become central. Green expertly weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of human nature and the allure of power and recognition. With a mix of humor, suspense, and reflection, this book challenges readers to contemplate the impact of their actions in an increasingly connected world.
Shalimar the Clown
Salman Rushdie’s Shalimar the Clown is a political and personal tragedy that spans continents and generations. The novel begins with the assassination of a former U.S. ambassador in Los Angeles, then unravels the story of Shalimar, a Kashmiri performer whose love turns into violent vengeance. As it traces the rise of extremism and loss of cultural harmony in Kashmir, the book explores themes of betrayal, identity, terrorism, and the global consequences of personal choices. Blending lyrical prose with geopolitical insight, it’s a haunting meditation on love and war.
Demon Copperhead
Barbara Kingsolver's powerful novel reimagines "David Copperfield" in contemporary Appalachia, unflinchingly portraying the cycle of poverty, addiction, and the foster care system through the resilient voice of its young protagonist. It's a searing yet ultimately hopeful story about survival, love, and the search for belonging in a marginalized community, earning critical acclaim for its empathy and social commentary.
Oona Out of Order
In 'Oona Out of Order' by Margarita Montimore, readers are introduced to Oona, a young woman who finds herself leaping to a different age every New Year's Eve. The novel delves into themes of identity, time, and the complexities of life choices. As Oona navigates her non-linear existence, she must grapple with the consequences of living out of sync with the world around her. Montimore weaves a compelling narrative that explores the universal desire to control our destinies while reminding us of the beauty in life's unpredictability. With its unique premise and poignant reflections on aging and relationships, 'Oona Out of Order' is a thought-provoking and heartwarming read.
The Last Chance Library
In 'The Last Chance Library' by Freya Sampson, we follow June Jones, a woman who finds solace in books from her local library, which is facing closure. The heartwarming tale delves into the power of community, friendship, and the written word. As June fights to save the library, she discovers inner strength and a newfound sense of purpose. The novel beautifully explores themes of connection, belonging, and the transformative impact of literature on individuals and communities. With a cast of endearing characters and a poignant storyline, Sampson weaves a touching narrative that celebrates the magic of libraries and the human spirit.
Leave the World Behind
by Rumaan Alam
Rumaan Alam's 'Leave the World Behind' is a gripping and timely novel that delves into themes of race, class, and the fragility of modern civilization. The story follows a vacationing family who are confronted with unsettling mysteries when the owners of the rental home they are staying in unexpectedly return amidst a blackout and a world teetering on the brink of an unknown cataclysm. Alam weaves a taut narrative that keeps readers on edge, questioning reality and trust. Through its atmospheric tension and thought-provoking social commentary, 'Leave the World Behind' is a riveting exploration of fear and human nature.
Hello Beautiful
Inspired by Little Women, this tender family saga follows William Waters, a lonely college basketball player, and the four closely bonded Padavano sisters. As William is pulled into their vibrant, chaotic world, buried traumas threaten to upend everything. Spanning decades, Hello Beautiful explores love, loss, mental illness, and the ties that both bind and break us. Ann Napolitano crafts a deeply emotional story about forgiveness and self-discovery, illuminating how family—whether biological or chosen—shapes our sense of self and belonging. It’s a heartfelt portrait of resilience and the enduring need for connection.
Martyr!
by Kaveh Akbar
Kaveh Akbar's debut novel, Martyr!, follows Cyrus Shams, a first-generation Iranian American poet grappling with the loss of his mother, who died in a tragic plane bombing. Haunted by grief and searching for meaning, Cyrus embarks on a journey that intertwines his personal struggles with broader themes of identity, legacy, and artistic expression. The narrative delves into the complexities of family, sacrifice, and self-discovery, highlighting the immigrant experience and the impact of loss. Akbar's prose offers a poignant reflection on the human condition and the quest for purpose.
An Equal Music
by Vikram Seth
Vikram Seth’s An Equal Music is a lyrical novel centered on Michael, a violinist haunted by the memory of Julia, a former lover and pianist. When they reunite after a decade, their rekindled connection is shadowed by personal and professional complexities, including Julia’s progressive hearing loss. The book explores the emotional intensity of music, the ache of lost opportunities, and the balance between art and love. With poetic prose and musical precision, it is a poignant meditation on creativity and longing.