Looking for your next unforgettable read? Whether you're after fiction that stirs the soul, fantasy that builds immersive worlds, or memoir-style narratives that redefine aging and self-worth — these powerful books come highly recommended by readers and writers alike.
1. Cannery Row – John Steinbeck
Often dismissed as “sentimental,” Steinbeck’s short 1945 novel is anything but trivial. Set on the sardine-packed streets of Monterey, California, during the Great Depression, Cannery Row is a poignant, funny, and heartwarming tale. Steinbeck introduces us to a ragtag group of misfits led by Mack, and Doc — a marine biologist beloved by the community. When Mack and his gang decide to throw Doc a party, things go awry. But what follows is a redemptive second celebration. A masterpiece in economy and empathy, this novel reveals the beauty in brokenness and the dignity in everyday lives.
Recommended by: Adam Grundey
2. The Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 83¼ Years Old – Peter de Smet
Life in a Dutch care home might sound uneventful — until you meet Hendrik Groen. In this humorous and tender diary, Groen peels back the curtain on life among the elderly, forming the rebellious “Old-But-Not-Dead Club” to fight boredom and routine. A heartfelt reflection on aging, friendship, and refusing to go quietly into the night.
Recommended by: Peter Harrison
3. The Let Them Theory – Mel Robbins
If you find yourself drained by people’s actions or needing control over others, Mel Robbins' empowering philosophy is a game-changer. The Let Them Theory teaches the liberating art of letting go — not every action needs a reaction. A guide to emotional freedom, patience, and protecting your peace, this book is a must-read for those seeking healthier mindsets.
Recommended by: Nada Hameed
4. The Way of Kings – Brandon Sanderson
This isn’t just fantasy — it’s an odyssey. Sanderson launches his “Stormlight Archive” with The Way of Kings, a towering saga filled with war, ancient oaths, magical storms, and unforgettable characters. It’s not just Kaladin’s battle with depression or Dalinar’s inner transformation that hooks you — it’s Sanderson’s rich worldbuilding and one-of-a-kind magic system that make this epic truly epic.
Recommended by: Shyama Krishna Kumar
5. Five Quarters of the Orange – Joanne Harris
From the author of Chocolat comes a hauntingly evocative novel that blends food, memory, and wartime secrets. Framboise returns to her childhood French village to unlock dark family truths hidden within her mother’s cryptic recipe book. Harris explores guilt, maternal bonds, and the healing power of food with lyrical beauty and emotional nuance.
Recommended by: Rebecca Parsley
6. Butter – Asako Yuzuki
Inspired by a real-life murder case, Butter is a genre-bending Japanese novel where culinary seduction meets true crime. A journalist investigates a woman accused of killing men through cooking, but what unfolds is a rich narrative exploring fatphobia, pleasure, and womanhood. Yuzuki’s writing is sensory and sharp — each page simmering with flavor and feminist critique.
Recommended by: Saffiya Ansari
7. Demian – Hermann Hesse
A philosophical classic wrapped in a coming-of-age tale, Demian follows Emil Sinclair’s journey of self-discovery in a world filled with moral dualities. Guided by the mysterious Max Demian, Sinclair confronts inner conflict, societal pressure, and spiritual awakening. A century old and still relevant, Hesse’s novel is a quiet rebellion against conformity.
Recommended by: Khaled Al Khawaldeh
8. The Leftovers – Tom Perrotta
What if 18% of the world’s population simply vanished? The Leftovers is less about the mystery, more about the aftermath. Set in Mapleton, a small American town, the novel explores grief, cultism, and existential dread through the lives of those “left behind.” A profound, thought-provoking look at loss, belief, and resilience.
Recommended by: Tarek Ali Ahmed
9. Saturday Night and Sunday Morning – Alan Sillitoe
Before the Beatles, there was Arthur Seaton — Nottingham’s factory worker by day, rebel by night. In this 1958 working-class anthem, Seaton lives for the moment in a post-WWII Britain still grappling with change. Gritty, witty, and fiercely unapologetic, this novel gave voice to the “angry young men” of the era.
Recommended by: Nick Wood
10. The Age of Innocence – Edith Wharton
A scathing, elegant portrayal of New York’s Gilded Age aristocracy, Wharton’s Pulitzer-winning novel dissects the painful sacrifices made for social propriety. Love, freedom, and societal duty clash as Newland Archer must choose between passion and respectability. Wharton’s prose is razor-sharp and emotionally resonant — this is literary fiction at its peak.
Recommended by: Helen McDonald
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