The best 37 Modern books

Fahrenheit 451 (1953) tells the tale of a near future with fireproof homes, where firemen are now tasked with the job of burning books. It’s a dystopian future, where pleasure is catered to and intellectualism has been all but extinguished. But after a chance encounter with a free spirit, one fireman starts to question the true purpose of his job.

Gone Girl (2012) is the story of Amy Dunne, who one day vanishes from her cozy midwestern home. Her sudden disappearance becomes a sensational nation-wide headline – and the biggest suspect is her husband, Nick. But what follows is a head-spinning plot that takes on the subjects of relationship dynamics, private and public identities, the influence of media, and the institution of marriage.

Ulysses (1922) is a modernist novel that unfolds over the course of a single day in Dublin on June 16, 1904. The narrative follows two young men as they navigate the city and encounter a diverse array of characters and situations. Through its intricate narrative structures and literary styles, the novel explores themes of identity, consciousness, and the complexities of the human experience.

The Remains of the Day (1989) features one of contemporary literature’s most unforgettable narrators, Stevens, a butler who reminisces on his life in service at one of England’s stately homes in the years leading up to World War II. 

Norwegian Wood (1987) transports you to late 1960s Tokyo, where Toru Watanabe's recollection of his student days unveils a haunting tale of love, loss, and the passage of time. As he navigates friendships, passionate encounters, and heart-wrenching choices, we witness his complex relationships with the troubled beauty, Naoko, and the brazen Midori. Set against a backdrop of societal upheaval, Murakami delves deep into the emotional turmoil of choosing between past and future, weaving a story that resonates with the nostalgia and unrest of youth.

Kafka on the Shore (2002) is a metaphysical adventure involving two main characters: Kafka Tamura, a 15-year-old runaway, and Satoru Nakata, an elderly man with mysterious powers. As Kafka seeks refuge in a library, strange events unfold that may reveal secrets about his past. Meanwhile, Nakata embarks on a quest to find a mystical stone that may be the key to resolving Kafka’s predicament.

The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom tells the story of Eddie, a maintenance man who dies while saving a young girl from an amusement park accident. In the afterlife, he encounters five people who have had a significant impact on his life and learns valuable lessons about forgiveness, love, and the interconnectedness of all lives. This thought-provoking novel explores the idea that every life has a purpose and that we are all connected in ways we may not realize.

Middlesex is a novel by Jeffrey Eugenides that tells the story of Calliope Stephanides, a hermaphrodite who grows up in Detroit. The book explores themes of identity, family, and the immigrant experience, as Calliope navigates her unique journey towards self-discovery and acceptance.

On the Road (1957) is a novel by Jack Kerouac that follows the journey of two friends as they travel across the United States. Fueled by a sense of freedom and a desire for new experiences, the book captures the spirit of the Beat Generation and explores themes of self-discovery, rebellion, and the search for meaning in life.

Lolita is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov that delves into the controversial and taboo topic of a middle-aged man's obsession with a twelve-year-old girl. Through beautiful prose and intricate storytelling, Nabokov challenges the reader to confront their own moral boundaries and raises questions about the nature of love, desire, and the power dynamics in relationships.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman is a compelling novel that delves into the life of the quirky and solitary Eleanor Oliphant. As Eleanor navigates through everyday life with her unique perspective, her carefully constructed world begins to unravel. This heartwarming and thought-provoking story explores themes of loneliness, the power of human connection, and the possibility of healing.

Atonement by Ian McEwan is a gripping novel that delves into the complexities of guilt, redemption, and the power of storytelling. Set in England during World War II, it follows the lives of three characters whose fates become intertwined after a tragic misunderstanding. With beautiful prose and a thought-provoking narrative, this book challenges our perceptions of truth and the consequences of our actions.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini tells the story of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives become intertwined in unexpected ways. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Afghanistan, the novel explores themes of friendship, resilience, and the enduring power of love. It is a compelling and heartbreaking tale that sheds light on the lives of women in a patriarchal society.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is a captivating blend of science fiction and romance. It tells the story of Henry, a man with a genetic disorder that causes him to time travel unpredictably, and his wife Clare, who has known him since she was a child. The novel explores their complex and enduring love as they navigate the challenges and consequences of Henry's condition.

The Martian by Andy Weir follows astronaut Mark Watney, who is mistakenly left behind on Mars after a dust storm forces his crew to evacuate. With limited supplies and ingenuity, Watney must find a way to survive on the desolate planet while NASA works tirelessly to bring him home. A thrilling tale of resilience, problem-solving, and the power of the human spirit.

The Old Man and the Sea, the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Ernest Hemingway tells the story of an aging Cuban fisherman named Santiago, who struggles with a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. Filled with themes of struggle, resilience, and the nature of mankind, it is a timeless classic that explores the relationship between man and the natural world.

Mrs. Dalloway (1925) is a novel by Virginia Woolf that takes place over the course of a single day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, a high-society woman in post-World War I England. Through a stream-of-consciousness narrative, the book delves into the inner thoughts and emotions of its characters, exploring themes of time, memory, and the complexities of human experience.

The Fault in Our Stars is actually written by John Green and tells the story of two teenagers, Hazel and Gus, who meet at a cancer support group. As they bond over their favorite books and share their fears and dreams, they embark on a journey that challenges their perspectives on life and love. It is a poignant and beautifully written novel that explores the complexities of living with illness and the power of human connection.

Never Let Me Go (2005) by Kazuo Ishiguro is a haunting and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of love, loss, friendship, and the ethical implications of science. Set in a dystopian world, the story follows three friends who discover the unsettling truth about their existence and are forced to confront their fate. Ishiguro's beautiful prose and deep exploration of humanity make this a must-read.

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami is a mesmerizing blend of magical realism, mystery, and historical fiction. Set in Tokyo, the novel follows the protagonist, Toru Okada, as he embarks on a surreal journey to find his missing wife. Murakami weaves together multiple storylines and characters, delving into themes of war, trauma, and the search for identity. With its rich imagery and thought-provoking narrative, this book is a captivating exploration of the human psyche.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2003) by Mark Haddon is a captivating novel that offers a unique perspective on the world. Through the eyes of a 15-year-old boy with autism, it delves into themes of family, truth, and the power of perspective. The book takes readers on a thought-provoking journey as it unravels the mystery surrounding a neighbor's murdered dog.

Ready Player One is a science fiction novel by Ernest Cline that takes place in a dystopian future where people escape their reality by immersing themselves in a virtual reality world called the OASIS. When the creator of the OASIS dies, he leaves behind a series of challenges that lead to an Easter egg hidden within the virtual world, and the one who finds it will inherit his fortune. The story follows teenage gamer Wade Watts as he embarks on a thrilling quest filled with 80s pop culture references, friendship, and adventure.

Looking for Alaska (2005) is a compelling coming-of-age novel by John Green. It follows the story of a young boy named Miles “Pudge” Halter as he enrolls in boarding school and meets the enigmatic Alaska Young. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning, taking readers on an emotional journey that challenges their perspectives on life and death.

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess is a dystopian novel that delves into themes of free will, morality, and the effects of psychological conditioning. Set in a future society, the story follows Alex, a delinquent who undergoes a controversial treatment aimed at suppressing his violent tendencies. This thought-provoking book challenges the reader to question the nature of good and evil.

Post Office (1971) is a semi-autobiographical novel by Charles Bukowski that offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the life of a disillusioned postal worker. Through its gritty and darkly humorous narrative, the book explores themes of alienation, routine, and the struggle for individuality in a dehumanizing environment.

Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh is a raw and unapologetic portrayal of heroin addiction in Edinburgh, Scotland. Through a series of interconnected stories, the novel delves into the lives of a group of young friends as they navigate the highs and lows of drug use, poverty, and desperation. With its unique writing style and dark humor, Trainspotting offers a gritty and thought-provoking exploration of addiction and its impact on individuals and society.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen is a captivating novel set in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It tells the story of Jacob Jankowski, a young man who runs away from his life and finds himself joining a traveling circus. There, he meets Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star, and Rosie, the amazing elephant. The book explores themes of love, trust, and the struggle for survival in a mesmerizing and unforgettable way. A truly remarkable read!

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes of science, religion, and the destructive potential of humankind. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, the story follows a writer who becomes entangled in a complex web of lies surrounding the creation of a deadly substance called Ice-nine. With Vonnegut's signature dark humor and sharp wit, the book challenges our beliefs and raises important questions about the consequences of our actions.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel is a captivating novel that tells the extraordinary story of a young Indian boy named Pi, who survives a shipwreck and is left stranded on a lifeboat in the Pacific Ocean with a Bengal tiger. It is a tale of adventure, resilience, and the power of faith, as Pi must find a way to coexist with the wild animal in order to survive. This thought-provoking book challenges our perceptions of reality and belief, leaving readers questioning the boundaries of imagination and the depths of the human spirit.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver is a compelling novel that tells the story of the Price family, who move to the Belgian Congo in 1959 as missionaries. Through the perspectives of the four Price sisters and their mother, the book explores themes of colonialism, cultural clash, and the effects of Western influence on the African continent. It is a thought-provoking and beautifully written tale of family, faith, and the consequences of our actions.

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell is a captivating novel that weaves together six different stories, spanning from the 19th century to a distant post-apocalyptic future. Each story is linked to the next, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of interconnected lives. Through its unique structure and thought-provoking themes, the book explores the power of human connection, the ripple effects of our actions, and the enduring nature of storytelling.

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult tells the story of a young girl, Anna, who sues her parents for medical emancipation. Born through in vitro fertilization to be a genetic match for her older sister, Kate, who is suffering from leukemia, Anna has spent her life donating organs and tissue to save her sister. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about family, individual rights, and the ethics of medical choices.

Red Russia by Tanya Thompson is a gripping political thriller set in the heart of Moscow. When American journalist Sarah Jensen uncovers a dangerous conspiracy within the Russian government, she must navigate a web of lies and betrayal to expose the truth. As tensions rise and the stakes get higher, Sarah finds herself in a race against time to prevent a global catastrophe.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows Charlie, a shy and introspective teenager. Through a series of letters, Charlie shares his experiences as he navigates high school, friendship, love, and loss. The book delves into themes of mental health, identity, and the complexities of growing up.

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Rachel, an alcoholic who becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she sees from the train every day. When the woman goes missing, Rachel becomes entangled in the investigation and uncovers dark secrets about the people involved. Filled with twists and turns, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Memoirs of a Geisha is a captivating novel that delves into the hidden world of 1930s Kyoto, Japan. Written by Arthur Golden, it tells the story of a young girl named Chiyo who is sold into the life of a geisha. From her training to her eventual rise as one of the most renowned geishas of her time, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into the customs, traditions, and sacrifices of the geisha culture.

The Stand is a post-apocalyptic horror novel by Stephen King. Set in a world ravaged by a deadly virus, it tells the story of a group of survivors who are drawn into a final stand between the forces of good and evil. With its complex characters and gripping narrative, the book explores themes of societal collapse, redemption, and the battle for the soul of humanity.