Have you ever been hit by the feeling that you’re missing out on whimsical fictional stories? Well, you’re not alone! As the famous Susan Sontag once wisely remarked, “Read a lot.” And she couldn’t have been more on the spot. Reading fiction isn’t just a hobby; it’s a gateway to the imaginative worlds, where people enjoy getting lost in their thoughts and start learning new things.
Think about it: when you open the pages of a book, you’re not just skimming words. You’re beginning an adventure, expecting to be swept away by something big – something that elevates your spirit or enriches your understanding of the world. According to Sontag, if the characteristics of a fiction book don’t offer that exalting or deepening experience, it’s not worth your precious time.
But where to start? With many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here’s the solution. In this blog, we’ve curated a list of fictional masterpieces that deserve a spot on your shelf – or at least a virtual bookmark on your e-reader. These are the kind of books that linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the final page, indicating you for a re-read because, as Sontag insisted, “No book is worth reading that isn’t worth re-reading.”
Also, in this blog, you will find some tips to help you decide which book to read next, along with some popular fiction book recommendations. So, buckle up whether you’re a seasoned bookworm or just dipping your toes into the vast ocean of literature because we’re about to begin a literary adventure like no other.
Let’s dive right in!
4 Tips on How to Decide What Book to Read Next!
Bookworms often find themselves in a familiar challenge: having just finished a fantastic book, they now face the daunting task of choosing their next literary adventure. The decision between a bestselling crime novel or a beloved classic can leave them uncertain. Regrettably, there have been occasions when the characteristics of a fiction book you chose turned out to be a disappointment, leading to frustration and wasted time. Doubts arise, questioning the reasons behind the selection. Were glowing reviews the sole influence, or was it simply a lack of motivation to continue the search for the perfect book?
The process of selecting your next read can be complex. Spending hours browsing through options can lead to dissatisfaction, resulting in settling for a book that fails to ignite excitement. Finding a book should be an enjoyable quest through captivating literary worlds, but this is not always the reality.
The following five tips may provide guidance and assistance for those who struggle to pursue their next great read.
Develop a Reading List
Creating a curated reading list helps determine the type of books and the characteristics of a fiction book that align with personal preferences. Consider the genre or themes that spark interest, such as romance, humor, or gothic literature. It is also beneficial to explore authors similar to favorites to expand reading options.
Reflect on Current Interests
By focusing on present interests, selecting a book becomes easier. For instance, if you are particularly fascinated with medieval history, opting for a historical novel set in the 12th century can be a good choice.
Explore Book Subscriptions
Many websites offer valuable assistance through their monthly book subscriptions. Handpicked selections include a range of titles, from classic literature to contemporary fiction and non-fiction. This service proves invaluable for those struggling to find appropriate books to read.
Consider Reviews and Recommendations
While reviews can be subjective, they can provide valuable insights. Positive reviews can indicate a potential gem among the books under consideration. However, personal experiences have shown that bestselling novels may not always meet expectations. It is wise to pay attention to recommendations from friends with similar reading tastes. Booksellers and librarians also serve as excellent resources, offering insights into new releases and providing recommendations that may pleasantly surprise readers.
Rediscover the Classics
Returning to timeless classics, such as the beloved Anne of Green Gables series, can evoke nostalgia and provide immense joy. Classic novels have an enduring appeal and can be enjoyed repeatedly. Occasionally, revisiting a cherished classic from childhood can be refreshing and comforting. Additionally, there is a wealth of lesser-known classics waiting to be discovered.
By employing these five tips, readers can navigate the process of choosing their next book with greater confidence and increase the likelihood of finding an enthralling and satisfying read.
The final words: Let your instincts guide you, and be open to adventure.
Add These 5 Fiction Books to Your Reading List
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Page Count: 193
Rating on Goodreads: 4.2
This book garners all the accolades for all the good reasons! Arthur Dent finds himself abducted by an alien just moments before Earth meets its way to make room for an intergalactic roadway. His ensuing journey through the cosmos is a quest for the meaning of life or something similar to it. The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy delivers a delightful blend of humor and entertainment suitable for readers of all ages. If you haven’t delved into its pages yet, consider snagging a copy from your local bookstore or library.
The Martian by Andy Weir
Page Count: 384
Rating on Goodreads: 4.41
Considered one of the paramount works of science fiction of all time, The Martian drives us into the remarkable tale of Mark Watney, the first human to walk on the planet Mars. When a turbulent dust storm leaves him injured, everyone in his crewmates assumes that he’s dead. Mark is still alive. Mark faces a solitary battle for survival on the red planet. Cut off from communication with Earth and armed with only meager supplies, his resilience becomes the focal point of his quest to return home. The novel’s silver screen adaptation, starring Matt Damon, soared to financial heights, amassing over $630 million worldwide. Authored by Andy Weir, renowned bestselling author of Project Hail Mary, this gripping narrative demands immediate attention.
Read this book as soon as possible!
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
Page Count: 255
Rating on Goodreads: 4.15
After having dedicated several hours to capturing the essence of the Sea of Tranquility, nothing seemed to do justice to the depth of this fantastic book. So, here is the official Goodreads description instead.
“At the age of eighteen, Edwin St. Andrew, when he begins a transatlantic journey and crosses the Atlantic by steamship, is banished from elite society due to an ill-advised outburst at a dinner get-together. He enters the forest, enthralled by the magnificence of the Canadian wilderness, and suddenly encounters a profound moment when the notes of a violin resonate within an airship terminal—a moment that reverberates deep within him.
Fast forward two centuries, when celebrated author Olive Llewellyn is on a book tour, her true home nestled in the confines of the second moon colony, a world characterized by ivory-hued stone, spired towers and artificial beauty. Within the pages of Olive’s bestselling pandemic narrative lies a curious passage: a solitary musician plays his violin for a change, echoing in the passersby amidst the echoing expanse of an airship terminal as the forest trees rise around him.”
Sea of Tranquility is a New York Times bestseller that captivates readers with Emily’s unparalleled writing style that makes it makes it mesmerizing, mind-blowing, and utterly beautiful, touching the themes of love, plague, and existential nature across the vast expanse of space.
It’s brilliant!
The Terminal List by Jack Carr
Page Count: 408
Rating on Goodreads: 4.26
Ranked among the finest thriller novels ever made, The Terminal List leaves little room for debate. Anyone who argues with its acclaim—either has not read it or is trapped by a web of delusion.
The narrative unfolds around James Reece, a stalwart Navy SEAL whose team was killed in a distressing ambush. Yet, the tragedy escalates upon his return to the United States as his family falls victim when all of the family members are murdered, giving birth to a sinister plot. Driven by suspicion, Reece unearths unsettling truths, hinting at a conspiracy, and James might be at the center of a conspiracy that infiltrates the highest levels of government power.
The Humans by Matt Haig
Page Count: 285
Rating on Goodreads: 4.08
In a single word, ‘wholesome’ encapsulates the essence of this literary gem. The Humans introduces an alien visitor navigating Earth, trying to adjust to British society. Imbuing each page with an irresistible charm, from its opening lines to its poignant conclusion, readers find themselves hooked within the narrative that is both heartwarming and humorous and worth reading (at least once). Matt Haig’s narrative prowess ensures that every moment spent within these pages is an experience to cherish—a masterpiece that leaves an indelible smile on the reader’s face.
It’s great!