Realistic fiction books is a literary genre that mirrors real life through larger-than-life characters and suspenseful situations. These stories are contemporaries that explore major social and personal issues, making readers reflect on the world around them.
Realistic fiction often combine the suspense of classic thriller books with the grounded reality of the characters’ experiences, making them not just thrilling but also deeply relatable. Whether it’s uncovering a conspiracy, solving a mystery, or facing moral dilemmas, these books prove that even in the most intense situations, the characters and their decisions can reflect our own.
If you’re a fan of stories that could truly happen, here are 10 outstanding realistic fiction books to add to your reading list.
10 Fiction Book You Must Know
The Boss: Success Has Its Price by Jack Allen
The Boss by Jack Allen offers a thrilling dive into the world of high finance, greed, and power. The novel follows Tom Kelly, a Wall Street lawyer who becomes entangled in the dangerous world of Russian oligarchs and global business intrigues. Allen’s fast-paced narrative and vivid portrayal of the cutthroat world of billionaires make this book a captivating read for those interested in the darker side of success.
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, The Sympathizer is a gripping espionage novel set in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The story follows a half-French, half-Vietnamese army captain who serves as a double agent. Nguyen’s debut novel is a brilliant exploration of identity, loyalty, and the immigrant experience in America. Its complex protagonist and historical backdrop make it a must-read for those interested in realistic fiction that tackles heavy themes.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Khaled Hosseini’s A Thousand Splendid Suns is a heart-wrenching tale set against the backdrop of war-torn Afghanistan. The novel follows the lives of two women, Mariam and Laila, whose paths cross in unexpected ways. Hosseini’s evocative storytelling highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love and friendship amidst the harshest of circumstances.
The Fault In Our Stars by John Green
John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the challenges of living with a terminal illness. The novel centers on Hazel and Gus, two teenagers who meet in a cancer support group and develop a deep, transformative relationship. Green’s raw and honest portrayal of their journey makes this book a touching and thought-provoking read.
Kafka On the Shore by Haruki Murakami
While known for its surreal elements, Haruki Murakami’s Kafka on the Shore also grounds itself in the very real emotions of its characters. The novel intertwines the lives of a runaway teenager, Kafka, and an elderly man, Nakata, who has lost his memory. As their stories unfold, Murakami explores themes of fate, identity, and the search for meaning in a world filled with inexplicable events.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give highlights race, identity, and justice in contemporary America. The story follows Starr, a young girl who witnesses the police shooting of her unarmed friend. Thomas’s novel provides a searing commentary on the complexities of systemic racism and the struggle for justice, making it an essential read for understanding today’s social issues.
Room by Emma Donoghue
Room by Emma Donoghue is an emotionally intense novel told from the perspective of five-year-old Jack, who has been held captive in a small room with his mother for his entire life. The story explores the bond between mother and child, resilience in the face of unimaginable circumstances, and the challenges of reintegration into the outside world. Donoghue’s novel is both harrowing and uplifting, offering a unique perspective on survival and love.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney’s Normal People is a masterful exploration of the intricacies of human relationships. The novel follows Connell and Marianne, two young people from a small Irish town, as they navigate the complexities of friendship, love, and social class. Rooney’s sharp and insightful prose captures the subtle dynamics of their relationship, making this a deeply relatable and thought-provoking read.
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird remains a timeless classic, exploring themes of racial injustice, morality, and empathy in the Deep South. Through the eyes of Scout Finch, the novel delves into the prejudices of society and the moral courage required to stand against them. Lee’s evocative writing and richly drawn characters make this novel an essential part of any realistic fiction collection.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back by Lee Child
In this thrilling installment of the Jack Reacher series, the protagonist returns to his old military unit only to find himself in deep trouble. As Reacher navigates accusations of a long-past crime, the book expands on the themes of justice, loyalty, and the consequences of returning to one’s roots. Lee Child skillfully blends suspense and action in a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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