Fiction Book Recommendations

Before we begin, a quick introduction: I’m Steph, an American writer. I believe experiencing joy cultivates optimism, inspiring us to build a brighter world. I founded Sending Smiles to create a positive community. Thank you for taking the time to read. I’m happy you’re here!

Today, we’re diving into fiction book recommendations. These stories provided escape and self-reflection and offered new perspectives on life, love, and the human condition.

I’m curious, what are your fiction book recommendations?

Cat’s Eye by Margaret Atwood

“Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise.”

Artist Elaine reflects on her past, identity, and the lasting effects of childhood friendships and bullying while visiting her hometown.

Also by Atwood: The Blind Assassin, MaddAddam Trilogy

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini

“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs, or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.”

Two Afghan women form an unlikely bond amidst the turmoil of war-torn Afghanistan.

Also by Hosseini: The Kite Runner

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

“Sometimes it takes courage, you know, and a long time, to be honest.”

Psychotherapist Theo becomes obsessed with uncovering the reason behind painter Alicia’s sudden silence.

Circe by Madeline Miller

“It is a common saying that women are delicate creatures, flowers, eggs, anything that may be crushed in a moment’s carelessness. If I had ever believed it, I no longer did.”

Enchantress Circe defies gods and mortals to carve out her magical corner of the world.

This book contains descriptions of sexual violence. Please take care of yourself while watching and visit RAINN for more resources.

Also by Miller: Galatea, The Song of Achilles

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

“She laughed for his sake, something she’d never done. Giving away another piece of herself just to have someone else.”

Kya, isolated in the marshlands of North Carolina, becomes the prime suspect in a local murder investigation.

This book contains descriptions of domestic and sexual violence. Please take care of yourself while reading and visit The Hotline or RAINN for more resources.

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

“Equality is treating everyone the same. But equity is taking the differences into account, so everyone has a chance to succeed.”

White supremacists, Turk and Brittani accuse Ruth, an African American nurse, of harming their child.

Also by Picoult: A Spark of Light, The Storyteller, Leaving Time, My Sister’s Keeper

Normal People by Sally Rooney

“Life offers up these moments of joy, despite everything.”

Connell and Marianne navigate love, power dynamics, and personal growth from high school to adulthood.

This book contains descriptions of domestic violence. Please take care of yourself while reading and visit The Hotline for more resources.

Also by Rooney: Beautiful World, Where Are You

The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak

“There is no together anymore. Once a pomegranate breaks and all its seeds scatter in different directions, you cannot put it back together.”

Two families-one Turkish, the other Armenian- uncover secrets of identity, history, and the complexities of cultural inheritance in modern Istanbul.

This books contains description of genocide and sexual violence. Please take care of yourself while reading and visit the Genocide Survivors Foundations or RAINN for more resources.

Also by Shafak: The Island of Missing Trees, 10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World, Three Daughters of Eve

Sending Smiles,

Steph

P.S.