The Best General Fiction Books with Reviews

A book filled with emotional depth and introspection, doubts and guilt consume a woman on her way to a fertility appointment. As the train stops at each station, she reflects on her marriage, the loss of her baby, and the lover who got away, causing her to question the choices she's made. Join her on this poignant journey of self-discovery and find out whether she ultimately finds the answers she seeks.

A touching and bittersweet story of friendship and redemption. Sentaro, a failed writer with a troubled past, forms an unlikely bond with Tokue, an elderly woman who teaches him the art of making sweet bean paste. As their friendship grows, secrets from Tokue’s past emerge, leading to a powerful and emotional tale about life, loneliness, and healing.

"The Metamorphosis" by Franz Kafka is a classic novella that tells the story of a man named Gregor Samsa, who wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a giant insect. The novel explores the themes of isolation, alienation, and the struggle for identity in a society that values conformity.

"Animal Farm" by George Orwell is a classic allegorical novella that satirizes the events of the Russian Revolution and the early years of the Soviet Union. The story follows a group of farm animals who overthrow their human farmer and attempt to create a free and equal society, only to have their leaders become corrupted by power. In this description, we will explore the major themes and characters of this timeless work of literature.

Hayley Krischer tells the tale of what occurred that night and how it changed Ali and Blythe forever in her scorching, inspiring debut book. Both girls are survivors in their own right, and even if their friendship may not continue, it gives each of them the ability to seek justice on their own terms.

A gripping dystopian tale of pregnant men, exploring reproductive rights and social justice. Thought-provoking and impactful in just 38 minutes.

"Girl in Pieces" by Kathleen Glasgow is a raw and emotional novel that explores the painful journey of Charlie Davis, a seventeen-year-old girl struggling to overcome self-harm and trauma. The story follows Charlie as she navigates her way through the ups and downs of life after being discharged from a psychiatric hospital. Through her journey, she learns to confront her past, deal with her emotions, and find hope and healing in unexpected places.

"The Death of Ivan Ilych" by Leo Tolstoy is a powerful novella that explores the themes of mortality and the meaning of life. The story follows the life of Ivan Ilych, a high-ranking court official who is diagnosed with a terminal illness and forced to confront his own mortality. Through Ivan Ilych's struggles with death and the emptiness of his life, Tolstoy offers a profound insight into the human condition and the importance of living a meaningful existence. This literary masterpiece is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the deeper questions of life and existence.

"She and Her Cat" is a unique collection of four interrelated, stream-of-conscious short stories, exploring the frailty of life, the pain of isolation, and the limits of communication. The first story follows a nameless narrator, who lying alone in an abandoned cardboard box, contemplates the indifferent world around him. But his life changes forever when a young woman peers down at him. With clever narration alternating between the cats and their owners, this whimsical anthology offers a sly commentary on human foibles and our desire for connection.

Margaret Atwood's short story explores the intricate dynamics of a mother-daughter relationship set in the 1950s suburbs. With questions of witchcraft, manipulation, and love, Atwood skillfully delves into themes of identity, power, and loyalty, leaving readers reflecting on their own assumptions and beliefs.

"Elevation" by Stephen King is a novella that tells the story of Scott Carey, a man who is inexplicably losing weight but does not appear physically different. However, as his weight decreases, his ability to perform amazing feats of strength and kindness increases. Set in a small town in Maine, this character-driven story explores themes of empathy, acceptance, and the power of community.

A heartbreaking and realistic story about love, loss, and injustice. When newlyweds Celestial and Roy are torn apart by Roy’s wrongful imprisonment, their once-promising life together unravels. As the years pass, Celestial finds comfort in a childhood friend, and when Roy’s conviction is overturned, the couple must face the painful reality of how their love has changed. A deeply emotional and thought-provoking read that explores the complexities of relationships and systemic injustice.