Literary Fiction Books Worth Reading

Literary fiction:
​Aside from subject matter, literary fiction tends to be written with emphasis on prose style. While genre fiction is “transparent” (readers can see through the text to escape into the story itself), literary writers want the reader to notice how beautiful the writing is.
Women's fiction:
An umbrella term for women centered books that focus on women's life experience that are marketed to female readers, and includes many mainstream novels or woman's rights Books. It is distinct from Women's writing, which refers to literature written by (rather than promoted to) women.

Biography, memoir: While the mushroom cloud of the Cold War hovered over us, my sister and I carried on as kids do regardless of world events. Since the daily minutiae of life provides the magic for memories to MUSHROOM WILDLY--feed your head my nostalgic recollections of growing up during the '60s counterculture.

Contemporary women's fiction: An heirloom quiche recipe and baking rivalry turn up the heat in a New England mill town rife with secrets and scandals. A tragedy precipitated by misdeeds wreaks havoc on those caught in the crossfire.

Women's fiction: Ten years after graduating from Franklin High, four misfits wend their way back home to attend the funeral of beloved guidance counselor, Oscar Wizardo, whose guile in twisting fate enables them to grapple with their demons, dilemmas, and despair

Contemporary fiction: Jacque has always struggled to get his business ideas off the ground. From photography to catering to publishing, his poorly-planned endeavors have put a serious strain on his finances—and his marriage.

Contemporary fiction: Ellen is obsessed with the idea of creating the perfect Christmas card to send to all their family and friends. She’s making a list and she’s checking it twice. Perfect holiday outfits? Check.

Contemporary fiction: Twenty-three-year-old Karlie has few friends, no boyfriend, and no plans to graduate from college anytime in the immediate future.

Women's fiction: Ella’s lost her memory – the last ten years of her life. Her friends and family want her to slot back into place, only it’s not that easy. Will Ella's memory return?

Historical fiction: When the breaking out of the uprising forced his family to flee, Saul's life as he knew came to an abrupt end. Little he knew about the dramatic changes destiny held in store for him.

African American urban fiction: News of a murdered son, and the daughter that son left behind, forces Tobias to reassess his past and restructure his plans for the future.