Top 9 Realistic Fiction Books
Dive into the world of realism with our latest book roundup, featuring a collection of novels that will transport you into the lives of everyday people. From heart-wrenching dramas to gritty mysteries, these realistic fiction books will leave you wanting more. Discover the power of storytelling and explore the depths of human emotion with our carefully curated selection.
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1. Thunder Cake
Thunder Cake, a heart-warming and engaging tale penned by Patricia Polacco, takes young readers on a journey that combines both adventure and celebration. The story revolves around the special bond between Grandma, known affectionately as Babushka, and her granddaughter, who together prepare the iconic Thunder Cake as the storm approaches. The vibrant illustrations by Polacco capture the essence of the story, while the lively narrative transports the reader into the world of the farm, filled with the scent of baking, the sounds of thunder, and the excitement of an unforgettable adventure.
As the storm draws nearer, the duo’s efforts to create Thunder Cake not only help the little girl overcome her fear of thunder but also turns the stormy weather into a memorable celebration. With its poignant message and delightful visuals, Thunder Cake is an enchanting juvenile fiction book that promises to captivate and inspire young readers alike.
- Authors: Patricia Polacco
- Publisher: Penguin
- Published Date: August 25, 1997
- Page Count: 34.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Juvenile Fiction
- Average Rating: 5.0
- Ratings Count: 1.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
2. The Truth About Forever
Experience the unexpected as Macy, an endearing and complex heroine, navigates through an unplanned summer with the help of an intriguing new character named Wes. In this heartwarming Young Adult novel by Sarah Dessen, who’s known for her masterful balance between comedy and tragedy, prepare yourself for a journey filled with growth, self-discovery, and the power of embracing the unexpected. “The Truth About Forever” is a must-read for fans of Sarah Dessen’s brilliant storytelling and for those seeking a thought-provoking and engaging summer read.
- Authors: Sarah Dessen
- Publisher: Penguin
- Published Date: April 06, 2006
- Page Count: 422.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Young Adult Fiction
- Average Rating: 4.5
- Ratings Count: 17.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
3. Blood Meridian
Or the Evening Redness in the West
Join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Cormac McCarthy’s remarkable work, Blood Meridian, or the Evening Redness in the West. This captivating novel takes readers on a harrowing journey through the brutal and immoral undertones of America’s westward expansion. Follow the perilous path of a young man known as the Kid, who navigates the world of scalp hunting on the Texas-Mexico border in the 1850s. Witness the ruthless pursuit of profit that cost countless Indians their lives.
Blood Meridian defies the boundaries of the Western genre, offering a chilling and unforgettable glimpse into the shadowy corners of America’s history. Dive into the latest bestsellers from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, The Passenger and Stella Maris, and explore the gritty realism and powerful emotions that define Cormac McCarthy’s unique literary world.
- Authors: Cormac McCarthy
- Publisher: Vintage
- Published Date: August 11, 2010
- Page Count: 349.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Fiction
- Average Rating: 4.0
- Ratings Count: 35.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
4. Shatter Me
“Shatter Me” is the electrifying first installment in the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. It tells the story of Juliette Ferrars, a young woman with extraordinary powers that can kill with just one touch. Mysteriously, no one knows the origin of her abilities. However, The Reestablishment, a ruthless regime, sees this power as an opportunity to have their own deadly weapon.
Juliette has never fought for herself before but finds a newfound strength when reunited with the one person who has ever cared for her. The novel is a gripping blend of love, loyalty, and the struggle for survival in a world where control is everything.
This thrilling young adult novel, with a page count of 417, boasts an average rating of 4.5 from its 22.0 reviews, reflecting its captivating narrative and unforgettable characters. Don’t miss the rest of the series!
- Authors: Tahereh Mafi
- Publisher: Harper Collins
- Published Date: November 15, 2011
- Page Count: 417.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Young Adult Fiction
- Average Rating: 4.5
- Ratings Count: 22.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
5. Pachinko (National Book Award Finalist)
“An extraordinary epic that will leave your heart soaring and your eyes tearing” — Roxane Gay, Washington Post’s Favorite Book of 2017. This book, “Pachinko, “ is a story written by Min Jin Lee, with a rich plot that spans four generations of a poor Korean immigrant family in 20th-century Japan.
The tale starts with Sunja, a teenage girl who defies societal norms to stand up for her own rights, and it mirrors the challenges faced by her family across the ages. The book is a mix of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty and traces the lives of its characters from bustling street markets to the halls of some of Japan’s most prestigious institutions.
It is a journey that delves into the complex world of pachinko — a form of controlled gambling that plays a pivotal role in the life of Sunja’s son. A must-read for its compelling narrative, the book is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience amidst the ebb and flow of history. And with reading group guides included, the book offers readers more insights into the characters and their world.
- Authors: Min Jin Lee
- Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
- Published Date: February 07, 2017
- Page Count: 604.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Fiction
- Average Rating: 5.0
- Ratings Count: 2.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
6. What Light
Discover the unforgettable holiday love story in Jay Asher’s What Light! When Sierra’s Christmas tree farm family moves to California each year, she lives between two worlds — her life in Oregon and the magic of Christmas. That is, until she meets Caleb, a boy with a troubled past but a heart of gold.
As Sierra and Caleb’s hearts entangle, they must overcome the obstacles and misconceptions they face, while learning the true power of redemption and real love. This is a heart-wrenching, yet beautiful tale that will have you believing in love again.
From the bestselling author of Thirteen Reasons Why, What Light is a stunning young adult fiction novel that will leave you with warm and fuzzy feelings long after the final page.
- Authors: Jay Asher
- Publisher: Penguin
- Published Date: October 17, 2017
- Page Count: 274.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Young Adult Fiction
- Average Rating: 5.0
- Ratings Count: 1.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
7. The Inheritance Games
Get ready for a thrilling ride as Avery Grambs discovers the shocking inheritance left behind by billionaire Tobias Hawthorne in “The Inheritance Games. “ Join Avery in her quest for answers as she navigates the dangerous world of wealth and privilege, all while uncovering the secrets and mysteries that lie within Hawthorne House. Will she be able to outwit the Hawthorne grandsons and claim her fortune, or will she fall victim to the deadly game they’ve concocted? Packed with suspense, twists and turns, and juicy secrets, this New York Times bestselling series is perfect for fans of “One of Us is Lying” and “Knives Out. “ Don’t miss your chance to dive into the electrifying world of “The Inheritance Games, “ where every page holds a new surprise.
- Authors: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Published Date: September 01, 2020
- Page Count: 377.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Young Adult Fiction
- Average Rating: 5.0
- Ratings Count: 3.0
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
8. The Genius of Jesus
The Man Who Changed Everything
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood is an instant New York Times bestseller that has taken the literary world by storm. This modern rom-com follows Olive, a third-year Ph. D. candidate who firmly believes in the existence of lasting romantic relationships, but her close friend does not share the same belief. In a desperate attempt to convince her friend Anh of Olive’s romantic happiness, she accidentally kisses the first man she sees, none other than Adam Carlsen, a young and renowned professor with a reputation for being a bit of an ass.
Olive’s attempt to save her friendship inadvertently leads to an unlikely alliance. Adam agrees to pretend to be her fake boyfriend to maintain her cover. As their “experiment” unfolds, they find themselves navigating an unexpected chemistry between them, and their fake relationship spirals out of control.
Everything comes to a head at a science conference where Olive’s career is on the line, but instead of abandoning her, Adam surprises her with unwavering support and undeniable six-pack abs. With this whirlwind of unanticipated emotion, the once-strict hypothesis on love now seems closer to combustion than provable fact. Olive is suddenly left to question the true nature of love, and whether or not she is willing to expose her own heart under the microscope.
This captivating and humorous tale of love, friendship, and science from Penguin Publishing has been praised for its engaging writing and relatable characters. The Love Hypothesis offers a perfect escape for readers in search of an entertaining and heartfelt summer read.
- Authors: Erwin Raphael McManus
- Publisher: Convergent Books
- Published Date: September 14, 2021
- Page Count: 209.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Religion
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
9. One Hundred Years of Solitude
Experience the mesmerizing chronicles of life, death, and human destiny in Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude. This enduring masterpiece, a Nobel Prize–winning novel hailed across the globe, takes the reader on a journey through the fascinating story of the mythical town of Macondo and the storied Buendía family.
Navigating the complexities of love and lust, war and revolution, riches and poverty, this gripping novel delves deep into the human experience. From the vibrant tapestry of Macondo, the town’s history mirrors that of Latin America, with a rich canvas of political, personal, and spiritual strands.
Woven with skill and finesse, One Hundred Years of Solitude presents a story as vast and complex as the human condition. Ingeniously blending humor and heartbreak, this unforgettable tale will captivate your senses and leave you reflecting on the meaning of life and the nature of mortality.
In this beautifully translated edition from Blackstone Publishing, you’ll encounter a timeless classic that transcends the boundaries of genre while encapsulating the essence of the human experience. A must-read for fans of intricately woven narratives, One Hundred Years of Solitude will leave an indelible mark on your heart and mind.
- Authors: Gabriel García Márquez
- Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
- Published Date: October 11, 2022
- Page Count: 344.0
- Print Type: BOOK
- Categories: Fiction
- Maturity Rating: NOT_MATURE
- Language: en
