Must-Read Contemporary Fiction Books for Every Book Lover

Contemporary fiction is a genre of literature that tells stories about the present day or recent past. It is characterized by relatable characters, grounded settings, and a wide range of themes, including relationships, family, friendship, love, loss, and identity. Contemporary fiction can be either serious or lighthearted, but it is always relevant to the reader's own experiences.

I chose contemporary fiction books for this blog post because I believe that they are some of the most important and engaging books being written today. Contemporary fiction authors are not afraid to tackle difficult subjects, but they do so in a way that is both compassionate and thought-provoking. Their books can make us laugh, cry, and think, and they can stay with us long after we finish reading them.

This blog post will list 18 contemporary fiction books that I highly recommend. I have chosen books for a variety of age groups, so there is something for everyone. I hope that you will find a book on this list that you will enjoy reading and discussing with others.

What is contemporary fiction?

Contemporary fiction is a genre of literature that tells stories about the present day or recent past. It is set in the same time period as the reader is living, and the characters and events are often relatable to the reader's own experiences. Contemporary fiction can explore a wide range of themes, such as relationships, family, friendship, love, loss, and identity.

Contemporary fiction genre

Contemporary fiction is a genre that captures the spirit of the current era and often deals with issues, themes, and concerns that are relevant to modern life. Contemporary fiction can take many forms, including novels, short stories, and novellas.

Contemporary fiction is a diverse and ever-evolving genre. There are many different subgenres of contemporary fiction, such as:

• Domestic fiction focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary people.
• Family drama explores the complex relationships between family members.
• Coming-of-age stories follow young people as they transition into adulthood.
• Romantic fiction tells stories about love and relationships.
• Mystery/thriller novels feature suspenseful plots and intriguing characters.
• Literary fiction is characterized by its high literary quality and complex themes.

If you are looking for a book that is relatable, thought-provoking, and enjoyable, contemporary fiction is a great genre to explore.

Contemporary fiction examples

Contemporary fiction is a popular genre because it allows readers to connect with characters and stories that are relevant to their own lives. It can also provide readers with a different perspective on the world around them.

Some popular examples of contemporary fiction include:

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
• Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
• The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
• The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
• Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Contemporary fiction characteristics

Contemporary fiction is a genre of literature that tells stories about the present day or recent past. It is characterized by relatable characters, grounded settings, and a wide range of themes, including relationships, family, friendship, love, loss, and identity. Contemporary fiction can be either serious or lighthearted, but it is always relevant to the reader's own experiences.

Key characteristics of contemporary fiction include:

• Setting: Contemporary fiction is typically set in the present or recent past, allowing readers to relate to the characters and their environments more easily.
• Realism: It often focuses on realistic portrayals of characters and situations, reflecting the complexities and nuances of modern life.
• Exploration of Contemporary Issues: Contemporary fiction often explores relevant and current societal, political, and cultural issues. It can address topics such as technology, social media, relationships, identity, diversity, and more.
• Diverse Voices: Contemporary fiction frequently features a diverse range of voices, characters, and perspectives, reflecting the multicultural and pluralistic nature of contemporary society.
• Character-Driven: Character development and psychology play a central role in many contemporary fiction works, allowing readers to connect with and understand the characters' experiences and emotions.
• Various Genres: Contemporary fiction is a flexible genre that can encompass a wide range of subgenres, such as literary fiction, crime fiction, romance, science fiction, and more. It is not limited to any particular style or tone.
• Fluid Style: Authors of contemporary fiction often experiment with narrative techniques, writing styles, and structures to create unique and engaging storytelling experiences.

Contemporary fiction authors 

There are many contemporary fiction authors who have made significant contributions to the literary world. Here are some notable contemporary fiction authors up to that date:

1. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Known for works like "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Americanah," Adichie's writing often explores themes of identity, feminism, and post-colonialism.
2. Haruki Murakami: A Japanese author renowned for his surreal and atmospheric novels, including "Kafka on the Shore" and "Norwegian Wood."
3. Zadie Smith: Her novels, such as "White Teeth" and "Swing Time," are celebrated for their wit, multicultural themes, and explorations of contemporary urban life.
4. Jonathan Franzen: Known for novels like "The Corrections" and "Freedom," Franzen delves into complex family dynamics and societal issues.
5. Jhumpa Lahiri: Her works, including "The Namesake" and "Interpreter of Maladies," often deal with the immigrant experience and the search for identity.
6. Colson Whitehead: Whitehead's novels, such as "The Underground Railroad" and "The Nickel Boys," have received critical acclaim for their exploration of race and history.
7. Sally Rooney: A rising star in contemporary fiction, Rooney's novels "Conversations with Friends" and "Normal People" are known for their keen insight into the complexities of relationships and youth.
8. Elena Ferrante: The Italian author behind the highly regarded Neapolitan Novels, starting with "My Brilliant Friend," explores the lifelong friendship of two women.
9. Ta-Nehisi Coates: Known for his nonfiction as well, Coates has authored novels like "The Water Dancer" and "Between the World and Me," which address themes of race, identity, and history.
10. Donna Tartt: Tartt's "The Goldfinch" and "The Secret History" have garnered attention for their intricate storytelling and exploration of moral dilemmas.
11. Celeste Ng: Author of "Everything I Never Told You" and "Little Fires Everywhere," Ng's novels often center on family dynamics and the secrets that lie beneath the surface.
12. Tayari Jones: Her novel "An American Marriage" deals with issues of race and the criminal justice system, earning her widespread recognition.
13. Liane Moriarty: Known for bestsellers like "Big Little Lies" and "The Husband's Secret," Moriarty specializes in contemporary fiction with a suspenseful twist.
14. Paula Hawkins: Author of the psychological thrillers "The Girl on the Train" and "Into the Water," which have been widely popular.
15. Jennifer Egan: Egan's novel "A Visit from the Goon Squad" won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and is known for its innovative narrative structure.
16. Hanya Yanagihara: Yanagihara is an American author whose novels are known for their emotional intensity and their exploration of complex themes such as love, loss, and grief. Her breakout novel, A Little Life, was a critical and commercial success.
17. Ocean Vuong: Vuong is a Vietnamese-American poet and novelist. His debut novel, On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, is a powerful and moving memoir about his childhood and adolescence as a refugee in the United States.

These are just a few examples of contemporary fiction authors, and there are many more talented writers contributing to the genre. The contemporary fiction landscape is diverse, with authors from various backgrounds and styles, offering a wide range of reading experiences.

19 Must-Read Contemporary Fiction Books for Every Book Lover

Here is a list of contemporary fiction books that had gained significant recognition and acclaim from both readers and critics. The best, most popular, and critically acclaimed contemporary fiction books, in no particular order:

1. "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt: This novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and tells the story of a young boy who survives a terrorist attack and becomes obsessed with a priceless painting.
2. "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, this novel reimagines the Underground Railroad as a physical train, exploring the horrors of slavery.
3. "Normal People" by Sally Rooney: This coming-of-age love story was a major bestseller and became a TV series. Rooney's writing is praised for its perceptive look at contemporary relationships.
4. "There, There" by Tommy Orange: This novel offers a multi-voiced narrative that delves into the lives of Native Americans in Oakland, California. It received widespread acclaim for its storytelling and exploration of identity.
5. "My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante: The first book in the Neapolitan Novels series, this novel follows the lifelong friendship of two women in post-war Naples, Italy.
6. "The Overstory" by Richard Powers: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, this book weaves together the stories of people and trees, exploring environmental themes and the connections between humans and the natural world.
7. "An American Marriage" by Tayari Jones: This novel revolves around the impact of a wrongful conviction on a married couple and addresses themes of race, love, and the criminal justice system.
8. "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee: A multigenerational saga that tells the story of a Korean family living in Japan, exploring themes of identity, discrimination, and resilience.
9. "Circe" by Madeline Miller: A retelling of the myth of Circe, the sorceress from Greek mythology, which offers a fresh perspective on her character and the world of the gods.
10. "The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen: Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, this novel explores the life of a communist double agent during and after the Vietnam War.
11. "Milkman" by Anna Burns: Winner of the Man Booker Prize, this novel is set in Northern Ireland during the Troubles and tells the story of a young woman who is stalked by a mysterious paramilitary figure.
12. "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: This novel explores themes of race, identity, and immigration through the story of a Nigerian woman who moves to the United States.
13. "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr: A historical novel that won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, it tells the story of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II.
14. “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng: This novel explores the complex relationships between two families living in the same community, and the tensions that arise when their lives intersect.
15. “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara: This emotionally powerful novel follows the lives of four friends from college through adulthood, exploring themes of love, loss, and friendship.
16. “There There” by Tommy Orange: This novel explores the lives of twelve Native Americans living in Oakland, California, and the interconnectedness of their stories.
17. “Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders: This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of Abraham Lincoln's grief over the death of his son Willie, and the afterlife that unfolds around his coffin.
18. “My Year of Rest and Relaxation” by Ottessa Moshfegh: This satirical novel follows a young woman who decides to hibernate for a year in order to escape the pressures of modern life.
19. “On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong: This semi-autobiographical novel tells the story of a young Vietnamese-American poet, and his relationship with his mother and grandmother.

Last but not least. Here are some contemporary fiction book recommendations suitable for different age groups:

Contemporary Fiction Books for Middle School

1. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio: This heartwarming novel follows a young boy with facial differences as he navigates the challenges of middle school.
2. "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate: This is the story of a captive gorilla who narrates his life and yearns for freedom.
3. "The Giver" by Lois Lowry: A classic dystopian novel that explores a world where emotions and memories are suppressed, making it suitable for middle school readers.
4. "Refugee" by Alan Gratz: This book weaves together the stories of three young refugees from different time periods and backgrounds, providing a powerful perspective on the refugee experience.
5. "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt: This novel explores the struggles of a young girl with dyslexia as she learns to embrace her unique abilities.

Contemporary Fiction Books for High School

1. "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas: This novel addresses important themes of racism and social justice as it follows a teenage girl who witnesses the shooting of her unarmed friend by a police officer.
2. "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green: A beautifully written novel about young love and the challenges faced by two teenagers with cancer.
3. "Eleanor & Park" by Rainbow Rowell: This is a coming-of-age love story that deals with issues of identity, bullying, and family dynamics.
4. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee: A classic novel that remains relevant, it explores racial injustice and moral growth in a small Southern town.
5. "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel: A thought-provoking post-apocalyptic novel that explores the importance of art and storytelling in the face of disaster.

Contemporary Fiction Books for Adults

1. "Educated" by Tara Westover: This memoir tells the story of a woman who escapes her turbulent childhood and seeks an education, shedding light on the power of self-discovery.
2. "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens: This novel combines mystery, romance, and a deep connection to nature as it follows the life of a young woman living in isolation in the marshes of North Carolina.
3. "Circe" by Madeline Miller: A retelling of Greek mythology, this novel offers a fresh perspective on the character of Circe and her journey.
4. "Normal People" by Sally Rooney: A contemporary love story that delves into the complexities of a relationship between two young adults as they navigate the challenges of life and identity.
5. "There There" by Tommy Orange: This novel explores the lives of Native Americans living in Oakland, California, and the interconnectedness of their stories.

These recommendations cover a range of contemporary fiction for different age groups, from middle school to high school and adults, providing a variety of themes and reading experiences.