6+ Favorite Books from Literary Fiction (So Far!)
Here is a roundup of my favorite books from literary fiction (so far!). I hope you find something interesting & a little different.
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$20.35Flannery O'Connor's A Good Man Is Hard to Find & Stories is a captivating collection of short stories that dives into the complexities of human nature, particularly in the American South. The title story, featuring a family and an escaped convict, sets the tone for themes of violence, goodness, sin, and redemption that run throughout the book. I loved how each story, despite their dark elements, offers a glimmer of hope and highlights the potential for change. Honestly, I found everything about this collection amazing—it's rich, thought-provoking, and really connects with my own experiences. Not much to dislike here!Buy Now Read My ReviewPros:- The collection explores deep themes of violence, goodness, sin, and redemption.
- The stories are rich and dense, providing ample material for reflection.
- I have a personal connection to the setting and themes, enhancing my reading experience.
Cons:- Not a whole lot.
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02/01/2026 11:00 am GMT -
$9.47Buy Now
I see why people rave about this novel, but I just couldn't identify with the characters or setting. It's in 1970s New York City. Probably good but not for me.
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02/01/2026 01:01 pm GMT -
$10.12In The Buried Giant by Kazuo Ishiguro, we journey through a post-Arthurian England where a mysterious mist has led to collective forgetfulness. The story follows an elderly couple, Axl and Beatrice, as they search for their son, facing challenges that test their love and memory. I really appreciated the beautiful writing and the blend of historical detail with magical elements. The book raises deep questions about the nature of memory and whether forgetting is truly a blessing. While it can get a bit confusing at times, especially during the dream sequences, it remains a thought-provoking read.Buy Now Read My ReviewPros:
- The writing is beautiful, lyrical, and magical.
- The historical accuracy combined with magical elements is impressive.
- It raises profound questions about memory and relationships.
Cons:- It gets a little confusing in the middle, especially in the dream scenes.
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01/31/2026 09:01 pm GMT -
$15.26In North Woods by Daniel Mason, the story revolves around a single house in the Massachusetts woods, exploring various characters and moments tied to the land. I found the writing beautifully descriptive, capturing the essence of New England while reflecting on change and loss over time. The unique setting and characters added depth, but the book felt a bit disjointed, almost like a collection of short stories. Some chapters dragged and used unconventional formats that made it tough to follow. Overall, it’s a lovely read but requires patience to appreciate its style fully.Buy Now Read My ReviewPros:
- Beautifully written with rich, descriptive language
- Effective use of land to observe change over time
- Unique New England setting with a believable cast of characters
Cons:- Disjointed structure, feeling more like a series of short stories
- Confusing literary devices and points of view
- Some chapters were tedious and slow
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02/01/2026 12:01 am GMT -
$16.99In The Son by Philipp Meyer, the story spans several generations of a family on the Texas frontier, capturing the complexity of life in a violent era. Initially skeptical, I found the novel surprisingly well-structured, making it easy to follow the characters and plot. The setting is beautifully crafted, reflecting the author’s deep research and genuine connection to the place, which really pulled me in. While the book offers engaging characters and a compelling narrative, be warned: it doesn’t shy away from violence. Overall, it’s a striking exploration of how our past shapes who we are today.Buy Now Read My ReviewPros:
- The setting is richly described, showing the author's deep research and understanding.
- The book effectively explores complex historical themes without oversimplifying.
- It features engaging characters, good pacing, and quality writing.
Cons:- The book is extremely violent, which may not be suitable for all readers.
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02/01/2026 11:01 am GMT -
Buy Now$11.29
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01/31/2026 03:00 pm GMT -
Buy Now$8.00
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01/31/2026 05:02 pm GMT -
$9.99
The Elephant Vanishes is a short story collection by Haruki Murakami that showcases his best qualities—exploring inner life through mundane details that edge into magical realism. The collection format works perfectly for his style, offering concentrated doses without the meandering of his longer novels. It's especially resonant for modern urban life, capturing isolation and the uncanny brilliantly. Essential Murakami and a great starting point for new readers.
Buy NowPros:- Explores psychological depth through small, everyday moments
- Collection format provides concentrated Murakami without sprawl
- Captures modern isolation and urban disconnection perfectly
Cons:- Stories don't tie up neatly—frustrating if you want resolution
- Won't convert you if his detached style doesn't work for you
- Same polarizing qualities as all his work
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01/31/2026 04:01 pm GMT
