Contemporary Fiction Books: 10 Must-Reads for 2023 – Immerse Yourself in Compelling Stories!

Contemporary Fiction Books

Have you ever wondered how contemporary fiction books can transport you into the heart of the ever-evolving world, allowing you to navigate its complexities and understand different perspectives that shape our society? What is contemporary fiction? Contemporary fiction is defined as a genre that mirrors the present moment and also holds up a mirror to our souls. It is a dynamic literary landscape that entertains and enlightens the readers, offering them an opportunity to engage with evolving human experiences.

Best contemporary fiction is rooted in the present and serves as a channel for empathy, introspection, and an exploration of different aspects of our existence. Contemporary fiction books act as a prism through which we can learn about the facets of our world. It narrates stories that resonate with our daily life and introduces the readers to unfamiliar lives and situations which broaden our horizons. Characters, settings, and narratives in best contemporary novels invite the readers to step into the shoes of people belonging to different backgrounds and foster a deeper understanding of their struggles.

As you explore the world of contemporary fiction books in depth, you confront the changing and complex nature of humans with thought-provoking questions about societal norms, ethical dilemmas, and the evolving nature of human relationships.

10 Must-Read Contemporary Fiction Books:

The following 10 best contemporary fiction books will make you fall in love with this unique narrative that will not only entertain you but also challenge your perceptions and stimulate conversations important for personal and societal growth.

1. Billy Jones’s Father and The Apple Tree by Fred Engh:

Fred Engh Book Cover

‘Billy Jones’s Father and The Apple Tree’ by Fred Engh is one of the best modern fiction books of all time. This best contemporary novel is written by a visionary leader in the realm of youth sports and is also known as a highly acclaimed author. This novel will take the readers into the contemporary world of organized sports, exposing the verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse suffered by young athletes like Billy Jones.

This best modern fiction book is based on a true story that highlights the ever-lasting impact of parental and societal pressure on children participating in organized youth sports. It is set in Torrid Hills, North Carolina; Billy Jones’s struggle to meet his father’s expectations as an athlete serves as a wake-up call for parents and all the coaches. The author of this contemporary fiction book is the founder of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) and the International Alliance for Youth Sports (IAYS), who brings his unparalleled expertise and deep understanding of the challenges faced by young athletes to this poignant narrative. Through his literary prowess, Fred Engh aims to create awareness and foster positive change within the world of youth sports.

‘Billy Jones’s Father and The Apple Tree’ is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and finding peace in difficulties. The readers will witness the transformative journey of the protagonist. The exceptional storytelling of the author will leave an edible mark on the readers’ hearts and minds. This book is the latest addition to Fred Engh’s literary masterpieces. With each book, Engh continues to revolutionize our understanding of the complexities and issues plaguing organized sports, inspiring readers and provoking thought.

Are you ready to delve deeper into this enthralling narrative? Join hands with Fred Engh in his mission to create a brighter future for young athletes. Head to the Website or Amazon to get your book now.

2. Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors:

Cleopatra and Frankenstein

It is another best contemporary fiction book that will keep you hooked until the end. The story revolves around the unexpected romance between a struggling artist Cleo and a successful man, Frank. This modern fiction book is set in New York City, where an impulsive decision of marriage between Cleo and Frank changes their lives forever. The readers will be drawn to the complex web of emotions, different personalities and their struggle to find their place and identity in the world. This best contemporary fiction is a must-read for people who love to read about raw and unfiltered human emotions.

3. Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty:

Apples Never Fall

Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty is the best modern fiction book of all time that will surely resonate with readers who love Liane Moriarty’s writing style. From Big Little Lies to Nine Perfect Strangers and The Husband’s Secret, this novel will surely become your favorite like the rest. This contemporary fiction book revolves around the Delaney family, who appears to be perfect on the surface. Four grown-up children, incredible talent on the tennis court, fifty-year marriage and a beautiful home, what else one needs to become happy? But one incident turns the table, and the picture-perfect family is no more perfect than Joy, the family matriarch goes missing.

This modern fiction book is full of unexpected twists and turns that will leave you wondering about the complexities of human nature. With a perfect storyline and well-crafted characters, the story will leave you craving for more.

4. Expectations by Anna Hope:

Expectation

This best contemporary fiction book follows the lives of three best friends – Cate, Hannah and Lissa. The story shows a vibrant, shared world of art, activism, romance, and the promise of everything to come. Life has other ways of surprising you, and ten years later on, their life is not where they hoped to be. The three women struggle with careers, marriage, and finding their place and role in society, making it one of the best contemporary novels.

The author has done an exceptional job of creating a story that will resonate with everyone out there. The well-crafted characters and gripping storyline will leave you on the edge of your seat. Each character is struggling to find true meaning in their life to lead a fulfilling and contended life.

5. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo:

Girl Woman Other A Novel

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo is one of the best modern fiction books. This contemporary fiction book follows multiple generations of the same family and explores different themes like family dynamics, grief, identity, and the experience of being a black woman in modern Britain.

This contemporary fiction book is split into four chapters, each with an episode that explores the life of a different character. Characters like Amma Bonsu, queer theatre director and mother of opinionated teenage daughter Yazz, Dominique, a vibrant woman stuck in an abusive relationship, and Shirley King, a disillusioned teacher grappling with her marriage difficulties, will resonate with the readers.

It is a great thought-provoking narrative that explores intersectionality, how race, sexuality, gender, economic status, and history play out.

6. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover:

It Ends With Us

This is one of the compelling contemporary fiction books which explores the elements of love and the excitement of being in a new relationship. On the surface, it is a novel about hope and love, but deep down, it depicts the harrowing realities of society, domestic abuse and other complexities of leaving a toxic relationship. This best modern fiction book revolves around the story of a young and hardworking woman Lily who falls in love with a neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid. Ryle’s disinclination to relationships, coupled with the reappearance of Lily’s first love, Atlas, threatens everything she has built with Ryle. It is a thrilling yet heartbreaking novel that will leave you wondering until the end.

7. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng:

Little Fires Everywhere A Novel

It is another contemporary fiction book that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and thought-provoking questions. This modern fiction book is set in Shaker Heights, a quiet leafy suburb in Cleveland explores the life of Mia Warren, who moved to the town just recently.

Mia, the protagonist, is an artist and single mother to her quiet daughter Pearl, who stirs up the status quo and ruffles the feathers of her landlady Elena Richardson. As Pearl settles in and gets closer to Elena’s children, another couple tries to adopt a Chinese American baby, and a controversial custody battle begins. This best contemporary novel will leave readers with one deep question, what really makes a good mother?

8. How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie:

How to Kill Your Family

It is one of the best modern fiction books of all time which revolves around Grace Bernard, an anti-hero in the story. This story is narrated from the first perspective, where Grace discovers that her estranged millionaire father has rejected her dying mother’s pleas for help. She coldly plans on taking revenge by killing his family one by one. This best contemporary fiction book will keep you gripped until the end offering many twists and turns.

9. Sunset by Jessie Cave:

Sunset Heartbreaking funny and bittersweet. A phenomenal debut Dolly Alderton

If you are looking for the most captivating contemporary fiction books of all time, Jessie Cave’s novel is one for you. The story follows the life of two sisters, Ruth and Hannah, who are incredibly close, despite their differences. Hannah persuades Ruth to go on a holiday that changes Ruth’s life forever.

Ruth tries to keep up the pieces of her broken life and gets a job at a coffee shop at Heathrow Airport, the last place she feels safe and happy. This best modern fiction book of all time will surely break the heart of readers as Jessie Cave’s work is both funny and honest. Jessie Cave’s book Sunset will break your heart, inspire you and make you hold your loved ones closer.

10. Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus:

Lessons in Chemistry

It is one of the best contemporary fiction books that revolves around Elizabeth Zott, from being an underappreciated chemist to a famous TV host on her revolutionary cooking show. This best modern fiction book is a warm-hearted story that will have you in tears by the end. The protagonist combines cooking with scientific commentary that grasps the attention of a nation.

These contemporary fiction books will keep you engaged and make you a fan of this unique genre. Are you ready to embark on a literary adventure that offers a mirror to this world? So, grab your coffee and enjoy these masterpieces!