Summary: In today's article, I have compiled 20 of the best realistic fiction books that capture the beauty, challenges, and complexities of real life. My top 3 choices:
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Realistic fiction opens a window into the human experience, capturing the joys, struggles, and complexities of everyday life. With relatable characters and authentic stories, these books inspire empathy and self-reflection, exploring themes like identity, relationships, and resilience. They remind us of our shared humanity, offering comfort, insight, and connection through the power of storytelling.
TOP 20: Best Realistic Fiction Books
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
- Wonder by R.J. Palacio
- The Help by Kathryn Stockett
- Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
- Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
- Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
- Big Lies in a Small Town by Diane Chamberlain
- The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
- The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
- All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
- Looking for Alaska by John Green
- Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson
- We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
- Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
- Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt
- Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
- Holes by Louis Sachar
- The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart
1. A Man Called Ove
- Author: Fredrik Backman
- About: A grumpy but lovable man’s life changes when new neighbors bring chaos and warmth to his world.
- Style of Writing: Heartwarming, humorous, and reflective.
- Length: ~88,000 words
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Deeply moving and uplifting, leaves a lasting impression of hope and humanity.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate, accessible for most readers.
- Why Read It: It’s a touching story about connection, loss, and second chances that resonates universally.
2. The Nightingale
- Author: Kristin Hannah
- About: Two sisters navigate love, resistance, and survival during Nazi-occupied France in WWII.
- Style of Writing: Emotional, vivid, and immersive.
- Length: ~167,000 words
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Heart-wrenching and unforgettable, showcasing courage and sacrifice.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate, with some historical context.
- Why Read It: A gripping portrayal of the strength of women during wartime.
3. Wonder
- Author: R.J. Palacio
- About: A boy with a facial difference faces challenges and triumphs during his first year at school.
- Style of Writing: Simple, heartfelt, and uplifting.
- Length: ~73,000 words
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and touching, it fosters empathy and kindness.
- Difficulty Level: Easy, suitable for all ages.
- Why Read It: A universal message about acceptance and understanding.
4. The Help
- Author: Kathryn Stockett
- About: Black maids and a young white writer challenge societal norms in 1960s Mississippi.
- Style of Writing: Engaging, character-driven, and vivid.
- Length: ~165,000 words
- Year Written: 2009
- Emotional Impact: Compelling and thought-provoking, with humor and heart.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate, with Southern dialects adding depth.
- Why Read It: A powerful exploration of race, class, and courage.
5. Little Fires Everywhere
- Author: Celeste Ng
- About: Secrets unravel in a suburban community when a single mother and her daughter move in.
- Style of Writing: Poetic, layered, and introspective.
- Length: ~114,000 words
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking, with themes of privilege and motherhood.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate, with a multi-perspective narrative.
- Why Read It: A nuanced look at identity, belonging, and moral choices.
6. The Fault in Our Stars
- Author: John Green
- About: Two teens with cancer fall in love and face life’s biggest questions.
- Style of Writing: Witty, emotional, and poignant.
- Length: ~83,000 words
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: Heartbreaking yet uplifting, leaves a deep impression.
- Difficulty Level: Easy, with accessible language.
- Why Read It: A poignant exploration of love, mortality, and hope.
7. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
- Author: Gail Honeyman
- About: A socially awkward woman learns to confront her past and open up to life.
- Style of Writing: Quirky, humorous, and introspective.
- Length: ~104,000 words
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: Warm and inspiring, with moments of deep emotion.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
- Why Read It: A touching story about healing, self-acceptance, and friendship.
8. Before We Were Strangers
- Author: Renée Carlino
- About: A love story about missed connections and second chances.
- Style of Writing: Romantic, lyrical, and reflective.
- Length: ~75,000 words
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Bittersweet and touching.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
- Why Read It: A nostalgic tale of love, timing, and rediscovery.
9. Big Lies in a Small Town
- Author: Diane Chamberlain
- About: A young artist uncovers long-hidden secrets while restoring a mural in a small town.
- Style of Writing: Atmospheric, suspenseful, and character-driven.
- Length: ~110,000 words
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Intriguing and heartfelt, with a blend of mystery and emotion.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate.
- Why Read It: A captivating mix of art, history, and redemption.
10. The Dutch House
- Author: Ann Patchett
- About: A family saga about a brother and sister shaped by their childhood home and its legacy.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical, introspective, and richly detailed.
- Length: ~96,000 words
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Reflective and bittersweet, with themes of forgiveness and memory.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate.
- Why Read It: A compelling exploration of family ties, nostalgia, and the passage of time.
11. The Giver of Stars
- Author: Jojo Moyes
- About: A group of women deliver books to rural communities in 1930s Kentucky, overcoming personal and societal challenges.
- Style of Writing: Inspirational, vivid, and immersive.
- Length: ~127,000 words
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Heartwarming and empowering.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate.
- Why Read It: A celebration of female friendship, courage, and the transformative power of books.
12. All the Bright Places
- Author: Jennifer Niven
- About: Two teens struggling with grief and mental health find solace and adventure in each other.
- Style of Writing: Poignant, heartfelt, and raw.
- Length: ~104,000 words
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Deeply emotional and bittersweet, addressing mental health with sensitivity.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate.
- Why Read It: A touching exploration of love, loss, and living fully.
13. Looking for Alaska
- Author: John Green
- About: A coming-of-age story about friendship, love, and loss at a boarding school.
- Style of Writing: Witty, introspective, and emotional.
- Length: ~69,000 words
- Year Written: 2005
- Emotional Impact: Thought-provoking and poignant, with a strong emotional core.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
- Why Read It: A relatable journey of self-discovery and the impact of relationships.
14. Speak
- Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
- About: A teenage girl learns to find her voice and speak out after a traumatic experience.
- Style of Writing: Honest, powerful, and emotionally charged.
- Length: ~46,000 words
- Year Written: 1999
- Emotional Impact: Haunting and impactful, with themes of healing and resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
- Why Read It: A powerful narrative about the importance of speaking up and self-empowerment.
15. We Were Liars
- Author: E. Lockhart
- About: A wealthy family’s secrets unravel on a private island, leading to shocking revelations.
- Style of Writing: Suspenseful, poetic, and gripping.
- Length: ~56,000 words
- Year Written: 2014
- Emotional Impact: Haunting and surprising, with a twist that lingers.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate.
- Why Read It: A masterfully crafted tale of memory, privilege, and betrayal.
16. Out of My Mind
- Author: Sharon M. Draper
- About: A brilliant girl with cerebral palsy overcomes challenges to express her intelligence.
- Style of Writing: Simple, heartfelt, and empowering.
- Length: ~56,000 words
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Inspirational and moving, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Difficulty Level: Easy, suitable for younger and older audiences alike.
- Why Read It: A powerful story about overcoming adversity and celebrating differences.
17. Fish in a Tree
- Author: Lynda Mullaly Hunt
- About: A girl with dyslexia discovers her strengths with the help of an encouraging teacher.
- Style of Writing: Uplifting, relatable, and heartfelt.
- Length: ~50,000 words
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: Inspiring and heartwarming.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
- Why Read It: A testament to the power of teachers and embracing one’s unique abilities.
18. Because of Winn-Dixie
- Author: Kate DiCamillo
- About: A young girl befriends a stray dog and builds connections in her small-town community.
- Style of Writing: Whimsical, warm, and straightforward.
- Length: ~22,000 words
- Year Written: 2000
- Emotional Impact: Sweet and uplifting, with themes of kindness and belonging.
- Difficulty Level: Easy, ideal for younger readers.
- Why Read It: A charming story about love, loss, and friendship.
19. Holes
- Author: Louis Sachar
- About: A boy sent to a juvenile detention camp unravels a mystery tied to his family’s past.
- Style of Writing: Quirky, adventurous, and layered.
- Length: ~47,000 words
- Year Written: 1998
- Emotional Impact: Fun yet meaningful, with a sense of justice and closure.
- Difficulty Level: Easy, engaging for all ages.
- Why Read It: A creative tale of friendship, family, and redemption.
20. The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
- Author: Dan Gemeinhart
- About: A girl and her father embark on a road trip of healing and adventure.
- Style of Writing: Heartfelt, humorous, and poignant.
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: Deeply touching, with moments of laughter and tears.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate.
- Why Read It: A moving story of love, healing, and the importance of stories.
Conclusion
Realistic fiction, in my opinion, has a unique way of capturing life’s essence, showing us the beauty and struggles of being human. I think books like A Man Called Ove with its heartwarming story of connection, The Nightingale with its courage and sacrifice, and Wonder with its inspiring message of kindness, really leave a lasting impact. They remind us of our shared humanity and offer comfort, insight, and inspiration. If you’re looking for stories that will move you and stay with you long after you’ve finished, these top three—and the rest of the list—are ones I highly recommend.
