ZoZos Books

There are countless good books to read, depending on your interests and preferences. Here are a few suggestions. There are a few general characteristics that many of these books share:

• Popular: All of the books listed above have achieved widespread commercial success and critical acclaim, with many of them becoming international bestsellers and cultural touchstones.
• Engaging storytelling: Many of these books use compelling characters, vivid descriptions, and intricate plot lines to draw readers in and keep them invested in the story.
• Exploration of complex themes: Many of these books delve into weighty topics such as identity, family, trauma, justice, and human nature, often challenging readers’ preconceived notions and encouraging empathy and understanding.
• Memorable characters: Many of these books feature well-drawn, complex characters that readers can relate to or identify with, even if they come from vastly different backgrounds or experiences.
• Critical acclaim: Many of these books have received high praise from literary critics and awards organizations, indicating that they are considered significant and impactful works of literature.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

A journalist and a computer hacker team up to investigate a wealthy family’s dark secrets in Sweden, all while navigating their own troubled pasts and personal demons.
Some readers may find the violent and graphic descriptions of sexual assault and abuse disturbing or triggering. Additionally, the slow pacing and detailed exposition may be tedious for some readers

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

In a dystopian future society, a teenage girl named Katniss Everdeen is forced to compete in a televised fight to the death called the Hunger Games, which serves as a reminder of the Capitol’s power over the surrounding districts.

Some readers may dislike the violent and gruesome nature of the Hunger Games, as well as the bleak and oppressive world of Panem. Additionally, the love triangle between the protagonist and two love interests may feel contrived or unoriginal to some readers.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Set in Afghanistan, this novel follows a man named Amir who must confront his past mistakes and make amends with a childhood friend he betrayed during a traumatic incident in their youth.

Some readers may find the graphic depictions of violence, rape, and child abuse disturbing or triggering. Additionally, some readers may take issue with the portrayal of Afghanistan and its people as a monolithic and homogenous group, rather than acknowledging the country’s diversity and complexity.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

A shepherd named Santiago embarks on a journey across North Africa and Spain in search of a treasure he saw in a dream, learning important life lessons about the pursuit of happiness and the importance of following one’s dreams along the way.

Some readers may find the book’s philosophical and spiritual themes to be simplistic or clichéd. Additionally, the plot may feel meandering or uneventful to some readers, as it focuses more on the protagonist’s internal journey rather than external action.

A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin

Set in a fantasy world that resembles medieval Europe, this series follows various noble families as they fight for control of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, all while an ancient evil threatens to destroy them all.

Some readers may dislike the gratuitous violence, sex, and nudity in the series, as well as the morally ambiguous and unlikable characters. Additionally, some readers may find the complex and convoluted plotlines confusing or overwhelming.

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

This novel tells the story of Kvothe, a legendary figure in a magical world, as he recounts his tumultuous life story to a chronicler over the course of three days, weaving together elements of magic, music, and love.

Some readers may find the protagonist, Kvothe, to be too perfect or Mary Sue-like, as he excels at almost everything he attempts. Additionally, some readers may take issue with the slow pacing and lack of plot progression in certain sections of the book.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Set during World War II in Nazi-occupied France, this novel follows two sisters who must navigate the dangers of war and resistance as they struggle to survive and protect the ones they love.

Some readers may find the plot predictable or formulaic, as it follows many familiar tropes of the historical fiction genre. Additionally, some readers may take issue with the romantic subplot, which may feel contrived or unnecessary.

Educated by Tara Westover

This memoir chronicles the author’s upbringing in a strict, survivalist family in rural Idaho, and her eventual journey to escape her abusive father and pursue higher education, all while grappling with the complexities of family loyalty and personal identity.
Some readers may find the author’s descriptions of her family’s extreme religious beliefs and isolation from society to be unsettling or disturbing. Additionally, some readers may feel that the book’s themes of self-discovery and personal growth are overshadowed by the author’s criticism of her family and their beliefs.

The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

This novel reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as a literal train network that helps enslaved people escape to freedom in the North, following a young woman named Cora as she navigates the dangerous journey and confronts the brutal realities of slavery and racism in America.

Some readers may find the book’s magical realism elements to be jarring or distracting, as they clash with the historical realism of the story. Additionally, some readers may take issue with the book’s portrayal of violence and racism, which may be too graphic or upsetting for some.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

This novel follows the lives of two Nigerian immigrants, Ifemelu and Obinze, as they navigate the complexities of race, identity, and culture in America and the UK, while also grappling with the challenges of love and distance.

Some readers may find the book’s exploration of race and identity to be heavy-handed or didactic, as the characters often discuss these issues in a very explicit and analytical way. Additionally, some readers may feel that the book’s portrayal of Nigeria and its people is overly romanticized or idealized.