Discover Hidden Gems: Recommended Books from Every Genre

November 16, 2023

The world of literature is a vast but endless sea, with countless treasures waiting to be discovered. While popular bestsellers and classic novels often steal the spotlight, there are hidden gems that deserve your attention. In this blog, we'll go through the world of lesser-known, but equally brilliant, books from a wide range of genres. Whether you're a fan of mystery, fantasy, romance, or non-fiction, there's a hidden gem waiting to enchant you.

Recommended Books from Every Genre

Books

Mystery/Thriller:

  • "The Shadow of the Wind" by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

A mesmerizing tale of mystery and intrigue set in post-war Barcelona. It follows young Daniel Sempere as he discovers a hidden library of forgotten books and stumbles upon a dark secret that takes him on a thrilling adventure.

  • "Big Little Lies" by Liane Moriarty

A gripping mystery that delves into the lives of a group of women in a seemingly perfect Australian town, where secrets, lies, and a murder mystery slowly unravel.

A psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end, it revolves around a famous painter who shoots her husband and never speaks again. The therapist trying to uncover the truth becomes deeply entangled in the mystery.

  • "IQ" by Joe Ide:

This modern-day Sherlock Holmes mystery features Isaiah Quintabe, a brilliant detective in a tough LA neighbourhood, solving cases that the police can't. The writing is sharp, the characters are compelling, and the plots are engaging.

Fantasy:

  • "Uprooted" by Naomi Novik

This enchanting and unique fantasy novel draws inspiration from Eastern European folklore, featuring a young woman named Agnieszka who becomes entangled in a battle against an evil force known as the Wood.

  • "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

A mesmerizing tale of two young magicians who are bound by their mentors to a magical competition that unfolds within the confines of a mysterious, otherworldly circus.

  • "The Bear and the Nightingale" by Katherine Arden

 Set in medieval Russia, this novel weaves together folklore and fantasy, as it follows a young girl named Vasya who has the ability to see and communicate with spirits. Her journey is filled with magic and wonder.

  • "The Lies of Locke Lamora" by Scott Lynch:

A tale of witty, swindling thieves in the city of Camorr. Filled with intrigue and humour, this hidden gem is a must-read for fans of intricate world-building and complex characters.

Romance:

  • "The Rosie Project" by Graeme Simsion

A heartwarming and comical love story that follows Don Tillman, a brilliant but socially awkward genetics professor, as he embarks on a mission to find the perfect life partner.

  • "Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman

The touching story of a quirky and reclusive woman named Eleanor Oliphant, who forms an unexpected bond with a colleague, leading her to confront her past and learn to live and love again.

  • "The Hating Game" by Sally Thorne

 A delightful enemies-to-lovers romance that features two coworkers who engage in witty banter, resulting in a complex and engaging relationship.

  • "The Kiss Quotient" by Helen Hoang

 This novel explores the relationship between Stella, a woman with Asperger's, and Michael, a male escort. It's a unique, sweet, and passionate romance that defies stereotypes.

Science Fiction:

  • "Kindred" by Octavia E. Butler

It is a time-travelling masterpiece that explores themes of slavery, racial discrimination, and identity. Kindred is the experience of a modern African-American woman who is inexplicably transported to the antebellum South.

  • "The Left Hand of Darkness" by Ursula K. Le Guin

It is a groundbreaking science fiction novel that takes place on the planet Gethen, where the inhabitants can change their gender at will. It's a powerful exploration of identity, politics, and cultural understanding.

  • "The Quantum Thief" by Hannu Rajaniemi

A complex and imaginative space opera that blends heists, advanced technology, and quantum physics. It's a hidden gem for fans of hard science fiction.

  • "The Space Opera" by Catherynne M. Valente

 A space adventure filled with lyrical prose and a colourful cast of characters. It's a unique and mesmerizing take on the space opera genre.

Historical Fiction:

  • "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr
A beautifully written novel that weaves together the lives of a blind French girl and a German boy during World War II, showcasing the power of human connection in the face of adversity.
  • "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak
Set in Nazi Germany, this extraordinary tale is narrated by Death and follows a young girl named Liesel Meminger as she steals books and finds solace in reading during a time of great turmoil.
  • "Circe" by Madeline Miller
This reimagining of Greek mythology focuses on the story of Circe, a lesser-known character who is a powerful enchantress. Miller's prose and character development are exceptional.
  • "Salt to the Sea" by Ruta Sepetys
A gripping World War II historical novel that tells the story of refugees on a journey to escape the advancing Soviet army. The book beautifully captures the human cost of war.

Non-Fiction:

  • "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari
A thought-provoking journey through the history of our species, from the emergence of Homo sapiens to the present day, offering unique insights into the development of human societies.
  • "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot
A compelling narrative that explores the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cells were used for scientific research without her knowledge, leading to groundbreaking medical advancements.
  • "Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End" by Atul Gawande
A thought-provoking exploration of ageing, mortality, and end-of-life care. It challenges conventional wisdom while offering a fresh perspective on these topics.
  • "The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer" by Siddhartha Mukherjee
 This comprehensive history of cancer, from its earliest appearances to modern research, is both enlightening and deeply moving, making it a hidden gem in the field of medical non-fiction.

Conclusion:

These hidden gems despite spanning various genres, offer a unique and captivating reading experience. While popular books may dominate the bestseller lists, there's an unparalleled joy in discovering a lesser-known treasure that resonates with your interests and passions. So, next time you're in search of a great book to read, consider exploring the uncharted waters of hidden gems in literature. You'll surely be amazed at the incredible stories waiting to be uncovered in the world of books. Happy reading!

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Eraj

Posted by Eraj