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What are the best fictional books you’ve ever read? (self.asklemmy)

submitted 2 months ago by saayoutloud to c/asklemmy

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I started reading last year, mostly productivity stuff, but now I’m really looking to jump into fiction to unwind after a long week of uni, studying, and work. I need something to help me relax during the weekends without feeling like I’m working.

I’d love some recommendations for books that are short enough to finish in a day but still hit hard and are totally worth it. No specific genre preferences right now. I'm open to whatever. Looking forward to seeing what you guys suggest. Thank you very much in advance.

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[–] naught101 9 points 2 months ago

Anything by Terry Pratchett (look for one of the "where to start" guides). Funny, a bit ridiculous, but always super intelligent with lots of good social commentary.

Ursula Le Guin has lots of bangers. Slow burning sci-fi with deep atmosphere and social philosophy. Any of her Hainish books are good for that. Earthsea series is beautiful. The Birthday Of The World is my favourite short stories book.

Neuromancer by William Gibson if you're into cyberpunk.

UNSONG if you're keen on religion-themed absurd fantasy. It's amazing. Good Omens by Pratchett and Gaiman is also great on that front.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. Fictional account of the dustbowl migration in the US. It will make you righteously angry, especially when you realise the same shit is still happening in other ways.