Underrated Books
Discovering hidden literary gems can be just as exciting as reading a bestseller. Here’s a list of underrated books across genres that deserve more attention. To begin with…..
#1 The Shadow of the Wind
Author: Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Genre: Historical Mystery/Thriller
Overview: Set in 1940s Barcelona, this novel begins with a young boy, Daniel, discovering an obscure book in the “Cemetery of Forgotten Books.” His fascination with the mysterious author, Julian Carax, leads him into a labyrinth of secrets, danger, and romance.
Why You’ll Love It: Zafon’s masterful storytelling captures the allure of books, the weight of history, and the passion of forbidden love. The richly atmospheric setting feels like a character in itself.
Best For: Fans of historical mysteries with Gothic elements and a love of books.
#2 A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Author: Betty Smith
Genre: Coming-of-Age Fiction
Overview: This coming-of-age story follows Francie Nolan, a young girl navigating life in early 20th-century Brooklyn. The Novel explores themes of poverty, education, and resilience through her eyes.
Why You’ll Love It: Betty Smith’s writing is both simple and profoundly moving, capturing small, everyday moments that resonate universally. It’s testament to hope and perseverance against all odds.
Best For: Readers who enjoy heartfelt, character-driven narratives books.
#3 Circe Books
Author: Madeline Miller
Genre: Mythological Fiction
Overview: Circe reimagines the life of the infamous sorceress from Greek mythology. Born to the sun god Helios and a nymph, Circe is an outsider among her divine family due to her human-like vulnerability and lack of power. When she discovers her ability to transform other through witchcraft, she is banished to the island of Aiaia. There, she hones her craft, encounters legendary figures like Odysseus, and struggles to carve out her identity in a world dominated by gods and men.
Why You’ll Love It: Circe takes a side character from Greek mythology and gives her a rich, multidimensional story. It’s both a feminist retelling and a homage to classic myths. Madeline Miller’s lyrical writing immerse you in a world of gods, monsters, and magic, making every page a sensory experience.
Best For: Fans of mythology, strong female protagonists, and beautifully crafted storytelling. If you loved The Song of Achilles or novels like The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood Circe will captivate you.
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#4 Kindred Books
Author: Octavia E. Butler
Genre: Sci-fi/Historical Fiction
Overview: Dana, a Black woman in 1970s California, is inexplicably transported back in time to the Antebellum South, Where she encounters her ancestors and experiences the brutality of slavery firsthand books.
Why You’ll Love It: Butler combines sci-fi with historical fiction to create a gripping narrative that examines race, power, and survival. The time travel element feels realistic and serves as a powerful tool for storytelling.
Best For: Readers interested in speculative fiction with strong social commentary.
#5 An Absolutely Remarkable Thing Books
Author: Hank Green
Genre: Contemporary/Sci-Fi
Overview: April May, a young graphic designer in New York City, stumbles upon a giant sculpture in the middle of the night Thinking it’s an art installation, she dubs it “Carl” and creates a viral videos about it. Overnight, April becomes internet-famous as the mysterious Carls begin appearing all over the world. However, as the phenomenon unfolds, it becomes clear the Carls are more than sculptures-they’re part of something much bigger and possibly extraterrestrial. April’s journey takes her into the heart of fame, social media, and global intrigue as she grapples with her newfound influence and the responsibilities it brings.
Why You’ll Love It: A Unique Blend of Sci-Fi and Realism While it features a mysterious, otherworldly phenomenon, the story is deeply grounded in modern realities like social media dynamics and human behavior. Hank Green offers sharp insights into the power and pitfalls of social media, fame, and the collective behavior of online communities.
Best For: Readers who enjoy contemporary fiction with a sci-fi twist, sharp commentary on modern life, and fast-paced, thought-provoking narratives. If you liked The Midnight Library by Matt Haig or The Humans by Matt Haig, you’ll likely enjoy this one.
#6 The Night Circus
Author: Erin Morgenstern
Genre: Fantasy
Overview: The circus, called Le Cirque des Reves (The Circus of Dreams), serves as the stage for a high-stakes competition between two young illusionists, Celia Bowen and Marco Alisdair. Bound by their mentors in a lifelong magical duel, Celia and Marco must outwit each other through feats of magic and creativity. However, as they collaborate on creating wondrous attractions within the circus, they fall deeply in love, complicating the competition and threatening the very existence of the circus.
Why You’ll Love It: Erin Morgenstern’s lush and poetic writing style feels like stepping into a dream. Every page is a feast for the imagination. The nonlinear narrative and multiple perspectives create a complex, interwoven tale that keeps you guessing.
Best For: The Night Circus is a books for perfect escape into a magical world where you can lose yourself in the enchantment. If you love rich descriptions and imagining beautiful, surreal settings, this book will enthrall you. The tender love story will appeal to readers who enjoy romance mixed with impossible odds.
#7 The Overstory Books
Author: Richard Powers
Genre: Environmental Fiction
Overview: The book is divided into four sections Roots, Trunk, Crown, and Seeds mirroring the life cycle of a tree. It follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives intersect through their experiences with trees and the environment.
Why You’ll Love It: Richard powers writing is lyrical and rich ,painting vivid pictures of forests and their importance. The novel offers a tapestry of characters, each with unique but interconnected journeys. It resonates deeply with readers who care about climate change and ecological conservation.
Best For: If you enjoy intricate, character-driven narratives with philosophical depth, this book is for you. Readers with an appreciation for trees, forests, and the natural world will find it especially moving. Its focus on activism and ecological themes makes it inspiring for those passionate about the environment.
#8 The Housekeeper and the Professor
Author: Yoko Ogawa
Genre: Literary Fiction
Overview: This novella tells the story of a housekeeper and her young son, who form a unique bond with a brilliant math professor suffering from memory loss.
Why You’ll Love It: Ogawa ‘s writing is tender and poetic, focusing on the beauty of human connections and the wonder of mathematics. It’s a quiet yet deeply affecting story.
Best For: Fans of minimalist, introspective stories with an emotional core.
#9 Stoner Books
Author: John Williams
Genre: Literary fiction
Overview: The novel follows the life of William Stoner, a Missouri farm boy who discovers a love for literature while studying agriculture at university. Abandoning farming, he becomes an English professor and dedicates his life to teaching, but his personal and professional life is marked by struggles.
Why You’ll Love It: John Williams writes with clarity and restraint ,making every sentence feel deliberate and impactful. The novel’s beauty lies in its simplicity, Specifically with deep emotional resonance found in small, everyday moments.
Best For: The novel captures the world of academia with both its intellectual allure and its petty politics. Literary Fiction Enthusiasts those who enjoy subtle, beautifully written narratives that explore the human condition will find it deeply rewarding.
#10 The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet
Author: Becky Chambers
Genre: Sci-Fi
Overview: The novel follows a diverse crew aboard the spaceship Wayfarer as they navigate personal and intergalactic challenges while traveling through space.
Why You’ll Love It: Chambers creates a rich universe filled with heartwarming characters and meaningful relationships. It’s more about the journey and personal growth than high-stakes action.
Best For: Additionally Sci-fi lovers who prefer character-driven stories with optimistic undertones.
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