I'm at the library looking for a fiction book to write about. What would you suggest?

The Bible/Koran/Torah

Are you looking for something older or something more modern?

@Fly I was thinking late-19th or 20th century literature, but might consider something older, especially if you tell me what you think of it. ;)

I should have also explained that this assignment is kind of like a 5-paragraph essay – not long. I originally had planned on using a long non-fiction book about the discovery and colonization of America, but then I read the assignment. That smashed my plans to pieces.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

I second Do Androids Dream…? It’s a quick read, and enjoyable.

Would you mind sharing what the purpose of this essay is about? That might help us recommend a book.

In that case, one of my favorite books that I’ve ever read for a class was Candide by Voltaire. It’s mid-1700s, but I would say it’s still relatable today. It’s a satire that makes fun of French (and European in general) society, and it was extremely controversial at the time (the author was actually previously jailed for his outspoken criticisms of the government). You do need a basic knowledge of history at the time to understand some of the historical references, but overall it’s pretty straightforward. It’s full of sarcasm, so it’s a funny and easy read if you like that kind of thing, and it gives you tons of stuff to write/talk about. Bonus: it’s pretty short, and most copies also have some illustrations.

The Mists of Avalon or On The Road with Jack Kerouac.

@ragingloli She said fiction brother! :)

I know

Unwind by Neal Shusterman

“To Kill a Mockingbird” or “The secret Life of Bees.”

Great Expectations. Huckleberry Finn.

An American Tragedy.

I can’t believe no one has mentioned Siddhartha by Hesse
Plebians! All of you!

I’m trying really hard not to recommend surrealistic smut…Old School by Tobias Wolff maybe? I quite like that one.

Bonney’s Place by Leon Hale.

I second To Kill a Mocking Bird, if you haven’t already read it.

The Warren Report attached.

I second Candide. It’s totally readable and always relevant. I reread it every couple of years or so, just to keep its ideas fresh.

Other than that, Catch-22 by Joseph Heller should be a must-read, and God Knows is also great – and funny, and poignant, and thoughtful.

John Steinbeck is good for several: Cannery Row was very good, but Grapes of Wrath is of course more famous (and Of Mice and Men and East of Eden, too). Travels With Charley was fun as a teenager with dreams of hitting the road.

A third recommendation for Candide! I read it in English class my sophomore year, it’s great! It’s short and fun to read, but it has a very relevant topic as well.

I also really enjoy Jane Austen’s writing! Austen’s not for everyone, but a lot of people (myself included) really love her books! I’d recommend reading Pride and Prejudice or Emma. In both books there is a bit of humor, and the characters and plot are pretty interesting once you get into the book! Another plus is that her books are really easy to write about, and they were definitely controversial at the time! These are not nearly as short as something like Candide, but I enjoyed the stories so much that I didn’t really notice how long they were! Like I said, not for everyone, but just a suggestion!

Good luck finding a book for your paper!

For a real challenge, how about _ Finnegan’s Wake_ by James Joyce.

I’ve been wanting to re-read The Great Gatsby before I watch the movie. Have you read it?

@Cupcake: I read the first half before it got lost in the shuffle.

I also support Candide I read it recently myself.

TKaMb would be hard to turn off at just 5 paragraphs. Plus it was probably already assigned earlier.

Boomsday might be interesting by Christopher Buckley. It is a satire about the baby boomers and health coverage. Or Thank you for Smoking by the same author. Another satire about why the Corporations and Government want you to smoke. He’s actually got several good books Florence of Arabia etc. He may be conservative but he’s got excellent talent and a few of his books were turned or going to be turned into movies.

You might like Jane Eyre

A Separate Peace by John Knowles.

“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn”

@Yetanotheruser Seriously? For a 5-paragraph writing assignment? :D
I’d recommend The Metamorphosis by Kafka or Heart of Darkness by Conrad. Both short, fantastic reads.

Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood

Wild Seed(Octavia_Butler_novel)” by Octavia Butler

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

All entertaining, good reads and thought provoking.

Fahrenheit 451.

@Yetanotheruser Get serious. At least let her start with Faulkner.

The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham

@stardust As I said, for a challenge!

I don’t get why folks always rag on Faulkner. Red Leaves and Turnabout are badass.

Inferno by Dan Browne
Life of Pi