Contemporary Fiction
Here in our Contemporary Fiction section at Thryft, discover compelling narratives from groundbreaking authors that challenge, entertain, and inspire us. From thought-provoking tales to emotional sagas, find your next page-turner here!
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Vernor Vinge
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Torsf
1/1/2007
1/1/2007
1/1/20
Rainbows End
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Goodreads rating: 3.77
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If you're intrigued by the intersection of cutting-edge technology and the intricate web of human relationships, "Rainbow's End" is a title you should explore. Vernor Vinge masters the art of science fiction with a human touch, spinning a narrative that's as thought-provoking about our digital futures as it is grounded in the personal struggles of a family. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just love a good story that probes the fabric of society, this novel promises a compelling dive into a plausible tomorrow.
Christina Dalcher
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Hq
Vox
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Goodreads rating: 3.54
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If you're drawn to tales that weave suspense with social commentary, "VOX" could intrigue you. Christina Dalcher crafts a world that magnifies current social issues, reminiscent of "The Handmaid's Tale," but with a unique voice—literally. It's a gripping narrative that not only offers edge-of-your-seat thrills but also stimulates profound discussions about women’s rights and freedom of speech. Open this book, and you might find yourself both entertained and inspired to value your voice more than ever.
EGGERS DAVE
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Penguin
The Every, or, At Last a Sense of Order, or, The Final Days of Free Will, or Limitless Choice Is Killing the World
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Goodreads rating: 3.7
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If you're wary of big tech's tight grip on daily life, Dave Eggers' 'The Every' will resonate with you. This book isn't just a satirical jab at monopolies in the digital age; it's an engaging adventure that'll keep you guessing about our collective future. Eggers weaves suspense and dark humor as we follow Delaney's undercover mission—perfect for fans of dystopian narratives with a rebellious streak.
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This is a book for those who have ever pondered the significance of time and how it shapes our lives. Through a captivating narrative, Mitch Albom takes readers on a thought-provoking journey, questioning our obsession with time and urging us to reevaluate how we spend it. The deeply human characters and the powerful lessons they learn make "The Time Keeper" a compelling and heartfelt read that will leave a lasting impact on anyone seeking a profound and introspective experience.
William Gibson
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G.p.
Putnam's
Sons
Zero History
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Goodreads rating: 3.96
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"Zero History" might just be your next read if you're into novels that blend the techno-thrill of espionage with the gritty layers of subculture. William Gibson crafts a world where underground fashion and corporate greed collide, delivering a narrative that is both intellectually stimulating and suspenseful. Henry and Milgrim’s intertwined stories in this near-future setting have a sharpness that could hook you on Gibson's unique brand of storytelling.
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"Machines Like Me" offers an intimate exploration of the blurred lines between humanity and technology. Ian McEwan presents a thought-provoking narrative that dances on the edge of the historic and the speculative, conjuring questions about what it means to love and be human in a world of our own making. If you're intrigued by the moral complexities of artificial intelligence and enjoy tales steeped in emotional depth, this book might just tug at your philosophical heartstrings.
Dave Eggers
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Alfred
A.
Knopf
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Mcsweeny's
Books
The Circle
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Goodreads rating: 3.43
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"The Circle" might resonate with you if the blend of modern technology with corporate culture intrigues you. Imagine a world where your every online move is linked, your privacy is a currency, and transparency is the mandate. It's both a thrilling and cautionary tale that nudges you to think about where we're headed with our tech-obsessed lives. Dave Eggers crafts a narrative that is all at once suspenseful, critical, and uncomfortably familiar to the digital native.
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"The Time Keeper" by Mitch Albom is a perfect blend for those who enjoy a narrative that weaves fantasy with deeper existential questions. It's a touching reminder for the contemporary reader, swamped in a fast-paced world, to pause and reflect on the essence of time and its priceless nature. The story, while simple, digs deep into the characters’ emotional layers, making it a resonant read for anyone seeking a profound message wrapped in a smoothly flowing tale.
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If you're intrigued by love stories that challenge the norms and make you question reality, "J: a Novel" could be a fascinating read for you. Howard Jacobson weaves a tale of romance amidst a deliberately forgotten catastrophe, creating a haunting dystopian setting. It's thought-provoking, and the mystery of the collective amnesia adds depth, inviting you to unravel the narrative's secrets alongside the protagonists.
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Zero History could be a good read for fans of William Gibson's writing style, which is inventive, thrillingly tight, and explores the strange contemporary world we inhabit. The novel's most distinctive feature is its focus on the fashion industry and the hidden webs and patterns that underlie it, making it a unique and exciting thriller for anyone interested in the intersection of fashion, technology, and culture.
Kim Stanley Robinson
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Hachette
The Ministry for the Future
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Goodreads rating: 3.88
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Imagine, for a moment, a book that not only dives deep into the climate issue we are battling today but also offers a shimmering glint of hope through its masterful storytelling. 'The Ministry for the Future' is that book. It's an essential read for those who care deeply about our planet's future and are looking for a dose of inspiration on how humanity can collectively work towards healing our world.
Lionel Shriver
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Harpercollins
The Mandibles: A Family, 2029-2047
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Goodreads rating: 3.7
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If you've ever worried about a future where financial security becomes a myth, "The Mandibles" is chillingly relevant. Lionel Shriver crafts a tale that's more than just speculative fiction—it's a stark examination of familial bonds when the world's stability is swept away. Reading it, you might find yourself both entertained and disturbed, questioning the reliability of the economy and reflecting on what truly holds value when money loses its meaning.
J.G. Ballard, Tim White |
Triad/panther
Hello America
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Goodreads rating: 3.36
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Envision being on an expedition across a desolate America, rediscovered—a landscape transformed by climatic upheavals. J. G. Ballard's "Hello America" offers such an adventure wrapped in social commentary and vivid imagery. If the idea of exploring a world both familiar and alien excites you, where the ruins of a once-great civilization prompt reflection on our own, this book could seize your imagination.
Stephen Baxter
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Gollancz
Stone Spring
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Stone Spring by Stephen Baxter is a captivating read that takes you on a journey back in time to an alternate world where a young girl's idea of building a wall to keep the sea out changes the geography of the world. The novel is a unique blend of historical fiction and science fiction that will keep you hooked until the very end. Baxter is a master in embedding human stories into grand historical events and concepts, making Stone Spring a thought-provoking read.
unknown author
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Macmillan
Education
Australia
Hurricane Tamer
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Recommendation:
- This book is a great choice for readers who enjoy inspiring stories about overcoming challenges. "Hurricane Tamer" tells the story of Alexandra, a determined young scientist with cerebral palsy who faces adversity but goes on to become a leading meteorological expert. The book not only highlights the power of resilience but also provides an engaging insight into the fascinating world of weather science.
J.G. Ballard
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London:
Flamingo
Super-Cannes
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"Super-Cannes" is for those who love probing beneath the glossy surface of utopias. Ballard's Eden-Olympia is a playground for the elite, but it slowly spirals into something much darker. It's a powerful social commentary on modern capitalism masked as a psychological thriller. If you're drawn to books that offer a razor-sharp dissection of the human psyche within seemingly perfect worlds, this one will grip you as the layers peel away to reveal the unnerving truth lying beneath.
Gardner Dozois
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St.
Martin's
Griffin
(ny)
The Year's Best Science Fiction Twenty-Ninth Annual Collection
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If you love exploring diverse realms and complex ideas, this collection is a treasure trove. It's perfect for dipping into a variety of the year's top sci-fi narratives, handpicked for their creativity and vision. You'll be introduced to the forefront of speculative fiction, where each story offers a unique adventure that reflects the best the genre has to offer.
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If you're intrigued by the intersection of science and emotion, "True" could be a great pick for you. Michael Cordy takes you on a thrilling journey that explores the consequences of artificially induced love. It's a thought-provoking read that pokes at the ethics behind using science to control the most profound of human experiences. Dive in, and you'll be questioning what's real and what's manufactured in the matters of the heart.
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Paul Auster
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Faber
And
Faber
In the Country of Last Things
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Goodreads rating: 3.91
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This book is a must-read for fans of dystopian fiction. With its spare and ritualistic prose, it creates a chilling reflection of our own world. The author's masterful storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end, leaving an indelible impact on your mind. Prepare to be haunted by the vivid imagery and thought-provoking themes that this book presents.
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Jonathan Lethem
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Vintage
As She Climbed Across the Table : A Novel
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Goodreads rating: 3.67
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As She Climbed Across the Table by Jonathan Lethem is an imaginative and quirky novel perfect for those who want to read a unique love story. The idea of a particle physicist falling in love with a void and having a love triangle with her ex-boyfriend is unconventional and refreshing. The story is filled with humor and mind-expanding concepts that will keep readers engaged till the end.
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"The Marriage Act" is a chilling portrait of governmental overreach into the most intimate aspects of our lives. If you're enraptured by the thought of a state that enforces matrimonial bonds and the high-stakes drama that unfolds from such a society's need for conformity, this book is likely to resonate with you. John Marrs crafts a gripping narrative that's both a love story and a cautionary tale, perfect if you enjoy exploring the impact of extreme policies on personal freedoms.
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Recommendation: Klara and The Sun is a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant novel that explores the complexities of human relationships through the perspective of an Artificial Friend named Klara. Ishiguro's writing is delicate and haunting, and Klara's observations are absolutely captivating. This book is perfect for readers who appreciate introspective and character-driven narratives that challenge them to think deeply about what it means to be human.
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North Claire
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Hachette
The Sudden Appearance of Hope : WINNER OF THE WORLD FANTASY AWARD
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Goodreads rating: 3.64
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The Sudden Appearance of Hope is a book for those who are looking for a unique and intriguing protagonist that will keep them hooked until the end. The story of Hope Arden, a girl who nobody remembers, is full of adventure, danger, and unexpected turns. Despite the unusual concept, Claire North manages to make the story believable, and the reader can't help but root for Hope's success. The book tackles deeper themes such as memory, identity, and existentialism, making it a remarkable read for those in search of something more profound.
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Kazuo Ishiguro
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Faber
&
Faber
Klara and the Sun : The Times and Sunday Times Book of the Year
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Klara and the Sun could be a good read for someone who wants to explore the complexities of love and AI in a rapidly-changing world. Through the eyes of Klara, an Artificial Friend with exceptional observation skills, the book delves into the concept of love and the challenges it poses in a society influenced by technology. Kazuo Ishiguro brings a unique perspective to this thought-provoking narrative, posing the question of what it truly means to love in a world where human emotions and artificial intelligence intersect.
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Naomi Alderman
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Little,
Brown
And
Company
The Power
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Goodreads rating: 3.76
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"The Power" by Naomi Alderman could be a thrilling read for anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction with a radical twist. It turns societal norms on their head, giving women the ability to cause pain or even death with a flick of the fingers. This book will make you view the world through a startling new lens as it delves into the implications of a complete power shift between genders. It's a narrative that's as engaging as it is thought-provoking, perfect for readers looking for a story that challenges the status quo.
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Divided Kingdom is a thought-provoking dystopian novel that presents a unique take on political divisions and societal decay. This book is recommended for readers who enjoy exploring political and social issues through fictional narratives. Rupert Thomson's writing style is both engaging and vivid, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the story.
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Ben Elton
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Bantam
Blind Faith
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Blind Faith is a thought-provoking commentary on the dangers of a society that values tradition and conformity above rational thought and individuality. It challenges readers to question their own beliefs and to consider the consequences of blindly following authority. The book's most unique and distinctive feature is its blending of elements of dystopian and satirical fiction, resulting in a darkly humorous but unsettling read. If you enjoy books that make you think and challenge your assumptions, Blind Faith is definitely worth reading.
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Cory Doctorow
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Harper
Voyager
Someone Comes to Town, Someone Leaves Town
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The book blends sci-fi and magical realism, with winged characters and a protagonist with a family of inanimate objects. It also tackles themes of technology, activism, and redemption, making it a good read for fans of speculative fiction who are looking for something different and thought-provoking.
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Explore Modern Narratives
Whether you’re drawn to gritty urban plots or stories focused on tender relationships, novels in our Contemporary Fiction section echo the complexities of today’s world. Immerse yourself in stories that capture significant human experiences, by insightful authors from around the globe. This is our gateway to modern narratives shaping the future of literature.
Contemporary Fiction refers to literature set in the current day, often exploring themes relevant to today’s societies, cultures and struggles. Contemporary Fiction mirrors the present world and its challenges.
Try Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Haruki Murakami and Sally Rooney, whose works bring unique voices to the genre, capturing and offering diverse perspectives on modern life. Also we stock popular, bestselling contemporary authors such as Taylor Jenkins Reid, Jojo Moyes and Mitch Albom here!
Yes, definitely! We believe in highlighting local and regional voices. Explore our collection of Asian Contemporary Fiction for novels by Singaporean and Asian writers.