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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Lush Life - A Novel
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Richard Price | Picador

Lush Life - A Novel

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Goodreads rating: 3.73

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In stock: Well Read

If you've ever been captivated by the raw, pulsing energy of New York City and its layers of diverse lives, "Lush Life" could be your next page-turner. Richard Price has a knack for gritty urban storytelling, offering a narrative that's both a murder mystery and a deep dive into the complexities of class and culture in a rapidly gentrifying landscape. It's a book that's likely to stick with you, as it opens up the contrasts of human experience in the urban jungle.
Taipei
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Tao Lin | Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Taipei

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Goodreads rating: 3.33

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"Taipei" might resonate with you if you're drawn to narratives that encapsulate the essence of millennial anxiety and the search for meaning in a hyperconnected world. Tao Lin crafts a story that's at once a candid portrayal of modern relationships and a broader commentary on contemporary life's peculiar mix of ennui and excess. The novel's raw honesty and Tao Lin's distinctive prose could give you a new lens through which to view the ordinary and the profound.
The Tesseract
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Alex Garland | Penguin Books

The Tesseract

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Goodreads rating: 3.23

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If you have an appetite for narratives that delve into the pulsating heart of an urban landscape, Garland’s "The Tesseract" might just resonate with you. It’s a compelling choice for its vivid portrayal of Manila and the masterful way it weaves together different strands of life to create a tapestry of human experience that is both intricate and engaging.
Less Than Zero
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Bret Easton Ellis | Vintage Books

Less Than Zero

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Goodreads rating: 3.6

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"Less Than Zero" by Bret Easton Ellis captures the hollow opulence and cold detachment of a privileged yet lost segment of youth in 1980s Los Angeles. It's not just a novel—it's a cultural snapshot encapsulating the era's indulgent lifestyle and its impact on the soul. Reading it is like looking through a stark, uncompromising lens at a generation struggling to find meaning amidst material excess. If you're drawn to darkly honest depictions of youth and society, this book is likely to captivate and disturb in equal measure.
Transient Desires
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LEON DONNA | Random House Uk

Transient Desires

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Goodreads rating: 4.1

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If you're intrigued by the undercurrents of Venice and the complexity of moral dilemmas, "Transient Desires" by Donna Leon will engage you. You'll be drawn into Commissario Brunetti's world, where the city's beauty contrasts with dark undertakings. Leon's nuanced storytelling and richly developed characters offer more than just a crime to solve—they explore the human condition within the labyrinthine alleys of Venice.
Democracy
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Joan Didion | Vintage International

Democracy

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Goodreads rating: 3.85

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If you're drawn to the intricacies of political maneuvering and the cost it exacts on personal memory and societal fabric, "Democracy" by Joan Didion is a powerful examination worth your time. Didion's incisive prose cuts through the chaos of American political life in the mid-'70s, offering insights that resonate eerily with today's landscape. Expect to find a blend of satire, drama, and critical observation wrapped in a narrative that's both compelling and thought-provoking.
The Fountainhead
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Leonard Peikoff, Ayn Rand  | Signet Book

The Fountainhead

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Goodreads rating: 3.88

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"The Fountainhead" might just change the way you think about individualism and creativity. It's a deep dive into the philosophy of Objectivism but woven through the intricate lives of compelling characters. If you enjoy novels that challenge societal norms and celebrate the strength of human spirit, Ayn Rand's portrayal of Howard Roark as the epitome of principled living against all odds could be inspiring. This isn't just a story; it's a manifesto for those who dare to dream and do differently.
Bright Lights, Big City
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Jay McInerney | Vintage

Bright Lights, Big City

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Goodreads rating: 3.8

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"Bright Lights, Big City" exemplifies the quintessential 80s experience, capturing the pulse and paradox of that era's New York underbelly. If the fast-paced, decadent side of life's spectrum appeals to you, this book offers a window into the glamour and emptiness of chasing illusions. It's a ride through excess, introspection, and the hunger for something more—perfect for anyone who's ever felt both elevated and ensnared by the city's luminous facade.
Franny and Zooey
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J.D. Salinger | Little, Brown And Company

Franny and Zooey

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Goodreads rating: 3.96

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If you're grappling with the meaning of your own individuality and how to be authentic in a world that often feels monotonous, "Franny and Zooey" will resonate with you. Salinger's mastery of dialogue and character will draw you into the Glass family's quirky, intellectual world and leave you pondering life's big questions long after the final page.
Run River
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Joan Didion | Vintage

Run River

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Goodreads rating: 3.83

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Perhaps you're drawn to the intricacies of human relationships and the way they intertwine with broader historical narratives. Didion's "Run River" provides that and more, offering a deeply nuanced exploration of marriage and betrayal set against the backdrop of California's rich history. It's an emotionally resonant read that's both intimate and expansive, making it a compelling choice for readers who appreciate literary depth and the skillful fusion of personal and collective experiences.
History of Wolves
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Emily Fridlund | W&n

History of Wolves

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Goodreads rating: 3.41

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"History of Wolves" transports you to the chill of northern Minnesota and into Linda's isolated life. Emily Fridlund elegantly unfolds the nuances of belonging and the intensity of youth through Linda's interactions with the newly arrived family. It's a compelling narrative that examines the impact of the choices we make and the secrets we keep. If you're drawn to stories with rich, atmospheric settings and character-driven plots that explore human complexities, this book may resonate deeply with you.
Six Steps to a Girl
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Sophie McKenzie | Simon & Schuster

Six Steps to a Girl

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Goodreads rating: 3.83

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In stock: Very Good

If you enjoy tales of young love with a hint of strategy, "Six Steps To A Girl" might just be up your alley. As Luke grapples with the complexities of romance and the quirky advice from the "Six Steps method," you'll find yourself rooting for him despite the obstacles he faces. The emotional depth added by family strife and the lengths to which Luke goes for love can resonate with anyone who remembers the rollercoaster of teenage emotions.
Girl in Development
New
Jordan Roter | Puffin

Girl in Development

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Goodreads rating: 3.41

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In stock: Well Read

If you're ready for a sun-soaked adventure that captures the clash between earnest ambitions and Hollywood's dazzling allure, "Girl in Development" is your next read. Kate's journey is one you'll relate to deeply if you've ever stood on the cusp of adulthood, teetering between the familiar and the unknown. Through her eyes, you'll experience the thrill of new beginnings and the bittersweet tang of growing up.
I Was Here
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Gayle Forman | Viking

I Was Here

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Goodreads rating: 3.74

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In stock: Well Read

If you're in the mood for a story that tackles the complex emotions of loss with a tinge of mystery, "I Was Here" by Gayle Forman is a compelling choice. You might appreciate how the protagonist's journey through her friend's unexpected departure weaves raw emotions with a quest for understanding, making it not just a tale of mourning but also of finding oneself.

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.