Top Ten Tuesday – Underrated Novels I Really Want You To Pick Up!!

Hey guys! My prelims are finally, finally over but we were hit with bad news a few days ago :| My boards are being postponed by a month – which means I’ll only be free by the end of April :( But nevermind, I have one more month for prepping for my boards, and I’ll try my best not to let my blogging and reading suffer at all.

Also, the last episode of SHERLOCK anyone???? Damn. That was one hell of a ride. (Don’t spoil anything for other readers in the comments please.)

Today’s Top Ten Tuesday (a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish) is all about all the underrated/hidden gems we read last year. I took a look at all the books I read last year and realized how lousy my reading was. I had picked up 90% of hyped books, without putting in any effort to branch out and find out other types of reading and try out new things (which I’ve already begun doing this year) – and so I’m taking the liberty to talk about some of the most underrated books I’ve read in the last TWO years.

Here’s my list :

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Annie’s Song – Catherine Anderson

Why you need to read this : Heartwrenching romance, deaf-mute female lead (diversity), historical romance, swoonworthy male, will definitely make you shed tears, addresses issues like family abuse and rape.

The Palace of Illusions – Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Why you need to read this : Retelling of Indian epic (Mahabharata), lyrical writing, strong female, diversity, breathtaking story, complex humane characters, blurring the lines between good and bad, complex emotions at its best.

A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini

(Did you really think I wouldn’t mention my favorite author?)

Why you need to read this : Very emotional story, strong female characters, deals with abuse and mental trauma/torture, complex emotions portrayed so well, Hosseini’s magical writing.

One Day – David Nicholls

Why you need to read this : Story spanning twenty years, character-driven, made-me-feel-so-much-my-god, reflects so many truths about life, realistic characters.

We Need To Talk About Kevin – Lionel Shriver

Why you need to read this : Psychological thriller about a school shooting, character-driven as well as engaging plot, shocking twists, realistic characters, strong narrative.

Wrecked – Maria Padian

Why you need to read this : Deals with issues like campus rape and the justice system, realistic characters who are both good and bad, excellent storytelling, thought-provoking message.

Making A Mango Whistle – Bibuthibhushan Bandyopadhyay

Why you need to read this : Heartwrenching story about a pair of siblings, beautiful narration, family life in rural area portrayed so well, sibling relationship on point, very sad but also so beautiful.

The Girl You Left Behind – Jojo Moyes

Why you need to read this : Historical fiction + contemporary, you-get-the-best-of-both-genres, WWII story, very humane characters who struggle and make mistakes but still reflect human complexity, engaging storyline, romantic at times.

The Storyteller – Jodi Picoult

Why you need to read this : Another historical fiction + contemporary, WWII story, depressing but beautifully written, romantic, moral values are questioned, extremely thought-provoking.

A Spool of Blue Thread – Anne Tyler

Why you need to read this : Family saga, simple yet engaging story, characters are very relatable and realistic, wonderful storytelling, reflects how small things have a huge impact.

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So those were all the books which I feel you should definitely try out, if the genre and the storyline interests you. I loved all these books, and mostly rated them a 4/5 stars.

Have you read any of these books? What are YOUR favorite underrated books?