Literary fiction hits from last decade you might've skimmed past

There's been a great deal of controversy around modern literature over the years. Some readers may be searching for the next Charles Dickens in piles of contemporary crude-humored self-help books, while others are happily curling up with Colleen Hoover's next young-adult romantic drama. 

Regardless of where you may stand on the matter, if you're willing to keep an open mind, there's something for everyone. From murder mystery thrillers and coming-of-age tales, keep scrolling to discover new fictional work for curious non-readers and book lovers alike. 

"Anxious People" by Fredrik Backman (2019)

Better known for his debut novel, "A Man Called Ove," Swedish writer Fredrik Backman lives up to lofty expectations with another impressive entry in his library. Backman dives into the human psyche through the wild events surrounding a bank robbery in "Anxious People."

Analyzing aspects of the connection between random individuals placed in an unfortunate situation together, Backman presents a story of intertwined pasts and fates, evoking feelings of empathy and understanding for all characters involved. With impeccably crafted backgrounds and personas, "Anxious People" is the perfect choice for a satirical drama on human experience and perception. 

"The Sentence is Death" by Anthony Horowitz (2018) 

"The Sentence is Death" is the second book in Anthony Horowitz's "Hawthorne and Horowitz" series, and it is an incredible read to pick up for someone searching for a modern-day Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson duo. 

Even if you haven't read the first entry, "The Word is Murder," this tale stands on its own, following investigator Daniel Hawthorne and a fictionalized version of Horowitz as they collaborate to solve the tumultuous murder of a celebrity divorce lawyer. Writing himself and his family into his novels, Horowitz creates a meta-narrative that forces him to confront his own limitations as a writer while simultaneously solving a brutal murder.

"Everyone Knows How Much I Love You: A Novel" by Kyle McCarthy (2020)

Every young woman has felt a pinch of jealousy toward a female friend or acquaintance, but doubtfully to the same degree as Rose, Kyle McCarthy's main character in "Everyone Knows How Much I Love You."

Troubled with the traumas of the past and the reality of the present, Rose's emotional state unwinds into catastrophe as she spies on and immerses herself in the life of her new roommate. For anyone looking for a mind-blowing psychological thriller disguised as a story about an intense rekindling of female friendship, pick up this riveting depiction of unrequited feelings and the lengths that jealousy can take you.

"Universe of Two: A Novel" by Stephen P. Kiernan (2020)

If you enjoyed watching the award-winning historical drama "Oppenheimer" a year ago, you're in for a treat with Stephen P. Kiernan's inside look into the life of Charlie Fisk, a mathematician involved in the designing of the atomic bomb, in "Universe of Two: A Novel."

Inspired by the true story of Charles B. Fisk, this historical fiction not only sheds light on the struggles and moral complexities of Charlie, as he's roped into aiding the government with the development of weaponry, but also the trials and tribulations of his relationship with a woman named Brenda. As the novel reflects on their love story through Brenda's perspective, an aura of sympathy and anticipation settles into readers, eager to read about what happened next. 

"Normal People" by Sally Rooney (2018)

While some novels have the tendency to romanticize the concept of soulmates and their love stories, "Normal People" by Sally Rooney does the complete opposite, portraying the dirty, raw and honest aspects of relationships.

What starts out as a complicated high school "situationship" turns into so much more as characters Marianne and Connell go through the stages of their lives independently, while having one another in the back of their minds. With notes on depression, abuse, love and plain childish indecisiveness, this book unveils the imperfections of life that nobody talks about, making it an incredibly powerful text to sink into. 

Whether you're a sucker for modern literature or an old soul engrossed in the classics, take a second look at these literary hits from the past decade, and maybe you'll uncover a new favorite!