10 Pulitzer Prize-Winning Fiction Books to Add to Your Reading List
Whether you’re a hardcore bookworm or taking your first step into the vast world of literature, the path of Pulitzer Prize-winning works might just be your ideal starting point. They are known far and wide for their excellent use of language and storytelling techniques. We’ve listed some of the best Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction books to add to your reading list.
10 Pulitzer Prize-Winning Fiction Books
The Pulitzer Prize isn’t just limited to one kind of writing. It ranges in genres like Fiction, Nonfiction, Drama, Poetry, History, Biography, and more. In this article, we’re diving headfirst into a selection of fiction pieces. Here’s a lineup of 10 Pulitzer Prize-winning fiction books that are definitely worth considering for your reading quests.
“All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr (2015)
Image Courtesy of Simon & Schuster
“All the Light We Cannot See” is a captivating story set in World War II. It follows Marie-Laure, a blind French girl, and Werner, a German boy with a knack for engineering. Their lives intersect, revealing the strength of the human spirit amid wartime chaos. The book explores important stuff like right and wrong, kindness, and the power of hope. It’s a moving story that shows how even in dark times, there’s hope and how connections between people survive.
“Beloved” by Toni Morrison (1988)
Image Courtesy of Amazon
“Beloved” is a story of Sethe, a former slave, and her struggle to escape the shadows of her past. When a mysterious visitor named Beloved appears, old wounds resurface, forcing Sethe to confront her history. “Beloved” is a raw and emotional tale about the lasting effects of oppression and the strength it takes to heal and move forward.
“The Road” by Cormac McCarthy (2007)
Image Courtesy of Amazon
Imagine a world post-apocalypse, where survival is the ultimate goal. “The Road” follows a father and son as they navigate the harsh terrain of humanity’s remnants. Amidst the darkness, their unwavering bond shines a light on the enduring power of love and hope.
“The Overstory” by Richard Powers (2019)
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“The Overstory” takes us into a world where people and trees have a unique connection. Through a cast of characters, each tied to forests, the book shows how trees impact our lives across generations. It’s a deep dive into nature’s web of relationships, urging us to value the environment. This story reminds us of the beauty of nature and why it’s crucial to preserve it.
“The Color Purple” by Alice Walker (1983)
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This novel tells a moving journey into the life of Celie, an African-American woman in the early 1900s. Through her letters, we walk alongside Celie as she faces tough times – racism, abuse, and a world that isn’t fair. The heart of “The Color Purple” is her relationships with other women, especially her spirited sister Nettie and the strong Shug Avery. It is all about resilience, sisterhood, and finding your inner strength.
“The Sympathizer” by Viet Thanh Nguyen (2016)
Image Courtesy of Grove Atlantic
“The Sympathizer” unfolds in 1975 Saigon, where a captain in the South Vietnamese army is secretly working as a spy for the Viet Cong. Raised with a mix of French and Vietnamese roots, educated in the U.S., he’s torn between two worlds. The story dives into his double life, exploring identity, loyalty, and the lasting impact of the Vietnam War.
“The Orphan Master’s Son” by Adam Johnson (2013)
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“The Orphan Master’s Son” takes us into the mysterious world of North Korea. It’s a story of Jun Do, a former orphan turned soldier, as he navigates a challenging life from prison mines to positions of power. The book uncovers the harsh realities of life under a dictatorship and the power of resilience and endurance.
“Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides (2003)
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Meet Cal, who navigates their unique intersex identity from Greek heritage to suburban Detroit. Through Cal’s eyes, the book explores questions of gender, love, and finding our true selves. The book also dives into the Stephanides family’s history, touching on culture, norms, and the impact of choices. With its compelling characters and storytelling, “Middlesex” takes us on a journey of self-discovery and family across generations.
“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt (2014)
Image Courtesy of Rakuten Kobo
“The Goldfinch” is a story of Theo Decker, a boy who survives a tragic accident. Taken in by a wealthy family, he then navigates a world of art and trouble all while holding onto a special painting. The book is an exploration into his life, relationships, and his way of finding identity and meaning.
“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Díaz (2008)
Image Courtesy of Amazon
Meet Oscar, a Dominican-American young boy in New Jersey, who dreams of being like J.R.R. Tolkien and finding love. Unfortunately, He gets tangled up in a family curse, the Fukœ, causing all sorts of bad luck and heartache for generations. It’s a story of Oscar’s life and the ups and downs within his family.
While Pulitzer Prize-winning books often offer exceeding literature, it’s important to remember that not every award-winning book may resonate with every reader. If you’re new to the world of literature, there’s no need to stick solely to popular books; you can start with something that suits your individual preferences and interests. That way you’ll create a more sustainable reading habit.
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