Realistic fiction has this incredible way of holding a mirror up to life. It’s not about escapism or fantasy—it’s about confronting what feels raw, authentic, and deeply human. These books don’t shy away from the messy complexities of emotions, relationships, and choices. They remind us that even the most ordinary lives can carry extraordinary stories.
Today, I’m sharing my reviews of five standout realistic fiction books. If you’re looking for a book that feels personal and immersive, these are my top picks.
1. Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman
Starfish follows Kiko Himura, a biracial Japanese-American teenager navigating social anxiety, toxic family dynamics, and the challenges of pursuing her dreams as an artist. When an opportunity to attend her dream art school falls apart, Kiko begins to carve out a path of self-discovery, learning how to embrace her identity and find her voice.
Strengths
- Bowman writes Kiko’s inner world with remarkable honesty, making her struggles with anxiety and self-doubt relatable and deeply moving.
- The connection between Kiko’s artistry and her emotional growth adds depth and creativity to the narrative.
- The exploration of Kiko’s biracial identity and the challenges of navigating a world where she feels “othered” is sensitively handled and adds layers to the story.
Weak Areas
- Some plot points, especially involving Kiko’s toxic family, feel predictable, which occasionally undermines the emotional impact.
- While Kiko is fully fleshed out, a few of the secondary characters, like Jamie (her love interest), feel underdeveloped and too perfect at times.
2. The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow is believed to be cursed and doomed to die on her 11th birthday. Instead, she’s whisked away to the magical world of Nevermoor, where she must compete in a series of trials to earn her place in the Wundrous Society. Though the story leans on fantasy, its core themes of self-worth and belonging make it deeply relatable.
Strengths
- Despite the fantastical setting, Morrigan’s quest to prove her worth resonates on a human level.
- Townsend creates a vibrant and immersive world that feels fresh and exciting.
- Morrigan’s development from a self-doubting child to a confident individual is inspiring and well-paced.
Weak Areas
- Some parts of the story, especially during the trials, feel rushed or underexplored.
- While the emotional themes are realistic, the fantasy setting occasionally makes it harder to connect fully with Morrigan’s struggles.
3. The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary
In The Flatshare, Tiffy and Leon share an apartment—and even a bed—without ever meeting. They communicate through sticky notes, and over time, their messages evolve from mundane to meaningful. This quirky setup turns into a heartwarming exploration of love, healing, and personal growth.
Strengths
- The concept of two strangers building a relationship through notes feels fresh and engaging.
- Tiffy’s journey of overcoming emotional abuse is handled with care, adding weight to what could have been a purely lighthearted story.
- O’Leary balances heavier themes with humor, creating a story that feels both uplifting and grounded.
Weak Areas
- The first few chapters take a while to build momentum, which might deter some readers.
- While the chemistry is strong, the romantic storyline follows a familiar trajectory, offering few surprises.
4. Pet Sematary by Stephen King
This haunting novel delves into the consequences of tampering with life and death. The Creed family moves to a small town in Maine, where they discover a cemetery capable of resurrecting the dead. What starts as a hopeful act of love quickly spirals into tragedy and horror.
Strengths
- The exploration of grief and the lengths people will go to for their loved ones makes this story profoundly human.
- King masterfully builds tension, making the mundane feel terrifying.
- Louis Creed’s choices, though questionable, are heartbreakingly understandable, which makes the story even more chilling.
Weak Areas
- The buildup to the main conflict is slow, which might not appeal to readers seeking fast-paced horror.
- King revisits familiar themes of grief and guilt, which might feel redundant if you’ve read his other works.
5. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
This psychological thriller revolves around the disappearance of Amy Dunne and the media frenzy surrounding her husband, Nick. Through dual perspectives, Flynn unravels a twisted tale of love, betrayal, and manipulation.
Strengths
- The alternating perspectives of Amy and Nick keep you guessing and make the story incredibly engaging.
- Flynn doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker side of relationships, making the story unsettling yet captivating.
- The shocking midpoint twist is one of the most unforgettable moments in modern literature.
Weak Areas
- While this adds to the story’s intrigue, some readers may find it hard to connect with the morally ambiguous protagonists.
- After the major twist, the pacing slows, which can make the latter chapters feel less gripping.
Conclusion
Realistic fiction books has the power to connect us to our own experiences while offering new perspectives. Whether it’s the raw emotion of Starfish or the psychological depth of Gone Girl, these books remind us of the beauty and complexity of the human experience.