I've largely contained myself to sci-fi, fantasy, and historical fiction, but I'd like to veer out and expand my literary horizons. I'm seeking books that you regard as the cream of the crop in their respective sub-genres. Categories can be broad, or super specific, I don't care!
For example, with historical fiction, I think these are considered to be some of the greats:
Middle Ages: The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, The Physician by Noah Gorden, & The Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell
Feudal Japan: Shogun by James Clavell
Meso-American: Aztec by Gary Jennings.
WW2: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, as well as The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
Bolshevik Russia: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Science Fiction: The Hyperion Cantos by Dan Simmons, Red Rising by Pierce Brown
Post-apocalyptic: Swan Song by Robert McCammon
Vietnam War: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
Please share with me some others!
by SaintCharlie