There aren't many contemporary novels that make the cut for the Bookhive List, but The Orphan Master's Son really knocked me off my feet. Apparently the Pulitzer committee had the same reaction, but if you didn't read it when it made a splash in 2013, please take the time to read it now. There is no better fictionalized account of North Korean culture and the meticulously-researched context provides a really rich backdrop for an otherwise incredible narrative. And if you really love it, check out some of of Johnson's short stories, which I haven't gotten around to yet, but which I've heard are really, really terrific (and highly recommended for fans of George Saunders).

The Bookhive List is a weekly recommendation of my all-time favorite, must-read books.