We've all had to read our share of novels for school, many of which are deemed "classics". A book that is considered a classic is usually particularly noteworthy for various reasons, and is often a part of the literary canon.

However, just because a novel isn't considered "classic", doesn't mean it isn't worthy reading. Here's a list of some particularly interesting novels that are a bit more obscure, but definitely need to be read.

1. In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami

Japan, the Tokyo sex industry, and a serial killer. Those are three of the main things featured inn this novel by Japanese author, Ryu Murakami that follows a Japanese tour guide as he shows an American traveler the seedy night life of Tokyo. This book is available in English, and it is one hundred percent worth reading. It's a thrill from beginning to end, and offers an interesting glimpse into the culture of urban Japan in the 1990's.

2. Money: A Suicide Note by Martin Amis

This racy novel follows a main character named John Self, a man who drinks too much, consumers too much pornography, spends too much money, and over all is aa complete mess of a human. This novel offers an interesting and complex plot as Self goes to New York to direct a movie with plenty of bizarre, and melodramatic characters. Amis is a fantastic writer with a tremendous sense of humor, and this novel of his will certainly show you a good time.

3. The Last Nude by Ellis Avery

The recent novel follows the painter Tamara de Lempicka (who was a real person) as she get's involved in a relationship with a young runaway, Rafaela Fano while living in Paris in the 1920's. It is written beautifully, and contains more than one or two unpredictable turns of the plot. If you're interested in art, Paris, love, and drama it is more than worth checking out.

4. The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter

"The Bloody Chamber" is a collection of short stories where Carter directly re-writes fairy tales: LIttle Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and Bluebeard to name a few. Furthermore, she gives them all an interesting Gothic, twist, with some healthy doses of female empowerment, and sexual activity. This collection is simply exquisite, and comes highly recommended to lovers of horror, Gothic literature, and fairy tales.

5. Maybe the Moon by Armistead Maupin

If you want a book that will leave you sobbing at the end, this is it. This novel follows the story of Caddy, a dwarf, and an actress, who has to struggle for success in the shallow world of Hollywood where her size is an obstacle she must constantly attempt to overcome. Maupin is hilarious, charming, real, and deep. For anyone who wants to read a novel that really gets straight to the heart, this is a must read.