Most of the books that I enjoy are by American authors, who I believe have all been Pulitzer prize winners. In the main they originate and write about the eastern seaboard of America, a region that I feel very drawn to .
The Hour I First Believed - Wally Lamb
This Much I Know is True - " "
Olive Kitteridge - Elizabeth Strout
Amy & Isabelle - " "
Empire Falls - Richard Russo
One True Thing - Anna Quindlen
These days as most of my books are from the library or bought very cheaply on Kindle, I have no compunction in putting them to one side if there is no enjoyment.
I believe that the sign of an exceptional book is when you fell sad that you are coming to the end of the story.