One of my newer favorite authors is Kate Atkinson. She has a three-book series (the newest just came out in hardcover) that are mysteries, but they're a little more "literary" then your average mystery. I liked the first one, Case Histories, quite a bit. Her first book, Behind the Scenes at the Museum, is one of my favorites.

I also like the short stories of Alice Munro. I particularly liked Runaway. They can be kind of sad, but I like that sort of a thing. Most of her protaganists are women/girls.

Another book that stood out for me in recent years is called the Confessions of Max Tivoli. I can't remember the author off the top of my head. It's about a person who ages in reverse. It follows his two closest relationships--with the love of his life and his best friend.

I have many otheres, but I have to run to the gym. I'll post a few more later.