We surveyed hundreds of literary experts—novelists, editors, critics, and more—to pick their ten favorite books published in the US since 2000. Respondents also compared random pairs of titles to refine the list. Building a list of great books means making tough choices, and unfortunately, this one left out a slew of fantastic works, including almost every single poem written in the last 25 years – a huge absence that’s hard to ignore. Let’s look at our list of the best 21st century books together. Of course, this list is too limited to include all the great works, so suggestions and discussions are welcome.
1 Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
What is the most sold book of the 21st century? Imagine this: 600 million people from all walks of life have devoured the Harry Potter series, making it a bonafide literary sensation. What is the number 1 best book in the world? This is probably it.
Of this series, the Goblet of Fire proved to be the most successful. In the fourth book of this beloved fantasy series, a young wizard is unexpectedly thrust into a perilous tournament between rival magic schools. He’s thrust into heart-pounding predicaments – a hair-raising dragon pursuit and a sweaty-palm underwater escape. Alongside these challenges, he wrestles with normal teenager stuff – a swooning crush, picking the perfect dance date, and surviving awkward Friday nights.
2 Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro is known for his deep and thought-provoking stories. With a poet’s touch, Ishiguro weaves together strands of history, nation, and self in his novels. From the elegant refinement of “The Remains of the Day” to the mythic grandeur of “The Buried Giant”, his characters embody the push-and-pull between personal narratives and the tides of history. Imagine an England that’s anything but familiar, where clones take center stage in a 1990s-era love triangle that explores the blurred lines between identity and desire.
3 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
The novel is a historical fiction set in the 1500s, during King Henry VIII’s reign. Meet Thomas Cromwell, a man who escapes his ordinary past to clinch the highest seat in the kingdom – the King’s right-hand minister. Cromwell, the consummate politician, tiptoes across the minefield of courtly intrigue, ever vigilant, always coiled to strike.
You know that you can use a story reading app to read on the go or during flights. If you have a smartphone and the novel app FictionMe, you always have thousands and tens of thousands of books at your fingertips. There are various fantasy, adult books, novels, etc. There is no doubt that you will be able to find a great book to read in the app.
4 The Known World by Edward P. Jones
Henry Townsend, a Black farmer, bootmaker, and former slave, becomes the proprietor of a plantation in antebellum Virginia. “The Known World” is Jones’ tender yet piercing examination of humanity’s messiest corners, where anguish and moral ambiguity walk hand in hand like unwelcome guests. Yet, moments of humor and unexpected goodwill surface naturally.
5 Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
Marilynne Robinson’s profound novel is a series of letters from elderly preacher John Ames in the 1950s to his young son. Knowing he won’t see his son grow up, Ames leaves a philosophical and meditative legacy through these letters. Within these pages, you’ll find a tender portrayal of everyday American life, suspended in a moment of time. This is one of those books that should be in your library, even if it’s virtual. If you’re just creating one, start by downloading the FictionMe APK , which has all the tools you need and a great selection of books. Ames poignantly writes, “While you read this, I am imperishable, somehow more alive than I have ever been,” and concludes, “There are a thousand thousand reasons to live this life, every one of them sufficient.”
6 The Fortress of Solitude by Jonathan Lethem
Jonathan Lethem’s novel captures Brooklyn like no other. Get ready to plug into the electricity of his storyline, where superheroes, ska beats, and gentrification collide in a high-energy coming-of-age tale that’s at once both intensely local and deeply relatable. It’s a story where you’ll believe a boy can fly. Don’t miss out on the 2014 musical adaptation—it’s a hidden gem that deserves more love. –Drew Broussard, Podcasts Editor
7 Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
‘Cloud Atlas’ by David Mitchell is a masterful tapestry of six interconnected stories, each set in a different time and place—from the 19th century South Pacific to a post-apocalyptic future. From faded manuscripts to freshly inked pages, each story beats to its own drum, yet recurring motifs harmonize them in perfect synchrony.
8 The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
Isabel Wilkerson’s book, “The Warmth of Other Suns,” offers an intimate, stirring, and meticulously researched account of the Great Migration (1915-1970). This unassuming gem of a story, tucked away in the annals of the 20th century, is finally revealed in all its dramatic glory. The migration of Black Americans from the South to the North and West was vast, leaderless, and spanned thousands of currents.
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9 My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
The first volume of Ferrante’s riveting four-book Neapolitan series introduces readers to Elena and Lila, two girls growing up in a poor, violent Naples neighborhood. Elena is diligent and dutiful, while Lila is fiercely intelligent but constrained by her family’s meager means. As the story explores the fractured dynamics of their friendship, it widens its scope to tackle art, politics, class, and gender. Though Ferrante writes under a pseudonym, “My Brilliant Friend” is a standout example of autofiction, gripping readers with its gritty, nerve-racking narrative.
10 Austerlitz by WG Sebald
Sebald, who tragically died in a car crash in 2001, has left an indelible mark on contemporary literature. What hits you first is the eerie nexus between factual accuracy and fanciful narrative; then you realize that what makes his writing sing is an attentive melding of old stories with individual human experience.
Final Words
Discover a book you’ve always meant to read or re-encounter a beloved favorite. Get ready to be moved, challenged, and inspired by the incredibly diverse voices, experiences, and insights shared here – it’s a true celebration of human creativity. Explore with an open heart and mind!
