The New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century: Must-Reads for Every Bibliophile

The New York Times' list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century is a testament to the rich and diverse literary landscape of the last two decades. Here are some key observations and comments about the list.

The New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century: A Complete Guide

Composition and Selection Criteria

Diversity of Genres and Authors: The list includes a wide variety of genres, from fiction and non-fiction to memoirs and essays. This breadth ensures that different literary tastes and interests are catered to, showcasing everything from historical fiction ("Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel) to powerful memoirs ("The Year of Magical Thinking"  by Joan Didion).

There is a notable inclusion of works by authors from diverse backgrounds, reflecting a more global perspective on contemporary literature. Books like "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and "The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen highlight voices from different cultures and experiences.

Notable Themes and Trends: Several books on the list deal with themes of identity, migration, and social justice. For instance, "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead and "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson explore the African American experience in profound ways.

The inclusion of dystopian and speculative fiction, such as "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy and "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro, reflects a growing interest in how literature can address existential and futuristic concerns.

Highlights and Surprises

Expected Classics: Some books are predictable inclusions due to their critical acclaim and cultural impact. "Gilead" by Marilynne Robinson and "The Corrections" by Jonathan Franzen have been widely praised and are often cited in discussions of contemporary literature.

Surprising Choices: There are some unexpected entries that might surprise readers. For instance, "Tree of Smoke" by Denis Johnson, a dense and complex novel about the Vietnam War, might not have been on everyone's radar.

"Detransition, Baby" by Torrey Peters is a notable inclusion for its exploration of transgender experiences, reflecting a broader acceptance and recognition of diverse narratives in mainstream literature.

How the List Was Made

The New York Times assembled this list by drawing on the expertise of its critics and editors, who likely considered factors such as literary merit, cultural impact, and popularity. The goal was to create a comprehensive guide to the most influential and acclaimed books published since the year 2000.

Commentary

The list is a valuable resource for readers looking to explore the significant literary achievements of the 21st century. It balances well-known, critically acclaimed works with some that are less mainstream but equally important. This balance helps introduce readers to a wide array of voices and styles they might not encounter otherwise.

The New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century: Full List and Descriptions

1. "My Brilliant Friend" by Elena Ferrante (2012) - This novel is the first in the Neapolitan Novels series, exploring the lifelong friendship and rivalry between two women in Naples, Italy.
2. "The Warmth of Other Suns" by Isabel Wilkerson (2010) - A historical study of the Great Migration, where African Americans moved from the rural South to the urban North and West from 1915 to 1970.
3. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel (2009) - A historical novel about Thomas Cromwell, a key advisor to King Henry VIII, showcasing the political intrigue of Tudor England.
4. "The Known World" by Edward P. Jones  (2001) - This novel examines the complexities of slavery in antebellum Virginia through the story of a Black slave owner.
5. "The Corrections" by Jonathan Franzen (2012) - A satirical and insightful look at a dysfunctional Midwestern family as they navigate personal and societal changes.
6. "2666" by Roberto Bolaño (2008) - An expansive and enigmatic novel exploring the unsolved murders of women in a Mexican border town, among other interwoven narratives.
7. "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead (2016) - A powerful reimagining of the historical Underground Railroad as an actual railroad system helping slaves escape to freedom.
8. "Austerlitz" by W.G. Sebald (2001) - A meditative and haunting novel that follows Jacques Austerlitz, a man piecing together his fragmented past, revealing the horrors of WWII and the dislocation of identity.
9. "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005) - A dystopian novel that follows the lives of students at a mysterious boarding school, slowly revealing the dark reality of their existence.
10. "Gilead" by Marilynne Robinson (2004) - A reflective novel about an aging preacher in Iowa writing a letter to his young son, touching on themes of faith, family, and redemption.
11. "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" by Junot Díaz (2007) - The story of a Dominican-American nerd and his family's curse, blending magical realism and historical fiction.
12. "The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion (2005) - A memoir recounting the year following the sudden death of Didion's husband, exploring grief and memory.
13. "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy (2006) - A harrowing post-apocalyptic tale of a father and son journeying through a devastated landscape.
14. "Outline" by Rachel Cusk (2015) - A novel structured around conversations the narrator has while teaching a writing course in Athens, exploring themes of identity and storytelling.
15. "Pachinko" by Min Jin Lee (2017) - A sweeping multi-generational saga about a Korean family living in Japan, exploring themes of identity, exile, and resilience.
16. "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" by Michael Chabon (2000) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about two Jewish cousins who create a popular comic book hero in pre-WWII New York.
17. "The Sellout" by Paul Beatty (2015) - A biting satire about a Black man who tries to reinstate slavery and segregation in a Los Angeles suburb, which earned the Man Booker Prize.
18. "Lincoln in the Bardo" by George Saunders (2017) - A novel set in the liminal space of the bardo, where Abraham Lincoln's son Willie interacts with ghosts, exploring themes of grief and the afterlife.
19. "Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland" by Patrick Radden Keefe (2019) - An investigative narrative about the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on a notorious kidnapping.
20. "Erasure" by Percival Everett (2001) - A satirical novel about an African American writer who pens a parody novel that becomes a bestseller, exploring themes of identity and cultural expectations.
21. "Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City" by Matthew Desmond (2016) - An ethnographic study of eight families in Milwaukee as they struggle with eviction and housing instability.
22. "Behind the Beautiful Forevers" by Katherine Boo (2012) - A non-fiction account of life in a Mumbai slum, focusing on the aspirations and struggles of its residents.
23. "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage" by Alice Munro (2001) - A collection of short stories by the Nobel Prize-winning author, exploring the complexities of relationships and human nature.
24. "The Overstory" by Richard Powers (2018) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about the interconnected lives of people and trees, exploring ecological themes and the power of nature.
25. "Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx" by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc (2003) - A non-fiction narrative following the lives of two young women in the Bronx over a decade, highlighting issues of poverty and resilience.
26. "Atonement" by Ian McEwan (2002) - A novel about the consequences of a young girl's false accusation, which ripples through the lives of her family and an innocent man.
27. "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2013) - The story of a Nigerian woman who moves to the United States for college, exploring themes of race, identity, and immigration.
28. "Cloud Atlas" by David Mitchell (2004) - An ambitious novel composed of six interconnected stories spanning different time periods and genres, exploring themes of fate and interconnectedness.
29. "The Last Samurai" by Helen DeWitt (2000) - A novel about a child prodigy and his single mother, who sets out to find his unknown father, using "The Seven Samurai" as a guiding text.
30. "Sing, Unburied, Sing" by Jesmyn Ward (2017) - A haunting novel about a family road trip in Mississippi, blending elements of magical realism and Southern Gothic.
31. "White Teeth" by Zadie Smith (2000) - A multigenerational story about two families in London, exploring themes of multiculturalism and identity.
32. "The Line of Beauty" by Alan Hollinghurst (2004) - A richly detailed novel that explores themes of beauty, class, and politics in 1980s Britain through the life of a young gay man navigating his desires and ambitions.
33. "Salvage the Bones" Jesmyn Ward (2011) - A poignant and powerful story about a poor African American family in Mississippi preparing for Hurricane Katrina, highlighting themes of resilience and survival.
34. "Citizen" by Claudia Rankine (2014) - A groundbreaking work that blends poetry, essay, and visual art to explore racial microaggressions and the lived experiences of Black Americans in contemporary society.
35. "Fun Home" by Alison Bechdel (2006) - A graphic memoir that chronicles Bechdel's complex relationship with her father, exploring themes of family secrets, identity, and the impact of literature and art.
36. "Between the World and Me" by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2015) - A compelling and intimate letter from Coates to his teenage son, exploring the realities of being Black in America and the historical and contemporary forces shaping racial identity.
37. "The Years" by Annie Ernaux (2018) - A memoir-like narrative that spans six decades, blending personal memories with collective history to create a poignant portrait of life in post-war France.
38. "The Savage Detectives" by Roberto Bolaño (2007) - An expansive and dynamic novel that follows a group of young poets in Mexico City, blending mystery and adventure with a deep exploration of literary culture and identity.
39. "A Visit From the Goon Squad" by Jennifer Egan (2010) - A genre-bending novel that interweaves the lives of an eclectic cast of characters connected to the music industry, exploring the passage of time and the interconnectedness of human lives.
40. "H Is for Hawk" by Helen Macdonald (2015) - A beautifully written memoir about Macdonald's journey through grief after her father's death, as she trains a goshawk and finds solace in the natural world.
41. "Small Things Like These" by Claire Keegan (2021) - A beautifully crafted novella that tells the story of a coal merchant in a small Irish town during Christmas, who uncovers a dark secret that challenges his moral convictions.
42. "A Brief History of Seven Killings" by Marlon James (2014) - A sprawling and ambitious novel that delves into the turbulent history of Jamaica, centered around the attempted assassination of Bob Marley in 1976, exploring themes of violence, politics, and survival.
43. "Postwar" by Tony Judt (2005) - A comprehensive and insightful history of Europe from the end of World War II to the early 21st century, examining the political, social, and economic transformations that shaped the continent.
44. "The Fifth Season" by N.K. Jemisin (2015) - The first book in the Broken Earth trilogy, this innovative fantasy novel explores a world plagued by catastrophic seismic activity, focusing on a woman with the power to control the earth who embarks on a quest for her missing daughter.
45. "The Argonauts" by Maggie Nelson (2015) - A genre-defying memoir that blends personal narrative with critical theory, exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and family through Nelson's experiences and reflections.
46. "The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt (2013) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that follows the life of a boy who survives a terrorist bombing at an art museum, subsequently struggling with loss, identity, and the allure of a stolen painting.
47. "A Mercy" by Toni Morrison (2008) - A lyrical and powerful novel set in the late 17th century, exploring themes of slavery, freedom, and the complexity of human relationships through the intertwined lives of several characters.
48. "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi (2003) - A graphic memoir depicting Satrapi's childhood and early adult years in Iran during and after the Islamic Revolution, offering a poignant and personal perspective on the impact of political upheaval.
49. "The Vegetarian" by Han Kang (2016) - A haunting and surreal novel about a woman in South Korea who decides to stop eating meat, leading to a profound and disturbing transformation that affects her relationships and sense of self.
50. "Trust" by Hernan Diaz (2022) - A novel that delves into the intertwined lives of a wealthy financier and his enigmatic wife, exploring themes of wealth, power, and the complexity of human relationships through multiple perspectives and narratives.
51. "Life After Life" by Kate Atkinson (2013) - A fascinating novel that follows Ursula Todd, who is repeatedly reborn, living multiple lives throughout the 20th century, each altered by small changes in her choices and circumstances.
52. "Train Dreams" by Denis Johnson (2011) - A novella set in the early 20th century, telling the poignant story of a day laborer named Robert Grainier and his life in the American West, marked by personal loss and historical change.
53. "Runaway" by Alice Munro (2004) - A collection of short stories that delve into the lives of women in rural Canada, exploring themes of escape, identity, and the complex web of human relationships.
54. "Tenth of December" by George Saunders (2013) - A critically acclaimed collection of short stories that blend dark humor and empathy, examining the human condition and moral dilemmas in contemporary American life.
55. "The Looming Tower" by Lawrence Wright (2006) - A meticulously researched account of the events leading up to 9/11, detailing the rise of al-Qaeda and the failures of intelligence agencies, offering a comprehensive understanding of the tragedy.
56. "The Flamethrowers" by Rachel Kushner (2013) - A vivid and dynamic novel about a young woman navigating the New York art scene and the radical politics of 1970s Italy, exploring themes of art, identity, and rebellion.
57. "Nickel and Dimed" by Barbara Ehrenreich (2001) - An eye-opening investigation into the lives of America's working poor, where Ehrenreich goes undercover in low-wage jobs to expose the harsh realities of economic inequality.
58. "Stay True" by Hua Hsu (2022) - A memoir that explores Hsu's experiences as a young Asian American navigating identity, friendship, and the impact of cultural expectations on personal growth.
59. "Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides (2002) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that chronicles the life of Calliope Stephanides, an intersex individual, exploring themes of gender identity, family history, and the American immigrant experience.
60. "Heavy" by Kiese Laymon (2018) - A raw and powerful memoir that examines Laymon's experiences with weight, abuse, and racism, offering a deeply personal reflection on trauma and resilience.
61. "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver (2022) - A modern reimagining of Charles Dickens's "David Copperfield," set in contemporary Appalachia, following the life of a boy born into poverty and his struggle for survival and identity.
62. "10:04" by Ben Lerner (2014) - A metafictional novel that blurs the lines between reality and fiction, as the narrator contemplates his future amidst personal and societal crises in contemporary New York City.
63. "Veronica" by Mary Gaitskill (2005) - A deeply introspective novel that follows the life of Alison, a former model, as she reflects on her tumultuous past and her poignant friendship with Veronica, an older woman dying of AIDS, exploring themes of beauty, loss, and redemption.
64. "The Great Believers" by Rebecca Makkai (2018) - A moving novel that intertwines the stories of a group of friends during the AIDS crisis in 1980s Chicago and the impact of those years on a woman in contemporary Paris.
65. "The Plot Against America" by Philip Roth (2004) - A chilling alternative history novel where Charles Lindbergh becomes President of the United States, leading to a wave of anti-Semitism and fascism, seen through the eyes of a Jewish family in Newark.
66. "We the Animals" by Justin Torres (2011) - A lyrical and intense coming-of-age novel about three brothers growing up in a troubled family, capturing the raw beauty and brutality of childhood.
67. "Far From the Tree" by Andrew Solomon (2012) - An exploration of how families accommodate children with exceptional needs, drawing on interviews and personal stories to examine themes of identity, acceptance, and love.
68. "The Friend" by Sigrid Nunez (2018) - A touching novel about a woman who inherits a Great Dane after the death of her friend, exploring themes of grief, companionship, and the healing power of animals.
69. "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander (2010) - A groundbreaking work that argues mass incarceration in America functions as a racial caste system, systematically disenfranchising African Americans and other minorities.
70. "All Aunt Hagar’s Children" by Edward P. Jones (2006) - A collection of fourteen stories set in Washington, D.C., capturing the struggles and triumphs of African American life with profound empathy and insight.
71. "The Copenhagen Trilogy" by Tove Ditlevsen (2021) - A poignant and lyrical memoir that spans the author’s childhood, youth, and adulthood in Copenhagen, offering an intimate portrait of her struggles with identity, addiction, and creativity.
72. "Secondhand Time" by Svetlana Alexievich (2016) - A powerful oral history capturing the voices of people who lived through the collapse of the Soviet Union, revealing the human impact of historical and political upheaval.
73. "The Passage of Power" by Robert Caro (2012) - An in-depth and riveting biography of Lyndon B. Johnson, focusing on his transition from Senate Majority Leader to Vice President, and his eventual ascent to the presidency after Kennedy’s assassination.
74. "Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout (2008) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel in interconnected stories that delve into the complexities of small-town life in Maine, centered around the blunt and resilient character, Olive Kitteridge.
75. "Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid (2017) - A magical realist novel about a young couple fleeing their war-torn country through mysterious doors that transport them to different parts of the world, exploring themes of migration and love.
76. "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin (2022) - A captivating novel about two friends who become successful video game designers, exploring their creative partnership, personal lives, and the nature of artistic ambition.
77. "An American Marriage" by Tayari Jones (2018) - A moving novel about a young African American couple whose lives are upended when the husband is wrongfully imprisoned, examining themes of love, justice, and societal expectations.
78. "Septology" by Jon Fosse (2022) - An ambitious and contemplative series of seven interconnected novels that delve into the inner life of an aging painter reflecting on faith, identity, and the passage of time.
79. "A Manual for Cleaning Women" by Lucia Berlin (2015) - A collection of short stories that offer glimpses into the lives of working-class women, infused with Berlin’s wit, empathy, and keen observational skill.
80. "The Story of the Lost Child" by Elena Ferrante (2015) - The final installment in the Neapolitan Novels, exploring the complex and enduring friendship between Lila and Elena against the backdrop of a changing Naples.
81. "Pulphead" by John Jeremiah Sullivan (2011) - A collection of essays that blend cultural criticism and personal narrative, offering insightful and often humorous reflections on American life and popular culture.
82. "Hurricane Season" by Fernanda Melchor (2020) - A dark and atmospheric novel set in a small Mexican village, unraveling the brutal murder of a local witch and exposing the deep-seated violence and prejudice within the community.
83. "When We Cease to Understand the World" by Benjamín Labatut (2021) - A genre-defying book that blends fact and fiction to explore the lives of scientists and mathematicians, delving into the often-destructive impact of their discoveries on the world.
84. "The Emperor of All Maladies" by Siddhartha Mukherjee (2010) - A comprehensive and compelling "biography" of cancer, tracing its history from ancient times to the modern era of medical breakthroughs and treatment.
85. "Pastoralia" by George Saunders (2000) - A collection of darkly comic and satirical stories that explore the absurdities of contemporary American life, showcasing Saunders' distinctive voice and keen social commentary.
86. "Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom" by David W. Blight (2018) - An authoritative and richly detailed biography of Frederick Douglass, chronicling his journey from slavery to becoming a leading abolitionist and statesman.
87. "Detransition, Baby" by Torrey Peters (2021) - A provocative and heartfelt novel about three women—transgender and cisgender—whose lives become intertwined as they navigate complex issues of gender, identity, and parenthood.
88. "The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis" (2010) - A comprehensive collection of Lydia Davis's short stories, known for their brevity, wit, and ability to capture profound human experiences in just a few sentences.
89. "The Return: Fathers, Sons and the Land in Between" by Hisham Matar (2016) - A poignant memoir about Matar's search for his father, who disappeared in Libya during Gaddafi's regime, exploring themes of loss, exile, and the enduring power of hope.
90. "The Sympathizer" by Viet Thanh Nguyen (2015) - A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that follows a communist double agent during the Vietnam War, offering a gripping and darkly humorous exploration of identity, politics, and betrayal.
91. "The Human Stain" by Philip Roth (2000) - A novel about a college professor whose career is ruined by a false accusation, delving into themes of identity, secrecy, and the complexities of race and personal history.
92. "The Days of Abandonment" by Elena Ferrante (2005) - A visceral and unflinching novel about a woman coping with the sudden end of her marriage, grappling with intense emotions and the challenge of rebuilding her life.
93. "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel (2014) - A post-apocalyptic novel that follows a group of actors and musicians traveling through a devastated world, exploring the importance of art and human connection in the face of catastrophe.
94. "On Beauty" by Zadie Smith (2005) - A witty and incisive novel about a mixed-race family in the United States, examining issues of race, culture, and the clash between liberal and conservative values.
95. "Bring Up the Bodies" by Hilary Mantel (2012) - The second book in Mantel’s acclaimed Thomas Cromwell trilogy, focusing on Cromwell’s role in the downfall of Anne Boleyn, filled with political intrigue and historical detail.
96. "Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments" by Saidiya Hartman (2019) - A groundbreaking work that reconstructs the lives of young Black women in the early 20th century, exploring their struggles for autonomy and the radical possibilities of their lives.
97. "Men We Reaped" by Jesmyn Ward (2013) - A memoir that examines the deaths of five young men in Ward's life, offering a deeply personal and powerful reflection on race, poverty, and systemic injustice in America.
98. "Bel Canto" by Ann Patchett (2001) - A novel about a hostage situation at a South American embassy, where the boundaries between captors and captives blur, exploring themes of beauty, love, and the transformative power of art.
99. "How to Be Both" by Ali Smith (2014) - An innovative novel that can be read in two different sequences, blending the story of a contemporary teenager with that of a Renaissance painter, exploring themes of art, identity, and time.
100. "Tree of Smoke" by Denis Johnson (2007) - A sprawling and ambitious novel set during the Vietnam War, following the lives of various characters caught up in the chaos and moral ambiguities of the conflict.

Conclusion

The New York Times' list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century is both a celebration of contemporary literature and a guide for readers seeking to understand the diverse and evolving landscape of modern writing. It encourages exploration of different genres and authors, reflecting the richness of today's literary world​