When asked for a favourite book of all time it is almost impossible to answer but when asked for a favourite from the 21st Century, we’re not even 2 decades in, surely it can’t be that hard can it? Well when we asked our followers on social media you’d have thought we’d asked them which limb they wanted to lose!
Eventually after a lot of shocked responses and declarations of it simply being impossible to choose, we got enough people who were brave enough to pick just one title and from those votes we have collected and collated the data and here are your top 21 books of the 21st century.
The Passage – Justin Cronin
Published in 2010 The Passage is the first book in an apocalyptic then post apocalyptic trilogy when the world is overrun by humans who have been changed into vampire like beings by a created virus that has accidentally been released.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane – Neil Gaiman
In second spot Neil Gaiman’s 2013 novel focusing on the battle between an unnamed narrator and Ursula, the strange being he unwittingly brought back with him after he journeyed to somewhere inexplicable with his neighbour Lettie.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane US
The Ocean at the End of the Lane UK
The Goldfinch – Donna Tartt
Published in 2013 Donna Tartt’s novel has been a regular top ten pick in our polls. Told in the first person by Theodore Decker who, at the age of 13, survives a terrorist bombing at an art museum in which his mother is killed. As he escapes the debris he takes with him the world-famous painting of The Goldfinch, the first of many thefts but always the most important.
The Book Thief – Markus Zusak
Markus Zusak’s 2005 novel is about a young girl, left on the doorstep of Hans and Rosa Hubermann, the friendships she makes and the loved ones she loses, all regaled to us by Death who is the surprisingly lighthearted narrator of the book you chose for fourth place.
Life After Life – Kate Atkinson
Published in 2013 Life After Life is an unusual book in format as it constantly loops back in time to present alternative lives for its protagonist Ursula Todd. From being strangled by her umbilical cord to living through the blitz these alternative life stories are the premise for a fascinating plot twist that will have you on the edge of your seat.
A Thousand Splendid Suns – Khaled Hosseini
In 6th place it seems that Khaled Hosseini cannot do a thing wrong at the moment, and he definitely got things right with his 2007 novel about Mariam and Laila, born into completely different worlds but brought together in marriage.
11-22-63 – Stephen King
In seventh spot is Stephen King’s 2011 time travelling novel that delves into what might have occurred in the intervening years if the events of the 22nd of November 1963 had been different, and if it’s ever a good idea to try and change the past.
The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
Eighth place sees a second entry from Khaled Hosseini, published in 2003 The Kite Runner is a tale of growing up, of keeping secrets, and of life during the Taliban regime in Afghanistan; it’s haunting. terrifying, uplifting and everything in between.
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell – Susanna Clarke
Our penultimate pick for the featured top ten this 2004 release is described as a fantasy novel, an alternative history, and a historical novel and focuses on the relationship between Gilbert Norrell and Jonathan Strange, the magic they have brought back with them and the innate nature of “Englishness”.
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell US
Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell UK
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Mark Haddon
Our final featured novel was published in 2003; narrated by the autistic fifteen year old protagonist who spots a dog on a lawn outside, it’s on its side, it has a garden fork in its side, and it’s very dead. Christopher decides to investigate the mystery despite being told by his father to leave things alone and his investigation turns up more than he could have ever imagined.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time US
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time UK
After the featured top ten here we take you to the full top 21 books of the 21st century as chosen by you.
Me before you – Jojo Moyes
The Last Painting of Sara de Vos – Dominic Smith
Burial Rites – Hannah Kent
Home – Marilynne Robinson
The Nightingale – Kristen Hannah
A Man Called Ove – Fredrik Backman
If I should Die – Matthew Frank
Savvy – Ingrid Law
The life of Pi – Yann Martel
Middlesex – Jeffrey Eugenides
I am Not a Serial Killer – Dan Wells
Surprisingly many people picked The Alchemist which was actually published in 1988, can you believe it was that long ago!? Are there any books you feel should have been on the list? Let us know in the comments section.
10 of 2024’s Most Anticipated Reads
The For Reading Addicts Book of the Year 2023
Are You Willing to Unite Against Book Bans?
Roald Dahl Censorship Creates Grotesque Versions of Classics
For Reading Addicts Book of the Year 2022
Some of those are great and I agree it is very difficult to pick. Sarah’s Key is good enough for the list I think
The street sweeper by elliott perlman is a beautifully written novel.
You left out the most popular. Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Divergent
I mean they maybe for younger and for those with a less refined pallet, they are fun books. I’m 57 and enjoyed the heck out of those books.
All the light we cannot see
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline – Should have been included here.
A Prayer for Owen Meaney
That was published in 1989.