The Best Books of the 21st Century

Cameron CapelloJuly 15, 2024

The New York Times recently dropped its list of the best books of the 21st century, and while it’s got some great picks, we decided to whip up our own version. Here are some of the absolute must-reads you should dive into, according to our Fable editors:

"2666" by Roberto Bolaño

This behemoth of a novel is a literary labyrinth. Bolaño takes you on a wild ride through interconnected stories that span continents and genres, from a mysterious author to gruesome murders in a Mexican border town. It’s intense, complex, and totally worth the challenge.

"Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro

Ishiguro’s dystopian tale is a heart-wrenching exploration of love, memory, and humanity. Set in a world where clones exist for organ donation, it follows the lives of three friends from childhood to adulthood. It’s beautifully written and haunting.

"Lovely War" by Julie Berry

This is a stunning blend of historical fiction and mythology. Berry weaves a love story set during World War I, narrated by Greek gods. It’s romantic, tragic, and utterly unique.

"Normal People" by Sally Rooney

Rooney captures the raw, complicated emotions of young love and friendship in this novel about two Irish teenagers. It’s an intimate, beautifully written exploration of connection and vulnerability.

"Flights" by Olga Tokarczuk

This Nobel Prize-winning novel is a mesmerizing exploration of travel, human anatomy, and the nature of life itself. Tokarczuk’s fragmentary narrative takes you across centuries and continents in a way that’s both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving.

"Wash Day Diaries" by Jamila Rowse

A celebration of Black womanhood and friendship, this graphic novel beautifully portrays the bond between four friends through their hair care routines. It’s heartfelt, visually stunning, and incredibly relatable.

"BL Metamorphosis, Vol. 1" by Kaori Tsurutani

This manga is a sweet, intergenerational story about an elderly woman who discovers the world of BL (Boys’ Love) manga and forms an unexpected friendship with a teenage girl. It’s charming and heartwarming.

"All My Rage" by Sabaa Tahir

Tahir’s novel tackles themes of love, loss, and forgiveness. Set in a Pakistani-American community, it’s a powerful story about two teenagers grappling with their pasts and searching for a way forward. It’s raw, real, and beautifully written.

"Honey Girl" by Morgan Roger

This contemporary romance follows Grace Porter, a freshly minted Ph.D. who impulsively marries a woman she just met in Vegas. It’s a touching exploration of self-discovery, mental health, and finding love when you least expect it.

"Outlander" by Diana Gabaldon

Gabaldon’s epic time-travel romance kicks off with a bang. Claire Randall, a WWII nurse, is transported to 18th-century Scotland, where she falls in love with the dashing Jamie Fraser. It’s an addictive blend of history, romance, and adventure.

"The Idiot" by Elif Batuman

Batuman’s semi-autobiographical novel is a witty, insightful look at the life of a college freshman. Selin navigates the challenges of academia, unrequited love, and the search for her own identity. It’s sharp, funny, and deeply relatable.

“Lincoln in the Bardo” by George Saunders

This historical fiction follows President Abraham Lincoln's grief over the death of his young son, Willie. The story unfolds in a cemetery's surreal, transitional realm, where Willie's spirit lingers among other restless souls. It offers a profound exploration of love, loss, and the connection between the living and the dead.So there you have it! Our take on the best books of the 21st century. Whether you’re into epic romances, philosophical explorations, or heartwarming tales of friendship, there’s something here for everyone. What book would be on your list? type: embedded-entry-inline id: 6vV4yp856bPb1vRySinF8

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