Best Books Of The 21St Century [Review Alternatives]

Introduction

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The 21st century has been a golden age for literature. From the first decade of the new millennium to the present day, readers have been treated to some of the most powerful and thought-provoking books ever written. From dystopian fiction to historical epics, from fantasy to non-fiction, the 21st century has seen an explosion in the number and variety of books available to readers.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best books of the 21st century. We’ll start by looking at the top 10 books of the century, followed by honorable mentions and then a look at some of the best books in specific genres, such as non-fiction, young adult, and science fiction.

The books on this list have been chosen for their ability to stand the test of time and to make a lasting impression on readers. They are books that have been widely praised by critics, have won awards, and have been widely read and discussed. They are books that have been loved by readers and that have had an impact on the culture and the way we think about the world.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best books of the 21st century.

Top 10 Books of the 21st Century

The 21st century has seen an explosion of amazing books, with authors pushing the boundaries of storytelling and exploring new genres. From gripping thrillers to thought-provoking non-fiction, there are countless books that have captured readers’ imaginations. Here are the top 10 books of the 21st century that have left a lasting impression.

  1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins – This dystopian novel set in a post-apocalyptic world follows Katniss Everdeen as she fights for her life in the Hunger Games. It’s a thrilling and emotional story that has captivated readers since its release in 2008.

  2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling – The seventh and final installment in the Harry Potter series, The Deathly Hallows is a masterful conclusion to the beloved series. It follows Harry and his friends as they attempt to defeat Lord Voldemort and save the wizarding world.

  3. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini – This powerful novel tells the story of Amir, a young boy growing up in Afghanistan. It’s a heartbreaking and emotionally charged story of friendship, family, and redemption.

  4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green – This heartbreaking yet uplifting novel follows two teenage cancer patients as they fall in love. It’s a beautiful story of life, love, and loss that has resonated with readers since its release in 2012.

  5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson – This gripping thriller follows Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander as they investigate a decades-old murder. It’s an intense and thrilling story that has captivated readers since its release in 2005.

  6. Life of Pi by Yann Martel – This captivating novel follows Pi Patel as he embarks on an epic journey across the Pacific Ocean. It’s a beautiful and moving story full of adventure and discovery.

  7. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak – This powerful novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl growing up in Nazi Germany. It’s a heartbreaking and uplifting story of courage and resilience.

  8. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn – This gripping thriller follows Nick and Amy Dunne as they attempt to uncover the truth behind Amy’s disappearance. It’s a thrilling and suspenseful story that has captivated readers since its release in 2012.

  9. The Help by Kathryn Stockett – This powerful novel tells the story of Skeeter Phelan, a young white woman in 1960s Mississippi who decides to write a book about the experiences of the black women who work as maids in her community. It’s a captivating and moving story that has resonated with readers since its release in 2009.

  10. 1984 by George Orwell – This classic dystopian novel follows Winston Smith as he attempts to rebel against the oppressive government of Oceania. It’s a thought-provoking and timeless story that has captivated readers since its release in 1949.

These are the top 10 books of the 21st century that have left a lasting impression on readers. From gripping thrillers to thought-provoking non-fiction, these books have captivated readers and shaped the literary

Honorable Mentions

Non-Fiction Books

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The 21st century has seen a rise in non-fiction books that seek to inform, educate, and entertain readers. From biographies to memoirs, non-fiction books have become increasingly popular in recent years. Here are some of the best non-fiction books of the 21st century:

  1. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo: This book is a revolutionary guide to decluttering and organizing your home. Kondo’s unique approach to tidying up has inspired millions of people around the world to get their lives in order.

  2. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cells were taken and used in medical research without her knowledge or consent. Skloot’s book is a fascinating exploration of science, ethics, and race.

  3. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson: This book tells the story of the Great Migration, when millions of African Americans left the South in search of a better life in the North. Wilkerson’s book is a powerful and heartbreaking look at the struggles of these brave people.

  4. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle: This book is a spiritual classic that teaches readers how to live in the present moment. Tolle’s book is a must-read for anyone looking to find inner peace and fulfillment.

  5. The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown: This book tells the story of the 1936 U.S. rowing team and their unlikely journey to the Berlin Olympics. Brown’s book is an inspiring tale of courage and determination.

  6. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls: This book tells the story of Walls’ unconventional upbringing and her journey to adulthood. Walls’ memoir is a powerful and heartbreaking look at poverty and family.

  7. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson: This book tells the story of the 1893 World’s Fair and the serial killer who used it as his hunting ground. Larson’s book is a gripping and terrifying look at a dark chapter in American history.

  8. The Blind Side by Michael Lewis: This book tells the story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who is taken in by a wealthy family and eventually becomes an NFL star. Lewis’ book is an inspiring tale of hope and redemption.

  9. The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell: This book examines how small changes can have a big impact. Gladwell’s book is a fascinating exploration of social trends and the power of ideas.

  10. The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery: This book tells the story of Montgomery’s encounters with octopuses and her exploration of their strange and wonderful world. Montgomery’s book is a captivating look at the intelligence and emotions of these mysterious creatures.

These are just some of the best non-fiction books of the 21st century. There are many more that are just as inspiring, informative, and entertaining. No matter what your interests are, there is sure to be a non-fiction book out there that will capture your imagination.

Young Adult Books

Young Adult (YA) books have become increasingly popular in the 21st century. YA books are typically aimed at readers aged 12-18, and often explore themes of identity, coming of age, and the search for self-acceptance. Here are some of the best YA books of the 21st century.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a dystopian novel set in a future world where the wealthy Capitol forces citizens of the twelve districts to compete in a yearly televised death match. This novel is the first in a trilogy and is a thrilling, action-packed adventure that has captivated readers of all ages.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling is the first novel in the beloved Harry Potter series. This magical story follows the adventures of young Harry Potter as he attends the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This series has become an international phenomenon and has been translated into over 80 languages.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is a heartbreaking story about two teenagers, Hazel and Augustus, who meet at a cancer support group and fall in love. This novel explores themes of mortality, love, and the power of words.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher is a powerful novel about a high school student named Clay who receives a box of cassette tapes from his classmate Hannah, who recently committed suicide. On the tapes, Hannah explains the thirteen reasons why she chose to take her own life.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a coming-of-age story about a high school freshman named Charlie who is struggling to fit in. This novel explores themes of friendship, identity, and growing up.

Divergent by Veronica Roth is a thrilling novel set in a dystopian Chicago where citizens are divided into factions based on their personalities. This novel follows Tris, a young woman who discovers she is Divergent and must fight to protect her identity and her life.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer is the first novel in a series about a teenage girl named Bella who falls in love with a vampire named Edward. This novel is a romantic fantasy that has inspired a devoted fanbase.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas is a powerful novel about a young woman named Starr who witnesses the police shooting of her childhood friend. This novel follows Starr as she navigates the aftermath of the shooting and speaks out against injustice.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a heartbreaking story set in Nazi Germany about a young girl named Liesel who steals books to escape the horrors of war. This novel explores themes of friendship, courage, and the power of words.

The Giver by Lois Lowry is a dystopian novel about a young boy named Jonas who is chosen to become the Receiver of Memory. This novel explores themes of freedom, choice, and the power of knowledge.

These are some of the best Young Adult books of the 21st century. Each of these novels is unique and captivating, and they all offer readers a chance to explore important themes and ideas. Whether you’re looking for an exciting adventure, a heartbreaking romance, or a thought-provoking look at society, there’s a YA book out there for you.

Science Fiction Books

The 21st century has seen a resurgence in science fiction literature, with many authors creating imaginative and thought-provoking stories that explore the implications of technological advancements, social changes, and the mysteries of the universe. From thrilling adventures to thought-provoking explorations of the human condition, these science fiction books have captivated readers around the world. Here are some of the best science fiction books of the 21st century.

Snow Crash is a classic cyberpunk novel that follows the adventures of a young computer hacker named Hiro Protagonist. Set in a dystopian future where the United States has become a fragmented collection of corporate-controlled city-states, Snow Crash is a thrilling exploration of the implications of technology, virtual reality, and the power of information.

The Windup Girl is a science fiction novel set in a dystopian future where energy is scarce and genetic engineering is rampant. The story follows a young woman named Emiko, a “windup girl” created by a Japanese corporation, as she navigates the complex and dangerous world of corporate-controlled Thailand. This book is an exploration of the implications of genetic engineering, corporate power, and the human spirit.

The Martian is a thrilling science fiction novel that follows the story of Mark Watney, an astronaut stranded on Mars. With no way to contact Earth, Mark must use his ingenuity and resourcefulness to survive in the hostile Martian environment. This book is an exploration of human resilience, technological advancement, and the power of the human spirit.

Dune is a classic science fiction novel that follows the story of Paul Atreides, the heir to a noble family in a distant future. Set in a sprawling universe of political intrigue, Dune is an exploration of power, faith, and destiny. This book is considered one of the greatest science fiction novels of all time.

The Three-Body Problem is a science fiction novel set in a future where humans are contacted by an alien race. This book is an exploration of the implications of alien contact, the power of science, and the mysteries of the universe. This book has won numerous awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Novel.

The Sparrow is a science fiction novel that follows the story of a Jesuit priest and a group of scientists sent to a distant planet in search of alien life. This book is an exploration of faith, morality, and the power of the human spirit.

The Quantum Thief is a science fiction novel set in a distant future where technology has advanced to the point where death is no longer permanent. This book is an exploration of the implications of advanced technology, the nature of identity, and the power of the imagination.

The Fifth Season is a science fiction novel set in a distant future where the world is plagued by catastrophic natural disasters. This book is an exploration of the power of the human spirit, the implications of technology, and the consequences of human actions.

Conclusion

The 21st century has seen a plethora of amazing books that have changed the way we think and feel about the world around us. From gripping non-fiction to captivating fiction, the books of this century have been some of the most memorable and thought-provoking of all time.

The top 10 books of the 21st century are some of the most well-known and loved books of all time. From the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay to the beloved Harry Potter series, these books have become a part of our culture and have left an indelible mark on readers of all ages.

Honorable mentions include books such as The Hunger Games trilogy, The Fault in Our Stars, and The Girl on the Train, all of which have become critically acclaimed and beloved by readers.

Non-fiction books such as The World is Flat, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and The Warmth of Other Suns have captivated readers with their compelling stories and enlightening perspectives.

Young adult books such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Fault in Our Stars, and The Hunger Games trilogy have become staples of YA literature, inspiring readers to think deeply about the world around them.

Science fiction books such as The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Ready Player One, and Dune have become some of the most beloved books of the 21st century, captivating readers with their imaginative and thought-provoking stories.

The 21st century has been a wonderful time for literature, and the books of this century have been some of the most memorable and beloved of all time. From gripping non-fiction to captivating fiction, the books of this century have been some of the most thought-provoking and influential of all time.

About Richardson

Book reviewer with a passion for reading and exploring new books. I'm always looking for new authors and stories to discover. I have a degree in English Literature and I've been writing book reviews for over five years. I'm constantly striving to find a unique perspective in my reviews, and I'm always looking for a deeper understanding of the stories I'm reading. I'm often found in libraries, bookstores and online book clubs, sharing my opinions and thoughts on a variety of books. I'm also an avid traveler and I love to explore new cultures and ideas through literature.

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