The 10 Best Essay Collections of the Decade (2010s)

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  • The Mind's Eye by Oliver Sacks

    What the Blind See

    This captivating exploration delves into the intricate world of perception and the human brain's remarkable ability to adapt to sensory loss. Through a series of compelling case studies, the narrative reveals the profound ways individuals navigate life when faced with challenges such as blindness, aphasia, and other neurological conditions. The stories highlight the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing how people can find new ways to communicate, perceive, and interact with the world, ultimately offering a deeper understanding of the mind's extraordinary capacity for adaptation and transformation.

    The 10247th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Pulphead by John Jeremiah Sullivan

    Essays

    "Pulphead: Essays" is a collection of non-fiction essays that explore various aspects of American culture, history, and personal experiences. The author takes the reader on a journey through a wide range of topics, from popular music and television to historical events and personal anecdotes. The essays are marked by their humor, insight, and the author's unique perspective, offering a thought-provoking and often surprising look at the American experience.

    The 1671st Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Book Of My Lives by Aleksandar Hemon

    This memoir is a collection of essays that chronicles the author's journey from his childhood in Sarajevo to his life as an immigrant in Chicago. Through a series of poignant and often humorous vignettes, he explores themes of identity, displacement, and the search for belonging. The narrative delves into the impact of the Bosnian War on his family and friends, as well as his own experiences of cultural adaptation and the complexities of living between two worlds. The book is a heartfelt reflection on the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of memory.

    The 8472nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

    Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants

    The book intertwines indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world. Through a series of essays, the author, a botanist and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, reflects on the ways in which traditional ecological knowledge and modern science can complement each other. The narrative emphasizes the importance of gratitude, reciprocity, and stewardship in fostering a sustainable and respectful connection with the Earth. The author’s personal stories and reflections offer a profound and poetic meditation on the interconnectedness of all living things.

    The 2973rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  • White Girls by Hilton Als

    "White Girls" is a collection of essays that explore the concept of "white girls" as the author sees it - a cultural and racial construct, rather than a literal description. The book delves into the author's personal experiences, pop culture, history, and his own identity as a gay black man. It examines figures from pop culture, literature, and the author's personal life, including Truman Capote, Michael Jackson, and the author's own sister, to explore themes of race, gender, identity, and the love and loss that comes with friendship.

    The 5334th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • On Immunity by Eula Biss

    An Inoculation

    This book delves into the cultural and ethical dimensions of vaccination, weaving personal narrative with scientific research to explore society's fears and myths surrounding immunity. The author examines the history and science of vaccination, addressing public skepticism and the complex issues of risk and responsibility in a community. Through a thoughtful investigation, the book challenges readers to consider the implications of our interconnectedness in the face of health crises and the moral obligations we share in protecting not only ourselves but also the most vulnerable among us. It is a compelling blend of literature, medicine, and philosophy that invites a deeper understanding of what it means to be immune.

    The 6423rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Mother Of All Questions by Rebecca Solnit

    Further Feminisms

    In this thought-provoking collection of essays, the author delves into the complexities of silence and voice in the context of feminism and societal expectations. Through a series of insightful narratives, the book challenges the pervasive cultural norms that dictate women's roles and the questions they are expected to answer. It explores the power dynamics that silence women and the courage required to speak out, offering a nuanced examination of gender, identity, and the transformative potential of storytelling. The essays encourage readers to question the status quo and envision a world where every voice is heard and valued.

    The 11803rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Tell Me How It Ends by Valeria Luiselli

    An Essay in Forty Questions

    This book is a powerful exploration of the critical issue of child immigration, focusing on the experiences of Central American children who arrive in the United States without their parents. The narrative is structured around 40 questions that the author, as a court interpreter, must ask the children to help determine their fate. The book provides a deeply personal and moving account of the human stories behind the ongoing debate over immigration and asylum laws.

    The 4731st Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Feel Free by Zadie Smith

    This collection of essays explores a wide range of topics, from personal reflections on family, identity, and the creative process to broader cultural critiques on politics, social media, and contemporary art. The author combines sharp wit with deep insight, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of modern life. Each essay invites readers to consider different facets of freedom and constraint, encouraging a thoughtful examination of the world around us.

    The 4994th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Thick by Tressie McMillan Cottom

    And Other Essays

    The book is a collection of essays that delve into the complexities of race, gender, and class in contemporary society. Through personal anecdotes, scholarly analysis, and cultural critique, the author examines how societal structures and stereotypes shape the lived experiences of Black women. The essays address a range of topics, from beauty standards and healthcare disparities to the commodification of Black culture, offering a nuanced and incisive perspective on the intersections of identity and power. The work challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths and consider the broader implications of systemic inequality.

    The 3590th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Possessed by Elif Batuman

    Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them

    "The Possessed" is a compelling narrative that combines memoir, criticism, and travel writing to explore the author's deep fascination with Russian literature. Through her experiences as a graduate student at Stanford, her travels to Turkey, Russia, and Uzbekistan, and her encounters with other scholars, the author delves into the works of great Russian authors such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, while also reflecting on the nature of literature, identity, and the human condition.

    The 3572nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay

    Essays

    In "Bad Feminist," the author presents a collection of essays that explore the complexities of modern feminism and the challenges of being a woman in today's society. With wit and candor, the book delves into topics such as politics, culture, race, and gender, scrutinizing the often contradictory expectations and ideals imposed on women. Through personal anecdotes and critical analysis, the author confronts the idea of a "perfect" feminist, advocating instead for the acceptance of feminism as a fluid and inclusive movement that acknowledges the diverse experiences and imperfections of those who participate in it. The book is a reflective and thought-provoking commentary on the role of feminism in contemporary discourse, making a case for embracing our flaws while still striving for equality and justice.

    The 5159th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Little Labors by Rivka Galchen

    This book is a whimsical and contemplative exploration of motherhood, weaving together a tapestry of observations, anecdotes, and reflections on the profound yet often overlooked experiences of raising a child. Through a series of short essays, the narrative delves into the minutiae of daily life, capturing the surreal and transformative nature of parenthood. It offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of creativity and caregiving, blending humor and insight to illuminate the small yet significant labors that shape the journey of nurturing a new life.

    The 11785th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • This Young Monster by Charlie Fox

    None

    This book is a vibrant and thought-provoking exploration of the monstrous and the grotesque in art and culture. It delves into the lives and works of various artists, filmmakers, and writers who have embraced the unconventional and the bizarre, celebrating their ability to challenge societal norms and provoke new ways of thinking. Through a series of essays, the narrative weaves together personal reflections, historical insights, and cultural critiques, offering a fresh perspective on the allure of the monstrous and its role in shaping contemporary creativity.

    The 11906th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Animals Strike Curious Poses by Elena Passarello

    This captivating collection of essays delves into the fascinating lives and historical significance of various animals, weaving together a tapestry of human-animal interactions across time. Each essay explores a different creature, from the legendary elephant gifted to Charlemagne to the enigmatic starling that inspired Mozart, offering a unique blend of scientific insight, cultural history, and personal reflection. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, the book invites readers to reconsider the complex relationships humans have with the animal kingdom, highlighting the profound impact these creatures have had on our world and imagination.

    The 11906th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Collected Schizophrenias by Esmé Weijun Wang

    Essays

    This compelling collection of essays offers a deeply personal and insightful exploration of living with schizoaffective disorder, a condition that straddles the realms of schizophrenia and mood disorders. Through a blend of memoir, cultural criticism, and scientific inquiry, the author navigates the complexities of mental illness, challenging societal perceptions and stigmas while delving into the nuances of diagnosis, treatment, and the impact on identity. The narrative is both raw and eloquent, providing a poignant reflection on the intersection of mental health, creativity, and resilience.

    The 12428th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Book Of Delights by Ross Gay

    Essays

    This collection of essays captures the beauty and joy found in everyday moments, encouraging readers to appreciate the small wonders often overlooked in the hustle of life. Through a series of daily reflections, the author shares personal anecdotes and observations that celebrate the simple pleasures and unexpected delights that can be found in nature, human interactions, and the mundane. With a tone that is both introspective and exuberant, the book invites readers to cultivate a mindset of gratitude and mindfulness, transforming ordinary experiences into sources of profound happiness.

    The 9937th Greatest Book of All Time
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About this list

Literary Hub, 17 Books

This list presents "The 10 Best Essay Collections of the Decade," curated by Emily Temple and published on December 23, 2019, by Literary Hub. It aims to highlight the most impactful essay collections published in English between 2010 and 2019. The selection process involved extensive debate and multiple voting rounds among the Literary Hub staff, indicating a thorough and participatory methodology. The list reflects a considered effort to balance critical acclaim with personal impact, as evidenced by the inclusion of dissenting opinions and an expanded list of honorable mentions. This curated selection was designed to encapsulate the diverse literary voices and themes that defined the decade's essayistic landscape.

This list was originally published in 2019 and was added to this site over 1 year ago.

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