PEOPLE Picks the Best Books of the 2010s
This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
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The Tiger's Wife by Téa Obreht
"The Tiger's Wife" is a captivating novel that weaves together the lives of a young doctor and her grandfather in war-torn Balkans. As the doctor embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind her grandfather's mysterious death, she unravels a tapestry of folklore, superstition, and family secrets. Through her exploration, she uncovers the extraordinary story of the tiger's wife, a woman believed to possess the power to communicate with animals. This beautifully written tale explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of storytelling.
The 4677th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff
"Fates and Furies" is a novel split into two parts, providing two perspectives on a single marriage. The first half of the book, "Fates," is told from the point of view of the husband, Lotto, a charismatic but failed actor turned successful playwright, who views his marriage as happy and his wife as supportive. The second half, "Furies," is told from the perspective of his wife, Mathilde, revealing her hidden past and the sacrifices and manipulations she has performed to maintain their life together. The novel explores themes of love, secrets, and the different narratives created within a relationship.
The 2800th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
There There by Tommy Orange
"There There" by Tommy Orange is a powerful and poignant novel that follows the lives of twelve Native American characters living in Oakland, California. As their stories intertwine and converge, the novel explores themes of identity, community, and the effects of historical trauma on Native American people. Through vivid and lyrical prose, Orange gives voice to a group of individuals who have long been marginalized and overlooked in American society, creating a compelling and unforgettable portrait of contemporary Native American life.
The 2410th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Swamplandia! by Karen Russell
"Swamplandia!" is a darkly humorous and poignant story about a family of alligator wrestlers living in the Florida Everglades. The family's way of life is threatened when their mother dies, their tourist attraction business starts to fail, and a rival theme park opens nearby. The novel follows the three children as they struggle to keep their family together and their world intact, embarking on perilous journeys through the swamp and into the underworld.
The 5108th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
The Story of an African American Woman Whose Cells Changed the Course of Medicine
The book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor African American tobacco farmer whose cells, taken without her knowledge in 1951, became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more. Henrietta's cells have been bought and sold by the billions, yet she remains virtually unknown, and her family can't afford health insurance. The book explores the collision between ethics, race, and medicine; of scientific discovery and faith healing; and of a daughter consumed with questions about the mother she never knew.
The 1816th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This novel unfolds the glamorous yet tumultuous life of aging Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo, as she decides to finally reveal the truth about her scandalous life and her marriages to seven men. Through an exclusive interview with an unknown magazine reporter, Evelyn's story traverses decades of her career, uncovering the ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love that defined her. The narrative delves deep into themes of identity, love, and the price of fame, as Evelyn's complex character—her triumphs and her failures—is laid bare against the backdrop of the golden age of Hollywood.
The 6806th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware
The novel follows travel journalist Lo Blacklock, who embarks on a luxury cruise aboard a small, exclusive ship. Her trip takes a dark turn when she believes she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard from the adjacent cabin, number 10. Despite her frantic attempts to alert the crew and passengers, she is met with skepticism, as all passengers are accounted for and no one seems to be missing. As Lo struggles to uncover the truth, she grapples with her own credibility and sanity, leading to a tense and suspenseful unraveling of secrets and deception on the high seas.
The 14901st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
A Biography of Cancer
This book is a comprehensive history of cancer, its treatments, and the ongoing search for a cure. It presents an in-depth exploration of the disease from its first documented appearances thousands of years ago through the epic battles in the twentieth century to cure, control, and conquer it, to a radical new understanding of its essence. The book also discusses the politics of cancer research, the impact of patient activism, and the complex and often fraught relationships between researchers, oncologists, and patients.
The 1969th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Warmth Of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson
The Epic Story of America's Great Migration
"The Warmth of Other Suns" is a powerful and deeply moving narrative that chronicles the Great Migration, a significant event in American history that saw millions of African Americans leave the South in search of better opportunities and freedom from racial oppression. Through the compelling stories of three individuals, the book explores the challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices made by these courageous migrants as they embarked on a journey to find a new life in the North and West, ultimately reshaping the social and cultural landscape of America.
The 908th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Being Mortal by Atul Gawande
Medicine and What Matters in the End
This book delves into the complex interplay between medicine, aging, and the inevitable reality of death, challenging the conventional medical approach that focuses on survival at the expense of quality of life. Through a blend of personal narratives, including stories from the author's own family, and research, it examines how modern medicine often fails to address the comprehensive needs of the elderly and terminally ill. Advocating for a more empathetic and holistic approach, it emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting individuals' end-of-life wishes, advocating for a healthcare model that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of patients in their final days.
The 2318th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Hold Still by Sally Mann
A Memoir with Photographs
In "Hold Still: A Memoir With Photographs," the author delves into the rich tapestry of her life, intertwining personal narrative with evocative photography to explore themes of family, mortality, and the storied landscape of the American South. Through a collection of intimate snapshots, candid anecdotes, and unearthed family history, the memoir offers a profound reflection on the power of memory and artistry. It reveals the complexities of the author's relationships and her experiences as an artist, while confronting the controversies that have often surrounded her work. The book stands as a poignant testament to the enduring impact of heritage and the transformative nature of photography.
The 6528th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
White Trash by Nancy Isenberg
The 400-Year Untold History of Class in America
The book explores the history and complex socio-economic and political implications of the derogatory term "white trash" in America. It traces the origins and evolution of the concept from the early days of British colonization to the present, revealing how class prejudices have shaped American society and politics. The narrative challenges the conventional views of American history and highlights the role of class and social stratification in perpetuating inequality and stereotypes about poor white communities. Through meticulous research, the book provides a provocative reexamination of America's class system and its impact on national identity.
The 14901st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
The novel is set in a graveyard over the course of a single night and is narrated by a dazzling chorus of voices. The story is centered around the death of President Lincoln's 11-year-old son Willie, who resides in the Bardo, a transitional state between life and rebirth in Tibetan tradition. As Willie interacts with the other spirits stuck in this realm, his father visits the crypt to mourn, causing a struggle among the ghosts over the boy's soul. The narrative explores themes of grief, the impermanence of life, and the unresolved issues that keep us from moving on.
The 1019th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
Stories from a South African Childhood
"Born A Crime" is a captivating memoir that chronicles the life of Trevor Noah, a South African comedian and television host. Set during the apartheid era, the book explores Noah's experiences as a mixed-race child growing up in a society where interracial relationships were illegal. With humor and insight, Noah recounts his struggles with identity, poverty, and racism, while also highlighting the resilience and strength of his mother who played a pivotal role in his life. This thought-provoking memoir offers a compelling and personal perspective on race, family, and the power of laughter in the face of adversity.
The 6518th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Just Kids by Patti Smith
"Just Kids" is a poignant memoir that explores the journey of two friends in New York City during the late 1960s and 70s. The book delves into their dreams, struggles, and successes as they navigate their way through the city's vibrant art and music scene. It's a tale of love, friendship, and the pursuit of artistic inspiration, providing a raw and intimate look into their lives as they strive to make a name for themselves in the world of art and music.
The 2109th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
PEOPLE Magazine, 15 Books
In celebration of our 50th year, we're looking back at some of our favorite reads over the decades.
The 2010s presented a vast selection of award-winning, beloved books throughout the decade. From novels that helped to change the way we think to groundbreaking nonfiction books to help us better understand ourselves and the world around us, there was no shortage of incredible literature during this time, many of which could be considered new modern classics.
PEOPLE staffers have come together to select some of our favorite books of the decade, in celebration of the magazine’s 50th anniversary. Read on to see some of our picks.
This list was originally published in 2024 and was added to this site over 1 year ago.
This list has a weight of 1%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.
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- Voters: unknown count
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- Voters: Unknown Names
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- Voter Count Unknown:
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- Location Specific:
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