The 24 Best Books of the Decade
This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
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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 -
The Round House by Louise Erdrich
A teenage boy navigates the complexities of life after his mother is brutally attacked on their reservation in North Dakota. As the legal system fails to bring justice due to jurisdictional issues, the boy takes matters into his own hands. The novel explores themes of tribal law, justice, and the transition into adulthood, all set against the backdrop of Native American culture and history.
The 2064th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Building Stories by Chris Ware
"Building Stories" is a unique graphic novel that explores the lives of the residents of a three-story Chicago apartment building, including a lonely single woman, a couple embroiled in a failing marriage, and the building's elderly landlady. The narrative is presented in a box containing 14 different printed works including books, newspapers, and pamphlets, each offering a different perspective on the characters' lives, struggles, and dreams. The innovative format allows readers to choose their own path through the interwoven stories, resulting in a deeply immersive and interactive reading experience.
The 4657th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar
This book is a collection of poignant and powerful advice columns compiled from the author's time as an online advice columnist. With empathy and honesty, the author responds to letters from people seeking guidance through their various life challenges, ranging from love and relationships to self-discovery and healing from personal trauma. The responses are woven with personal anecdotes from the author's own life, offering raw and heartfelt wisdom that resonates with readers facing their own struggles, ultimately serving as a testament to the human experience and the transformative power of compassion.
The 5248th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
My Struggle by Karl Ove Knausgård
A Death in the Family
The book in question is an autobiographical novel that delves deeply into the minutiae of the author's life, exploring his personal relationships, emotions, and the everyday experiences that shape his identity. It is a candid and introspective narrative that spans across various stages of his life, from childhood to adulthood, and examines themes such as family, death, love, and ambition. The author's unflinching honesty and detailed prose invite readers to reflect on the complexities of their own lives, as he scrutinizes the ordinary moments that, collectively, define who we are.
The 896th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante
My Brilliant Friend, The Story of a New Name, Those Who Leave and Those Who Stay, The Story of the Lost Child
"The Neapolitan Novels" is a four-part series that explores the intricate and lifelong friendship between two women from Naples, Italy. The series spans several decades, beginning in the 1950s, and provides a detailed examination of the women's lives, struggles, and the societal pressures they face. The narrative delves into themes of identity, friendship, love, violence, and socio-political changes in post-war Italy. The series is known for its rich character development and vivid portrayal of female friendship.
The 2615th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon
Parents, Children and the Search for Identity
This book explores the experiences of families accommodating children with physical, mental and social disabilities and differences. The author examines various conditions such as deafness, dwarfism, Down syndrome, autism, schizophrenia, disability, prodigiousness, transgender, and criminality. The book delves into the challenges, struggles, but also the triumphs, of these families and how they find profound meaning in their differences. It's a comprehensive study of identity, love, and acceptance.
The 2171st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala
A Memoir of Life After the Tsunami
"Wave" is a memoir by Sonali Deraniyagala, recounting her experience of losing her entire family in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Deraniyagala, a Sri Lankan-born economist, was on vacation with her husband, two young sons, and parents when the wave hit. She was the only survivor. The book is a raw and emotional account of her grief and struggle to come to terms with the loss of her loved ones, as well as her own identity and sense of purpose. Through her writing, Deraniyagala confronts the complexities of survivor's guilt, trauma, and the enduring power of love.
The 5615th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
The book follows the life of a young boy who survives a terrorist bombing at an art museum, which kills his mother. In the confusion following the explosion, he steals a priceless Dutch painting, The Goldfinch, which becomes his secret treasure and eventually draws him into the criminal underworld. The narrative explores themes of loss, survival, and the power of art to shape human destiny.
The 740th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
In the novel, a team of four women—an anthropologist, a surveyor, a psychologist, and a biologist—embark on an expedition into Area X, a mysterious and remote region cut off from civilization. The area is known for its strange occurrences and the disappearance of previous expedition members. As the team delves deeper into the wild and enigmatic landscape, they encounter bizarre creatures, cryptic signs, and the remnants of a lost civilization. The biologist, serving as the narrator, documents their discoveries and her own personal transformations, driven by the unseen forces of Area X. The novel explores themes of nature, mutation, and the unknown, as the expedition's members confront the limits of knowledge and the consequences of seeking to uncover the inexplicable.
The 4528th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Citizen by Claudia Rankine
An American Lyric
"Citizen: An American Lyric" is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of racial prejudice in contemporary America. The book, written in a blend of poetry, prose, and visual images, delves into the everyday experiences and microaggressions that people of color face. It also addresses larger events from the news that have impacted the Black community. The book is a powerful commentary on race, identity, and belonging, challenging readers to confront their own biases and perceptions.
The 1860th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel
"Station Eleven" is a post-apocalyptic novel that revolves around the lives of several characters before and after a devastating flu pandemic wipes out most of the world's population. The narrative jumps back and forth in time, exploring the interconnectedness of the characters' lives through their shared memories and experiences. The story also follows a traveling Shakespearean theatre company as they navigate the dangers of a collapsed civilization, emphasizing the importance of art and human connection in times of crisis.
The 1380th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Dept. of Speculation by Jenny Offill
"Dept. of Speculation" follows the story of a woman navigating her life as a writer, a wife, and a mother. The novel explores her journey through marriage, motherhood, and the struggles of maintaining her own identity amidst these roles. It also delves into the hardships of dealing with infidelity and the complexities of love and relationships. The narrative is presented in fragmented pieces, reflecting the protagonist's scattered thoughts and emotions.
The 3158th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Tenth of December by George Saunders
"Tenth of December" is a collection of short stories that explore themes of class, love, loss, and the struggle of human existence in contemporary America. The stories range from a young boy's confrontation with a pedophile, to a middle-class woman's encounter with a drug-addicted veteran, to a futuristic tale about neuropharmacology. The collection is known for its dark humor, social criticism, and exploration of the human condition.
The 1896th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Argonauts by Maggie Nelson
"The Argonauts" is a genre-bending memoir that chronicles the author's romantic relationship with her fluidly gendered partner, their journey to become parents, and their experiences with queer family-making. The narrative intertwines personal anecdotes with critical theories on gender, sexuality, and identity, challenging traditional notions of family, motherhood, and love. It offers a powerful exploration of desire, limitations, and the possibilities of language, pushing the boundaries of what memoirs can do and be.
The 1701st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
The novel is a deeply moving portrayal of four friends in New York City, spanning over several decades. It primarily focuses on Jude, a man with a mysterious and traumatic past, who struggles with physical disability and emotional trauma. The story explores themes of friendship, love, trauma, suffering, and the human will to endure in spite of life's hardships. It is an epic tale of heartbreak and despair but also of resilience and enduring love.
The 1789th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Outline by Rachel Cusk
"Outline" is a novel that follows the story of a woman who travels to Athens to teach a writing seminar and engages in a series of conversations with various people she encounters. These include fellow authors, students, and locals, each of whom share intimate details of their lives, allowing the protagonist to reflect on her own experiences and emotions. The book explores themes of identity, storytelling, and the complexities of human relationships.
The 1099th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
One Of Us by Asne Seierstad
The Story of Anders Breivik and the Massacre in Norway
One of Us by Asne Seierstad is a detailed account of the 2011 terrorist attack in Oslo, Norway, carried out by Anders Breivik. The book explores Breivik's background, motives, and planning leading up to the attack, as well as the aftermath and impact on the survivors and families of the victims. Seierstad's thorough research and interviews with those affected provide a comprehensive and emotional portrayal of the tragedy, shedding light on the complexities of extremism and the devastating consequences of hate.
The 5729th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
The novel follows a failing writer about to turn 50, who receives an invitation to his ex-boyfriend's wedding. In order to avoid the event, he decides to accept every literary invitation he's been given and embarks on an around-the-world journey. As he travels from Paris to India, Berlin to Japan, he finds himself facing the big questions about love, aging, and how to live a life that matters.
The 8973rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
In this evocative and haunting narrative, the protagonist grapples with a fractured identity, navigating life with multiple selves that reside within them. Set against the backdrop of Nigeria and the United States, the story delves into themes of spirituality, mental health, and the complexities of self-discovery. As the protagonist's internal world collides with external realities, they embark on a journey of understanding and acceptance, exploring the boundaries between the physical and metaphysical realms. The narrative is a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the intricate dance between the known and the unknown.
The 6569th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Severance by Ling Ma
This novel is a satirical take on the post-apocalyptic genre, blending elements of horror, humor, and social commentary. It tells the story of Candace Chen, a millennial office drone in New York City, who finds herself one of the few survivors of a global pandemic known as Shen Fever. The disease turns its victims into repetitive, predictable creatures stuck in loops of their former routines. As society crumbles around her, Candace joins a group of survivors led by the enigmatic Bob, embarking on a journey to find a new sanctuary. Through Candace's eyes, the narrative explores themes of nostalgia, capitalism, and the search for meaning in a pre- and post-apocalyptic world, all while questioning what it truly means to be alive in a world that's slowly fading away.
The 2732nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
The novel follows the life of a young, beautiful, and wealthy woman living in New York City who decides to enter a year of drug-induced sleep to escape her disillusionment with life and the world around her. Encouraged by her eccentric, unethical psychiatrist, she spends most of her time sleeping, waking only to eat, watch movies, and occasionally socialize with her best friend. The book explores themes of depression, alienation, and the search for meaning in a modern, materialistic society.
The 2213th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney
The novel explores the intricate dynamics of relationships through the lives of two college students, Frances and Bobbi, who become entwined with an older married couple, Melissa and Nick. As Frances navigates her complex feelings for Nick, she grapples with issues of identity, friendship, and the nuances of intimacy. The story delves into themes of love, power, and vulnerability, capturing the emotional turbulence and self-discovery that accompany the transition into adulthood. Through sharp dialogue and introspective narrative, the book examines how personal connections shape and redefine the characters' understanding of themselves and each other.
The 5021st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
She Said by Jodi Kantor
Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement
"She Said" is a compelling non-fiction book that delves into the investigative journalism efforts that exposed the pervasive sexual harassment and assault allegations against a prominent Hollywood mogul. The book details the rigorous investigation by two reporters who, through interviews and gathering of evidence, brought to light the stories of numerous women who had been silenced by legal and professional threats. Their reporting not only ignited a significant public outcry but also spurred the global #MeToo movement, challenging the culture of silence around sexual misconduct in various industries.
The 8410th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
BuzzFeed, 24 Books
This list, titled 'The 24 Best Books Of The Decade,' is a curated selection of notable books from the 2010s, aimed at highlighting the most memorable works published during that decade. The criteria for selection focus on the books' lasting impact and cultural significance as determined by a team of BuzzFeed News reporters and contributors, including Tomi Obaro, Saeed Jones, Molly Hensley-Clancy, and others. The list was created by these BuzzFeed staff members and contributors, with no indication of public voting or external contributions. The selection process appears to be based on the subjective evaluations and personal reflections of the contributors, who each shared insights into why these books were personally significant or impactful. The list aims to provide a comprehensive look at the decade's literature as seen through the lens of individual experiences and professional critiques.
This list was originally published in 2019 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.
Here is a list of what is decreasing the importance of this list:
- Voters: unknown count
- List: only covers 10 years
- List: only covers mostly "Western Canon" books
- Voters: are mostly from a single country/location
- Voters: Unknown Names
If you think this is incorrect please contact us.
- Voter Count Unknown:
- Yes
- Voter Names Unknown:
- Yes
- High Quality Source:
- No
- Location Specific:
- No
- Category Specific:
- No