Best Fiction Books of the 21st Century (So Far)

Kirkus Reviews (2025), 100 Books

This list is a curated gallery of featured book reviews from the Kirkus Reviews site, assembled to showcase notable titles across a wide range of genres and publication year.Selection criteria visible in the markup point to editorial curation from Kirkus’s review archive—genre categorization, publication metadata, and a starred designation appear to guide inclusion—rather than reader polling, and the layout and consistent card structure imply an internal, systematic process for highlighting standout reviews (including translated or edited editions when applicable). Overall, the list reads as an editors’ compilation intended to surface critically recognized reviews across fiction, mystery, romance, science fiction & fantasy, graphic novels, and more.

Who Voted: Kirkus Reviews, the number of voters and names are unknown

Best 25 Irish books of the 21st century: how readers voted

The Irish Times (2025), 25 Books

This list represents the result of a dual-selection process to identify the best Irish books of the 21st century, as determined by both a panel and public readers. Initially, The Irish Times convened a panel of 60 experts from various literary fields, including authors, critics, and academics, to create a ranked list of 100 Irish novels and short story collections from 2000 to 2025, based on the number of nominations each received. Subsequently, nearly 2,000 public votes were collected, allowing readers to express their preferences from the top 25 selections of the expert list. This democratic approach highlighted differences in opinion between the expert panel and the broader public, illustrating diverse tastes and perspectives on contemporary Irish literature.

Five Books to Read on a Desert Island

Tampa Bay Times (1983), 63 Books

We asked several notable people to tell us which are their five favorite books -- the books they'd choose if they were, say, stranded on a desert island.

Most of the people asked were authors themselves, but responders also included government officials, librarians, a theater manager, a reverend, and a spelling bee champion.

It seems like they asked 14 people

Atlantic Canada's 100 Greatest Books

Book (2009), 100 Books

A book by Trevor J. Adams and Stephen Patrick Clare that ranks and reviews the top 100 books written by Atlantic Canadian writers, published in the region, or focusing on the region. The 100 selected books were chosen from a list of over 2,000 titles voted on by more than 700 authors, editors, and critics

Must-read classics in translation

Penguin Books (2024), 9 Books

Must-read classics in translation from John Self at Penguin Books

IWU Select 100 Must-Read Books

IWU (Faculty, Staff, and Students) (1991), 99 Books

The IWU Select 100 Must-Read Books list was unveiled on September 17 1991 at Illinois Wesleyan University (Bloomington, Illinois). The project was run by the campus Bookstore Advisory Committee, whose chair—then–vice-president for Business & Finance Ken Browning—was charged with “initiating the search for the 100 top books.”

Rather than imposing a canonical ranking, the committee invited open nominations from faculty, staff and students, sifted those suggestions, and published the final 100 alphabetically under the label “Broad-Based Reading List.”

Because every title cleared the same nomination threshold, the brochure is unranked; each entry is presented on equal footing. Exact participation figures were never recorded, but an IWU advisory committee in the early 1990s typically had about a dozen voting members, and the press material speaks of a campus-wide call that brought in dozens of nominations—so roughly 40–60 people likely had a direct hand in shaping the selection. The stated aim was breadth and enduring relevance: classics and modern works across literature, history, philosophy, science and social commentary that “any curious reader on campus could tackle.”

The American Library Association's Recommended Reading

The American Library Association (1998), 18 Books

This partial list of fictional books recommended by the American Library Association (ALA) can strengthen your knowledge of past and present literature, round out your reading, and provide a source for independent learning.

The ALA is the oldest and largest library association in the world. More can be learned about their organization here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Library_Association

The Modern Library's 100 Best Novels: The Readers' List

The Modern Library (1998), 100 Books

The goal of the "100 Best" project was to get people talking about great books. We succeeded beyond our wildest imaginings — more than 400,000 avid readers rushed online to cast votes for their favorite books.

The readers' poll for the best novels published in the English language since 1900 opened on July 20, 1998 and closed on October 20, 1998, with 217,520 votes cast.

500 Must Read Books

The Daily Telegraph (2013), 497 Books

500 'must-read' books of all time as selected by The Telegraph's team of literary experts.

Top Books Recommended on Cambridge Reading Lists

Oxbridge (2025), 23 Books

Are you a curious student eager to discover the literary gems that can enrich your academic journey? Look no further. We’ve curated a list of must-read books from the renowned Cambridge University English Literature Reading List, ensuring you have a head start in expanding your intellectual horizons.

From thought-provoking classics to contemporary masterpieces, we’ve handpicked titles from the University of Cambridge English Literature reading list that captivate your imagination and fuel your passion for learning.

Whether you’re an aspiring literature scholar or simply seeking stimulating reads, our blog is your gateway to unlocking the literary treasures that await you on your Cambridge journey.

Let’s dive into the world of remarkable books together!

It's unclear exactly who curated this list, and apart from some notable classics, many of the selections appear quite modern.

An Expert's 200-Book List

The Detroit Free Press (1973), 196 Books

Digby Diehl, chief book editor of the Los Angeles Times, chose 200 of his favorite books for prospective readers. The New York Times described Diehl as a prolific literary critic and writer (source: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/01/obituaries/digby-diehl-collaborator-on-memoirs-of-the-famous-dies-at-76.html).

**"The Last Whole Earth Catalog" was not included here because it is a magazine.**

50 Books That Defined Their Era

Guardian (2011), 50 Books

Which of these books do you think best defines its era? The panel comprised Nic Bottomley, independent bookseller and Guardian blogger; Hazel Broadfoot, independent bookseller; Sarah Crown, editor of Guardian Unlimited Books; Alastair Giles, book publishing marketing consultant; Jo Henry, executive director of the Book Marketing Society; John Mullan, professor of English at University College London and Guardian contributor; Joel Rickett, deputy editor of the Bookseller and Guardian contributor; Gary Whitlie, managing director, Miller Brands (UK).

The complete list: 50 books that defined their era!

John Grisham lists his top 7 favourite books

Express (2025), 7 Books

John Grisham lists his top 7 favourite books

Stephen King names his 10 favourite books of all time

Express (2017), 10 Books

This list is a personal selection by Stephen King, showcasing his top ten favorite books of all time. The criteria for selection are based on King's literary influences and personal inspirations, highlighting a mix of classic and lesser-known works. The list was curated by Stephen King himself, providing insight into the books that have shaped his writing career. The list was initially shared during Goodreads' 10th anniversary in 2017. Although King acknowledges the subjective nature of such a list, he emphasizes the impact these books have had on his own work, without any major voting or public contribution involved in the selection process.

The 100 Best Novels in Translation by Boyd Tonkin

Book (2019), 102 Books

The 100 Best Novels in Translation by Boyd Tonkin is a curated guide to world literature, presenting a personal selection of 100 outstanding novels originally written in languages other than English and published between 1600 and 2000. Drawing on his deep experience as a literary critic and former judge of major international fiction prizes, Tonkin aims not to establish a rigid canon but to inspire curiosity, debate, and discovery. Each entry offers a thoughtful summary and analysis, along with praise for the translators who bring these works to English-speaking audiences. While the book has faced some criticism for its Eurocentric focus and gender imbalance, it remains a passionate, well-informed celebration of global fiction and the art of translation.

The 100 best Irish books of the 21st century

The Irish Times (2025), 100 Books

This list presents the 100 best Irish novels and short story collections of the 21st century, curated by The Irish Times. The selection was made by a panel of 60 experts, including authors, critics, academics, festival curators, and booksellers. Each panelist submitted an unranked list of 50 favorite works, chosen for their personal significance or cultural impact. The data analyst Cathal Stack then compiled these into a ranked list based on the number of nominations. Finally, the panel refined the rankings to reflect personal preferences, ensuring the list represents titles that inspired the deepest admiration.

Sylvia Plath's Recommended Books

Sylvia Plath (2019), 14 Books

Sylvia Plath, one of the greatest poets and writers of the 20th century, worried that she wasn’t reading fast enough. “I must go on reading and enjoying slowly, and not want to devour the University Library at one desperate gulp,” she wrote to her mother from Smith College in 1952. “Even if I read every hour from now till the end of the year I still would never be close to finishing the ever-expanding list of book ‘I must read!’” She told her mother the same thing four years later: “The pressure is constant, and I am surrounded with a pleasant torture: piles and piles of books, all of which I want so much to read; the pain is that no matter how solidly I work, I never will read enough, and I am always fighting to keep up.”

Here are some of the books that Plath loved, as highlighted in her letters.

Baltic literature: the best contemporary fiction you need to read

New East Digital Archive (2017), 8 Books

A list of the eight best contemporary Baltic books available in English, by Will Mawhood.

Caucasian literature: the best contemporary fiction to add to your reading list

New East Digital Archive (2017), 10 Books

A list of the ten best contemporary Caucasian books available in English, by Hannah Weber.

Balkan literature: the best contemporary fiction to add to your reading list

New East Digital Archive (2017), 10 Books

A list of the ten best contemporary Balkan literature, by Hannah Weber.

25 Books to Read Before You Die: World Edition

Powell's Books (2016), 25 Books

This list, titled "25 Books to Read Before You Die: World Edition," is curated by Powell's Staff and aims to highlight literature that broadens readers' perspectives by exposing them to diverse cultures and ways of life. The selection criteria focus on books that encourage readers to step out of their comfort zones and explore different worldviews, emphasizing works that have a significant impact on a global scale. The list is part of Powell's Books annual series designed to inspire reading outside one's typical choices, aimed at enriching one's literary experience. The methodology for selection involves Powell's Staff's insights and expertise, and the list is presented on Powell's Books blog, which engages its audience through various social media platforms, evidenced by its significant engagement metrics, such as 14.1K Facebook shares.

25 Books to Read Before You Die

Powell's Books (2023), 25 Books

This list, titled '25 Books to Read Before You Die,' was created by Powell's Books staff in response to a customer request for a list of essential reads. The selection criteria focused on books that have the potential to change the way readers think and feel, reflecting a diverse range of interests and perspectives. The list was curated through a collaborative process involving Powell's colleagues, with over 1,400 nominations received before a final vote determined the 25 titles included. The methodology emphasized a broad representation of influential texts without restricting choices to any specific genre or canon, highlighting a mix of classic and contemporary works. The list last received an update in May 2023, aiming to offer readers transformative literary experiences.

The best Japanese fiction in translation

Penguin Books (2024), 10 Books

This list highlights the best Japanese fiction translated into English, curated by John Self for Penguin UK. It aims to introduce readers to the rich diversity of Japanese literature, which is the most popular form of translated literature in the UK. The selection includes a range of genres and themes, from kawaii and quiet narratives to sinister and surprising ones, reflecting the multiple traditions within Japanese fiction. Although specific criteria for book selection are not detailed, the list emphasizes works that exemplify popular and critically acclaimed Japanese narratives, offering a starting point for those new to the genre.

50 Most Influential Books by Women

The Guardian (2013), 53 Books

This list, curated by Robert McCrum and originally published on The Guardian's platform, aims to present an alternative perspective to a previously male-dominated selection by highlighting the 50 most influential books by women. The list was compiled in response to criticisms of McCrum's earlier work and focuses on the impact of each writer or their work on literary history, noting a shift in the representation of women in literature post-1900 due to societal changes. McCrum constructed the list independently, without consulting any pre-existing catalogues, to address the underrepresentation of women in historical literary discussions.

30 top books about Africa (MalWarwickOnBooks)

MalWarwickOnBooks (2022), 32 Books

Mal Warwick, an author, co-author, or editor of some 20 books, and also a member of the National Book Critics Circle and the Northern California Book Reviewers. He's reviewed over 2,200 books on his blog.
"... 30 top books about Africa in two lists: the top nonfiction books, and the top novels. I’ve recently read and reviewed nearly all these books... Each of the two lists is arranged in alphabetical order by the authors’ last names. I’ve awarded each title I’ve reviewed a rating of ★★★★☆ or ★★★★★ in each of the two lists."
Note the list is actually 32 books.

Edmonton's Top 100

Edmonton Journal (1998), 100 Books

From the article:
It is often said that to know a person, you simply need to look at his or her bookshelf. With that in mind, it is difficult to discern what exactly this survey of 100 English-language novels of the 20th century says about Edmonton readers. That we have a certain aversion toward totalitarianism and the rule of Big Brother? That we appreciate fairness and abhor prejudice, especially when it is revealed through the eyes of a child? That we have all been emigrants in our trip west, or that politics and poverty have formed much of our character? Or simply that we appreciate good stories well told?

100 best Brazilian books according to Bravo!

Bravo! Magazine (2024), 100 Books

This list presents a ranking of the 100 best Brazilian books as curated by Bravo!, with contributions from Almir de Freitas, highlighting works published up to 2009. The selection criteria include the cultural significance of the books in shaping national literature, their recognition by critical currents, and their alignment with Bravo!'s mission to promote Brazilian culture. The methodology acknowledges subjectivity but strives to avoid arbitrariness by including a diverse range of genres and critically acclaimed works. This updated edition, released in 2009 and revised for orthographic consistency, aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to Brazilian literary achievements.

10 Filipino Novels You Should Read

Manila Bulletin (2018), 10 Books

10 Filipino Novels You Should Read
BY Madelaine B. Miraflor

List of the 100 best Italian books of the last 200 years

IL RIFUGIO DELL'IRCOCERVO (2017), 100 Books

This list is a curated selection of the 100 best Italian books from the past 200 years, created by Il rifugio dell'ircocervo. The purpose of the list is to provide reading recommendations and encourage a deeper exploration of Italian literature beyond the well-known authors, highlighting significant yet lesser-known works. The selection criteria include critical acclaim, the cultural and social impact of the work, literary innovation, average reader opinions, and the author's prestige. The list exclusively features narrative prose, excluding poetry, plays, and essays, and is organized chronologically to reflect the historical context and sequence of the works' publication.

The 10 Best Nonfiction Books of the 2010s

Time (2020), 10 Books

This list features TIME's selection of the ten best nonfiction books of the 2010s, curated by the TIME Staff. The list highlights works that capture universal human experiences through the intimate stories of individuals, reflecting on themes such as grief, recovery, and societal challenges. The selection criteria focus on narrative quality, the ability to provide deep insights, and the impact of uncovering truths that resonate broadly. The books are presented in order of their publication year, showcasing a decade's achievements in nonfiction writing. The methodology emphasizes narrative impact and thematic depth, as selected by TIME's editorial team.

The 24 Best Books of the Decade

BuzzFeed (2019), 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.

17 Books That You’ll Cancel Plans to Finish

Oprah (2025), 17 Books

This list, titled '17 Books That You’ll Cancel Plans to Finish,' is curated by editors at Oprah Daily and aims to highlight books that are so compelling they will capture readers' full attention, potentially disrupting their daily routines. The selection criteria focus on narratives with gripping characters and plots that resonate long after reading. The list is curated by a team including Charley Burlock, Trish Bendix, Michelle Hart, Marion Winik, and Bethanne Patrick, indicating a professional editorial approach rather than a public vote. The curated list is intended to showcase books that offer more than just an escape, but stories that become an integral part of the reader's life. Each book is selected based on its ability to deeply engage and linger in the reader's mind, ensuring they are hard to put down.

The 21 Books From the 21st Century Every Man Should Read

GQ (2015), 31 Books

This list identifies 'The 21 Books from the 21st Century Every Man Should Read' and is curated by GQ, specifically by contributor Daniel Riley. The selection focuses on GQ's most favored works of fiction from the new millennium, emphasizing books they frequently recommend to male readers. The criteria include both personal favorites from the 2000s and works that have been influential or noteworthy over the past thirteen years. The list was developed by carefully narrowing down selections over months and is complemented by recommendations from the featured authors themselves, who suggest overlooked works from the same period. The list is numbered but not ranked, reflecting a qualitative approach rather than a quantitative one.

Children's Literature Association's Eleven Best American Children's Books Of The Past 200 Years

Children's Literature Association (1976), 11 Books

These selections are the result of a 1975-1976 survey of members of the Children's Literature Association, an international group of librarians, teachers, authors and publishers. The list includes the suggested readers' age range for each book.

Magnesia Litera: The Books of the Century

Magnesia Litera (2018), 81 Books

This list, titled 'Magnesia Litera: Book of the Century,' was created to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the Czechoslovak Republic's founding in 2018. It aimed to establish a canon of modern Czech literature by identifying the most significant Czech books from each year since 1918. The selection process involved experts initially nominating five books per year, from which readers selected the 'book of the year' via the Magnesia Litera website, excluding years post-2001 when the Magnesia Litera survey was already in place. From this pool of 99 books spanning 1918 to 2017, both an expert jury and the public chose three books representing the century's best. Notably, the list included translated works and plays in the initial selection phase, though plays were excluded post-2000 in the Magnesia Litera competition, prompting some media criticism of the methodology.

Anasoft Litera Laureates

Anasoft Litera (Yearly Award), 19 Books

Anasoft Litera is a Slovak literary prize, awarded annually for the best Slovak prosaic literary work.

Haycraft-Queen Cornerstones

Murder For Pleasure (Book) (1955), 180 Books

A list of "cornerstone" detective novels first published by editor and publisher Howard Haycraft in 1941 book "Murder For Pleasure", and later updated by Ellery Queen in the '50s.

The Australian Collection: Australia's Greatest Books

Book (1985), 97 Books

A 1ist of classic Australian books selected by writer and editor Geoffrey Dutton.

America’s 100 Favorite Books

WordsRated (2024), 99 Books

WordsRated received over 76,000 survey replies on our website where users let us know what their favourite book is (see https://katiecouric.com/entertainment/book-guide/americas-favorite-books/ for more information regarding the survey).

We have collated the replies to show the nation’s favourite books and the top books from each state.

25 Essential High School Reads From the Last Decade

Edutopia (2022), 25 Books

This list, curated by Edutopia and authored by Paige Tutt, presents '25 Essential High School Reads From the Last Decade,' aiming to highlight recent literature that high school students might find engaging and relevant. The selection was based on a community-driven process where members were asked to nominate novels published within the last ten years that they wished they had read during their high school years. The list contrasts with a previous list from 2016, which was heavily dominated by classic literature. In this updated version, hundreds of nominations were received, emphasizing a diverse array of themes, genres, and author identities, including works featuring protagonists of various ethnicities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. This reflects an educational shift towards a more inclusive and representative curriculum, aligning with movements like #DisruptTexts.

The Best Books of the 21st Century

Aladin.co.kr (2024), 48 Books

Aladin asked 106 litterateurs, including writers, translators, editors, publishers, researchers, activists, and journalists, to select the 25 'Best Books of the 21st Century' from 1,118,869 books (excluding reference books and magazines) first published in Korean from 2000 to 2024.

The 50 best New Zealand books of the past 50 years

Spinoff (2018), 50 Books

To mark the Ockham New Zealand national book awards 50th Anniversary; the Spinoff asked 50 experts – authors, publishers, academics, booksellers – to name the very best New Zealand books published from 1968 - 2018.

Top 100 Books of the 21st-Century

This House of Books (2024), 100 Books

This list aims to address perceived shortcomings in the New York Times' selection of the best 100 books published so far this century by offering an alternative list curated by the staff and board members of This House of Books. The selection criteria emphasize diversity, inclusivity, and enjoyment, contrasting with what they view as the NYT's focus on literary fiction and recurrent authors. The methodology involves polling the staff and board, and the list prioritizes books available through their distributor, reflecting the biases of the English-language publishing world. Notably, the selection process is transparent about personal connections and limitations, ensuring no titles from member-owners are included to avoid nepotism.

4chan’s Literature Board’s Aggregate Top 100 Books for the Decade 2014 - 2024

Reddit (2024), 99 Books

For 10 years now, 4chan has ranked the 100 best books ever. A Reddit user combined them all to create the Final 4chan List of Greatest Books: An Aggregate of Every List Published From 2014 to 2024.

Voter count:
It's hard to figure out how many people actually voted in the poll, but since this is an aggregation of an aggregation of a decade of these polls I am going to assume at least 500 people

The 50 Best Fantasy Books of All Time

Esquire Magazine (2022), 50 Books

This curated list of the 50 greatest fantasy books of all time showcases the most innovative and influential works in the genre. Spanning classic epics to modern masterpieces, these books transport readers to richly imagined worlds filled with magic, mythical creatures, and unforgettable characters. Each selection has shaped the fantasy landscape, offering groundbreaking storytelling, immersive world-building, and timeless themes of heroism, adventure, and transformation. Whether you're a lifelong fantasy fan or new to the genre, this collection highlights essential reads that continue to inspire and captivate readers around the world.

The 10 best books from the past 25 years

Sydney Morning Herald (2024), 10 Books

from the website:

The list of our 10 most-loved books published since 2000 spans the literary, experimental and translated as well as true crime, science fiction and memoir genres. Some will make you cry, others will make you laugh – the best will have you doing both. Choosing only 10 books from 25 years means there are notable absences, but the list offers a sketch of the books that have shaped us and our world since the start of the millennium. Our writers, critics and editors were asked to consider their personal favourites – the books that will always have a place on their shelves – as well as quality, influence and legacy.

100 Books to Love

Sunday Times (2013), 100 Books

This list is from a Sunday Times article from 2013. There's not many voter details

PEOPLE Picks the Best Books of the 2010s

PEOPLE Magazine (2024), 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.

PEOPLE Picks the Best Books of the 2000s

PEOPLE Magazine (2024), 15 Books

from the website:

In celebration of our 50th year, we're looking back at some of our favorite reads over the decades.

The early 2000s was a time of change. A new century brought new ideas, and that was no different within the book world as well.

In celebration of PEOPLE’s 50th anniversary, PEOPLE staffers are looking back on some of their favorite books of the decade. From novels, memoirs and nonfiction accounts, read on to see some of the PEOPLE staff’s favorite books from the 2000s.

PEOPLE Picks the Best Books From the 1990s

PEOPLE Magazine (2024), 15 Books

from the website:

In celebration of our 50th year, we're looking back at some of our favorite reads over the decades.

No matter how old you are, we've all got those books that have made a lasting impression on us. Whether it's the book your mom read to you at night when you were a kid, one a beloved English teacher introduced you to or one that opened your mind and heart at an important point, some books really stand the test of time.

In celebration of 50 years of PEOPLE, we polled our staff about the books from decades past that made a difference in their lives or the culture at large. Here are our picks from the 1990s.