The Greatest Books Since 2000

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 926. Hounded by Kevin Hearne

    The Iron Druid Chronicles, Book One

    In a modern-day Arizona setting, a centuries-old Druid named Atticus O'Sullivan finds himself embroiled in a battle against ancient gods and mythical creatures. As the last of his kind, Atticus wields a powerful magical sword, Fragarach, and is determined to protect it from those who seek to claim its power. With the help of his loyal Irish wolfhound, Oberon, and a diverse group of allies, Atticus navigates a world where the supernatural and the mundane collide, all while trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy in his life as a bookstore owner.

    The 7205th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 927. Voroshilovgrad by Serhiy Zhadan

    "Voroshilovgrad" is a powerful novel set in post-Soviet Ukraine, following the lives of several characters who are grappling with the consequences of war, corruption, and economic decline. The story explores themes of identity, love, and the struggle to find meaning in a society that is rapidly changing. Through vivid and poetic prose, the author paints a haunting picture of a city and its inhabitants, capturing the complexities and contradictions of life in a country in transition.

    The 7206th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 928. Flight From The Ussr by Dato Turashvili

    A True Story of Escape and Survival

    "Flight From The USSR" is a gripping and poignant memoir that follows the life of a young Georgian boy, who grows up under the oppressive regime of the Soviet Union. As he navigates the complexities of his turbulent homeland, the protagonist finds solace in his love for literature and dreams of escaping to the West. Faced with numerous challenges and heart-wrenching choices, he embarks on a daring journey that takes him across borders, revealing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 7206th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 929. Animalinside by László Krasznahorkai, Max Neumann

    "Animalinside" is a haunting and surreal novella that delves into the mind of a narrator who becomes consumed by an animalistic alter ego. As the protagonist's thoughts and actions blur the line between human and animal, the narrative takes on a dark and disorienting tone, exploring themes of identity, violence, and the primal instincts that lie within us all. Through the collaboration of Krasznahorkai's mesmerizing prose and Neumann's striking illustrations, "Animalinside" offers a mesmerizing and thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.

    The 7206th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 930. Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton

    Set against the backdrop of 1980s Brisbane, this coming-of-age tale follows the tumultuous life of a young boy named Eli Bell, who navigates a world filled with crime, love, and family secrets. With a mute brother who communicates through air-drawn words and a babysitter who is a notorious ex-criminal, Eli's journey is anything but ordinary. As he grapples with the challenges of adolescence, he is thrust into a dangerous underworld, forcing him to confront his fears and discover the power of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The 7212th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  6. 931. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

    This novel is a gripping tale set in a dystopian future where the world has been ravaged by climate change, leading to societal collapse and the rise of authoritarian regimes. The story follows Isaiah, a young man with a mysterious gift for prophecy, as he embarks on a perilous journey across this desolate landscape. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters who are struggling to survive and find hope in a world that seems beyond redemption. With lyrical prose and a deep exploration of themes such as power, faith, and resilience, the narrative weaves a compelling vision of humanity's potential for both destruction and redemption.

    The 7214th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  7. 932. Question 7 by Richard Flanagan

    The Story of Seven Lives

    El autor deshilvana su vida y la memoria familiar junto a episodios clave del siglo XX —desde la experiencia de su padre como prisionero en Japón y el desarrollo de la física nuclear hasta la colonización y el genocidio en Tasmania— para explorar cómo las historias que nos contamos dan sentido al amor y al pasado. Es una narración íntima y reflexiva que combina géneros para indagar en la relación entre memoria personal e historia colectiva.

    The 7213th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 933. Compass by Mathias Enard

    The novel delves into the introspective journey of Franz Ritter, an ailing musicologist in Vienna, as he reflects on his past travels and intellectual pursuits in the Middle East. Through a series of fragmented memories and scholarly musings, he explores themes of cultural exchange, historical interconnectedness, and the profound impact of Orientalism on Western thought. The narrative oscillates between personal anecdotes and broader philosophical reflections, painting a rich tapestry of cross-cultural encounters and the enduring quest for understanding and connection.

    The 7563rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  9. 934. Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad

    The novel follows Sonia, a British-Palestinian actress, as she returns to the West Bank after years away and becomes involved in a production of "Hamlet" directed by her sister. As she navigates the complexities of her identity and the political tensions of the region, Sonia grapples with personal and collective histories, exploring themes of displacement, resistance, and the power of art in times of conflict. The story delves into the intersections of family, culture, and the enduring impact of occupation, offering a poignant reflection on the search for belonging and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 7564th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 935. There's Always This Year by Hanif Abdurraqib

    "There's Always This Year" by Hanif Abdurraqib is a heartfelt exploration of basketball, talent, and loyalty, centered around the iconic figure of LeBron James. Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, during the 1990s, Abdurraqib experienced a transformative era in basketball history. Through his personal reflections, he delves into themes of success, expectations, and the concept of role models. Intertwining memoir with cultural commentary, the book offers a rich narrative filled with joy, pain, and hope, inviting readers to rethink their perspectives on sports and society.

    The 7566th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 936. Brain On Fire by Susannah Cahalan

    My Month of Madness

    The book chronicles the harrowing experience of a young journalist who suddenly finds herself battling a rare and mysterious illness. Initially misdiagnosed with psychiatric disorders, her symptoms rapidly progress from paranoia to hallucinations and seizures. With her health deteriorating rapidly, it is only through the intervention of a dedicated doctor who finally identifies the true cause of her condition, an autoimmune disease called anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. The memoir captures her terrifying descent into madness, her family's desperate quest for answers, and the life-saving diagnosis that eventually leads to her recovery.

    The 7570th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  12. 937. Mortality by Christopher Hitchens

    The book is a poignant collection of essays reflecting on the author's experiences and thoughts as he battles terminal cancer. With his characteristic wit and eloquence, the author confronts the realities of mortality, exploring themes of life, death, and the human condition. He offers candid insights into his personal journey, grappling with the physical and emotional challenges of illness while maintaining his intellectual rigor and skepticism. The work serves as both a meditation on dying and a celebration of the author's enduring spirit and commitment to truth.

    The 7570th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  13. 938. The Midnight Hour by Brenda Jackson

    In a tale of passion and intrigue, a successful businessman finds himself drawn into a web of desire and danger when he encounters a captivating woman with a mysterious past. As their lives intertwine, secrets unravel, and they must confront the shadows of their histories to forge a future together. Set against a backdrop of suspense and romance, the story explores themes of trust, redemption, and the transformative power of love.

    The 7581st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 939. Feed by Seanan McGuire

    A Newsflesh Novel

    In a world where humanity has been ravaged by a zombie apocalypse, a team of bloggers sets out to cover the presidential elections, offering a unique perspective on the state of a society where the undead are a constant threat. The protagonist, a young woman with a passion for the truth, navigates a landscape of danger, political intrigue, and conspiracy, all while dealing with the challenges of living in a post-apocalyptic environment. As they delve deeper into the heart of America's reanimated politics, they uncover a plot that could have dire consequences for both the living and the undead, forcing them to confront the question of what it truly means to be human in a world overrun by zombies.

    The 7582nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  15. 940. Orbital by Samantha Harvey

    {"summary":"In 'Orbital,' six astronauts aboard a spacecraft orbit Earth, tasked with scientific research and data collection. As they circle the planet, they are captivated by its breathtaking beauty, witnessing the vast landscapes and changing seasons from above. Despite their distance, they remain deeply connected to life on Earth, grappling with personal news and the planet's natural events. This journey prompts them to reflect on the fragility of human existence and the profound bond between humanity and the Earth."}

    The 7584th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 941. Verity by Colleen Hoover

    The novel revolves around Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is given the opportunity of a lifetime when she is hired to complete the remaining books in a successful series after its author, Verity Crawford, is incapacitated. As Lowen delves into Verity's notes and outlines, she discovers a hidden, disturbing autobiography that reveals dark secrets about Verity's life and her relationship with her husband, Jeremy. As Lowen becomes more entangled in the Crawfords' twisted world, she must decide whether to reveal the horrifying truths she has uncovered or protect Jeremy from the devastating reality.

    The 7585th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 942. After Sappho by Selby Wynn Schwartz

    The book is a lyrical exploration of the lives and legacies of women inspired by the ancient poet Sappho, weaving together historical and fictional narratives. It delves into the struggles and triumphs of various women across different eras who defy societal norms and embrace their identities, creativity, and desires. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, the book celebrates the enduring influence of Sappho's spirit and the quest for artistic and personal freedom, highlighting themes of love, resilience, and the transformative power of art and literature.

    The 7586th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  18. 943. Commonwealth by Ann Patchett

    The novel spans five decades, telling the story of a large blended family that is forever changed when an unexpected romantic encounter occurs at a christening party. The repercussions of this event ripple through the lives of the four parents and six children involved, as secrets are revealed and relationships are forever altered. The story explores themes of love, responsibility, and the effects of a shared history.

    The 7588th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  19. 944. The Women by Kristin Hannah

    "The Women" by Kristin Hannah follows Frances "Frankie" McGrath, a young nursing student from Southern California, who decides to join the Army Nurse Corps during the Vietnam War. As she navigates the chaos and destruction of the battlefield, Frankie forms deep bonds with fellow soldiers and nurses, experiencing the harsh realities of war. Upon returning home, she faces a divided America, grappling with the challenges of reintegration and the nation's desire to move past the conflict. This story highlights the courage and sacrifices of women in war, focusing on Frankie's journey of growth, friendship, and resilience.

    The 7592nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 945. The Reformatory by Tananarive Due

    Set in the racially charged atmosphere of 1950s Jim Crow Florida, the story follows 12-year-old Robbie Stephens Jr., who is unjustly sentenced to a brutal reform school. As Robbie struggles to survive the harsh conditions and systemic racism, he discovers a supernatural presence within the institution that may hold the key to his escape. Meanwhile, his sister Gloria fights tirelessly for his release, navigating the dangerous societal landscape. The narrative weaves together themes of family, resilience, and the haunting legacy of racial injustice, creating a gripping tale of survival and hope.

    The 7595th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  21. 946. Wealth And Power by Orville Schell, John Delury

    China's Long March to the Twenty-first Century

    This insightful exploration delves into the historical and cultural evolution of China, tracing its journey from the Opium Wars to its current status as a global powerhouse. Through the lives of eleven influential figures, the narrative unveils the complex interplay between wealth, power, and national identity, highlighting the relentless pursuit of modernization and reform. The book offers a nuanced understanding of China's aspirations and challenges, providing a rich tapestry of stories that illuminate the country's quest for strength and respect on the world stage.

    The 7596th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 947. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

    "Code Name Verity" is a gripping historical fiction novel set during World War II. The story follows two best friends, a British spy and a pilot, as they navigate the dangerous world of espionage and warfare. When their plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France, their friendship and loyalty are tested as they face interrogation, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war. Through alternating perspectives and a complex web of secrets, the book explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring power of friendship.

    The 7602nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 948. The Beginning Of Infinity by David Deutsch

    Explanations That Transform the World

    The book explores the concept that human knowledge and understanding have the potential for infinite growth. It delves into various fields such as science, philosophy, and politics, arguing that problems are inevitable but solvable through creativity and the application of knowledge. The author emphasizes the importance of good explanations and the role of conjecture and criticism in the advancement of knowledge. By examining historical and contemporary examples, the book illustrates how the pursuit of knowledge can lead to continuous improvement and progress in human civilization.

    The 7603rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 949. Don't Get Too Comfortable by David Rakoff

    The Indignities of Coach Class, The Torments of Low Thread Count, The Never-Ending Quest for Artisanal Olive Oil, and Other First World Problems

    In this collection of witty and insightful essays, the author delves into the absurdities and contradictions of modern life, exploring themes of privilege, consumerism, and the relentless pursuit of comfort. With a sharp eye for detail and a keen sense of humor, the narrative takes readers on a journey through various cultural landscapes, from the opulence of high society events to the peculiarities of everyday experiences. The essays offer a satirical yet poignant commentary on the human condition, encouraging readers to question their own desires and the societal norms that shape them.

    The 7616th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  25. 950. Everything Bad Is Good For You by Steven Johnson

    How Today's Popular Culture is Actually Making Us Smarter

    The book challenges the conventional wisdom that popular culture is dumbing down society by arguing that modern media, including video games, television, and the internet, are actually making us smarter. It suggests that these forms of entertainment are becoming increasingly complex and intellectually demanding, requiring audiences to engage in sophisticated problem-solving, critical thinking, and social interaction. By examining the cognitive benefits of these media, the book posits that they are fostering a more intelligent and adaptable generation, capable of navigating the complexities of the modern world.

    The 7616th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

Login to Download