The Greatest Books Since 2010
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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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151. Quiet by Susan Cain
The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
The book explores the power and value of introversion in a world that often prioritizes extroverted traits. It delves into the psychological and social dynamics that shape how introverts and extroverts interact, emphasizing the strengths and contributions of introverted individuals in various settings, such as workplaces and personal relationships. Through research, anecdotes, and personal stories, the book challenges cultural biases and encourages a greater appreciation for the quiet, reflective, and thoughtful nature of introverts, advocating for environments that allow them to thrive.
The 3847th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
152. Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
"Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke is a captivating and enigmatic novel that follows the life of the eponymous character, who inhabits a vast and mysterious house known as the House. With its labyrinthine halls and countless statues, Piranesi's existence is solitary and filled with wonder as he meticulously explores and documents the ever-shifting environment. However, his seemingly idyllic existence is disrupted when he encounters another person in the House, leading to a series of revelations that challenge his understanding of reality and his place within it. Through beautiful prose and a sense of profound mystery, "Piranesi" explores themes of identity, memory, and the power of perception.
The 3848th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
153. There But For The by Ali Smith
There But For The is a novel that explores the interconnectedness of people's lives through the story of a man who locks himself in a room of a house he was invited to for dinner, and refuses to come out. The man's actions cause a media frenzy and bring together four individuals who have links to him, each revealing their own stories and perspectives. The book is a commentary on contemporary life, exploring themes of identity, memory, time, and the nature of connection and disconnection in society.
The 3889th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
154. Sudden Death by Alvaro Enrigue
"Sudden Death" is a historical fiction novel that revolves around a fictional tennis match between the Italian painter, Caravaggio, and the Spanish poet, Francisco de Quevedo. The narrative jumps through time and space, touching on the conquest of the Americas, the political machinations of the Vatican, and the personal lives and rivalries of historical figures. The book uses this surreal and humorous setup to explore themes of art, power, and the chaotic, violent nature of the world.
The 3914th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
155. Wonder by R. J. Palacio
The book is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story about a young boy with a facial difference who, after being homeschooled for years, enters fifth grade at a mainstream school. The narrative explores his journey of facing the challenges of being different, dealing with bullying and the struggle to be accepted by his peers. It's a tale of empathy, resilience, and the importance of kindness, told through multiple perspectives that include the boy's own viewpoint as well as those of his classmates, family members, and others in his community. The story encourages readers to look beyond appearances and find the wonder in everyone's uniqueness.
The 3922nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
156. The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
The book is a fantasy novel set in a world inspired by China's 20th century history. The protagonist, a war orphan, defies societal expectations by acing the empire-wide examination and earning a place at the prestigious military academy. However, her triumph is short-lived as she becomes embroiled in a violent conflict, which forces her to delve into the depths of her own magical abilities, inspired by shamanism. The story intertwines the brutal realities of war, mythology, and the exploration of power in a deeply divided society.
The 3927th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
157. In The Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
A Memoir
The book is a memoir that delves into the complexities of an abusive same-sex relationship, exploring themes of trauma, identity, and the often-overlooked dynamics of domestic violence within queer relationships. Through a series of vignettes, the author employs a variety of literary styles and genres to recount her experiences, offering a fragmented yet deeply personal narrative that challenges conventional storytelling. The work is both a deeply intimate account of the author's own life and a broader commentary on the cultural and historical contexts of abuse.
The 3944th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
158. Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Lerner
The novel follows a young American poet on a prestigious fellowship in Madrid, Spain, where he grapples with his work, relationships, and sense of self. He struggles with his own perceptions of authenticity, both in his poetry and his personal life, while navigating the cultural and language barriers of a foreign country. The protagonist's experiences are marked by a constant tension between reality and artifice, as he questions the value and impact of his own art in the face of world events.
The 4054th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
159. Children Of Blood And Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Legacy of Orïsha
In a world where magic has been suppressed and the maji people have been oppressed, Zélie, a young maji girl, embarks on a dangerous quest to restore magic and bring justice to her people. Alongside her brother and a rogue princess, Zélie must confront her own powers and face formidable enemies, navigating a treacherous landscape of betrayal and sacrifice. As they race against time, Zélie discovers that she may hold the key to not only saving her people, but also to changing the destiny of their entire nation.
The 4077th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
160. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
The book centers around a young man who, after a tabloid scandal threatens his job at a charity, realizes he needs to clean up his image. To do so, he embarks on a fake relationship with a respectable, no-nonsense barrister who also has his own reasons for needing a pretend partner. Despite their initial lack of genuine affection, the two men find themselves navigating the complexities of their fake relationship, which leads to unexpected personal growth, genuine connections, and the blurring of lines between what's real and what's for show. As they deal with their respective issues and the public's watchful eye, they start to wonder if their fauxmance might just have the potential to become something real.
The 4096th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
161. The Faraway Nearby by Rebecca Solnit
"The Faraway Nearby" is a reflective exploration of the interconnectedness of the world, seen through the lens of the author's personal experiences and relationships. The book delves into themes of empathy, storytelling, and the human capacity for both kindness and cruelty, using the author's relationship with her mother and her struggle with illness as a poignant backdrop. The narrative weaves in and out of different topics and locations, from the Arctic to fairy tales, drawing insightful connections and offering a unique perspective on the human condition.
The 4135th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
162. Aristotle And Dante Discover The Secrets Of The Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
In this coming-of-age novel, two Mexican-American teenagers, Aristotle and Dante, form an unlikely friendship during the summer of 1987. As they navigate their way through adolescence, they uncover the complexities of their identities, family dynamics, and the world around them. Through their shared experiences, they discover the power of love, self-acceptance, and the profound mysteries that the universe holds.
The 4143rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
163. Asymmetry by Lisa Halliday
This novel consists of two seemingly unrelated sections. The first part is a love story between a young American editor and a much older, famous writer. The second part is about an Iraqi-American economist detained by immigration officers in London. The two narratives converge in a surprising way, exploring themes of power imbalances, injustice, and the complexity of human relationships.
The 4155th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
164. No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
"No One Is Talking About This" by Patricia Lockwood is a novel that explores the intersection of the digital world and real life. The protagonist is a social media influencer who becomes obsessed with the internet and its ability to connect people. However, her world is turned upside down when she receives news of a family member's serious illness, forcing her to confront the limitations of technology and the importance of human connection. The novel is a poignant reflection on the impact of social media on our lives and the need for authentic relationships in a world that is increasingly digital.
The 4161st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
165. The Good Lord Bird by James McBride
The novel is a fictional account of the life of notorious abolitionist John Brown, told from the perspective of a young, freed slave named Henry Shackleford. Disguised as a girl for his own safety, Henry becomes a member of Brown's motley family of abolitionist soldiers, and finds himself in the historic 1859 raid on the U.S. Armory at Harpers Ferry. The book blends historical facts with imaginative storytelling, providing a humorous yet poignant exploration of race, religion, and identity in America.
The 4162nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
166. Age of Ambition by Evan Osnos
Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China
"Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China" is a vivid exploration of contemporary China. The book delves into the lives of everyday citizens, from dissidents to entrepreneurs, and their pursuit of wealth, freedom, and faith amidst the country's rapid modernization. It provides an in-depth look into the country's socio-political landscape, including its struggles with censorship and corruption, as well as the aspirations and challenges faced by its people in the face of change.
The 4187th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
167. An Ember In The Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
In a brutal, Rome-like fantasy world, a young Scholar girl named Laia goes on a dangerous mission to save her brother from the clutches of the oppressive Martial Empire. To do so, she infiltrates the Empire's premier military academy as a slave, where she meets Elias, one of the academy's finest soldiers, who is secretly as eager to escape the tyranny and corruption of the military as she is. Their fates become intertwined as they both seek freedom and justice, navigating a world rife with violence, betrayal, and dark magic. The story is a gripping tale of resistance, survival, and the quest for personal redemption.
The 4188th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
168. What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell
The novel explores a complicated relationship between an American teacher living in Bulgaria and a young male prostitute named Mitko. The narrative delves into themes of desire, shame, and the legacy of the past, as the protagonist grapples with his own identity and sexuality. As the relationship between the two men evolves, the protagonist is forced to confront his past, his feelings of isolation, and the societal norms that shape his existence.
The 4292nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
169. A Court Of Thorns And Roses by Sarah J. Maas
In this captivating fantasy novel, a young huntress named Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, only to discover it was a faerie in disguise. As retribution, she is taken to the magical land of Prythian, where she becomes entangled in the politics and dangers of the faerie courts. While navigating this perilous world, Feyre discovers unexpected allies and enemies, and her feelings for her captor, Tamlin, evolve into a complex and passionate romance. As she uncovers dark secrets and faces formidable challenges, Feyre must find the strength to protect those she loves and confront a looming evil threatening both human and faerie realms.
The 4304th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
170. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover
The novel follows the journey of Lily Bloom, a young woman who moves to Boston to start her own business and escape her troubled past. She meets and falls in love with a charming neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, but their relationship becomes complicated as Ryle's dark side emerges. As Lily grapples with her feelings for Ryle, she reconnects with her first love, Atlas Corrigan, who reappears in her life unexpectedly. The story explores themes of love, resilience, and the complexities of domestic abuse, as Lily must make difficult decisions to protect herself and her future.
The 4306th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
171. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
The story revolves around Rachel Chu, an economics professor in New York, who travels to Singapore with her boyfriend, Nick Young, for his best friend's wedding, only to discover that Nick comes from an incredibly wealthy and influential family. As Rachel navigates the opulent world of Singapore's elite, she faces jealousy, scheming relatives, and cultural clashes, all while trying to understand her place in Nick's life and the extravagant society he belongs to. The novel offers a satirical yet heartfelt exploration of love, wealth, and family dynamics in the context of modern Asian culture.
The 4369th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
172. How To End A Story by Helen Garner
Diaries: 1995–1998
A personal, diary-like account of a woman confronting the breakdown of her marriage while trying to claim a life of her own. Living with a partner absorbed in his work, she navigates anger, loss and betrayal alongside moments of resilience, motherhood and quiet hope.
The 4381st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
173. The Friend by Sigrid Nunez
This novel explores the profound bond between a woman and her deceased friend's Great Dane, which she unexpectedly inherits. Set against the backdrop of the literary world, the narrative delves into themes of grief, companionship, and the healing power of the human-animal connection. As the protagonist grapples with her loss and the challenges of caring for a massive, grieving pet in a small apartment, the story unfolds into a poignant meditation on love, loss, and the ways in which creatures, both human and animal, can help us cope with and transcend our sorrows. Through this unique relationship, the novel examines the complexities of friendship, memory, and the impact of death on the living.
The 4392nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
174. We The Animals by Justin Torres
The novel is a poignant coming-of-age story that follows three young brothers growing up in a tumultuous household with their Puerto Rican father and white mother. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative captures the raw and visceral experiences of their childhood, marked by love, violence, and poverty. As the boys navigate their complex family dynamics and their own identities, the youngest brother's journey of self-discovery becomes central, culminating in a powerful and transformative realization about his place in the world.
The 4394th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
175. Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters
The novel explores the intricate lives of three women—Reese, a transgender woman; Ames, who has detransitioned from being Amy; and Katrina, Ames's boss and lover—who find themselves unexpectedly connected by an unplanned pregnancy. As they navigate their complex relationships and identities, the story delves into themes of gender, motherhood, and the search for belonging, challenging conventional notions of family and love. Through their intertwined journeys, the characters confront their pasts and grapple with the possibilities of creating a non-traditional family structure.
The 4415th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
Reading Statistics
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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.
DownloadTo 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.
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