New York Times Best Books of the 21st Century

A curated list of the best books of the 21st century as voted by literary luminaries and the staff of The New York Times Book Review.

Cover of Exit West

Exit West

4.1

In a world where doors magically transport people across borders, a young couple navigates love, displacement, and the search for home in a …

Cover of Olive Kitteridge

Olive Kitteridge

4.2

In the quiet town of Crosby, Maine, Olive Kitteridge navigates life's complexities with sharp wit and unyielding strength, revealing the pro…

Cover of The Friend

The Friend

4.2

A heartfelt exploration of grief and the profound bond between a woman and her late friend's Great Dane, blending humor and deep emotion.

Cover of Far From the Tree

Far From the Tree

4.3

A profound exploration of how families navigate love and acceptance when their children are radically different from them, celebrating the s…

Cover of We the Animals

We the Animals

4.0

Three brothers navigate a chaotic, loving, and tumultuous childhood in a family where love is both fierce and dangerous. This powerful novel…

Cover of Veronica

Veronica

4.0

A raw and evocative tale of friendship, love, and self-discovery spanning the glamour of 1980s New York and the raw reality of its aftermath…

Cover of 10:04

10:04

4.0

A witty and introspective novel that explores the chaos of modern life, love, and the fear of mortality in a world on the brink.

Cover of Heavy

Heavy

4.5

Kiese Laymon's raw and powerful memoir delves into the physical and emotional toll of violence, grief, and trauma, offering a deeply persona…

Cover of Middlesex

Middlesex

4.0

A captivating tale of identity and transformation, Middlesex explores the life of Calliope Stephanides, a unique individual caught between g…

Cover of Stay True

Stay True

4.0

A poignant memoir exploring friendship, grief, and the search for identity, Hua Hsu's 'Stay True' is a heartfelt journey through loss and th…

Cover of The Flamethrowers

The Flamethrowers

4.2

Reno, a young artist, rides into 1970s New York and gets entangled in a world of art, passion, and political turmoil, leading to a dangerous…

Cover of The Looming Tower

The Looming Tower

4.3

Uncover the chilling true story behind the events leading to 9/11, from the rise of radical Islam to the ignored warnings that could have pr…

Cover of Runaway

Runaway

3.8

Juliet abandons her teaching job to dive into a passionate love affair, but love comes with its own set of power struggles and betrayals. Th…

Cover of Train Dreams

Train Dreams

4.8

Robert Grainier's life unfolds against the backdrop of a changing America, capturing the essence of a disappearing way of life in the Americ…

Cover of Trust

Trust

4.0

A Wall Street tycoon's marriage is threatened by a novelist's expose, revealing a tale of greed, love, and betrayal in this Pulitzer Prize-w…

Cover of A Mercy

A Mercy

3.8

Set in 1680s America, 'A Mercy' delves into the complex and unsettling dynamics of slavery through the poignant story of a mother and daught…

The New York Times Best Books of the 21st Century is a curated list of the top 100 books of the 21st century, as voted on by 503 novelists, nonfiction writers, poets, critics, and other book lovers. The list includes a diverse range of genres and themes, reflecting the rich literary landscape of the past two decades. Each book is accompanied by a brief description and, in many cases, a personal endorsement from a notable author or critic. This list is a valuable resource for readers looking to discover new books or revisit beloved classics.