Best 2025: Top 11 Authors of the 21st Century

Explore the best authors of the 21st century. These writers have crafted gripping tales that kept us turning pages!

The Road coverA Little Life coverNormal People cover

In our quest to uncover the best authors of the 21st century, we stumbled upon literary gems that resonated with both our hearts and our funny bones. As we were sifting through countless books, we focused on compelling stories, engaging characters, and the sheer ability of a book to stay on our minds like that catchy tune you just can’t shake off. This list showcases narratives that tackle life’s complexities with a touch of humor and a dash of quirkiness. So, buckle up and prepare to meet some of the best authors of the 21st century, whose stories are as unforgettable as that embarrassing childhood story your mom loves to tell at family gatherings.

On this list:

11 The Road by Cormac McCarthy

The Road cover

  • Genre: Dystopian
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 2006
  • Pages: 287

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When we read this, we were glued to the page. The story of a father and son surviving in a post-apocalyptic world is gripping and emotional.

10 A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

A Little Life cover

  • Genre: Drama
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 720

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This book is a hefty one, but it’s worth the workout for your arms! It’s a profound exploration of friendship, trauma, and resilience.

9 Normal People by Sally Rooney

Normal People cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 273

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We found ourselves captivated by the intricate dance of relationships. Rooney dives into the complexity of human emotions with raw honesty.

8 Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Life of Pi cover

  • Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2001
  • Pages: 319

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This one had us second-guessing our last trip to the zoo! The story of a boy stranded at sea with a tiger is thrilling and philosophical.

7 The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train cover

  • Genre: Thriller, Mystery
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2015
  • Pages: 395

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We loved this mystery thriller with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster! Dive into the mind of an unreliable narrator.

6 The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The Night Circus cover

  • Genre: Fantasy, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2011
  • Pages: 512

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We spent hours in the magical world of Le Cirque des Rêves. Its enchanting narrative dazzles with a beautiful love story.

5 Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing cover

  • Genre: Mystery, Romance
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2018
  • Pages: 368

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This book blends mystery and romance into a Southern setting that feels as real as a road trip through the bayou.

4 The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

The Goldfinch cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2013
  • Pages: 784

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Prepare for an epic tale of art theft and personal disaster. Tartt paints a vivid picture of a boy’s journey through chaos.

3 The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

The Underground Railroad cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2016
  • Pages: 320

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This thought-provoking novel takes a literal spin on the historical Underground Railroad. Whitehead’s writing is compelling and hard-hitting.

2 Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

Anxious People cover

  • Genre: Comedy, Drama
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 352

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A poignant yet humorous book, where an attempted bank robbery leads to unexpected friendships. It’s a heartwarming exploration of humanity.

1 The Testaments by Margaret Atwood

The Testaments cover

  • Genre: Dystopian, Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
  • Year released: 2019
  • Pages: 432

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We crown this as the best one! It’s a riveting sequel to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. Atwood’s genius lies in her ability to craft complex, gripping narratives that resonate with today’s issues. The intertwining stories of three women in the dystopian world of Gilead are both chilling and inspiring. We were on the edge of our seats, flipping pages long into the night. The book’s themes strike a balance between hope and despair, and Atwood’s writing is as compelling as ever. It’s the kind of book that makes you think and strikes deep. If you haven’t, grab a copy now!

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!