7 Best Books of the 21st Century in 2025
Discover why 'The Road' and 'The Night Circus' shine as part of the best books of the 21st century.
Picking out the best books of the 21st century feels a bit like trying to catch a chicken in a crowded barn—exciting and slightly overwhelming. We tend to focus on stories that whisk us away, making us forget where we left our keys. From gripping plots that keep us up way past bedtime to characters who feel like they’ve moved into the spare room, these books have it all. Our list showcases a mix of thrilling adventures, emotional journeys, and magical worlds that represent the very best books of the 21st century. So, grab a comfy chair, a decent cup of tea, and let’s get ready to explore these modern literary gems!
On this list:
7 The Road by Cormac McCarthy
A bleak yet fascinating journey of a father and his son in a post-apocalyptic world. We couldn’t put it down!
6 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
A thrilling and twisted mystery with a hacker and journalist teaming up to solve a cold case. Keeps you guessing till the end!
5 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
A heartwarming tale of friendship, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of a changing Afghanistan.
4 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
A gripping dystopian novel that kept us on the edge of our seats. Katniss is a hero for the ages!
3 Life of Pi by Yann Martel
An extraordinary tale of survival and faith while stranded in the ocean with a Bengal tiger.
2 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
A psychological thriller that’s as twisted as it gets. A tale of marriage gone terribly wrong!
1 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
The epic conclusion to the beloved series, it brings war, friendship, and magic together in a heart-stopping finale.
