My own best books of the 21st Century

An indisputably correct list

I am not a joiner by temperament. When I sense a consensus getting formed is usually when I check out. And yet, sometimes there are parties so envy-inducing that even I cannot help but wish to join the fun.

This is what happened with the New York Times Best Books of the 21st Century list.

As you’ve heard, I’m sure, the Times polled a few hundreds authors, critics and readers for their choices on the best books published since the year 2000. Why they chose to do this in 2024 rather than 2025, thus giving themselves a nice, clean quarter century to consider, is a mystery. Counter-programming to the election, perhaps? Either way, while one can—and should, really, since that’s part of the fun—argue with their actual selections, one must admit they did a superb job rolling it out, building suspense, starting conversations.

Thus I find myself joining the conversation. I am but a humble content creator after all, and the list has always been the truest friend to such toilers. Below you’ll find my own highly personal, highly subjective list of the 20 Best Books of the 21st Century. This was compiled quickly, as such lists should be. Go with the gut and let the mind follow.