The New York Times 100 Best Books of the 21st Century Review
The New York Times’ list of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century is a great starting point for discovering some of the most memorable and influential books of recent years. For this section of my blog, I’ll be reading through the list and sharing my honest thoughts, ratings, and favorite moments from each book. Whether I end up agreeing with the rankings or completely disagreeing, I’m excited to see which books become new favorites and which ones might not live up to the hype!
#1 My Brilliant Friend By Elena Ferrante
Review:
I was honestly quite shocked that this book was ranked as the best book of the century. Don’t get me wrong—I really enjoyed the novel and loved both the characters and the plot. My Brilliant Friend is certainly a book I believe everyone should read, although I would not consider it the best book I have read from this century.
Ferrante excels at creating an authentic depiction of female friendship, particularly through the differences in social class and the consequences of women’s limited access to education at the time. Each character had their own flaws and admirable qualities, making them feel complex and realistic. Overall, these characters and their relationships made the book incredibly entertaining and kept me invested in the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys coming-of-age stories, family drama, and exploring different socioeconomic classes. It does an excellent job of portraying what it is like to navigate the world as a young girl while dealing with friendship, family, and societal expectations. I would definitely place this book in the top 100 books of the century, but I don’t necessarily agree that it should be ranked number one.
#9 Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Review:
I completely agree with this ranking. Never Let Me Go is a beautiful and thought-provoking book that makes you question everything. I had never read anything quite like it before—the concept is so unique and different from anything else I’ve read. Ishiguro does an incredible job of slowly revealing the major plot points throughout the novel, keeping the reader curious until the very end.
The characters are also extremely well written and create a realistic perspective within this dystopian world. The ending was both heartbreaking and shocking. I was really hoping for a “happy ending,” but I think the lack of one is what makes the book so powerful and leaves you questioning the ethics and morality behind the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys dystopian novels such as 1984 or Animal Farm, especially if you like books that challenge you to think deeply about ethics, humanity, and what it means to be human.
#15 Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
Review:
OMG! I absolutely love this book. For anyone who loves heartbreaking historical fiction, Pachinko is definitely for you. I completely agree with its ranking on the list—this story is so unique, beautifully written, and incredibly moving. When I finished it, I was honestly just in awe. It is truly one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.
Min Jin Lee tells the story of multiple generations of a Korean family, creating a narrative that is heartwarming, heartbreaking, and deeply moving. I loved the characters, and the writing was incredible. The world-building is also beautifully done; Lee makes you feel as though you are actually living alongside the characters in the small Korean fishing town and experiencing their lives with them.
I believe this is a book everyone should read. Pachinko explores powerful and universal themes, including discrimination, belonging, generational trauma, survival, family, and identity. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone looking for a story that is both emotionally powerful and unforgettable.
#46 The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Review:
I 100% agree with this rating of The Goldfinch. It definitely deserves a place in the top 100.
At first glance, this book can feel overwhelming—not only because of its size, but also because of the amount of content packed into it. I absolutely love Tartt’s writing; she is an incredible writer who creates such beautiful and unique stories. While the sheer size of the book is quite an undertaking, the novel itself is definitely a must-read in my book. You truly become attached to the main character while also questioning many of his decisions. Tartt excels at creating complex, multidimensional characters who feel incredibly real.
I would recommend this book to almost anyone, but especially to readers who love coming-of-age novels that explore themes of grief, art, friendship, identity, and love.
#98 Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Review:
I was slightly shocked that Bel Canto made it into the top 100 books of the century. However, looking back on the book, I remember just how beautiful a piece of literature it is. The writing is stunning, and Patchett’s descriptions of relationships and characters are simply exquisite. After reflecting on the novel, I can understand why it earned a place on the list.
I honestly have never read a book quite like Bel Canto. The idea behind the story is genius and raises so many thought-provoking questions about the relationships between those we perceive as “good” and “evil.”Patchett’s writing is superb, creating complex and beautiful characters within such an imaginative world. Throughout the novel, she explores the question: Can captors and captives become friends? I found this to be such an interesting and provocative question, and it really made me think about the relationships and connections that develop throughout the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories that make you question humanity and explore complex relationships, as well as readers who enjoy political fiction.
I’ll continue to update this review as I make my way through the list, adding new reviews as I finish more of the New York Times’ 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.