New York Times releases list of top books of the 21st century

[@berghorst]

Pachinko is absolutely spectacular

[@drowner]

Already bought it but haven't read yet

[@Osyrous]

Read it recently and it's very very good. I'd recommend the audio book to people who don't have time to read. The voice actor's pronounciation of the different Korean and Japanese words and names adds a depth of culture to the experience.

[@marge5385]

I read it in one go on my recent long flight to Seoul. Did not sleep a bit during those 13h and I was glad i did not. It was indeed spectacular and also such an eyeopener

[@juliaahn2783]

@@Osyrous Thank you for your view on the audio book, so where can I get the audio book?

[@geckojinn1604]

"surprisingly philosophical" sounds like a backhanded compliment.

[@ziab07]

not really, the person just wasnt expecting a fictional story to be as philosophical as it was.

[@nl3064]

I just took a look at the list. While I am thrilled Savage Detectives is at 38, I hate how they go off the publication date for the English translations, rather than the publication date of the actual novel - Savage Detectives was published in Spanish in 1998. But they include it because the English version was 2007. Small complaint. As brilliant as Savage Detectives is, it shouldn't be there purely because it wasn't actually published this century.

[@zarosderer4447]

Americans always think that they are the center of the world

[@icevariable9600]

You’re right. Take it off the list so nobody sees it.

[@RafaelToscano]

„Never let me go” is amazing! Happy to see it in the list.

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

My favorite. And the movie is fantastic.

[@EpicIntegral]

I love Pachinko. It’s such an amazing book. I read it 3 years ago and still think about it often.

[@murpesc43]

Wolf Hall will always be my #1.

[@windycityliz7711]

One of my top 5 forever.

[@sacosec]

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (#15) is incredible!

[@abesapien9930]

Reading Donna Tartt's "The Secret History" right now. It's spectacular.

[@noook21]

its awful

[@lisap8411]

One of my favourites....I read it once every couple of years.

[@marichristian]

Sebald's "Austerlitz" is remarkable in every way. I read it years ago and it haunts me to this day.

[@sharvo6]

Mom and dad read pulp magazines in the 50s but dad would take us every week to the library. Thanks dad, I'm sure you would have rather been doing something else.

[@dyanstoutenburg9974]

I do not think so. I think your Dad was doing exactly what he wanted to be doing.

[@sharvo6]

@@dyanstoutenburg9974 🙂

[@BlueDusk95]

Same for me. Also my dad taught me to read with the crossword puzzles in the newspaper. I would check the word definitions in the dictionary. I was 5.

[@sharvo6]

@@BlueDusk95 That sounds fun, finding a mistake of his would be like a prize.

[@kennyj43]

Is there a link to the list?

[@nsnopper]

Isn’t it a little premature? Shouldn’t we wait until December 31, 2099 before releasing such a list?

[@swee2251]

So much impactful events have happened during the past 5 years. As far as I know, none of these books cover these events. There'll be so much more to come during the later part of this century. It's inevitable that there'll be plenty of books that'd surpass the ranks of this current list. Imagine having a 20th century best list in 1924. It's true that there a lot of good classics written before 1925, but so much more 20th century authors were born after that year.

[@alhaax]

Someone please list all the books

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

I heard that's illegal.

[@brendastoicy3242]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times%27_100_Best_Books_of_the_21st_Century

[@mega4s1000]

Where do we find the list?

[@avelinaferreira6387]

I love it that My Brilliant Friend is number one on the list!

[@automaticmattywhack1470]

Wolf Hall series for me is the best.

[@reyofsunshine_]

Stephen King submitted his own work and he's so real for that lol

[@agl5132]

As she said, according to the New York Times panel. Other reviewers will have their own list. I've read #1 Bestsellerrs and hated them. I've read books that had several bad reviews and loved them. I think the important thing is that people read or listen to audiobooks if you need to multitask. I would love it if they created more list by genre as well.

[@xijinbling2373]

Just picked up Lenin :What is to be Done.

[@chii-shenyang4756]

Top 100 all right, but in what region of the world? I wonder...

[@my4hvids]

They come from a lot of different places if you watched it. But they are books that can be obtained in the USA in English. Did you watch the whole thing?

[@johnmason3261]

For me personally, and although I've read many of these books, it was Against the Day, by Thomas Pynchon, that most impressed me with its storytelling, its characters, and its grand satisfying themes. I have to wonder whether it's missing from this list because it's over 1,000 pages long and thus much less commercial for a general readership.

[@stantonsullivan-readdelillo]

Good pick

[@nl3064]

It's a list of 100. They can't include everything. At least Against the Day was included among the 1,001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. And honestly, much as I love Pynchon, Against the Day was kinda hard to get into (didn't get very far with it). Of his 21st century novels, I personally liked Inherent Vice and Bleeding Edge more (even if they are of far less significance).

[@mantisamygdala]

It's one of my favorites, too (besides Shakespeare and War and Peace). Maybe Antkind by Charlie Kaufman is something for you, too. I loved it! These too, and The Road, would be my first three of this century so far.

[@JaylenPotts-zs2qw]

I just love books reading is fundamental and special. This is why literacy is so important especially in cities like Albany Ga and New Orleans Louisiana. For kids it starts with Ivf before a child is born.

[@loloina]

where is Haruki Murakami....

[@grantlovesbooks]

It's a bit suspect when they spend their time talking about the HBO series, and how many sequels the #1 book has.

[@Lulu-ch5fw]

It’s not that type of series. Ferrante has said she views it as one book that was split into 4 smaller books so that it could be published easier due to its length and content. It is a very good series, and each book was planned and had its place.

[@grantlovesbooks]

@@Lulu-ch5fw Thanks for explaining that to me, I really don't know much when it comes to the 21st Cent.

[@OtakBolong]

and we're only ALMOST into the quarter of the century like??? why don't just title it the best books of the last 25 years. An advertorial fr

[@grantlovesbooks]

@@Lulu-ch5fw Thanks Lulu, I am quite stuck in the 20th and 19th Century when it comes to my favourite literature, but if I ever make my way to the 21st, I will keep this series in mind. I really like long series of novels.

[@gilbertoflores7397]

Most of the books on the list have film adaptation or show. They mentioned Never let me go, American fiction. That just tells me there hasn't actually been that many good books written in a good long while.

[@heyheytaytay]

Gone Girl? I mean, really. It's housewife crime fiction at best. To have it ranked there with Cormac McCarthy and Margaret Atwood is just ridiculous.

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

@@heyheytaytay I haven’t read that I’ve, I’ve read a couple of her other novels, and they’re entertaining “beach reads”, but nothing more. I don’t even remember them, tbh, but I definitely remember The Crossing, and it’s been ten years since I’ve read it.

[@jensraab2902]

Gone Girl is not on the list.

[@snizhannapetrova1844]

It has made an impact though so it cannot be overlooked

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

@@snizhannapetrova1844 so did 50 shades of grey, doesn’t mean it belongs on the greatest novels of a century list.

[@A_O_Leary]

Its not on the list.

[@ImJustAnOnion]

The Road by Cormac McCarthy!

[@johnsterman77]

These are books that I would, undoubtedly unfairly, reject as probably agenda-driven.

[@jungersrules]

Perfect timing for me as I’ve recently started reading more fiction. I finally realized why I need to read more. ❤ Side note: forget where, but saw a news piece about how more women than men are reading and writing more. The fact the top #3 are by women authors made me smile. 😊

[@philipwittamore]

Top 100 ENGLISH books, which limits the range somewhat

[@mowthpeece1]

The list seems to include many translations, foreign stories, or stories about minorities in general. They may be in English, but they are not about white America or Eurocentric. In fact, at least a third deal with blacks, the black experience, or slavery. Almost as many are about Asians of various sorts, then gays. A few are natively European. Only a few are American, or of CIS orientation. Whoever compiled the list wanted to be sure English readers read as much about something other than straight Western culture as possible, while offering barely a thought to anything Spanish or Hispanic. Ferrante was there three times, though, so Latins in the form of Italians represent. She is an exceptional writer. I can only hope the other books are as good. Though The Vegetarian left me wondering what was so grand as to warrant placement on this list, besides being originally written in Korean. I found it bizarre. To be honest, My Dark Vanessa was a much better read, and that would never get on this list.

[@peekaboots01]

I disagree. It's not cool to pick your own book.

[@cdal1621]

Where’s the list?!

[@A_O_Leary]

Where's The New York Times list of best books this century? The New York Times has it.

[@4465Vman]

I just received the number 1 book here on Amazon..starting it today

[@voiceofliberty]

The century ist not even finished, however they release a list of it's best books.

[@MemphisJones]

I've got the Warmth of Other Suns recently from a book sale. Pretty excited to review the whole list.

[@BRChasteen]

"Would SK still be on the list if he did not vote for himself?", asks Diogenes looking for an honest man. And I would ask: Can he stand out of everybody else's light?

[@jamhuh1]

Pachinko❤

[@rany6542]

Wolf Hall is my personal favorite. I am so honored to be born in a time Hilary wrote the masterpiece, and hope she is enjoying time chatting with Thomas Cromwell in heaven now.

[@rasikayadav2376]

Pachinko is incredible

[@jessdelores]

Where can we see the list? I don't have a subscription to NYT.

[@Shawanakhatun007]

Its available on google

[@A_O_Leary]

It's not behind a paywall.

[@KittyxKult]

If you search on KZbin there’s a ton of booktubers who went through the list. Gavin reads it all went through the entire list and drank a shot every time he didn’t read one

[@bdfwhhsb]

Why haven’t I heard of any of these books 🤨

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

If you don't read or keep up with new books, you wouldn't know many of them.

[@dtovar2]

Where is the list?

[@A_O_Leary]

The New York Times list is on the New York Times website.

[@dtovar2]

@@A_O_Leary Thank you. I don't have a subscription. However, I found the list elsewhere.

[@RoxanneM-]

@@A_O_Learyyeah, subscriptions have destroyed accessibility of information in this century. Less information, less democracy.

[@TomHendricksMusea]

The real banned books are zines. Most publishing in the 1990’s was zines, The best literature was zines, A new type of literature was zines that combined book making, art, and lit. The last golden age of literature before the internet. But you won’t see zines in any book show - Zines were not major corporations, they were not mass produced (they were produced in limited copies) and they were as often traded for other zines, as sold. They were marginalized by the mainstream - even though they were most of the publishing, and the most innovative of publishing. Wherever you see, hear, or read a review of the latest novel now, you should have seen, heard or read about reviews of a zines. Zines were exploding in the early nineties. Desk top publishing and copy stores allowed anyone to make and publish their writings on anything. Zinesters popped out of every city and began to share their work with others. This was the literature of an entire generation. But where was the media? They still haven’t covered this golden age of writing - and, as we see now, it was the last golden age of literature before the internet - that’s a big deal. Imagine a generation's total literary output treated like the Thought Police treated facts in the novel 1984. That's what happened to zines. This was not a case of banning one person's writings - this was banning an entire generation of writers - that even now have not been recognized. *** The media has done everything it can to alter publishing history and not tell about the zine explosion that came with desktop publishing. It's as if someone wrote the history of music but didn't talk about rock and roll from 1955-1970. The best and most innovative writing in the world was in zines during the years from 1990 - 2000+. There is a Zine Hall of Fame. So where has the media been? How many thousands and thousands of zines have not been reviewed since 1990 why generic publishing has gotten endless reviews? This article barely touches the tip of an iceberg that really came into its own in the 90's in a golden decade of writing, illustrating and bookmaking, still unknown to the majority of the world. The last great Golden age of literature before the internet began.

[@elainefell7943]

people are still doing zines - it's not over :-)

[@kefinkamed]

If you struggle with reading, especially physical books, I can't recommend picking up audiobooks highly enough. I love reading in all forms, but these days, I read mostly in audio format, simply due to lack of time. You can do it when doing the dishes, commuting to work or walking your dog. And I've found that with the right narrator, you will devour books you'd never get though otherwise (old classics are a great example of this). And because there will inevitably be someone here pointing out that listening to audiobooks doesn't count as reading: 1. Yes, it does. There's even a study that revealed it engages your brain in a virtually identical fashion. 2. More importantly, just because something is not for you, it doesn't mean it's not valid. It works for others and that's great.

[@cocoaddams4502]

I love audiobooks. I get them from my library for free. There's a service called "Libby" (aka Library) that lets you take out at least 5 a month. Right now I'm reading a book that was just released and is #1 on the NYT bestseller lists. I had instant access thru Libby.

[@thewilliams714]

Jenna Bush what a luminary

[@juliedearborn6646]

LOL

[@MagusX1]

That’s what I thought as well. I guess being the spoiled child of an ex president entitles you to be a “literary” expert. What a joke.

[@Adarsh40]

Exactly my thought

[@brianchappell4054]

Your jealous because they didn't ask you?

[@realcarywood]

@@MagusX1 It's because she has a book club on the Today show that has brought attention to many very good books and their authors, and encouraged a lot of people to read. Her selections have a big impact on sales and what people read. I've been happily surprised by some of her choices.

[@QED_]

*Pretty pitiful* . . . if you compare it to the top 100 books for the equivalent 25 years of the 20th century: Maugham, Kipling, Conrad, Lewis, Hardy, James, Forster, etc

[@M-bb8zm]

If you are not a reader, please check out your favorite genre (can be movie/TV) and look up booktubers who highlight that genre. Also, ask your friends, family, or librarian for recommendations.

[@MagusX1]

That is a horrible idea, Many Booktubers are just in it for the views and actually do not care about what they are talking about. New readers should do their own research and to take the risk of actually reading the book as opposed to relying on internet glory hounds.

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

Why would they do that?

[@M-bb8zm]

@@MagusX1 I recommended Booktube as it gave me more ideas of books in the genres I like. If you don't want to use them, I still feel librarians are a great way to go.

[@agirlfrommars3441]

@@MagusX1there are booktubers that have videos titled books that changed their lives ect a lot of them also say they wouldn’t recommend certain books but see it has an audience. There’s a book for every reader.

[@gilbertoflores7397]

There are only a handful of youtubers that would be worth a follow, most of the popular channels have very little knowledge on literary analysis, and give/have very bad takes on certain books. It's usually important to have a strong foundation in the classics and go from there.

[@soyancushperu1971]

I'm reaching out for your prayers and support. Please keep me in your thoughts for a speedy recovery.

[@remlya]

Prayer is superstitious. It accomplishes nothing. Your recovery will happen because of what you do, not what others think.

[@kathykobs3865]

Loved Warmth of Other Suns

[@susanroutt6690]

Wolf Hall. I’ve loved the Tudors since childhood, but I did not love you and no one that I gave the book to, enjoyed or even finished it. Still on my bookshelf, I’ll try again.

[@stacyarmstrong8275]

Same. I couldn't finish it.

[@ylimeasil]

I loved it and the whole trilogy, in fact, I read it twice

[@ba-gg6jo]

I love the trilogy, but Wolf Hall has a slow start with the first 100 pages a bit hard going. But after that it gathers pace and interest. I hope you have another crack at it. Enjoy your reading.

[@alvindimes649]

​@@stacyarmstrong8275Same with me, have tried to read it 3 times, can't seem to get away with it. Still on my bookshelf, will probably try it again at some point. 😮

[@hermanhale9258]

I feel this list is just BS.

[@yaszit2210]

The Warm of Other Songs is fantastic!

[@kathykobs3865]

Suns Warmth of Other Suns

[@ccelinnes7596]

percival everett is a fantastic writer can’t wait to read james and erasure

[@김선영-e4n5i]

Pachinco was educational and touching

[@VeronicaChang-ik3uk]

Ah, Pachinco, the book that taught me more about Japanese history than my entire school education! It was so touching, I even shed a tear... or maybe it was just my allergies acting up. Either way, definitely a must-read for those looking for both education and a good cry!

[@williammcintyre-v6d]

No mention of the Best Defence series? What kind of literary list is this?

[@dandelves]

Most pf the books on this list will fade away

[@jennifermorgan8348]

Pillars of the Earth. 😊😊

[@MrSwinefuzz]

...was published in the 20th century...

[@BettySterry-kh3uf]

I was just thinking about this the other day. Ive been having such a hard time finding an immersive expwrience that meets my exact standards on tv and i remembered books exist

[@MissTasseled]

I see some books on this list that are praised for what they stand for rather than their craftsmanship. I've read Underground Railroad, Exit West, and Lincoln in the Bardo, and they were all okay but very forgettable. Maybe a little pretentious. Pachinko fell apart for me after the first half. I might have to give Mantel one more shot, because I had a hard time getting into Wolf Hall and never got past the first 50 pages. I feel like a book must leave an everlasting imprint on you to be considered great. Also, the list is overwhelmingly US-centric, so I don't give it a lot of merit. The fact that some of the "experts" shamelessly plugged their own work into the ballots is pretty telling about how the whole thing was assembled: connections and performative intellectualism.

[@kyris66]

Best books list are always subjective and book readers will never agree to one list ever. What's forgettable to you may mean the world to another person and vice versa. I would take this as just a suggestion of books to look at, but may not necessarily be for me. Always take a 'books you must read' list with a grain of salt, everyone will be happier.

[@JaylenPotts-zs2qw]

Those Books sound special and relatable

[@hermanhale9258]

Not!

[@davefrajele4093]

21st century starts on January 1, 2001. Why Michael Chabon's 2000-released book Kavalier and Clay is there?

[@SkullKnight1]

How did Solenoid not make it to this list?

[@rockyscarlet]

Solenoid is superior to anything on that list.

[@jdfromparis6230]

@@rockyscarlet I was wondering if it was on it. I haven't seen the list. I love Solenoid.

[@deirdre108]

Exactly what I was wondering too.

[@breal7277]

One Hundred Years of Solitude (Gabriel Garcia Marquez) is the best book ever written. If it's not on the list, I'm not taking this list seriously.

[@saurabbbhardwaj1930]

It's books written this century, I think.

[@amarin8600]

100 Years of Solitude is 20th Century. This list is 21st century

[@KikeNavarrete68]

One hundred came out in the 20 century, this list is from the 21sr century

[@gilbertoflores7397]

These are the best books written in the last 24 years. Did you learn that in English in high school? That is not the best book ever written, James Joyce is the greatest writer, Shakespeare is also one of the most important and talented writer too.

[@A_O_Leary]

It wasn't written this century so it's not on a list of books from this century.

[@lisamcgovern258]

Lincoln in the Bardo, one of the worst books I have ever suffered through. Dear God, who put this on the list?

[@user-goood000]

Here's a book about the taste of Taste Theory. Let me introduce you to the book. It's a taste theory that top-notch gourmets need. When you know the taste, it looks cool. We're preparing an English version. It's been released in Korea.

[@hamplus163]

The puppy killer’s book didn’t make the list?

[@susanroutt6690]

Nor even, “The Art of the Deal”? The worst books of the century would be a fun list. 😵‍💫

[@TheHehe1223]

@@susanroutt6690 Art of the Deal was released in the 20th century not 21st

[@user-bodyfulness]

PACHINKO IS BEST

[@mo-ft3ml]

I was already critical of this, but having them prove it by not including the Ouran High School Host Club manga? Abysmal.

[@Jona_8013]

I was expecting The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood but it was not on the list.

[@windycityliz7711]

Yes. That whole series is remarkable.

[@guti6832]

This should only be done at the actually end of the century not when we’re 1/4ths in it

[@phillol379]

Another masterpiece!

[@rockyscarlet]

Cartarescu might be the greatest writer alive and is not on the list. Solenoid is the best book of this century.

[@lobstermash]

The century is still young ... there's time to do better. I agree about the Wolf Hall trilogy and 'Say Nothing'.

[@WatermelonSugar1209]

Almost All Anglo Saxon 🙄

[@gilbertoflores7397]

Number 6 is South America written in Spanish, and a lot of the other top books are about African Americans and the top 3 are written by women? What exactly do you want?

[@A_O_Leary]

It's an english language publication.

[@pourquoipas971]

@@gilbertoflores7397maybe to be a little more humble? The top of the US written or translate in english…litterature? I am pretty sure you can build a list world wiser.. even if there are some foreigners hers ( from SK, Spain etc …)

[@Kagemusha7]

Many of these books are flat-out bad, or at best mediocre. It just shows how artistically stunted these hacks are, especially those who win literary prizes.

[@gilbertoflores7397]

That's why we study the classics, most writers today are pretty bad. It's more of a business, and producing cookie-cutter garbage that the teens/deprived wives/college girls or basement-dweller geek who likes fantasy/sci-fi novels is what sells. Cormac Mccarthy was like the last great American writer.

[@om6418]

Great list, although a little anglo/european centric ?

[@windycityliz7711]

It's for an angle/european audience of readers tho.

[@om6418]

Yes, but that's not what the list title says. It just says those are the top books of the century, not the Anglo/ European top books. And that's pretty....let's say typical for how we see the world

[@windycityliz7711]

@@om6418 Please name for me the other countries that are globally inclusive in everything they do.

[@om6418]

@@windycityliz7711 "That's a fair point, but it's less about whether other countries are globally inclusive and more about how these lists are framed. When they're titled 'the best books of the century,' it implies universal validity. It would be more honest to clarify that it's from an Anglo/European perspective. Transparency fosters understanding."

[@windycityliz7711]

@@om6418 So who is your favorite country that does that?

[@xanthippikipou2531]

Elena Ferrante 🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@lesliekim7948]

Why now this list? There are 77 years remained to complete the 21st century. The end of the world is just around the corner?

[@richardlong5928]

I wonder what Harold Bloom would think…

[@deirdre108]

HB would be bitch’n because his idol Shakespeare isn’t on the list.

[@Astroskylark]

About 76 years too early, don't you think, folxs?

[@Pluralofvinylisvinyls]

If you’re going to add the S, you might as well just spell “folks” like it’s meant to be spelled. Folks.

[@dyanstoutenburg9974]

@@Pluralofvinylisvinyls Thank you. I did not know what folxs meant.

[@munch314]

No Bret Easton Ellis?

[@boredgrass]

An American newspaper, a newspaper from a country which bans books, feels itself entitled to tell the world which, not (yet) banned, one has to assume..., it should read...? A r e y o u s e r i o u s ??

[@gilbertoflores7397]

We don't ban books, school try to ban them from being part of the curriculum. You can still buy and read them on your own. You don't know anything about us if that's what you're interpretation us. Other counties actually ban books too, what are you talking about? They asked the most respected authors they have contact with, to name their favorite books. And this is the list, a lot of them are written by women. They're are plenty of international representation and books about different cultures. You obviously seem very uneducated and don't read to begin with.

[@gledba]

Do you know of a country that doesn't have a banned book? All civilized countries and newspapers, tv stations, etc., have a list of best books. You probably have a list. Why should you be entitled to tell us who is entitled, Are' you not entitled because you wrote this statement.?

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

Every circle begins with its end. Reflection is key. 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ "Before I start, I must see my end. Destination known, my mind's journey now begins. Upon my chariot, heart and soul's fate revealed. In time, all points converge, hope's strength resteeled. But to earn final peace at the universe's endless refrain, we must see all in nothingness... before we start again." 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ --Diamond Dragons (series)

[@marcsmirnoff936]

The editor praises authors who nominated their own books. Yup, such self-love is a precious commodity in this self-less and ego-free age.

[@titaongalpay3779]

I guess ..those 500 plus people New York Times asked ..what 's the best 21st century BEST BOOKS ..❤ ..EACH PERSON HAS THEIR OWN VIEWS AND INSIGHTS ... THERE ARE MORE BILLIONS READERS OUT THERE .. WE CAN'T JUST SET THEM ASIDE .. THANKS !

[@reyofsunshine_]

you're welcomed

[@gilbertoflores7397]

They asked respected and important writers/authors. Their opinions is going to mean more than some wife reading 50 shades of Grey, gone girl, or Colleen Hoover novels.

[@mommat1306]

I’m sure these are all great books, but we’re not quite through a quarter of this century, so this a bit … premature?

[@deirdre108]

Some crap books rated too highly and some great ones not on the list. For example “The Road” isn’t even serious literature, more like a Hollywood screenplay, airport bookstore drivel. “The Blind Assassin” was completely ignored and should be in the top 10. Why no love for Ms Atwood, guys? She’ll still be read in 2050 when presumably the next quarter century list will be released-not true for many of these.

[@claudiameier666]

atwood is overrated and the road shouldnt be there either. blood meridian should be.

[@deirdre108]

@@claudiameier666The lack of “Solenoid” on this list totally discredits it (the list). It’s in the top 5 of the last quarter century. McCarthy is about the most overrated writer since Hemingway regardless of what his fan boy Harold Bloom thinks.

[@windycityliz7711]

The Blind Assassin iin so good. Atwood writes classics, even when they are bestsellers.

[@deirdre108]

@@windycityliz7711 So true what you said- she writes classics indeed. “Testament” is another favorite of mine she authored .

[@susprime7018]

Never Let Me Go🎉

[@icitlalistardust9060]

The Kindly Ones by Jonathan Littell is, IMO the masterpiece of the 21th century so far ! To be read by anyone wanting to understand WWII.

[@havefunbesafe]

Ooh, 2666….thats a fun one

[@Geemeel1]

GREAT item, @nbc !! Beautiful questions too, I may add. Very well presented. Love and light from Amsterdam 💖

[@Haru_o.o]

List whereeeee

[@A_O_Leary]

The New York TImes List is on The New York Times website.

[@classicsciencefictionhorro1665]

The Overstory by Richard Powers?

[@deirdre108]

Right? Powers is one of the best American writers of the century and The Overstory and The Echo Maker should both be in the Top 25.

[@oliverjamesdulay439]

Carlos Ruiz Zafon is not on list

[@Markph7]

4:57 “ It’s also very sad, as many of these books are”. Well, there you go, it wouldn’t be intellectual and “serious” literature if it wasn’t filled with black despair. The reason Tolkien, Dickens, and Dostoyevsky are perennial is because they managed to combine the darkness of the human condition with Hope and even a sense of humor. With our suicide rate, our Alcoholism rate, the angry polarization of the country, the opioid epidemic, and life being plain hard, wouldn’t it be better to have Hope as an element that is essential in a list of the best books? It is difficult to write a serious book that includes Hope as a theme or even a haunting minor key than to write one that is a tragedy with a dark theme and secrets that destroy everyone

[@Drwilliam1]

The road high up at 13? Wow. Anyone who’s read that book knows how happy or joy creating it is.

[@buonarotti475]

Wonderful

[@guharup]

From nyt by nbc-skip

[@nickbarcheck1019]

The average American wouldn't read a book with a gun to their head.

[@Novastar.SaberCombat]

As an award-winning author, I couldn't agree with you more. And sadly, unless an author has coin, connections, crews, clout, computer code, control, corporate communities, and opulent opportunities... their work will NEVER be recognized. Never. That's humanity in a nutshell though: wealth is health, influence is affluence, and Reflection is key. 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ "Before I start, I must see my end. Destination known, my mind's journey now begins. Upon my chariot, heart and soul's fate revealed. In time, all points converge, hope's strength resteeled. But to earn final peace at the universe's endless refrain, we must see all in nothingness... before we start again." 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨ --Diamond Dragons (series)

[@pmclaughlin4111]

Depends on lots of things 88% of college graduates read books (12% don't) 64% of high school graduates read books (36% don't) It also depends where you live Of the top 10 states that have low literacy percentages, except for CA they are all in the South and Republican. Along with that, how much a state spends on literacy. High literacy states (all Democratic or Swing states) spend more on education. More specifically they spend more despite getting less funding from the federal government. (They spend state funds) The other states get more federal dollars but spend less overall.

[@NeerajManavalan]

seriously, I'm glad people like us still read. Do you have any book recs? I'm looking for some new books to read!

[@pmclaughlin4111]

@@NeerajManavalan Without knowing what you like to read, I have a suggestion: Check with your local library. Library users tend to be book buyers (about 2/3rd of library users have said they have purchased a book by an author they discovered at the library) You can borrow, you can attend an author talk, you can avail yourself of a librarians expertise, you can find books by authors no longer writing and publishing, back catalogs of current authors

[@BigboyErnie]

@@Novastar.SaberCombatA fiction book recently published by New Directions: The English Understand Wool spotlights the brazen manipulation by the publishing industry.

[@judyveness7581]

Interesting - Wolf Hall intriguing - My Brilliant Friend touching - so many others I loved.

[@justinleemiller]

I loved 3 out of 100. The rest I never encountered or found difficult to get into. Still haven’t read the Goldfinch. Call Me By Your Name was left off. Pity.

[@carokat1111]

The Goldfinch has a stunning opening and I was hooked. It kept me engaged for a good few hundred pages, and then it just bogged down into tedium and I put it aside.I simply got bored mid way through. A heavy editing would have worked wonders. I will pick it up again one day.

[@kathykobs3865]

Goldfinch is one of my favorite books

[@hutch440]

They dropped.....?