Best books of the 21st century: rating, reviews

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

When you are tired of the classics and volumes with fanciful stories, you want something new. For such readers, many electronic magazines and websites make selections of the best books of the 21st century, the list of which varies depending on the genre, the site itself and the reviews of a particular group of readers. Consider which works have gained the greatest popularity and are now on the lips of everyone who is interested in high-quality literature. In addition, we will find out which authors most deserve the attention of readers, have already managed to acquire their own fan clubs.

Best fantasy books of the 21st century

Fantastic books are distinguished by the presence of their own world, in which people can walk around other planets, even in a spacesuit, even without it. "Destined to Win" by John Scalzi opens the list of the best science fiction books of the 21st century, the rating of which turned out to be higher than that of any work in this genre. It highlights the problem of wars, as well as propaganda and the gullibility of each individual who believes in his side.

In the list of the best science fiction of the 21st century, the book "Anathem" by Neil Stevenson andAshes and Steel by Brandon Sanderson has taken pride of place not only because of the unique plot, but also because of the very feeling that arises when reading. When the reader catches a few lines with his eyes, he seems to “stick” to the pages and can no longer look away, as he is completely immersed in reading.

In addition, Robert Wilson "Spin", Peter Watts "False Blindness" and Paolo Bacigalupi "Clockwork" received great reviews. Fans of star characters can boast a large selection of stories that the authors provide without sacrificing quality.

Best Magical Books of the 21st Century

Few people haven't heard of JK Rowling's books about a little boy with a lightning bolt on his forehead, whose parents were killed by a villain whose name is not spoken. Yes, "Harry Potter" is a series of books that caused mass hysteria among readers: many just talked about it, directors began to make films, and some began to write parodies. If we talk about Harry Potter as the best fantasy book of the 21st century, then it really deserves this title.

Another modern best-seller is A Song of Ice and Fire by Martin George R. R., which conquered everyone with its universe filled with dragons. The style of writing is so simple and at the same time grandiloquent that it is this contrast that distinguishes the work from many similar ones. The series that followed only increased Martin's success by drawing even more audiences to the book series.

The best horror of the 21st century

Top of the best books of the 21st century, the rating of which is constantly growing, is associated within the name of Stephen King. Here are a few of his stories:

• "It";
• "Shine";
• "11/22/63";
• Pet Cemetery;
• "Confrontation";
• "Lot".

You can meet them in every rating, and after reading only one will leave an indelible impression in the near future.

An excellent example of horror in modern literature, and then in cinema, is Koji Suzuki's "The Ring" with a famous videotape story. It was forbidden to watch, but who could know this rule? On a par with Suzuki is J. Watson, who wrote "Before I fall asleep", later filmed with the participation of Nicole Kidman. The work reveals interesting details about amnesia and those people who can use unsuspecting patients.

The best adventures of the 21st century

Ian McEwan talks about the act of a clueless little girl in Atonement. The story of how a 13-year-old girl ruined the lives of two people made it to the best books of the 21st century, the rating of which is especially high among adventure books. Soon the work was successfully filmed with Keira Knightley in the title role.

Hilary Mantel in 2009 created her own, new interpretation of the events of the 16th century, where the events were not from the point of view of Henry, but of Thomas Cromwell. The Wolf Hall was liked not only by readers, but also by critics, and soon the writer received recognition and honorary awards due to her special ability to describe what is already known. Some time later the studioThe BBC produced a short series which was also a success.

In addition to the above, Juno Diaz's The Fantastic Life of Oscar Wow, Jones' The Known World, Marilyn Robinson's Gilead and Jonathan Frasen's Corrections deserve special attention. Most books are recognized by many readers from already known films, but more often it is films that make you take a fresh look at previously read books.

The best detectives of the 21st century

Detective is a book in which the main storyline is the process of unraveling a mystery or crime. The best book of the 21st century in the detective genre is Andrew Taylor's well-known Edgar Poe Mystery, which inscribed the story of Edgar in the lives of other, unknown people. In addition, something prompted the brilliant writer to take the path of a detective classic and the author gradually reveals these events in a detective story.

Besides Taylor, Lee Child has a fascinating series. The English writer created the Jack Reacher series, creating in the minds of many the image of that genius who is simultaneously able to submit to the system and get out of it. It is recommended to read it even for those who do not like this genre because of its seeming dryness and formality.

An interesting kind of detective is a psychological detective, which is distinguished by the motives of the criminal. More often he has an irrational goal, in which there is no logic, or the crime can be completely simple because of passion, revenge, envy or anger. There are even special schools for studying the psychological detective.

Best Women's Novels of the 21st Century

A rather specific genre is aimed at a narrow audience: lovers of an all-consuming feeling, which is painted as something sublime or, on the contrary, dirty and vile. The basis of the plot rests precisely on the emotions of the characters, their love for each other. A striking example, included in the 100 best books of the 21st century, was Stephenie Meyer's Twilight trilogy. The film in several parts only increased the success, but do not forget that it was through the efforts of the writer that the story gained popularity.

Another "luminary" in the field of women's novels can be called the name of Charles Martin. His book "The Mountains Between Us" tells about random fellow travelers forced by the will of fate to be in each other's company. Gracefully and beautifully, the author brings the reader to the end of the story, along the way explaining the details of the life of each of the characters.

The aforementioned randomness is precisely the hallmark of the women's novel, which puts it in a completely opposite corner from the detective - the detective genre is not allowed to mix inference and randomness.

21st century children's stories

It seemed that there are no bad children's fairy tales, but children are also readers, although for the most part they are rather listeners. And I want the literature intended for them to be of high quality. Although parents tend to pick up the books of Barto, Marshak and Chukovsky again, enough has accumulated over the past few decades for them to choose fairy tales from the best books of the 21st century for their children.children.

Great substitute for famous fairy tales:

• Tatyana Bokova "Day on the contrary";
• Marina Borodnitskaya "The Last Day of Teaching";
• Maria Boteva "Two sisters, two winds";
• Stanislav Vostokov "Black Alex - special purpose nanny";
• Nina Dashevskaya "Near the Music".

The difference between modern children's literature can be called not just an entertaining pastime of the child, but also the development of his love for music, art, sports or any other subject that is described in the story. Over time, such literature instills a love for useful activities, making it impossible to pick up complexes and move away from the world.

Best novels of the 21st century

Space for the author's thoughts gives such a genre as a novel. One of its types, historical, deserves special attention, since it does not drive the writer into a corner, but gives scope for his thoughts to fly through times and places. David Mitchell took advantage of this opportunity by building six connected stories in one. Cloud Atlas is often seen in the favorite books of many readers, and they consider either it or another Mitchell book to be the best book of the 21st century.

Markus Zusak, author of The Book Thief, also tried. The book will seem difficult to read for many readers, but those who have mastered it unanimously rank among the best books of the 21st century. If in the first the actions took place at different times, then there are enough worries in one. Nazi Germany does not particularly favor children, especially orphans, but thirstknowledge and a craving for new things have always been present in children.

Everyone has their own favorite book

Despite this rating, the reader will be able to find on his own those works that he will like. After all, modern literature is developing. An incredible number of new authors appear every year. In most cases, these are foreign writers unknown to the Russian reader. However, it is easy to get acquainted with their work: just visit the bookstore to find out more about the new products.

The list of the best Russian books of the 21st century includes "Telluria" by Vladimir Sorokin, "Return to Panjrud" by Andrey Volos, "Merry Fellows" by I. Muravyova, "Year of Life" by E. Grishkovets, "Night Watch" by S. Lukyanenko, "Zero kilometer" P. Sanaev. There are many worthy writers in Russia, sometimes known only in literary circles. If you read the reviews, then the modern reader most of all likes fantasy, detective and horror books.