The modern literary landscape is a vast, exciting place – full of incredible stories and authors. From Jennifer Egan to Philip Pullman, it seems that the best books of the last few decades have been written by modern authors.
This article will discuss some of the most beloved titles of recent times, exploring their characters, settings, and themes. It will also provide book lovers with an insight into why these authors have such dedicated followings and why their works remain so timelessly relevant.
Best modern novels and short stories
Memoirs/biographies
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy is a multitalented American actress, singer-songwriter, and producer.
Her memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died, is a poignant exploration of her experience of grief and recovery following the sudden death of her beloved mother. Through honest stories and heartfelt reflections in her first novel, McCurdy recounts how she moved through guilt, fear, and sadness to ultimately find peace and healing in her loss.
Stay True: A Memoir by Hua Hsu
Hua Hsu is an award-winning writer, historian, and professor of American studies.
In this book, he tells the story of a Taiwanese immigrant teen’s search for identity and self-worth in a culture that doesn’t always feel like home. Through art, friendship, loss, and grief, Hsu navigates through an America that doesn’t quite understand him or his heritage.
The Cost of Living by Deborah Levy
Deborah Levy is an acclaimed British novelist and playwright.
Her work, The Cost of Living, is a thoughtful and engaging memoir that blends feminist ideology, classic mythology, and personal experience to explore the meaning of chaos, marriage, and identity.
Humor/historical fiction
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Bonnie Garmus is a talented and ambitious executive coach, facilitator, and speaker.
In this book, she introduces us to Elizabeth Zott, a chemist at Hastings Research Institute in 1960s California. Zott develops an unexpected relationship with her Nobel-prize-nominated colleague, Calvin Evans.
Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This is an epic and heartbreaking novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – an internationally renowned Nigerian author acknowledged for her thought-provoking literary works. It tells the story of three characters struggling to survive amidst the chaos of the Nigerian Civil War in the 1960s.
Coming-of-age fiction
The Rabbit Hutch by Tess Gunty
Tess Gunty is an award-winning author and communications strategist passionate about inspiring change through storytelling.
Her book, The Rabbit Hutch, is a riveting exploration of the complexities of freedom and entrapment. It follows Blandine, a girl who has just aged out of the foster-care system.
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
Published by Knopf, this book is an exhilarating story of two best friends and creative partners who achieve fame and immortality through the success of their video game design. Along their journey, they experience joy, tragedy, duplicity, and more. It’s one of the best books out there for a high-school book club.
The author, Gabrielle Zevin, is an American scholar and screenwriter.
Science fiction
The Candy House by Jennifer Egan
Jennifer Egan is an internationally-acclaimed American writer of literature, fiction, and nonfiction.
In this novel, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author shares the story of a tech entrepreneur’s ambitious quest for privacy and authenticity in an era of memory sharing.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
American novelist Cormac McCarthy is a Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award winner, widely acclaimed for his novels exploring the human condition.
His work, The Road, is a devastating post-apocalyptic story of a father and son traveling together in a desolate, burnt-out America.
Psychological fiction
A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
This fascinating read follows Bennie and Sasha, two lost souls whose lives intersect in unexpected ways. Through interwoven narratives of their pasts, the reader discovers Sasha’s struggles with stealing and Bennie’s punk-rocker roots, set across New York City, San Francisco, Naples, and Kenya.
Atonement by Ian McEwan
Atonement is an English symphonic novel of love and war set in the 20th century. Briony Tallis’ childhood imagination leads to a crime that affects her family during World War II. This classic masterpiece explores issues of guilt and forgiveness in times of chaos and carnage.
The author, Ian McEwan, is an acclaimed English novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter. He is renowned for multiple award-winning literary works.
Romance
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Rya
For romance enthusiasts, here’s an emotional love story about Yasmen and Josiah Wade, a couple trying to find love again after life throws them one blow after another. They navigate their rekindled relationship as they co-parent their two children and run a business together.
Kennedy Ryan is an award-winning Wall Street Journal and bestselling author of romance and women’s fiction novels.
Novella
Foster by Claire Keegan
Claire Keegan is an acclaimed Irish writer and novelist renowned for her lyrical and evocative short stories.
Her book, Foster, tells the story of a young woman who finds love and security in a foster home in rural Ireland, only to have her newfound happiness threatened by a harrowing secret. This touching and thought-provoking tale, first published as a short story in The New Yorker, is an exploration of resilience amidst tragedy.
Recipe/Cookbook
Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew by Michael W. Twitty
Michael W. Twitty is an award-winning culinary and cultural historian, educator, and author specializing in African American foodways.
In Koshersoul, Michael explores the culinary conversations between African-Atlantic and Jewish diaspora cultures from a unique perspective, examining the migrations and memories behind inventive recipes and the people who created them.
The book delves into issues of identity, heritage, faith, and food to examine how these two distinctive cuisines shape their creators.
Children’s Literature
The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman
Accompanied by angels, Will and Lyra embark on a perilous journey to deliver a powerful knife to Lord Asriel. Along the way, they must battle the forces of two great powers in multiple worlds and travel to the world of the dead. As they strive to fulfill their destiny and survive, they might just end up being humanity’s last hope for peace.
The author, Philip Pullman, is an internationally acclaimed author of fantasy fiction, best known for his His Dark Materials trilogy.
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FAQ
What are the top 5 most-read books?
The Bible, The Holy Quran, Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien.
What is the most-read book of all time?
The Holy Bible
What were the best books to read in 2019?
Music: A Subversive History by Ted Gioia, Night Boat to Tangier by Kevin Barry, and In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado