Listing the best books of the current century seems a bit premature, but everyone seems to be doing this, so I thought why not share my list. I’ve included fiction and non-fiction, and traditionally published and independent books.

Here is my list for the best books (in the English language) of the 21st century so far.

1. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders (2017)
2. Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi (2016)
3. Twilight by William Gay (2006)
4. A Mercy by Toni Morrison (2008)
5. Serena by Ron Rash (2008)
6. Anil’s Ghost by Michael Ondaatje (2000)
7. On Sal Mal Lane by Ru Freeman (2013)
8. Cry of the Flying Rhino by Ivy Ngeow (2017)
9. Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky (2004)
10. James by Percival Everett (2024)
11. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (2020)
12. The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw (2020)
13. What Storm, What Thunder by Myriam J. A. Chancy (2021)
14. Tenth of December by George Saunders (2013)
15. Provinces of Night by William Gay (2000)
16. Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham (2012)
17. The Women by T. C. Boyle (2009)
18. One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow by Olivia Hawker (2019)
19. Stalin’s Door by John St. Clair (2021)
20. Spying on Whales by Nick Pyenson (2018)

I will continue to track and add to this list as the century unfolds on Goodreads.

What books would make your list?