When tired of the classic and volumes with artsy stories, I want something new. For such readers, many electronic magazines and sites 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 most popularity and are now heard by everyone who is interested in quality literature. In addition, we find out which authors most deserve the attention of readers, have already managed to acquire their own fan clubs.
The best science fiction books of the 21st century
Fantastic books are distinguished by the presence of their own world, in which people can walk on other planets even in a spacesuit, even without it. "Doomed to Victory" by John Scalzi opens a 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 of this genre. It highlights the issue of wars, as well as the propaganda and credulity of each individual who believes their side.
In the list of best fiction of the 21st century, the books Anatham by Neil Stevenson and Ashes and Steel by Brandon Sanderson took pride of place not only because of the unique plot, but also the sensation that arises when reading. When the reader gazes at a few lines, he seems to “stick” to the pages and can no longer take his eyes off, as he is completely immersed in reading.
In addition, Robert Wilson “Spin”, Peter Watts “False Blindness” and Paolo Bachigalupi “Clockwork” received excellent reviews. Fans of star heroes can boast a large selection of stories that authors provide without compromising on quality.
Top 21st Century Magic Books
Few have heard of Joan 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 pronounced. Yes, “Harry Potter” is a series of books that caused widespread hysteria among readers: many just talked about him, directors began making films, and some began to write parodies. If we talk about "Harry Potter" as the best book of the 21st century in the genre of fantasy, then she really deserved this title.
Another bestseller of our time was the Song of Ice and Fire by Martin George RR, who conquered everyone with her universe filled with dragons. The writing style is so simple and high-flown at the same time that it is this contrast that sets the work apart from many similar to it. The subsequent series only strengthened Martin's success, drawing an even larger audience to the series of books.
The best horrors of the 21st century
Top of the best books of the 21st century, the rating of which is growing all the time, is associated with the name of Stephen King. Here are a few of his stories:
- "It";
- "Radiance";
- "11/22/63";
- "Pet cemetery";
- "Confrontation";
- "Lot".
You can meet them in each rating, and after reading only one you will have a lasting impression in the near future.
An excellent example of the horrors in modern literature, and then in the cinema, is the “Call” by Koji Suzuki with a famous plot about a video cassette. She could not be watched, but who could know this rule? Along with Suzuki is J. Watson, who wrote “Before I Fall Asleep,” later filmed with 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 deed of a little girl in Redemption. The story of how a 13-year-old baby girl ruined the life of two people fell into the best books of the 21st century, whose rating 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, a new interpretation of the events of the 16th century, where the events were not from the angle of Henry, but Thomas Cromwell. The “Wolf Hall” was liked not only by readers, but also by critics, and soon the writer received recognition and honorary awards thanks to her special ability to describe what is already known. After some time, the Air Force studio released a small series, which was also a success.
In addition to the above, special attention should be paid to Juno Diaz's “The Fantastic Life of Oscar Wow”, Jones “Famous World”, Merileyn Robinson “Gilead” and Jonathan Frasen “Corrections”. Most of the 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
A detective story is a book in which the main storyline is the process of solving a mystery or crime. The best book of the 21st century in the genre of detective is the well-known "Enigma of Poe's Enigma" by Andrew Taylor, who wrote the story of Edgar into the lives of other people unknown to anyone. In addition, something inspired the genius writer to embark on the path of a detective classic, and the author gradually reveals these events in a detective story.
In addition to Taylor, Lee Child has a fascinating series. The English writer created the series “Jack Richard”, creating in the minds of many the image of that genius who is at the same time able to obey 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 apparent dryness and formality.
An interesting kind of detective is a psychological detective, which differs in the motives of the criminal. More often, he has an irrational goal in which there is no logic, or the crime can be quite simply because of affect, revenge, envy or anger. There are even special schools for the study of psychological detective.
The best female 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, conversely, dirty and base. The plot is based 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 the Twilight Stephanie Meyer trilogy. The film in several parts only increased success, but do not forget that it was through the efforts of the writer that history gained popularity.
Another "luminary" in the field of women's novels can be called the name of Charles Martin. His book "Between Us Mountains" tells of random fellow travelers compelled by the will of fate to be in each other's company. Elegantly and beautifully, the author brings the reader to the end of the story, simultaneously explaining the details of the life of each of the characters.
The aforementioned randomness is precisely the hallmark of the female novel, which puts it from the detective in the completely opposite angle - the detective genre is not allowed to mix inferences and randomness.
Children's tales of the 21st century
It seemed that children's fairy tales do not happen bad, but children are also readers, although most of them are more likely listeners. And I want the literature intended for them to be of high quality. Despite the fact that parents tend to pick up the books of Barto, Marshak and Chukovsky, over the past few decades, enough has accumulated so that they can choose fairy tales from the best books of the 21st century for their children.
An excellent substitute for famous fairy tales are:
- Tatyana Bokova “The day is the opposite”;
- Marina Borodnitskaya “The Last Day of Learning”;
- Maria Boteva “Two Sisters, Two Winds”;
- Stanislav Vostokov "Cherny Alex - the nanny of special purpose";
- 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 of useful activities, making it impossible to grab complexes and distance oneself from the world.
The best novels of the 21st century
The scope for author’s thought gives such a genre as a novel. One of its views, historical, deserves special attention, since it does not drive the writer into a corner, but provides space for his thoughts to fly through the times and places. This opportunity was taken by David Mitchell, building six related stories in one. “Cloud Atlas” can often be seen in the favorite books of many readers, and they consider either her or another Mitchell’s best book of the 21st century.
Marcus Zusak, the author of The Book Thief, also tried. The book will seem difficult for many readers to read, but those who have mastered it with one voice rank it among the best books of the 21st century. If the first actions took place at different times, then there are enough worries in one. Nazi Germany does not particularly favor children, especially orphans, but a thirst for knowledge and a craving for a new one have always been present in children.
Everyone has their own favorite book.
Despite this rating, the reader will be able to find independently those works that he will like. After all, now modern literature is developing. Incredibly many new authors appear annually. 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 latest products.
The list of the best Russian books of the 21st century includes Telluria by Vladimir Sorokin, Return to Panjrud by Andrey Volos, Cheerful Guys by I. Muravyeva, Year of Life by E. Grishkovets, Night Watch by S. Lukyanenko, Zero Kilometer P. Sanaeva. 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 books in the fantasy genre, detective stories and horrors.