this post highlights the Must Read Books of The 21st Century
I am not affiliated with any of the brands or products mentioned in this post. I do not receive commission or any compensation for sharing them. I simply enjoy these products and recommend them based on my personal experience and preference.
If you’re looking for your next read, you’ve come to the right place. I am an avid reader on my days off and use it often to escape reality. Nurses often get stuck in this place of chaos: between 12-hour shifts, switching from days to nights, and still trying to be present for loved ones, despite being physically and mentally drained. I am here to provide you with the must-read books of the 21st century.
The books listed below will help you decompress from a long work week. You’ll find books in all genres – from smutty romance to historical fiction to non-fiction books I just couldn’t put down. Some may be popular; others are underrated. So sit back, put your feet up, and read along!
This post is all about the must read books of the 21st Century.
If you’re a 20-something-year-old female, it’s most likely you’ve heard of Sarah J. Maas. Especially if you’re a fantasy reader. She has recently taken over the fantasy (or romantasy) genre. And if you don’t know who she is, then you need to. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas is my favourite fantasy read.
Now, I may get some hate for this, but I believe Throne of Glass is the most superior series written by Maas. If you’re looking for an action-packed series filled with assassins, royalty, and magic, then this is the one for you. More action, less smut – although, there are still a few sprinkles in there.
Be prepared to ignore all responsibilities while you settle in with Celaena Sardothien.
2. Fourth Wing
– Rebecca Yarros
Okay, Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Another overly hyped-up book. But, with good reason. This book has a little bit of everything. It’s another fast-paced, suspenseful book, filled with all the drama, some spice, and, best of all, dragons.
Violet, the main character, is not your typical strong, female main character. The way that Yarros represents Violet is as this meek and mild, fragile girl who is entering her first year at Basgiath War College. Without giving away any spoilers, Violet really learns how to use the strengths that she does have to her benefit. You’ll be sucked into this book from start to finish (and then be ready to read the rest of the series).
3. The Midnight Library
– Matt Haig
Coming in at book #3 for fantasy on our Must-Read Books of the 21st Century list is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. I find this book isn’t talked about nearly enough. I absolutely loved the concept. Nora, the main character, is in her 30s and regretting most of her choices in life. She is so unhappy with her life that she ultimately decides to end it. She then wakes up in the midnight library, a place filled with all the other possible lives she could’ve lived.
Now, I won’t dive too much into it, because I want you to read it yourself. But this book is less magic and dragons and more alternate reality and magical realism. However, this book does have a strong mental health component, so please be mindful if this is a trigger for you.
Historical Fiction
4. Five Little Indians
– Michelle Good
I have talked about the book Five Little Indians by Michelle Good since I first picked it up. I will never stop recommending this Canadian read. This book follows the lives of five indigenous children who were taken from their homes and forced into a residential school. Years later, they end up released from the school and must figure out how to live in the real world of downtown Vancouver. This book shows the true trauma and struggles that many First Nations faced.
If you’re looking for a heart-wrenching historical fiction that may make you forget about your own hardships, this book is for you. Michelle has justifiably won many awards for this literary piece.
5. The Island of Sea Women
– Lisa See
The next book on my Must-Read Books of the 21st Century list is The Island of Sea Women by Lisa See. I read this book years ago and still always think of it when asked for a book recommendation.
The Island of Sea Women follows the lives of a female diving collective, the haenyeo, of Korea’s Jeju Island, during a period of Japanese colonialism. It showcases a beautiful friendship over many decades that faces much trial and tribulation. This read is full of female empowerment, resilience, and culture.
If you’re looking for a read that teaches you something new while still having a beautiful story to follow, this is the book for you.
6. The Invention of Wings
– Sue Monk Kidd
Many people have heard of The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd; however, I rarely hear anyone mention The Invention of Wings. Again, I read this book many years ago, and I continue to think about it daily.
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd follows the intertwined lives of two young women in 19th-century Charleston: Hetty, an enslaved girl, and Sarah, the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner. This book focuses on strict racial and social boundaries, with a focus on the fight for freedom.
If you’re drawn to historical novels that offer an authentic look at the experiences of women of color in the 1800s, this book is a must-read.
7. The Alice Network
– Kate Quinn
Kate Quinn has become widely popular with her historical fiction novels. The top of my list is The Alice Network. This dual timeline book follows two women: Eve Gardiner, a British spy recruited into a secret network of female agents during World War I, and Charlie, a woman on the search for her missing cousin during the after-war period. The two team up in the most unforgettable journey.
This novel showcases the true bravery of women during the war. I find many wartime stories focus on men; therefore, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the impact of women in the war.
If you enjoy books based in wartime with a gripping, female-dominated story from top to bottom, this is the novel for you.
Contemporary Fiction
8. Mad Honey
– Jodi Picoult
Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult was one of my favourite reads of the year. This highly suspenseful book follows the story of a mom and son – Olivia and Asher—living in small-town New Hampshire. When Asher’s girlfriend, Lily, is found dead, the two must face an extraordinary amount of challenges. As the story unfolds, the character development is unlike any book I’ve read.
If you enjoy books with strenuous family dynamics, true teen love, and a complex identity crisis, then this should be your next read.
9. On the Ravine
– Vincent Lam
Vincent Lam’s On The Ravine focuses on the behind-the-scenes of our very real opioid crisis. As a nurse, I thoroughly enjoyed looking into the hypothetical life of someone dependent on opioids. Another Canadian read, this book follows a Toronto-based physician, Dr. Chen, and his patient, Claire, an ambitious violinist who is addicted to narcotics. Lam brings you along on the day-to-day hardships that both characters must face as an addictions physician and an addict.
This story highlights our ever-growing addiction epidemic from a point of view that’s not often seen. I truthfully believe everyone should read this novel.
Want a better look into the challenges of those facing addictions? This book is for you.
Thrillers
10. Notes on an Execution
– Danya Kukafka
Ever wonder what it’s like to be subject to death row? In Danya Kukafka’s novel, Notes on an Execution, you can learn just that – without actually having to be subject to it (…ha ha). This story unravels the world of Ansel Packer, a serial killer sentenced to die in 12 hours. It’s a complex, riveting story, filled with emotion from both Ansel and the women who helped shape his life.
If you’re a true crime junkie and love a thrilling story from beginning to end, you should definitely read this one. Listed as a New York Times Best Crime Novel of the Year, you won’t be able to put it down!
11. Wrong Place, Wrong Time
– Gillian McAllister
I first found this book, Wrong Place, Wrong Time by Gillian McAllister, through Reese’s Book Club. If you haven’t heard of Reese’s Book Club, it’s Reese Witherspoon’s monthly book selections. See here. I find she often has the best, most curated choices and rarely lets me down.
Wrong Time, Wrong Place is an exciting thriller with such an interesting concept. Jenn, awaiting the return of her son, Todd, peers through the window to witness him commit a horrific act of violence. Jenn feels as if her life has been turned upside down until the next morning when she awakes and it is prior to the witnessed attack. Can she prevent it from happening?
If you’re seeking an unexpected, thrilling ride, look no further. Gillian will keep you guessing all book long.
12. Things We Do In The Dark
– Jennifer Hillier
Things We Do In The Dark by Jennifer Hillier is another captivating page-turner. The story starts with a woman named Paris, found in her bathroom, holding a straight-blade razor with her dead husband in the bathtub behind her. She then subsequently gets arrested for the suspected murder. Throughout the story, Paris must face numerous challenges, including her dark past and threats from another convicted murderer, Ruby Reyes.
A whirlwind of suspense that’ll keep you up all night to discover the truth. All my fellow thrill seekers must read this one.
Romance
13. The Last Letter
Rebecca Yarros does it again. Prepare for an absolute tearjerker of a book. The Last Letter is a heart-wrenching romance focused on a military family who is torn apart by the death of their brother/uncle. Ella, a young mom, is trying her best to stay afloat for her twin children when she receives an unexpected visitor. This novel shows heartbreak, love, and the true meaning of family.
If you want a book that will absolutely tear you apart (I mean it), then this is the one for you. Sometimes we love to torture ourselves a little, no? Just me?? Rebecca Yarros does the unexpected in every way in this unbelievable story.
14. Tattered Stars
– Catherine Cowles
This small-town romance stole my heart immediately, and now that I’m writing this post, I’m curious as to why I haven’t picked up the next in the series. Tattered Stars by Catherine Cowles is told in atwo- person POV. It follows Everly, a young woman who has decided to return to her hometown after many years despite the trauma and tense family relationships, and Hayes, a local firefighter who’s dealing with his own tragic past. As the two cross paths, the connection undeniably grows.
This book is so much more than just a romance; it delves into many deep concepts, with a little thriller thrown in the mix.
15. Archer’s Voice
– Mia Sheridan
A book that just pulls on those heartstrings, Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan is another small-town romance that focuses on love in an atypical scenario. It’s the story of a young woman, Bree, overcoming her past through the love and connection of this small-town boy, Archer. What makes this book different is that Archer isn’t your picture-perfect male character in a romance novel; he has faced his own challenges that ultimately left him without a voice.
If you love heartwarming stories, I highly recommend you give Archer’s Voice a try. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Must Read Non-Fiction Books
16. Born A Crime
– Trevor Noah
If you don’t know Trevor Noah, you should. I am constantly in awe and totally engaged in everything he says. Now, I knew him before I read this book, but this is definitely not a requirement. He is a fantastic speaker, writer, and, I’m assuming, all-around person.
This book, Born A Crime, is comprised of multiple short stories from Trevor’s childhood. Trevor grew up in South Africa, in a suburb of Johannesburg called Soweto. Trevor had a far from traditional American upbringing, and it is quite remarkable to listen to. He has come so far from everything he’s endured.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh or cry or cry from laughing, this book is the one for you. I highly recommend it on audio, as it’s narrated by Trevor himself.
17. How To Survive A Bear Attack
– Claire Cameron
I unexpectedly came across the book How To Survive A Bear Attack when my local library put on an interview with Claire Cameron. I had already read the book prior to the event, but I fell in love with Claire even more while listening to her talk.
I was instantly drawn to this book because of its title; however, it’s so much more than about a bear attack. I often have a hard time describing the context of this book, due to its original concept. However, this memoir discusses Claire’s new cancer diagnosis and the process she goes through to acceptance. In the book, she relates her cancer back to a previous bear attack in Algonquin Park. Now don’t ask me how she did it, because I still don’t entirely get it, but it’s a beautiful story of tragedy, grief, and acceptance.
18. From The Ashes
– Jesse Thistle
From The Ashes by Jesse Thistle is another absolutely incredible memoir that I honestly believe is what got me into reading non-fiction. It is a story of enduring horrific trauma and addiction but still coming out on top.
Jesse writes about his experience of being abandoned as a toddler and ending up in the foster care system, addicted to both drugs and alcohol, and committing petty crime. It’s truly remarkable how he faced so much but has now done so well as an indigenous scholar. He is a true inspiration that you can climb out of the deepest, darkest hole. Jesse’s writing style will keep you captivated the whole story long.
19. The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks
Now my last pick, but certainly not the least, is The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. This story is absolutely mind-blowing, especially if you’re in the healthcare industry. You may have heard of Henrietta Lacks; her cells have guided so many scientific research studies and developments. And in this story, you will learn everything her family had to endure.
During this read, I often would sit there and ponder how these things could have actually happened. From Henrietta’s own cells being taken without her consent to some of the research studies they did on other individuals, this story will really have you questioning humanity in the 1950s.
This post highlighted the top 19 must read books of the 21st century
Although I’m sure this list may change as I discover more incredible reads, these are my recommended must-read books of the 21st century. May your days be filled with sunny days & good reads. Until next time. XO
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