if i was in charge of the 100 Best Books of the 21st Century list

i was born at the turn of the century. my entire life has led to this moment.

Last week, the NY Times published their 100 Best Books of the 21st Century list. As I scrolled through it, I (like everyone, I’m sure) couldn’t help but notice some glaring omissions of my favorites. I’m obviously no New York Times, nor do I have the extensive reach of the 503 contributors they consulted. Yet, as an avid reader, I thought it would be a fun exercise to compile my own.
These are in no particular order because my ethos is that these perfect works should not be compared to one another.

Let’s get started 📚

1. Educated by Tara Westover - Tara Westover shares her journey from growing up in a strict, survivalist family to earning a PhD from Cambridge, highlighting the power of education and self-discovery.

2. Quantum Physics for Poets by Leon M. Lederman & Christopher Hill - This book breaks down the basics of quantum physics in a way that’s easy and engaging for non-scientists to understand.

3. Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari - Harari takes you through the history of humankind, from the Stone Age to modern times, in an insightful and accessible way.

4. Know My Name by Chanel Miller - Miller’s powerful memoir recounts her experience as the survivor of a high-profile sexual assault case, bringing light to her journey of reclaiming her identity and voice.

5. Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed - A collection of advice columns from Cheryl Strayed, offering profound and heartfelt advice on love, life, and everything in between.

6. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini - A novel about friendship and redemption set against the backdrop of a changing Afghanistan.

7. Born a Crime by Trevor Noah - A memoir by the comedian and ex-host of "The Daily Show," detailing his experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa.

8. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi - A powerful memoir by a neurosurgeon who faced terminal cancer, reflecting on life and mortality.

9. The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by bell hooks - A critical examination of toxic masculinity and a call for men to embrace vulnerability and love.

10. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - Dr. Bessel van der Kolk explores how trauma affects the body and mind, and offers new paths to healing.

11. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro - A speculative fiction novel about an artificial intelligence named Klara who observes and interacts with the human world, exploring themes of love and humanity.

12. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante - The first book in the Neapolitan Quartet, a captivating story of friendship and rivalry between two women in post-war Italy.

13. The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan - Pollan examines the complex relationship between humans and plants through the lens of four different species.

14. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - A gripping psychological thriller about a woman who mysteriously disappears on her fifth wedding anniversary. Explores the dark complexities of love, trust, and revenge.

15. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell - An exploration of the factors that contribute to high levels of success, challenging the idea of the "self-made" individual.

16. The Help by Kathryn Stockett - Set in 1960s Mississippi, this novel tells the story of African American maids working in white households, focusing on their struggles and resilience. It explores themes of racism, inequality, and the fight for civil rights through the eyes of three women.

17. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - A dystopian novel about a young girl who becomes a symbol of rebellion in a society where children are forced to fight to the death.

18. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini - A tale of two women in Afghanistan whose lives are intertwined through decades of war and hardship.

19. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt - The story of a boy who survives a terrorist attack at an art museum and is drawn into a world of crime and art.

20. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara - A novel that follows the lives of four friends in New York City, exploring themes of trauma, friendship, and healing.

21. Consider the Lobster and Other Essays by David Foster Wallace - A collection of thought-provoking and humorous essays on a variety of topics, showcasing Wallace's unique voice and intellect.

22. Cultish by Amanda Montell - Amanda Montell investigates the language of cults and how it influences and manipulates people, making you see cults in a whole new light.

23. Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow by Yuval Noah Harari - Harari looks at the future of humanity, exploring the possibilities and challenges of technology, artificial intelligence, and the quest for immortality.

24. Communion: The Female Search for Love by bell hooks - bell hooks explores the ways in which women can find and experience true love in a society that often devalues it.

25. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - The memoir of Nike co-founder Phil Knight, detailing the challenges and triumphs of building a global brand.

26. Finding Me by Viola Davis - Viola Davis's memoir, sharing her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an acclaimed actress and advocate.

27. Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer - A beautiful blend of indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and environmental philosophy.

28. The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg - Duhigg delves into the science of habits, showing how they work and how we can change them to improve our lives.

29. Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami - A poignant exploration of womanhood and identity, capturing the intimate struggles and aspirations of contemporary Japanese women.

30. Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman - This book explores the two systems of thinking that drive the way we make decisions, offering insights into how we think and how we can think better.

31. Life of Pi by Yann Martel - The story of a young boy who survives a shipwreck and shares a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.

32. On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong - A letter from a son to his mother that reveals a family's history while exploring themes of race, class, and the complexities of growing up as an immigrant.

33. Taste by Stanley Tucci - A memoir by Stanley Tucci, filled with stories of his life and career, intertwined with his love of food.

34. Becoming by Michelle Obama - A deeply personal memoir by the former First Lady of the United States, offering insights into her life, thoughts, and experiences.

35. What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey - A collection of essays by Oprah Winfrey, reflecting on life lessons and personal growth.

36. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - A thriller involving a journalist and a hacker investigating a wealthy family's dark secrets.

37. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - Elizabeth Gilbert's memoir about her journey across Italy, India, and Indonesia in search of self-discovery and fulfillment.

38. Invisible Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men by Caroline Criado Perez - An eye-opening exploration of how data bias and gender inequality impact women in various aspects of life.

39. The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee - A detailed and compelling narrative of the history and science of genetics, this book explains how genes shape our lives, behavior, and health.

40. Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain - A candid, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry, revealing the darker side of culinary life.

41. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot - This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her knowledge and became one of the most important tools in medicine, raising important questions about ethics in scientific research.

42. The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri - A novel about the experiences of an Indian-American family, focusing on the challenges of cultural identity and generational conflict.

43. Why Fish Don't Exist by Lulu Miller - Lulu Miller blends science and biography in this fascinating exploration of taxonomy and chaos, centered around the life of David Starr Jordan.

44. Atomic Habits by James Clear - A practical guide to forming good habits and breaking bad ones, backed by scientific research.

45. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel - An insightful exploration of how people think about money and the influence of personal beliefs on financial decisions.

46. Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel - A look into the complexities of maintaining desire and intimacy in long-term relationships.

47. These Precious Days by Ann Patchett - A collection of essays that blend memoir and commentary, showcasing Ann Patchett's life experiences and reflections.

48. Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson - A comprehensive biography of Steve Jobs, exploring the life and legacy of the Apple co-founder and his impact on technology and culture.

49. I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy - A candid and darkly humorous memoir by former child actress Jennette McCurdy, detailing her struggles with family, fame, child stardom, and self-identity.

50. Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood - A dystopian novel exploring a future ravaged by genetic engineering, where protagonist Snowman reflects on the roles of his friends Oryx and Crake in the creation of this new world.

51. Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay - A collection of essays that blends personal experience with cultural critique, exploring feminism, race, and the complexities of modern identity.

52. The Testaments by Margaret Atwood - A sequel to The Handmaid's Tale, this novel revisits the dystopian world of Gilead, providing new perspectives through the narratives of three different women.

53. Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass - A young adult novel about a boy who receives a mysterious box from his deceased father, setting him on a journey of discovery.

54. Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren - A romance novel that alternates between the past and present, unraveling the story of first love and second chances.

55. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin - Music producer Rick Rubin shares his insights on creativity, emphasizing the importance of being present and open to the world.

56. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown - Brown explores the power of vulnerability and how it can lead to greater courage, connection, and creativity.

57. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller - A guide to understanding attachment theory and how it affects relationships, offering strategies for building stronger connections.

58. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee - A multi-generational saga following a Korean family living in Japan, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and belonging.

59. The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History by Elizabeth Kolbert - Kolbert investigates the current biodiversity crisis, explaining how human activity is driving mass extinction and what it means for the future of the planet.

60. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion - A memoir by Joan Didion that delves into her experiences of grief and mourning following the sudden death of her husband.

61. The Paradox of Choice by Barry Schwartz - A book that explores how the abundance of choice in modern society can lead to anxiety and dissatisfaction.

62. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - A novel set in Nazi Germany, narrated by Death, about a young girl who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others.

63. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng - A gripping novel about race, class, and family secrets in a suburban community, centered around a custody battle over a Chinese-American baby.

64. Untamed by Glennon Doyle - A memoir and call to arms for women to live authentically and embrace their true selves, breaking free from societal expectations.

65. Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari - A humorous and insightful exploration of dating and relationships in the digital age, co-written with sociologist Eric Klinenberg.

66. The Idiot by Elif Batuman - A coming-of-age novel that follows a Turkish-American student navigating her first year in college and her experiences of love and self-discovery.

67. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson - Bill Bryson makes science fun and accessible, taking readers on a journey through the history of our planet and beyond.

68. Lords of Finance by Liaquat Ahamed - A historical narrative about the four central bankers whose decisions led to the Great Depression, offering lessons for modern economic policy.

69. City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert - A vibrant and adventurous novel set in the 1940s New York City theater world, following a young woman's journey of self-discovery, love, and independence.

70. Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang - A dystopian novel that delves into the beauty industry's dark side, examining themes of exploitation, identity, and the societal pressures faced by women.

71. Bliss Montage by Ling Ma - A collection of surreal and compelling stories that delve into the complexities of modern life and relationships.

72. Power and Prediction by Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb - A forward-looking examination of how AI and machine learning will shape the future of business and society.

73. Weapons of Math Destruction by Cathy O’Neil - A critical analysis of how big data and algorithms can perpetuate inequality and injustice.

74. The State of Affairs by Esther Perel - An exploration of infidelity, its causes, and its impact on relationships, offering new perspectives on this age-old issue.

75. This Is the Story of a Happy Marriage by Ann Patchett - A collection of essays that blend memoir and commentary, showcasing Ann Patchett's life experiences and reflections.

76. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty - A story about three women whose lives unravel when secrets and lies are exposed in their seemingly perfect community.

77. The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben - An exploration of the secret world of trees, revealing their communication, cooperation, and social structures.

78. In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado - A memoir that uses innovative narrative techniques to recount Carmen Maria Machado's experience in an abusive same-sex relationship.

79. Freakonomics by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner - An exploration of the hidden side of economics, revealing surprising insights about human behavior through data analysis.

80. Playing the Whore by Melissa Gira Grant - A provocative look at sex work, challenging common perceptions and advocating for the rights of sex workers.

81. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan - Pollan’s manifesto for eating healthily, summarizing his philosophy in the simple phrase: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants."

82. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown - This fast-paced thriller follows Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels a series of clues hidden in famous works of art.

83. The Crane Wife by CJ Hauser - A poignant collection of essays that explore love, loss, and the stories we tell ourselves.

84. A Promised Land by Barack Obama - President Obama's memoir, detailing his early political career, presidential campaign, and time in office, with reflections on leadership and democracy.

85. The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green - A collection of essays by John Green that review different facets of the human-centered planet, offering reflections on humanity's impact on the world.

86. The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee - A comprehensive biography of cancer, detailing its history, treatment, and the ongoing battle to understand and overcome the disease.

87. Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport - Newport provides a philosophy and practical advice for reducing digital clutter and focusing on what truly matters.

88. The Power of Geography by Tim Marshall - A follow-up to "Prisoners of Geography," this book explores how geography shapes global politics and impacts the world’s most critical regions.

89. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton - A memoir that delves into Dolly Alderton's experiences with love, friendship, and growing up.

90. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - A novel about an eccentric and socially awkward woman whose carefully ordered life begins to change when she develops an unlikely friendship, leading to personal growth and healing.

91. The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene - A deep dive into the nature of space and time, exploring the cutting-edge theories of physics.

92. The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt - An analysis of how overprotective parenting and educational practices are impacting the mental health and resilience of young people.

93. Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino - A collection of essays that critically examines contemporary culture, exploring topics like the internet, feminism, and self-delusion.

94. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy - A sprawling novel that weaves together the lives of diverse characters in contemporary India, exploring themes of love, loss, and resilience.

95. I'm a Fan by Sheena Patel - A contemporary novel exploring themes of obsession, identity, and social media in the context of a young woman's infatuation with a social media influencer.

96. Crying in H-Mart by Michelle Zauner - A memoir by the lead singer of Japanese Breakfast, reflecting on her Korean-American identity and her relationship with her late mother.

97. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson - A gripping non-fiction narrative that intertwines the stories of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and the sinister activities of serial killer H.H. Holmes.

98. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin - A captivating novel that explores the complex friendship and creative partnership between two video game designers, delving into themes of love, ambition, and the power of imagination.

99. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata - A quirky and thought-provoking novel about a woman who finds meaning and identity in her simple job at a convenience store, challenging societal expectations and norms.

100. The Bottlenecks of the 21st Century by David G. Victor and Charles F. Sabel - An insightful examination of the critical challenges facing the world in the 21st century, from climate change to technological disruption, and how we can navigate these bottlenecks to build a sustainable future.

     all my love!!!!!!!

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