Over time, many books have been published; some have been cherished, and some have not. When we look to the past, we often highlight the great works of long-gone brilliant authors. However, due to this constant remembrance, we frequently neglect the aspiring writers today; for these writers are creating the works of tomorrow, perhaps works that will be adorned for years to come. Today I’d like to present to you some writings I consider to be, “Literature of the 21st Century.” I hope you too enjoy these books and possibly share them with your family.
The Book Thief
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a historical novel set in World War II Germany, following a young girl named Liesel Meminger. After being sent to live with a foster family, she discovers a deep love for literature, even as the world around her is engulfed in war. With the help of her loving foster father, a deviant best friend, and an unexpected guest hiding in their home Liesel navigates the hardships of life under Hitler’s tyrannical rule. The story is uniquely narrated by death, offering a poetic and thought-provoking perspective on love, loss, and the power of storytelling.
The Hunger Games
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is an intense dystopian novel set in a future where the nation of Panem forces its twelve districts to send two teenagers to fight in a televised battle to the death. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her younger sister’s place in the Games, entering a brutal arena where survival means outsmarting both the other tributes and the Capitol’s ruthless control. As she fights to stay alive, she must navigate spontaneous alliances, moral dilemmas, and the growing rebellion brewing beneath the surface of Panem and the Capitol. It’s a story of resilience, strategy, and defiance in the face of oppression.
The Maze Runner
The Maze Runner by James Dashner is a fast-paced dystopian novel about a teenage boy named Thomas, who wakes up in a mysterious, enclosed community called the Glade—with no memory of his past. Surrounded by a massive, ever-changing maze filled with deadly creatures, Thomas and his peers must work together to survive and find a way out. As he begins to uncover secrets about the maze and their captors, Thomas realizes he might have a bigger role in their escape than he ever imagined. It’s a thrilling story of survival, mystery, and courage in the face of the unknown.
My Brilliant Friend
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante is a deeply emotional and beautifully written novel set in 1950s Naples, Italy. It follows the intense, lifelong friendship between two girls, Elena and Lila, who grow up in a poor but close-knit neighborhood. As they navigate childhood and adolescence, their bond is shaped by competition, admiration, and the struggles of their social environment. The story explores themes of ambition, identity, and the complex dynamics of female friendship, all set against the backdrop of a swiftly changing post-war Italy.
The Lightning Thief
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan is an extraordinary fantasy novel that follows Percy Jackson, a 12-year-old boy who discovers he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. After being accused of stealing Zeus’s powerful lightning bolt, Percy embarks on a treacherous quest across the United States. His friends, Annabeth and Grover, join him on his journey, helping him clear his name and prevent a feared war among the gods. Along their journey, he encounters mythical beasts, uncovers secrets about his mysterious past, and learns what it truly means to be a hero. Filled with humor, adventure, and modern twists in Greek mythology, it’s the start of an unforgettable venture.
All the Light We Cannot See
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr is a beautifully written historical novel set during World War II. It follows the lives of two young individuals—Marie-Laure, a blind French girl who flees Nazi-occupied Paris with her father, and Werner, a German orphan with a talent for radio technology who is recruited by Hitler’s army. As their paths slowly converge, the novel explores themes of fate, resilience, and the unseen connections that bind people together. With harmonious prose and rich detail, it’s a story about the power of hope and humanity in the darkest of times.
The Knife of Never Letting Go
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness is a gripping dystopian novel set in a world where everyone can hear each other’s thoughts in an endless stream of “Noise.” Todd Hewitt, the last boy in a town of only men, stumbles upon a shocking secret that forces him to flee everything he’s ever known. As he escapes with his loyal dog, he discovers that the world is far more dangerous—and complex—than he ever imagined. With relentless action, deep emotional stakes, and deep-meaning themes, this novel is a thrilling journey of survival, truth, and what it means to grow up.
Wonder
Wonder by R.J. Palacio follows August Pullman (Auggie), a 10-year-old boy with a severe facial deformity, as he enters a brick-and-mortar school for the first time. The story explores his challenges with bullying, friendship, and acceptance, told from multiple perspectives, including Auggie’s and those of his family and classmates. It’s a powerful tale about kindness, empathy, and embracing differences, showing that true beauty comes from within.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning
In A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Daniel Handler, the Baudelaire orphans—Violet, Klaus, and Sunny—are sent to live with their evil guardian, Count Olaf, after their parents die in a fire. Count Olaf, an older, cruel actor, plans to steal their family fortune and treats them terribly. The orphans try to outsmart him using their crafty skills, but Count Olaf’s wicked plots make their lives miserable. The book sets the tone for their ongoing scrabble against Olaf’s devious plans while unraveling mysteries about their parents’ past.
