Guardian’s Top 100 books of the century

[tldr]

www.theguardian.com/books/2019/sep/21/best-books-of-the-21st-century

I’ve read a handful. Might try reading some more.

Even the list took me down memory lane, back to 20 years ago when I was young(ish) and watching what people were reading on the tube. (White Teeth. Everyone read White Teeth.)

Thanks for doing my research for me, highlandcoo...was a bit lazy there . I haven't read What A Carve Up! Sounds like I should. I read all the trilogy in the wrong order, too. I don't think it matters too much.

Just checked and found that my second favourite novel of Roth's (after American Pastoral, 1997) is Indignation, published 2008. I think it's much better than The Plot Against America.

It's a shame there's not more children's fiction on that list. I mean, you could write a list of at least 100 children's books published this century which are better than the Harry Potters.

@highlandcoo thanks for the tip!

I’m surprised I have read six books on the list

Think only four worthy of being on the list

I wouldn’t have put Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on the list it’s so overrated but surprised The Invention of Wings, Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine or The Lovely Bones are not listed maybe not highbrow enough (so GWTDT is a surprise)

I've read about 6 and a couple more are in my TBR pile.
All very worthy books, but some that jar on the list - like Gone Girl and The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - certainly page turners but don't really fit with the rest of them. I'd say Harry Potter probably does not belong on that list either (and I am a fan!)

What would we put on a more "quality but mainstream" list then?

I’ve read 16, and started but abandoned at least another 5 or 6.

Read 33 and abandoned a few. Thank God for book club and an FWB with good literary taste.

I love The Plot Against America, if Indignation is better I'll definitely try that. Gone Girl is a ludicrous choice but I do see that it was the first of a new genre. I think Marlon james should be on there - not sure if A book of night women was 21st century but I think it was, it was amazing.

I’ve only read two of these. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (enjoyed, though read as a child so didn’t really ‘get‘ it) and Fingersmith which I love but prefer both The Little Stranger and The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters. Definitely a few to add to my to read pile!

I've read 20. Including the dreary Normal People (why do people think it's so great?)

@VeniceBeach, I read Curious Incident as an adult and I’m not really very sure I got it. Certainly didn’t understand the fuss about it.

23 read: some great, but that's certainly a nicely challenging & diverse list...

@tldr I remember my mum bought it to read because the main character had autism/aspergers like my brother (although I just stole to while away the hours!) so I guess that's why she thought it important.

I’m glad to see Brooklyn on the list. I just watched the film recently and it reminded me of how much I loved the book.

Brooklyn is one of only two audiobooks ever that has kept me on a treadmill longer than I intended to be on it. 😀

The other was We need to talk about Kevin.

Brooklyn annoyed me because the lead character was so passive. Typical man writing a woman issue. Thought the film was better, it felt like she had more agency. Generally love Colm Toibin's books though.

I've read 17. Think I will try to read the others this year. Thanks for the heads up!
I have Sapiens and Thinkkng fast and slow ready to go.

Yes I agree.

Hare with the Amber Eyes is beyond boring. Lengthy meditation on one man’s collection of knick knacks. Can’t even remember if there was a point besides being terribly pretentious and breathy about pots.

Dammit. I am not looking forward to The Hare with the Amber Eyes now.

@TerrifiedandWorried

Don't be apt username, I absolutely loved it.

@TerrifiedandWorried

Don't be apt username, I absolutely loved it.

@TerrifiedandWorried

Don't be apt username, I absolutely loved it.

Oh FFS it kept saying I hadn't posted

I've read 37 off that list... Lots on there I've never even heard of! Will take the list next time I'm at the library, there are some on there that look pretty good.

And I loved the Hare with Amber Eyes too! Didn't find it boring in the slightest.

16 for me. Very pleased to see Austerlitz places high, it’s one of my favourite books. So beautifully written, I wish I was able to read it in German.

I've read 21, but certainly didn't enjoy them all!

I am, however, chuffed that the brilliant Mary Beard's Woman and Power has made the list. I love Mary Beard :) The Guardian's description makes it sound very dull and heavy when it isn't at all. As well as making some very thought-provoking points, it's very readable and quite funny.