Let’s start this off by saying I wouldn’t consider myself to be the most “well-read” person in a room at any given time. As evidenced by my recent reads, I typically stick to thriller, fast paced, or romance novels, but lately, and especially in 2025, I have been wanting to expand my horizons.
A friend sent me an episode from The Daily podcast where they discussed the New York Times best books of 2024, and subsequently, the 100 best books of the 21st century which was published in July. I figured, why not pick 5-10 books from this list to challenge myself to read in 2025? Upon sitting down to read the list, the site prompted me to mark which ones I have already read. It was not shocking, yet still incredibly embarrassing, that I have not read a single one. 2025 is the year that changes that!
If you are interested in seeing this list yourself – visit the New York Times website. NOTE: it is behind a paywall (BOO!), but if you have a library card, chances are you can get a free 24 hour pass to access any of the articles you want. This is what I did to create this list.
Without further ado, here are the books (in no particular order) I will be adding to my TBR from NYT’s 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.
Elena Ferrante
For readers who cherish the complexities of female friendships, the richness of coming-of-age stories, and the poignant exploration of identity, culture, and social class, My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante is a deeply immersive and unforgettable read. -The StoryGraph
Why I want to read it: It’s number 1 on the list, so it has to be pretty good, right? Also I am intrigued by the exploration of female friendships, and the trials and tribulations brought therein.
Kazuo Ishiguro
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate introspective and emotionally charged stories about the complexities of human relationships, the value of friendship, and the ethics of identity, making it a perfect fit for those who enjoy character-driven literary fiction and dystopian explorations of the human condition. – The StoryGraph
Why I want to read it: the official description of the novel describes it as an “edge-of-your-seat mystery” which sounds right up my alley. There also seem to be hints of a love story, which I am definitely a sucker for.
Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx
Adrian Nicole LeBlanc
Random Family: Love, Drugs, Trouble, and Coming of Age in the Bronx by Adrian Nicole LeBlanc is a gripping and challenging read that is a perfect fit for readers who are drawn to stories of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable bonds of family and community, particularly those interested in themes of social justice, poverty, and the complexities of urban life. – The StoryGraph
Why I want to read it: not one to typically opt for nonfiction, this book piqued my interest as true stories often interest me. With glowing reviews, this one seems riveting even if it is slower paced.
Hernán Díaz
Trust by Hernán Díaz is a captivating read for readers who crave a stimulating and immersive literary experience that delves into the complexities of power, money, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction, making it an ideal fit for those who enjoy historical fiction, mystery, and philosophical explorations of the human condition. – The StoryGraph
Why I want to read it: when I read that this book has mind games in the form of four different accounts of the same events, I was sold. What better way to explore a story than through multiple competing narratives, where it’s up to you to decipher what is true?
The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11
Lawrence Wright
For readers fascinated by the intricate complexities of global politics and the pivotal events that shaped the world, The Looming Tower: Al-Qaeda and the Road to 9/11 by Lawrence Wright is a gripping and informative read that delves into the definitive history of the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and the 9/11 attacks, offering a rich and thought-provoking exploration of terrorism, international relations, and the CIA’s role in the lead-up to the devastating event. – The StoryGraph
Why I want to read it: I have always wanted to know more about these historic events, and if nothing else, this will give me endless things to discuss at the next dinner party.
Hua Hsu
Stay True by Hua Hsu is a poignant and introspective memoir that will resonate deeply with readers who have experienced the complexities of identity, the power of true friendship, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world, making it a must-read for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider looking in. – The StoryGraph
Why I want to read it: as someone who has often felt like an outsider, this book summary spoke to me.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Gabrielle Zevin
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is a captivating read for anyone who has ever been enchanted by the magic of video games, the complexities of human connection, and the transformative power of creativity, making it a perfect fit for fans of character-driven fiction, gamers, and anyone who has ever been swept up in the thrill of a love story that defies the boundaries of reality. – The StoryGraph
Why I want to read it: This is one of those books that I have been meaning to get around to forever, so I figure 2025 is the time!
When We Cease to Understand the World
Benjamín Labatut with Adrian Nathan West (Translator)
When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatut is a absorbing and deeply unsettling read that will captivate readers who are fascinated by the intricate dance between scientific discovery, human nature, and the complexities of the universe, and who are willing to immerse themselves in the darkly beautiful stories of the brilliant minds that have shaped our understanding of the world. – The StoryGraph
Why I want to read it: a bit of a nerd at heart, this book spoke to me immediately. Why wouldn’t I want to explore a novel about quantum physics with a splash of drama?
Honorable Mentions:
These are selections that aren’t high on my list, but still felt interesting enough to mention. For one reason or another, they didn’t speak to me as something I want to commit to right now. However, they may make a return on a TBR in the future!
- The Line of Beauty – Alan Hollinghurst
- The Plot Against America – Philip Roth
- Veronica – Mary Gaitskill
- Runaway – Alice Munro
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