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# 30 Essential Reads of the Last Decade
The last decade has been a golden era for literature, with a diverse range of voices and stories coming to the forefront. From groundbreaking novels that challenge societal norms to memoirs that offer deeply personal insights into the human condition, the literary world has been enriched with works that will be remembered for years to come. This article delves into 30 essential reads from the last decade, offering a glimpse into the books that have shaped contemporary thought and culture.
## Fiction That Moved Us
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1. “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt (2013)
A sweeping tale that combines grief, redemption, and the enduring power of art, “The Goldfinch” has captivated readers worldwide. Tartt's beautifully crafted novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2014, cementing its place as a modern classic.
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2. “Normal People” by Sally Rooney (2018)
Rooney's exploration of love, friendship, and the complexities of human connection resonated with a generation. “Normal People” is a nuanced look at the relationship between two individuals from different backgrounds, navigating the challenges of young adulthood.
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3. “The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead (2016)
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as an actual railway system. Whitehead's harrowing and imaginative work sheds light on the brutal realities of slavery while offering a story of hope and resilience.
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4. “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara (2015)
Yanagihara's novel is an epic tale of friendship, suffering, and the human spirit. “A Little Life” follows four college classmates as they navigate the complexities of life in New York City, delving into themes of trauma and recovery.
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5. “Circe” by Madeline Miller (2018)
Miller's retelling of the life of Circe, the enchantress from Homer's “Odyssey,” is a powerful narrative of female empowerment and transformation. “Circe” offers a fresh perspective on a classic story, making ancient myths accessible to a modern audience.
## Non-Fiction That Enlightened Us
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6. “Educated” by Tara Westover (2018)
Westover's memoir is a testament to the transformative power of education. Growing up in a survivalist family in Idaho, her journey from isolation to earning a PhD from Cambridge University is both inspiring and heart-wrenching.
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7. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama (2018)
The former First Lady's memoir offers an intimate look at her life, from her childhood in Chicago to her years in the White House. “Becoming” is a deeply personal and inspiring account of a woman who has continually defied expectations.
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8. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari (2011)
Harari's sweeping narrative of human history examines how Homo sapiens came to dominate the Earth. “Sapiens” combines history, science, and philosophy, challenging readers to reconsider the narrative of human progress.
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9. “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson (2014)
Stevenson's memoir is a powerful call to reform the criminal justice system. Through the story of one man's wrongful conviction, “Just Mercy” highlights the broader issues of racism and inequality that plague the American legal system.
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10. “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” by Elizabeth Kolbert (2014)
Kolbert's investigation into the ongoing mass extinction event caused by human activity is both alarming and compelling. “The Sixth Extinction” is a crucial read for understanding the environmental challenges facing our planet.
## Genre-Bending Works That Captivated Us
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11. “The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern (2011)
This fantasy novel set in a magical circus has enchanted readers with its richly imagined world and star-crossed love story. Morgenstern's debut is a feast for the senses, blending magic with a deep emotional core.
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12. “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel (2014)
A post-apocalyptic novel that explores art, memory, and survival, “Station Eleven” tells the story of a traveling Shakespearean theatre company in the aftermath of a global pandemic. Mandel's work is a poignant meditation on the enduring power of culture.
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13. “The Martian” by Andy Weir (2014)
Weir's science fiction novel about an astronaut stranded on Mars is both a thrilling survival story and a celebration of human ingenuity. “The Martian” combines realistic science with a compelling narrative, making it a hit among readers and critics alike.
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14. “Red Queen” by Victoria Aveyard (2015)
This YA fantasy novel, set in a world divided by blood—red or silver—explores themes of power, revolution, and betrayal. Aveyard's “Red Queen” series has captivated readers with its intricate world-building and dynamic characters.
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15. “The City We Became” by N.K. Jemisin (2020)
Jemisin's novel, the first in a new series, imagines New York City as a living, breathing entity. “The City We Became” is a vibrant and imaginative exploration of identity, culture, and the soul of a city.
## Conclusion
The last decade has produced a wealth of literature that speaks to the human experience in all its complexity. From novels that explore the depths of human emotion to non-fiction that challenges our understanding of the world, these 30 books are essential reads for anyone looking to engage with contemporary literature. They not only entertain but also enlighten, offering insights into the issues that define our time. As we move forward, these works will undoubtedly continue to inspire and provoke thought, reminding us of the power of literature to connect us all.
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