21 Great Pulitzer Winner Books You Don’t Want To Miss

If you’re looking for novels that pack an emotional punch, showcase beautiful storytelling, and leave you thinking about them long after you’ve finished, Pulitzer Prize-winning books are a great place to start. Awarded annually, the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction honours books that capture the human experience in unique and profound ways. Let’s dive into 21 Pulitzer winner books you don’t want to miss!

Table of Contents

What Is The Pulitzer Prize?

The Pulitzer Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the United States, recognising excellence in journalism, literature, and musical composition. Established in 1917 by provisions in the will of Joseph Pulitzer, a Hungarian-American newspaper publisher, the prize honours work that exemplifies distinguished writing, reporting, and creativity across various fields.

Despite the majority of Pulitzer Prizes being awarded in the journalism category, it also honours achievements in literature and drama. This includes awards for fiction, biography and autobiography, history and poetry. Are you ready to get your reading list even more exciting?

21 Great Pulitzer Winner Books

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1961)

Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic that explores themes of racial injustice and moral growth through the eyes of Scout Finch. Set in the racially segregated South, it’s an unforgettable story about courage, empathy, and standing up for what’s right, even when it’s not easy. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re missing out on one of the most influential books of the 20th century.

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2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy (2007)

In The Road, Cormac McCarthy paints a bleak but heart-wrenching post-apocalyptic world. A father and son traverse a desolate landscape, struggling to survive while trying to maintain their humanity. McCarthy’s sparse yet powerful prose draws you in and doesn’t let go until the very end. It’s dark, yes, but ultimately a tale of love, survival, and hope.

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3. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2017)

Colson Whitehead reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as an actual subterranean network in this riveting novel. Following the journey of Cora, a runaway slave, the book explores slavery’s brutal legacy and America’s complicated history. With its mix of historical fiction and magical realism, The Underground Railroad is a literary masterpiece that will stay with you long after the last page.

4. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (2014)

The Goldfinch follows the life of Theo Decker, a boy who survives a terrorist attack at an art museum. Grief-stricken, he clings to a painting called The Goldfinch, which becomes his link to a more hopeful, beautiful past. This novel is a sprawling, emotional journey about art, beauty, and the pain of growing up.

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5. Beloved by Toni Morrison (1988)

Toni Morrison’s Beloved is a haunting tale of slavery, memory, and loss. The novel follows Sethe, a former slave, as she’s haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter. Morrison’s poetic language and deep understanding of trauma make Beloved a deeply emotional and unforgettable read.

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6. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (2011)

A Visit from the Goon Squad is an innovative and quirky book about time, ageing, and the interconnectedness of human lives. Egan takes readers on a journey through various characters’ lives, showing how time (“the goon”) changes everything. Its non-linear structure might throw you off at first, but trust me—it’s worth sticking around for the ride.

7. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2015)

Set during World War II, All the Light We Cannot See follows the lives of a blind French girl and a young German soldier as their paths converge. Doerr’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery bring the horrors of war to life while showing the resilience of the human spirit. It’s an absolute page-turner.

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8. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (2003)

Middlesex is a multi-generational family saga that explores themes of identity, gender, and immigration. Narrated by Cal, who was born intersex, the novel spans several decades and continents, touching on the Greek immigrant experience in America. Eugenides combines humour, history, and a deep exploration of what makes us who we are.

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9. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon (2001)

Michael Chabon’s The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is a love letter to the Golden Age of comic books. Set during World War II, it tells the story of two Jewish cousins who create a superhero comic while dealing with the horrors of war, love, and loss. Chabon’s wit and charm shine through in this epic tale.

10. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (2005)

Gilead is a quiet, contemplative novel written as a letter from an elderly preacher to his young son. Marilynne Robinson’s prose is meditative and beautiful, exploring themes of faith, grace, and the passage of time. If you’re looking for something introspective, this is the book for you.

11. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (2009)

Olive Kitteridge is a novel-in-stories about a prickly, complex woman living in small-town Maine. Elizabeth Strout’s character study of Olive is as raw as it is honest, revealing the inner lives of everyday people with incredible empathy. Each story gives you a glimpse into Olive’s tough exterior and the vulnerable, sometimes heartbroken woman inside.

12. The Hours by Michael Cunningham (1999)

Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway, The Hours interweaves the lives of three women, each struggling with her own existential crises. Cunningham’s poetic language and exploration of time, identity, and despair make this a moving and thought-provoking novel.

13. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz (2008)

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a funny, tragic, and utterly captivating story about a Dominican-American nerd named Oscar, whose family is cursed by a fukú (a Dominican term for bad luck). Díaz combines history, pop culture, and magical realism in a way that feels both fresh and timeless.

14. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen (2016)

A gripping spy novel set during and after the Vietnam War, The Sympathizer tells the story of a double agent whose divided loyalties lead to his downfall. Viet Thanh Nguyen’s debut novel is both a page-turner and a deep meditation on identity, colonialism, and the price of war.

15. The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (1940)

The Grapes of Wrath is a searing account of the Great Depression, following the Joad family as they travel west in search of a better life. Steinbeck’s portrayal of poverty, social injustice, and resilience is as relevant today as it was when it was first published. It’s a powerful read that will leave you thinking about economic inequality and the strength of the human spirit.

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16. The Shipping News by Annie Proulx (1994)

The Shipping News is a darkly comic and heart-warming novel about Quoyle, a third-rate newspaper hack, who relocates to a small town in Newfoundland after a series of personal tragedies. As he begins to rebuild his life, the quirky inhabitants of the town and the harsh, beautiful landscape help him discover a sense of belonging. Proulx’s prose is sharp and often lyrical, bringing the stark, rugged beauty of Newfoundland to life.

17. Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (1986)

Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove is an epic Western novel that follows two aging Texas Rangers, Augustus “Gus” McCrae and Woodrow F. Call, on a dangerous cattle drive from Texas to Montana. It’s not just a cowboy story—it’s a rich, multi-layered exploration of friendship, adventure, and the Wild West. McMurtry’s vivid storytelling and unforgettable characters make this a must-read for lovers of epic sagas.

18. The Overstory by Richard Powers (2019)

The Overstory is a breath-taking novel about nine individuals whose lives become intertwined through their connection to trees and the natural world. Richard Powers weaves together their stories in a sprawling narrative that explores ecological activism, the beauty of nature, and the complex relationship between humans and the environment. It’s a deeply moving and thought-provoking book that will change the way you see the world around you.

19. Empire Falls by Richard Russo (2002)

Set in a small, decaying town in Maine, Empire Falls revolves around Miles Roby, who manages a run-down diner. Richard Russo masterfully captures the struggles of small-town life, exploring themes of family, class, and the American dream. Russo’s wit and warmth make the characters feel like people you’ve known your whole life. It’s a beautifully told story about life in small-town America.

20. Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri (2000)

Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies is a stunning collection of short stories that explore the lives of Indian and Indian-American characters, often grappling with issues of identity, displacement, and cultural conflicts. Lahiri’s writing is understated yet incredibly powerful, offering keen insights into the human condition. If you enjoy short stories that delve deep into emotion and experience, this is a collection you’ll savour.

21. March by Geraldine Brooks (2006)

March is a historical novel that reimagines the life of the absent father from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. In March, we follow Mr. March as he serves as a chaplain during the Civil War, revealing the hardships and moral dilemmas he faces while separated from his family. Geraldine Brooks brings a fresh perspective to this classic story, exploring the horrors of war and the complexities of idealism and family loyalty.

Conclusion

There you have it—21 Pulitzer Prize-winning books you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re into historical fiction, family sagas, or dystopian tales, these novels offer something for everyone. They’re not just stories; they’re windows into the human experience, each one offering a unique perspective on life, love, loss, and survival. So, go ahead and add these to your reading list. You won’t regret it.

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