25 Great Books From The Last Decade To Read Now

Over the past ten years, the literary world has gifted us with an array of remarkable books that have captivated readers and critics alike. From profound explorations of identity to gripping narratives that challenge societal norms, these works have left an indelible mark on contemporary literature. Let’s dive into some of the standout titles that have shaped the literary landscape from 2015 to 2025.

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The literary world has undergone significant transformations over the past decade, driven by technological advancements, cultural shifts, and evolving reader preferences. Literature has become more inclusive, highlighting voices that were historically underrepresented.

More books now explore race, gender identity, mental health, LGBTQ+ themes, and immigrant experiences. Here are some of the best books from the last decade that have shaped literature (from 2015 to 2025).

Great Books From The Last Decade To Read Now

1. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff (2015)

Lauren Groff’s Fates and Furies offers a riveting examination of marriage, told from dual perspectives. The novel delves into the complexities of a 24-year union, revealing the secrets and lies that underpin relationships. Groff’s intricate narrative structure and lyrical prose earned the book widespread acclaim, including being named Amazon’s Best Book of 2015. ​

2. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2015)

In this poignant letter to his teenage son, Ta-Nehisi Coates confronts the realities of being Black in America. Between the World and Me blends personal narrative with historical context, offering a searing exploration of race and identity. The book’s profound impact was recognised with the National Book Award for Nonfiction.

3. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (2016)

Colson Whitehead reimagines the historical Underground Railroad as a literal subterranean network in this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Following Cora’s harrowing escape from slavery, the story traverses different states, each depicting varying forms of racial terror. Whitehead’s inventive approach provides a fresh lens on America’s dark past. 

4. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen (2015)

This gripping spy novel centers on a communist double agent during the Vietnam War. The Sympathizer offers a unique perspective on the conflict and its aftermath, blending political intrigue with deep character study. Nguyen’s debut earned him the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, marking a significant entry into American literature. 

5. Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo (2019)

Bernardine Evaristo’s Girl, Woman, Other weaves together the lives of twelve characters, primarily Black women in Britain, exploring themes of identity, feminism, and interconnectedness. The novel’s innovative narrative structure and rich characterisations led to it jointly winning the Booker Prize in 2019. 

6. The Overstory by Richard Powers (2018)

In The Overstory, Richard Powers crafts an intricate tale about the relationship between humans and trees. Through interlocking stories of diverse characters, the novel underscores the urgency of environmental conservation. This profound narrative earned Powers the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. ​

7. Normal People by Sally Rooney (2018)

Sally Rooney’s Normal People chronicles the intricate relationship between two Irish teenagers as they navigate love, friendship, and personal growth. The novel’s authentic dialogue and exploration of emotional intimacy resonated with readers worldwide, cementing Rooney’s status as a significant voice in contemporary fiction. ​

8. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2019)

Marking his debut into fiction, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ The Water Dancer is a surrealist tale set during slavery, following Hiram Walker’s journey toward freedom. The novel blends magical realism with historical fiction, offering a fresh perspective on the antebellum South. ​

9. Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2025)

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Dream Count portrays the intertwined lives of four Nigerian-born women during the early days of the 2020 lockdowns in America. The novel delves into themes of female friendship, identity, and resilience, reflecting Adichie’s keen insight into human relationships. ​

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10. Universality by Natasha Brown (2025)

In Universality, Natasha Brown examines the politics of storytelling through a cast of richly drawn characters. The novel satirically explores contemporary society’s big topics, such as political tribalism and media superficiality, showcasing Brown’s incisive commentary on the power of stories within a fractured society. ​

11. Circe by Madeline Miller (2018)

If you love mythology, you’ll adore this feminist retelling of the life of Circe, the infamous witch from The Odyssey. Miller breathes new life into this misunderstood character, transforming her into a powerful, independent figure who stands up to gods and mortals alike.

12. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro (2021)

What does it mean to be human? Ishiguro explores this question through the eyes of Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF) who observes the world with deep curiosity. A hauntingly beautiful meditation on love, technology, and loneliness.

13. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (2022)

A modern-day David Copperfield, this novel follows a boy born into poverty in rural Appalachia. Kingsolver’s storytelling is raw, powerful, and deeply emotional, making it a standout in contemporary literature.

14. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (2021)

From the author of The Martian comes another gripping sci-fi adventure. A lone astronaut wakes up with no memory, only to realise he must save Earth from an extinction-level event. Full of humor, science, and heart.

15. The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich (2020)

This novel, based on Erdrich’s grandfather, tells the story of a Native American activist fighting against a U.S. bill that threatens his tribe’s land and identity. A moving historical fiction novel with rich, unforgettable characters.

16. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones (2018)

A powerful novel that explores love, loyalty, and injustice when a newlywed Black couple is torn apart after the husband is wrongly imprisoned. A deeply emotional and thought-provoking read.

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17. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig (2020)

A beautiful, philosophical novel that imagines a library between life and death where each book contains an alternate version of your life. Haig delivers a hopeful and inspiring message about second chances.

18. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett (2020)

A gripping novel about twin sisters who run away from home—one passing as white, the other embracing her Black identity. Bennett explores race, identity, and family secrets with stunning prose.

19. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (2022)

A love letter to video games, creativity, and friendship, this novel follows two game developers over decades as they navigate success, love, and heartbreak.

20. There There by Tommy Orange (2018)

A groundbreaking novel about contemporary Native American life, weaving together multiple perspectives leading up to a tragic event at a powwow in Oakland. A must-read for its fresh, urgent storytelling.

21. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (2020)

A heartwarming fantasy about a caseworker assigned to assess a magical orphanage filled with quirky, lovable children. A perfect feel-good read with deep emotional layers.

22. Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence by R.F. Kuang (2022)

A dark academia masterpiece that blends historical fantasy with linguistic magic. Set in 19th-century Oxford, Babel explores themes of colonialism, translation, and resistance.

23. Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel (2022)

A mesmerising time-travel novel from the author of Station Eleven, connecting characters across centuries in a beautifully woven story about fate and human connection.

24. The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller (2021)

A beautifully written novel about love, desire, and secrets. A woman must choose between her long-time marriage and the love of her life after one fateful summer night.

25. The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin (2020)

What if a city could come alive? In this thrilling urban fantasy, New York City’s five boroughs manifest as human avatars, fighting against a mysterious, otherworldly force.

Conclusion

The past decade has been a vibrant period for literature, offering readers a wealth of narratives that challenge, inspire, and resonate. These ten books represent a fraction of the outstanding works that have emerged, each contributing uniquely to the tapestry of contemporary fiction and nonfiction. As we look ahead, we can anticipate more stories that will continue to reflect and shape our understanding of the world.

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