Kirkus’ editors weigh in on the best books of the past 25 years.
The April 1 issue of Kirkus Reviews is a special one—dedicated to the best books of the 21st Century (so far). For months, our editors have been scouring the archives, revisiting old reviews, combing the shelves, and making lists of titles that stood the test of time. After a period of invigorating study and debate, what emerged were five lists of 100 books each—in fiction, nonfiction, picture books, middle grade, and young adult—all published in the U.S. between 2000 and 2024.
On this special episode of Fully Booked, fiction editor Laurie Muchnick, nonfiction editor John McMurtrie, and young readers’ editors Mahnaz Dar and Laura Simeon join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the Best Books of the 21st Century. We discuss what went into making the lists, their favorite parts of the process, which titles seemed like “instant classics,” whether any books surprised them with their staying power, and if they noticed any trends in their respective sections. Then each editor chooses one book they think everyone should read—or reread—from our lists.
EDITORS’ PICKS:
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler (Marian Wood/Putnam)
American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin (Knopf)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: A Novel in Cartoons by Jeff Kinney (Amulet/Abrams)
Revolution in Our Time: The Black Panther Party’s Promise to the People by Kekla Magoon (Candlewick)
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
Otherwise Wretched by William Burtch
Sandcastles and Rainbows by Christopher D. Myers
Fully Booked is produced by Cabel Adkins Audio and Megan Labrise.
