The 40 best books of the 21st century, according to Mamamia readers.

Life is a lot more exciting when you're 100 pages deep in a book you're hooked on.

Whether it's a gritty crime novel, a spooky horror tale, a thought-provoking contemporary fiction book, a twisty thriller or even, fairy porn, we all have the books that make us happy.

But what books released in the 21st century are a cut above the rest? I've asked Australian women — both ladies who work at Mamamia or just read it — to pick their favourite book from this century.

In response, I got a massive mix of 40 titles across basically every genre.

Your summer reading list just grew tenfold. Enjoy!

All Fours by Miranda July.

Miranda July's latest novel is about a 45-year-old perimenopausal artist who abandons a planned cross-country trip to stay at a motel and has a transformative affair with a younger man.

The book explores ageing, desire, and self-discovery with wit and intimacy. Critics have praised its fresh perspective on middle age, earning it a National Book Award nomination and rave reviews.

- Jessie

Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens.

Where the Crawdads Sing follows Kya Clark, known as the Marsh Girl, who grows up alone in North Carolina's marshlands after her family's abandonment.

The story weaves between her isolated upbringing and a murder investigation involving Chase Andrews. This compelling debut novel by Delia Owens received widespread acclaim for its beautiful prose, vivid marsh descriptions and deeply moving narrative.

- Cassandra

The book Where the Crawdads Sing was adapted into a film starring Daisy Edgar-Jones. Image: Columbia Pictures.

Atonement by Ian McEwan.

Ian McEwan's Atonement is a masterfully crafted novel that begins in 1935 England, where 13-year-old Briony Tallis's misinterpretation of events leads to devastating consequences for her sister Cecilia and Robbie Turner.

The story spans decades, including powerful depictions of World War II and explores themes of guilt and redemption. Critics praise McEwan's complex narrative structure, psychological depth, and his ability to combine issues like class and forgiveness into a compelling love story set to the backdrop of WWII.

- Tara

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros.

Fourth Wing is a fantasy novel following Violet Sorrengail, who is forced to attend Basgiath War College to become a dragon rider instead of pursuing her planned career as a scribe.

The erotic book features dragons, forbidden romance, and military training, and fans have praised its compelling world-building and strong female lead, leading to the book becoming an online phenomenon.

- Alix

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.

The Nightingale is a powerful World War II novel following two French sisters: Vianne, who protects her family while housing a Nazi officer, and Isabelle, who becomes a resistance fighter known as 'The Nightingale', helping Allied pilots escape across the Pyrenees.

The book has received widespread acclaim for its emotional depth and vivid portrayal of women's wartime experiences.

- Cassandra

Circe by Madeline Miller.

Circe is a reimagined story of the mythological witch from Homer's Odyssey. This feminist retelling follows the immortal daughter of Helios from her childhood amongst the Titans through her exile on a remote island, where she develops her powers and encounters legendary figures of Greek mythology. The novel became a #1 New York Times bestseller and garnered numerous literary accolades.

- Anon

Room by Emma Donoghue.

Room is a gripping novel by Emma Donoghue that follows five-year-old Jack and his mother, who are held captive in an 11-by-11 shed.

Told through Jack's perspective, the story chronicles their captivity, daring escape, and challenging adjustment to freedom. The book received widespread acclaim for its masterful storytelling, emotional depth and unique narrative voice.

- Madison

Room was adapted into a movie in 2015 starring Brie Larson. Image: A24.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshefegh.

A wealthy, beautiful young woman in New York City attempts to escape her depression and grief through a year-long pharmaceutical hibernation project.

Despite its dark themes, this 2018 novel by Ottessa Moshfegh masterfully combines black humour with tender moments, showcasing witty prose that makes the protagonist's cynical worldview relatable. The story culminates poignantly against the backdrop of 9/11.

- Tara

Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín.

Brooklyn follows Eilis Lacey, a young Irish woman who immigrates to 1950s Brooklyn, where she finds work, pursues education, and falls in love with Tony Fiorello.

This elegantly written novel masterfully captures the immigrant experience and the pull between two worlds. Critics praise Tóibín's ability to create vivid, believable fictional worlds and his nuanced portrayal of quiet emotional depth.

- Rebecca

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak.

The Book Thief follows Liesel Meminger, a young girl in Nazi Germany who discovers the power of words while living with foster parents Hans and Rosa Hubermann. Narrated by Death, the story weaves through her book-stealing adventures, her friendship with Jewish refugee Max, and her survival during WWII.

The novel has received widespread acclaim for its masterful storytelling, complex characters, and unique perspective, selling over 16 million copies. Critics praise its life-affirming yet heartbreaking narrative that explores humanity during history's darkest moments.

- Sherry

Sophie Nélisse starred in the film adaption of The Book Thief. Image: 20th Century Fox.

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Such a Fun Age follows Emira Tucker, a 25-year-old Black babysitter wrongly accused of kidnapping a white child at a supermarket. This incident sparks a complex narrative exploring racism, class differences, and white saviourism in modern Philadelphia.

The novel received praise for its refreshing style, realistic millennial dialogue, and sharp examination of race relations. Critics lauded Reid's ability to balance serious themes with engaging storytelling, making it both a page-turner and a thought-provoking debut.

- Tara

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

Gone Girl is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the disappearance of Amy Dunne and the subsequent suspicion that falls on her husband Nick.

The story masterfully alternates between Nick's present-day perspective and Amy's diary entries, culminating in shocking twists that reveal a complex tale of revenge and manipulation in a toxic marriage. The novel has been praised for its brilliant character development, engaging narrative structure and insightful commentary on sexual politics.

- Tamara

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas tells the heartbreaking story of Bruno, a 9-year-old German boy who befriends Shmuel, a Jewish boy in the Auschwitz concentration camp. Their innocent friendship transcends the fence dividing them, ultimately leading to a tragic end.

- Chloe

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro.

Never Let Me Go is a haunting dystopian novel set in 1990s England, following three friends — Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy — who grow up at Hailsham boarding school. The story reveals they are clones destined to die at an early age as they were only created for their organs to be harvested.

Critics praised its masterful exploration of mortality, human dignity, and love, calling it a gripping mystery and beautiful love story. The novel's subtle build-up and emotional depth earned Ishiguro widespread acclaim.

- Fafatai

Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield starred in the film adaption of Never Let Me Go. Image: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Breast and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami.

Breasts and Eggs by Mieko Kawakami follows Natsuko, her sister Makiko who seeks breast enhancement, and Makiko's daughter Midoriko. The novel explores modern womanhood, motherhood, and bodily autonomy in Japan.

The story later focuses on Natsuko's journey toward single motherhood through artificial insemination. Critics praised its raw, honest portrayal of female experiences and societal expectations.

- Anon

Talking at Night by Claire Daverley.

Talking at Night by Claire Daverley follows Will and Rosie, who meet as teenagers and form an unlikely bond through secret walks and late-night conversations.

Their love story spans two decades, marked by tragedy, separation, and missed opportunities. The novel has received acclaim for its beautiful prose, complex characters, and poignant exploration of love, grief and self-discovery.

- Anon

Still Life by Sarah Winman.

Still Life follows Ulysses Temper, a British soldier who meets art historian Evelyn Skinner in 1944 Florence. This chance encounter shapes four decades of his life, leading to a rich tapestry of relationships, chosen family and eventual return to Florence.

The novel has received widespread acclaim for its powerful writing, memorable characters, and evocative portrayal of Florence, with readers particularly praising its exploration of love and art.

- Anon

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver.

Demon Copperhead is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel about a red-haired boy born in Appalachia to a single teenage mother. The story follows his journey through foster care, football success and an opioid addiction.

Critics praise Kingsolver's vivid storytelling, authentic narrative voice and powerful exploration of contemporary social issues in Appalachia.

- Anon

My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

My Sister's Keeper is a compelling novel about 13-year-old Anna Fitzgerald, who sues her parents for medical emancipation to avoid donating a kidney to her leukemia-stricken sister Kate.

The story covers complex family dynamics and medical ethics through multiple perspectives. Readers praise its emotional depth, well-rounded characters and ability to make readers question their own moral standings.

- Anon

Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin starred in the 2009 tearjerker. Image: New Line Cinema.

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix.

This gripping horror novel follows Patricia Campbell, a 1990s Southern housewife whose true-crime book club encounters a charming but sinister vampire named James Harris. When local children start disappearing, Patricia must convince her fellow book club members to confront both supernatural evil and systemic social issues.

The book received praise for its blend of horror and social commentary, with critics particularly appreciating its exploration of domestic life, gaslighting and racial dynamics in the American South.

- Anon

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo follows journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander in investigating the decades-old disappearance of Harriet Vanger. This dark psychological thriller masterfully weaves together family secrets, corporate corruption and personal trauma.

The story's gripping narrative and complex characters have earned widespread acclaim for its raw intensity and layered storytelling.

- Gemma

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.

This quirky novel follows the complex friendship between Sam and Sadie, who create video games together over three decades. This bestselling novel explores their partnership, weaving themes of identity, disability, and the redemptive power of playing in virtual worlds.

- Anon

Crescent City by Sarah J Maas.

Crescent City focuses on Bryce Quinlan, a half-Fae working at an antique gallery, who teams up with fallen angel Hunt Athalar to solve her friend's murder.

This sexy fantasy novel masterfully blends magic with modern technology, featuring complex characters and intense plot twists. Readers praise its addictive storytelling, detailed world-building and perfect balance of mystery, romance, and suspense.

- Alix

Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller.

Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller is a gripping psychological thriller about art teacher Sheba Hart's affair with a 15-year-old student, narrated by her colleague Barbara Covett, whose own obsessive nature gradually emerges.

The 2003 novel received rave reviews, was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and ranked #70 in The Guardian's Best Books of the 21st Century.

- Jasmine

Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchette in Notes on a Scandal. Image: Fox Searchlight Pictures.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine follows a socially awkward finance clerk in Glasgow who leads a strictly regimented, solitary life marked by weekly calls from her manipulative mother.

After developing an unrequited crush on a musician and befriending her coworker Raymond, Eleanor confronts her traumatic past and discovers the healing power of human connection.

The novel has received widespread acclaim for its heartwarming exploration of loneliness, mental health and friendship, with readers particularly praising the voice of its unique protagonist.

- Tara

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows.

This charming historical novel is set in post-World War II England. It follows writer Juliet Ashton as she discovers the story of a unique book club formed on Guernsey during the German occupation. Through a series of letters, Juliet uncovers the island's wartime experiences and forms deep connections with its residents, ultimately changing her life forever.

- Anon

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir.

In this gripping science fiction novel about Ryland Grace, an astronaut who wakes up alone on a spaceship with no memory. As his memories slowly return, he realises he's on a desperate mission to save Earth from an extinction-level threat.

The story combines scientific problem-solving, interstellar exploration and an unexpected alien encounter, creating a thrilling tale of survival.

- Anon

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles.

A Gentleman in Moscow follows Count Alexander Rostov, who is sentenced to house arrest in Moscow's Metropol Hotel in 1922. Despite being confined to a tiny attic room, the Count maintains his grace and optimism, forging meaningful relationships with hotel staff and guests over three decades. Through his experiences, we witness Russia's transformation while exploring themes of resilience, friendship and making the best of one's circumstances.

- Michelle

Normal People by Sally Rooney.

Normal People follows Connell and Marianne, two Irish teenagers from different social classes whose lives intertwine through an intense relationship spanning their high school and university years.

The novel masterfully explores class dynamics, mental health and emotional intimacy through its character-driven narrative. Critics praise Rooney's insightful prose and her ability to craft complex, deeply affecting intimate relationships.

- Sinead

Listen to the hosts of Cancelled discuss Paul Mescal.

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.

The Midnight Library tells the story of Nora Seed, a 35-year-old woman who attempts suicide and finds herself in a mysterious library between life and death.

Guided by her former school librarian Mrs. Elm, she explores infinite books containing alternate versions of her life based on different choices she could have made. Through these parallel lives, Nora discovers profound truths about regret, happiness and the value of her own existence.

- Anon

Honeybee by Craig Silvey.

This poignant Australian novel follows the journey of 14-year-old Sam Watson, a transgender teenager struggling with identity and acceptance. The story begins with a chance encounter on an overpass, leading to an unlikely friendship with an elderly man named Vic. Silvey's narrative offers a tender portrayal of resilience and hope.

- Anon

Phosphorescence by Julia Baird.

Phosphorescence is a luminous exploration of finding inner light during dark times. Drawing inspiration from the natural phenomenon of bioluminescence, this bestselling book weaves personal experiences, including Baird's battle with cancer, with scientific insights about cultivating joy and resilience. Through stunning prose, she examines how our connection to nature can sustain us through life's challenges.

- Anon

The Hypnotist's Love Story by Liane Moriarty.

The Hypnotist's Love Story follows Ellen O'Farrell, a professional hypnotherapist who falls for Patrick, a widowed single father. Their budding romance comes with an unusual complication: Patrick has a stalker named Saskia, his ex-girlfriend.

Rather than being frightened, Ellen finds herself intrigued by Saskia, unaware that the stalker has already infiltrated her life by posing as one of her therapy clients.

- Anon

Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton.

Trent Dalton's debut novel follows 12-year-old Eli Bell's coming-of-age journey in 1983 Brisbane. With a mute brother, an imprisoned mother, and a heroin dealer stepfather, Eli navigates a complex world while being mentored by Slim, a notorious criminal.

This semi-autobiographical tale became Australia's fastest-selling debut novel, winning multiple literary awards.

- Anon

The cast of Boy Swallows Universe. Image: Netflix.

Verity by Colleen Hoover.

This psychological thriller revolves around struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh, who is hired to complete bestselling author Verity Crawford's unfinished series. While researching at the Crawford home, Lowen discovers a disturbing autobiographical manuscript revealing dark secrets about Verity, her deceased twin daughters, and her obsessive relationship with her husband Jeremy.

- Anon

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.

Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life follows four college friends in New York City — Jude, Willem, Malcolm, and JB — as they navigate success, friendship and personal demons. The novel mostly focuses on Jude, a brilliant lawyer haunted by childhood trauma, chronicling his struggles with physical and emotional pain through the decades.

- Anon

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell.

Lisa Jewell's gripping psychological thriller is about Alix Summers, a podcaster who meets Josie Fair on their shared 45th birthday. As Alix features Josie's dark story on her podcast, their lives become dangerously entangled, leading to a sinister web of manipulation and deadly consequences.

(If you're a fan of audiobooks, I'd recommend this as one of the best!)

- Tara

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

The Kite Runner by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, follows Amir, a young boy from Kabul, through Afghanistan's turbulent history. This bestselling novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and father-son relationships, becoming Hosseini's debut work and selling over seven million copies in the United States alone.

- Anon

I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes.

The debut novel is a complex espionage thriller following a former intelligence agent with the alias Pilgrim who investigates a murder in New York that leads to uncovering a bioterrorist plot.

The story interweaves with that of the Saracen, a radicalised Saudi doctor planning a devastating attack. The 900-page international bestseller skilfully combines forensic detail and a cat-and-mouse narrative.

- Anon

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell.

This historical novel, set in Renaissance Italy, follows fifteen-year-old Lucrezia de' Medici, who is thrust into marriage with Alfonso II d'Este, Duke of Ferrara. The novel explores her tragic fate amid rumours of murder, political intrigue and her struggle for survival.

- Anon

Feature image: Amazon.