There are certain books that I think we all hope become classics, those books that we press close to our hearts and hope people will read and love them as much in 30 years as we do now. I think that’s why it was hard for me to come up with the books I’d be listing for this week’s top 10 Tuesday, because there are a lot of books that I love, but not all of them I think would be relevant and worthy in 30 years time.
Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke And The Bookish and was created by The Perpetual Page Turner.
Top 10 Books Written In The Past 10 Years I Hope People Are Still Reading In 30 Years:
1. Okay For Now by Gary D. Schmidt
Why?: I think Schmidt’s middle grade historical fiction is filled with heart, humor, and strong themes. It’s extremely well written with memorable characters that I think will last the test of time.
2. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Why?: Maddie and Verity’s friendship slays me and I hope that it slays future generations of people as well, and this book is just so brilliant and twisting. I love it.
3. The Absolutely True Diary Of A Part Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Why?: Junior, the main character, is one who makes me laugh and cry while teaching me a little bit about life on a reservation without being stereotypical but with authenticity.
4. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Why?: Zusak has this way of writing that stick with you, that seeps into your skin and mind and just stays there, especially in The Book Thief which I think will be relevant for a very long time.
5. The Name Of The Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Why?: I’ve read The Name Of The Wind twice, and honestly, I could probably read it again and again without getting bored of it, and I hope people come to wonder what the Chandrian are or fall for Kvothe or hope it works out for him and Denna.
6. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Septys
Why?: It would be a damn shame if people weren’t still reading about the treatment of Lithuanians during World War II. Let’s hope people are still learning and these people get the recognition they deserve.
7. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Why?: The Invention Of Hugo Cabret is an absolutely gorgeous book that does play with storytelling form and I think it is one of those books I will want to share with my children.
8. Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley
Why?: Where Things Come Back is one of those YA books that I think could also be sold in the adult section. It’s got that sort of Catcher In The Rye/well-written literary quality that I could see kids analyzing in classrooms. Not to mention, it’s a brilliant read.
9. The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey
Why?: Goodness, The Monstrumologist has all the trappings of a classic — from language to unique premise to compelling story. Believe you me, I want the people of the future to be reading this series.
10. The Knife Of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness
Why?: Do you even need to ask? These books are ones that teach about ethics, the line between good and evil and how it blurs, and so so so much more. I just, I hope people get to meet Todd and Manchee and the gang.
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Book Thief is on my list too, and I am anxious to read Code Name Verity (although I’m afraid it’s going to make me cry. Again.) Currently reading Knife of Never Letting Go – I love Manchee 🙂
I couldn’t quite get into Name of the Wind, although I know I’m in the minority there. But I agree that I hope people are still reading great fantasy in 30 years.
Haven’t read some of your others, but they sound great!
Here’s my TTT.
Love your choices, especially Part-Time Indian, The Book Thief and Where Things Come back. Such amazing books.
Those are all great books! I hope they pass the test of time too. The Book Thief is just amazing.
I haven’t read all of the books on your list (although almost all of them are in my TBR pile), but I have read The Knife of Never Letting Go, Between Shades of Gray, and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian and I couldn’t agree more! They’re all outstanding novels that can easily withstand the test of time.
That’s funny — THE NAME OF THE WIND was just recommended to me yesterday!
I have a few of these on my to be read list – now I’m even more excited to get to The Knife of Never Letting Go & Code Name Verity.
Pretty sure The Book Thief is safe. I didn’t even no where to start on this list, so I’m doing my own thing.
The ones out of your list that I’ve read I definitely agree!
I would add Jellicoe Road and The Piper’s son by Melina Marchetta.
And The Earth, My Butt and Other Big Round Things by Carolyn Mackler and the True Meaning of Cleavage by Mariah Fredericks.
I really need to read The Knife of Never Letting Go. the good news is my library has the entire trilogy! the bad news is I have a huge stack of books to read and I’m moving at the end of the summer. O____o
er, anyway, great list! I so agree with a lot of the books (and making notes to read Between Shades of Gray… and Where Things Come Back…)
my Top Ten Tuesday.
LOVED Where Things Come Back so, so much! I keep seeing Code Name Verity on lists today, so I guess I should dust off my copy and read it already! So little time! Great list!
Check out my Top Ten!
I agree with many of your choices! I love Between the Shades of Gray! I can not imagine a life where i did not know the historical event the book was based on. it was so powerful, sad and special! I hope its remembered in the years to come as well!
I’ve only read 2 of these (CNV and TBT) but the others are on my to-read list, apart from The Name of the Wind and Hugo (I will go check ’em out now). I definitely think people will still be reading these in 30 years!
Alright, I came thisclose to including OKAY FOR NOW on my list, so I’m really glad it made yours. Definitely one I hope people will read for years to come.
I can not wait to get my hands on Code Name Verity! I was not sure about it but lately I have been seeing great things! I love that you included The Book Thief too! That book was amazing!
I’ve read all of these except CODE NAME VERITY and pretty much agree with all of your choices (which I plan to pick up after looking carefully at the summary). I have been pushing THE NAME OF THE WIND on so many people lately an am currently reading WISE MAN’S FEAR. I love Patrick Rothfuss.
9 & 10 made me flail around like an idiot.
Also, your reasons are gold.
Half of these I really, really loved, and half of these I haven’t read yet. I thought about including The Diary of a Part-Time Indian. I’m almost tempted to make a second list of all the things that I “nearly” chose!
Thanks for your picks. I need to read The Book Thief but from what I know of it, it’s perfect for this list. I would say The Perks of Being A Wallflower, but it think it came out a bit over ten years ago. Regardless, it’s amazing, deals well with a lot of big issues, and it just says the things many people experience or think about in wise ways.
A gazillion times yes on Okay For Now-loved that book so much and continue to recommend it to people. I really hope people will still be readin this in 30 years.
WHY didn’t I add Between Shades of Gray to my list!? WHY!? Anyway, I love your list. I still need to read a few of them, namely The Book Thief!
Great picks, April. I am ASHAMED to say I have only read one book on this list. And it was The Book Thief. And it was f*cking fantastic. A couple of these are on my tbr list though. Especially The Knife if Never Letting Go and Between Shades of Gray. Not necessarily topics I am interested in reading but sometimes you have to read them anyway. You have lovely taste in books.
I agree with all of the books on here that I’ve read (which sadly isn’t as many as I’d like).
Also, I just started to read Ask and Answer. Just felt like sharing.
absolute YES to between shades of grey 🙂
also, i need to get on with reading okay for now. so many ppl have rec’ed that to me lately