The Greatest "Contemporary, Humor, Satire, Fiction" Books Since 2000

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Contemporary

Contemporary books are a genre that focuses on stories set in the present day, often exploring current social, cultural, and political issues. These books are typically written in a modern style and often feature relatable characters dealing with real-life situations. Contemporary books can cover a wide range of topics, from romance and family drama to coming-of-age stories and thrillers. The genre is constantly evolving to reflect the changing world we live in, making it a popular choice for readers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and issues.

Humor

Humor is a category of books that is characterized by its ability to make readers laugh or feel amused. These books often contain witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and humorous situations that are designed to entertain and delight readers. Humor can be found in a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and graphic novels, and can range from light-hearted and silly to dark and satirical. Whether you're looking for a quick laugh or a more in-depth exploration of the human condition through humor, there is something for everyone in the world of humorous books.

Satire

Satire is a genre of literature that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize and ridicule human vices, follies, and shortcomings. It is a form of social commentary that aims to expose the flaws and absurdities of society, politics, and culture. Satirical books often employ sarcasm, wit, and parody to challenge the status quo and provoke thought and reflection in readers. Satire can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, and it has been used throughout history as a powerful tool for social and political critique.

Fiction

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  1. 1. White Teeth by Zadie Smith

    This novel follows the lives of two friends, a working-class Englishman and a Bangladeshi Muslim, living in London. The story explores the complex relationships between people of different races, cultures, and generations in modern Britain, with themes of identity, immigration, and the cultural and social changes that have shaped the country. The narrative is enriched by the characters' personal histories and the historical events that have shaped their lives.

    The 216th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

    The book follows the lives of two Jewish cousins, one a skilled escape artist and the other a talented artist, before, during, and after World War II. They create a popular comic book superhero, which brings them fame and fortune. However, their success is complicated by personal struggles, including the escape artist's attempts to rescue his family from Nazi-occupied Prague and the artist's struggle with his sexuality. The narrative explores themes of escapism, identity, and the golden age of comic books.

    The 254th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Sellout by Paul Beatty

    This satirical novel follows the story of an African-American man living in a small, agrarian town on the outskirts of Los Angeles. After his father's death, he attempts to reinstate slavery and segregation in his town as a means of creating a sense of identity for himself and his community. The novel explores themes of racial identity and equality in America, challenging societal norms and expectations through its provocative narrative.

    The 1184th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. There But For The by Ali Smith

    There But For The is a novel that explores the interconnectedness of people's lives through the story of a man who locks himself in a room of a house he was invited to for dinner, and refuses to come out. The man's actions cause a media frenzy and bring together four individuals who have links to him, each revealing their own stories and perspectives. The book is a commentary on contemporary life, exploring themes of identity, memory, time, and the nature of connection and disconnection in society.

    The 3656th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Then We Came To The End by Joshua Ferris

    "Then We Came To The End" is a satirical novel that follows the lives of a group of advertising agency employees during a time of layoffs and uncertainty in the early 2000s. The story is told from the perspective of an unnamed narrator and explores the dynamics of office politics, relationships, and the struggle to maintain a sense of purpose and identity in the face of corporate downsizing. The novel is a witty and insightful commentary on modern work culture and the human condition.

    The 6401st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Good Life Elsewhere by Vladimir Lorchenkov

    "The Good Life Elsewhere" is a darkly humorous and satirical novel that follows a group of Moldovan villagers who embark on a chaotic journey to Italy in search of a better life. Through their misadventures, the author exposes the harsh realities of poverty, corruption, and the desperate measures people are willing to take in pursuit of a brighter future. With a blend of absurdity and poignant social commentary, the novel offers a compelling exploration of the human condition and the universal desire for a better life.

    The 6700th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart

    "Absurdistan" is a satirical novel by Gary Shteyngart that follows the story of Misha Vainberg, a wealthy and overweight Russian-American who finds himself stuck in the fictional country of Absurdistan after his father's death. The country is on the brink of a civil war, and Misha must navigate his way through the corrupt and absurd political landscape to get back to America and reunite with his love interest. Along the way, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters and experiences the absurdity of life in a country where everything seems to be falling apart.

    The 7041st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Broken Glass by Alain Mabanckou

    "Broken Glass" is a satirical novel that takes place in a seedy bar in the Congo. The narrator, a disgraced schoolteacher known as Broken Glass, has been commissioned by the bar's owner to write about the bar and its regulars. The story is a chaotic, humorous, and poignant exploration of the lives of these characters, their histories, and their relationships, all told in a single, run-on sentence without any full stops.

    The 8443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Leaving the Atocha Station by Ben Lerner

    The novel follows a young American poet on a prestigious fellowship in Madrid, Spain, where he grapples with his work, relationships, and sense of self. He struggles with his own perceptions of authenticity, both in his poetry and his personal life, while navigating the cultural and language barriers of a foreign country. The protagonist's experiences are marked by a constant tension between reality and artifice, as he questions the value and impact of his own art in the face of world events.

    The 8467th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg

    The novel follows the life of a 39-year-old single, childfree woman living in New York City who is dealing with the societal pressures and expectations of adulthood. Her journey is marked by her struggle to find happiness and fulfillment in her own terms, despite her unconventional lifestyle. The protagonist grapples with her relationships, career, and the looming presence of her family's tragedies, all while trying to understand what it truly means to be "all grown up".

    The 9358th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Mislaid by Nell Zink

    "Mislaid" is a novel that explores themes of race, gender, and sexuality in 1960s Virginia. The story follows a white woman who, after leaving her husband, assumes a new identity for herself and her daughter as African Americans to avoid being found. The book delves into the complexities of identity and the societal constructs of race and gender, providing a satirical look at the absurdities of these classifications.

    The 9432nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Less by Andrew Sean Greer

    The novel follows a failing writer about to turn 50, who receives an invitation to his ex-boyfriend's wedding. In order to avoid the event, he decides to accept every literary invitation he's been given and embarks on an around-the-world journey. As he travels from Paris to India, Berlin to Japan, he finds himself facing the big questions about love, aging, and how to live a life that matters.

    The 10782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Mister Monkey by Francine Prose

    The novel revolves around the interconnected lives of an eclectic cast of characters, all linked by a lackluster children's musical based on a beloved fictional character, Mister Monkey. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative explores the personal dramas, comedic mishaps, and poignant reflections of the play's actors, the audience members, and even the author of the book on which the play is based. The story delves into themes of art, reality, the impact of small actions, and the human search for meaning, all the while painting a satirical yet sympathetic portrait of the theater world and the varied individuals who find their lives touched by this seemingly trivial production.

    The 11007th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download