

This one is chosen by me, Richard Lacayo, and my colleague Lev Grossman, whom we sometimes cite as proof that you don’t need to be named Richard to be hired as a critic at TIME, though apparently it helps. In May, posted a similar list, of 100 movies picked by our film critics, Richard Corliss and Richard Schickel. The parameters: English language novels published anywhere in the world since 1923, the year that TIME Magazine began, which, before you ask, means that Ulysses (1922) doesn’t make the cut. From best-selling authors like Stephen King, Walter Isaacson, and the late Anthony Bourdain to debut writers like Rachel Hawkins who is releasing her first adult-focused novel among her many young adult books, you’re sure to find a captivating new read.Welcome to the massive, anguished, exalted undertaking that is the ALL TIME 100 books list. We scoured the top picks from the New York Times best sellers lists, Amazon’s best books of 2021, Barnes and Noble's best books of the year, and more favorites from our editors to find the books you just can’t pass up this year. From non-fiction picks like memoirs, business books, historical outlines, health books, and travel logs, to fiction novels like science fiction, thrillers, romance, and children’s books, there’s something out there for everyone.

The first thing that makes a book unforgettable is finding a great match for your interests. That’s why we’ve narrowed down the best books to read in 2021, giving you plenty to dig into this holiday season.

There’s plenty to choose from-different genres, styles, perspectives and more-in the search for your ultimate pick.

Whether you’re holiday shopping, curating the perfect list of must-read books for the new year ( happy books included!), or just looking for that next book to dive into, narrowing down the market can be difficult work.
