Anonymous wrote:I'd have had A gentleman in Moscow on the list for sure.
I'm surprised Ann Patchett's Bel Canto was her only one on the list, although that is my favorite. I'd maybe put Tom Lake - it's too recent, but I think it might be one of the great covid books. I liked very much her take on covid being good for family togetherness, which is a take I sometimes hear from mother friends (with older kids!). Maybe that's too recent for real judgement.
I do think these lists are better when at least fiction and non-fiction are separated.
Within fiction, I often think the genre books get overlooked. I think I might add 3-body problem. There's been such a resurgence in romance books - including books with characters with disabilities, or the growth of LGBTQ+ romance - it seems a shame they'll never be represented on a list like this. Plus there's a new focus on STEM-heroines that's been delightful. Or look at the rise of romantasy, sure much of which is kinda crap, but there are gems. It's rare for Horror, suspense, thrillers, or classic mysteries too, to be on lists like this.
JK Rowling? I think I'd have the Casual Vacancy on the list, though low, in the 80-100 range. Frankly given what it did for publishing I'd maybe put a Harry potter book on the list, too.
On the non fiction side, I'd have liked to see more science-focused, nature focused books. I've just started reading The Comfort of Crows which is phenomenal, but too recent to be on the list, I think. But staring into the face of climate changes, the books documenting those changes should be on the list. Maybe something by Diane Ackerman should be on the list. Or Sy Montgomery.
Lol
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