Recent Books That Should Already Be Classics
Classics From The Past Five Years
by Lance Dela Cruz
1984, Pride and Prejudice, Jane Eyre: All classics that have been a staple in literature for as long as most of us have known. And as more and more books get the honor to be deemed a "classic", I believe that there should be plenty more books to be given this title from the the current era right now, either due to the way they've changed people's views on writing, their overall impact on society or just because they've all been said to be one of the best by a great majority. So here are just some from within the past five years:
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
date published: July 5th, 2022
Where do I begin? I may be a bit biased, seeing as this is one of my favourite books of all time. Regardless, Gabrielle Zevin's novel released in 2022, has easily become one of the most cherished amongst book lovers and influencers alike. Following a timeline of events ranging from the 80s to the present, the story of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow is one of love, but not romance. As Sam and Sadie navigate through the creation of a video game, the startup of a whole company as well as the formation and downfall of various relationships they once had, their bond is shown to stay the same. This literary genius is one that causes the reader to reflect upon the relationships they value and find a deeper meaning to what love is. Easily a classic over the past two years!
Other similar books:
The Ministry Of Time, Yellowface, Demon Copperhead
Book Lovers by Emily Henry
date published: May 3rd, 2022
This Emily Henry romance novel from 2022 is critically acclaimed to be one of the best of the 2020's. Centering around two characters who both adore books, this text is one that is a must-read for literature lovers alike. As Nora goes on a month-long trip to Sunshine Falls with her sister, the experience is not as expected, stumbling into Charlie multiple times. It would have been a "meet-cute" had they not met numerous times before and had it actually been cute for all of those instances. Journeying through their relationship is an enjoyable thing personally as a reader, compounded along with Henry's fantastical writing, this deserves a spot as a classic in my books.
Other similar books:
The Seven Year Slip, Yours Truly. Love and Other Words
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
date published: August 9th, 2022
If you've ever watched iCarly or Sam & Cat when you were younger (or if you're like me, currently rewatching for the umpteenth time), I'm sure you're familiar with Jennette McCurdy. Known for her stardom in her role as Sam Puckett for the shows previously mentioned, her memoir with an interesting title is insightful and mind-opening. When I first heard the title, I was intrigued to say the least. And upon reading the memoir for the first time, I understood why. This book is all about the mental and physical turmoil that a lot of child actors such as McCurdy had gone through. From never being enough for her overbearing mother to an abusive past in the industry, her story absolutely needs to be known more by the public. As her trauma is enveloped in this 300-page memoir, it will change your perspective on parental responsibility and childhood. Truly one of the best non-fictions over the past five years.
Other similar books:
The Woman In Me, Born A Crime, A Promised Land
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
date published: March 31st, 2022
Winning Best Debut Novel on Good reads, this historical fiction written by Bonnie Garmus is a fan favourite. Being a female chemist in a 1960s society where science was predominantly run by men, life for Elizabeth Zott is tiring, and stressful amidst all the prejudice against her sex. However, as she falls in love with Calvin Evans, the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated, grudge–holding scientist, a different type of chemistry can flourish. Nonetheless, just like a lab experiment, life can be unpredictable. Finding herself as a single mother and the host of a cooking show after a few years, Zott has other plans on her mind. Her story is a feminist story that aims to empower women to change the status quo, which can still be heavily applied in the current day as society strives for equity in the world. A great read for historical fiction enthusiasts and just everybody in general.
Other similar books:
The Woman, Tom Lake, Hello Beautiful
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
date published: May 3rd, 2023
Beloved by BookTok, this fantasy romance by Rebecca Yarros is exceptional even for its era. Set in a world where elite dragon riders are trained to defend their kingdom, Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail who is thrust into an academy that puts her life at grave risk. This academy is where survival is uncertain for most and true faith and loyalty is put to the test. Packed with intense action, political intrigue, and rich world-building, Yarros' novel explores themes of power, courage and resilience. Many readers of this wondrous book compared it to the likes of Twilight, The Hunger Games, and Divergent, which are classics in their own right. In my opinion, it should be easily propelled into a category with those books, considering its popularity and its overall richness as a fantasy novel.
Other similar books:
Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Divine Rivals
Billy Summers by Stephen King
date published: August 3rd, 2021
And of course, Stephen King makes this list! The titular character of King's novel is a well-known hitman who is exceptional at it, being one of the best in his business. Don't be fooled though; our boy Billy has morals. He'd only do the job if his target is a truly cruel and vile person. Before retiring, he is hired to do one last hit. Things take a turn for the worse during this final assignment as Billy finds himself caught in a complex web of deception. And through Stephen King's legendary authorial ability, he is able to culminate crime, suspense, and character exploration, conveying themes of justice, redemption, and the overall psychological toll of violence. Potentially one of his greatest books, not as a horror, but a riveting thriller!
Other similar books:
Blase, The Thursday Murder Club, The Only One Left