What books would you nominate for inclusion on a list of modern classics?
My Predictions for Modern Classics
Today’s TTT prompt asks us to predict which books will become modern classics. From my understanding, a modern classic is a well-written and well-crafted book published after WWII, is widely read, enjoys enduring appeal, and never stops having something important to say.
Readers have made more extensive lists, but (without overthinking it) these are the books I have especially enjoyed and enthusiastically support as modern classics. Titles are links to my reviews when available or Amazon affiliate links. Most of these books were read before I started blogging or tracking my reading.
(In no particular order)
James by Percival Everett
I can’t imagine anyone reading Huckleberry Finn without James as a companion read.
I made a FREE Book Club Kit for James.
Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
A memorable and ambitious family saga.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
I think the enjoyability of PHM has staying power.
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The narrator is memorable, and this story is a splendid representation of the historical fiction WWII subgenre.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
Fans of post-apocalyptic fiction will include this on their lists of modern classics.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I’m sure this is already on someone’s official list of modern classics.
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Well-loved and already a modern classic.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I devoured the entire Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins during one Spring Break week.
1984 by George Orwell
Well established as a modern classic.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
A difficult but important read.
QOTD:
How many of these books have you read?
What books would you like to see on a list of modern classics?
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This was an interesting topic, how best to define a classic and then guess the future. A tricky one. I like your choices.
Thanks! The tricky part is not to overthink it!
Fab list, Carol!
Thanks! 🌻
I have The Book Thief on my list too. I thought about To Kill Mockingbird but thought it was already considered a classic! Great list though. I must read James at some point.
I think you’re right, Mockingbird is probably firmly established as a modern classic! 🤷♀️
I really need to read James. And I also picked The Road!
I think James is not-to-be-missed and an important companion to Huck Finn.
I hope you’re right about Project Hail Mary,
😂 I’m going to keep promoting it!!!
What a daunting topic! You picked some great ones. I have read The Book Thief, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Lord of the Rings, The Hunger Games trilogy (I think this is my favorite of the dystopian type books written around this time), and 1984. Off the top of my head I can’t think of anything to add to the list. But, now you have me thinking…
It’s fun to contemplate!
I’m loving this topic, it’s really making me think! I’ve read four on your list – the book thief, to kill a mockingbird, the hunger games and 1984.
It’s fun to consider what will endure!
You nailed it!
Thanks! 🙌
I have read 1984 and The Book Thief, Carol. I have tried many times to read Lord of the Rings, but it’s just not for me. My eldest son and my husband both love it, but . . . 🤷♀️
I’ve read some of Lord of the Rings but ended up watching the film adaptations!
I can’t even get into those . . . the men have given me up as a lost cause!😂🤣
😂
I would say some of the books you mention are classics already (Beloved, 1984, Mockingbird, LoTR, and the others are certainly going to be one day. I’ve got The Book Thief on my list, as well, and have them seen on several others.
Here is mine:
https://momobookblog.blogspot.com/2025/11/top-twelve-tuesday-modern-classics.html
A fun list to consider!
Absolutely. Such a great challenge this week.
I actually read two of these books in high school over 30 years ago. That makes me think that they are throughly in the classics category.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/what-nonfiction-books-have-i-read-in-2025/
I think you’re right!
Project Hail Mary is on my list too!
Such a memorable and widely read book! Eager for the movie!
Given how many lists some of these books are on (like The Book Thief) I would suggest that they are well on their way to already being classics!
Yes! I’ve seen lots of popular choices today!
Great choices! Totally agree about so many of these, especially The Book Thief , Project Hail Mary, and The Road — and I’d say LOTR, Beloved, and 1984 are absolutely classics already!
Fun list to ponder!
I’ve read 4 of the books you listed! We were assigned To Kill A Mockingbird in school and It has stayed with me since. Definitely a classic. Here’s my list: https://darkshelfofwonders.com/top-10-modern-books-that-could-be-future-classics/
Such a compelling read! I’m hopping over to check out your post…..