The Books That Shaped a Decade: Stories That Stay with You

It’s not a love story in the traditional sense—it’s too messy, too jagged for that. Marianne and Connell are flawed, sometimes cruel, always vulnerable, and Rooney writes them like she knows them, like she knows us. The novel captures the ineffable nuances of modern relationships, where love, class, and miscommunication collide. It leaves you asking if love is ever enough—and whether it has to be.

Rooney’s sparse, cutting prose has made Normal People a cultural touchstone, spawning a critically acclaimed TV adaptation and countless debates about its characters. It’s a novel that doesn’t just reflect a generation’s struggles but amplifies them, forcing readers to confront their own vulnerabilities.

Zauner’s memoir reads like poetry, blending the flavors of grief, identity, and memory into a narrative that’s as nourishing as it is heartbreaking. Through bowls of kimchi stew and vivid recollections of her late mother, Zauner explores the intricate ties between food and belonging. Her raw, lyrical prose invites readers into her intimate world, where the kitchen becomes a sanctuary and grief transforms into a bridge to heritage.

More than a personal story, Crying in H Mart resonates with anyone who’s ever felt unmoored by loss or unsure of where they fit within their cultural identity. It’s a book that will have you reaching for your favorite comfort food and reflecting on the unspoken bonds that define family.

This isn’t just a book—it’s a fully realized world. Structured as an oral history of a fictional 70s rock band, Daisy Jones & The Six captures the glamour, chaos, and heartbreak of fame. Reid’s characters feel so real that you’ll want to Google their music, and the band’s dynamics—fraught with passion and tension—are electric.

Beyond the music, Reid explores themes of addiction, ambition, and creative conflict, weaving a story that’s as emotionally raw as it is entertaining. It’s a book that pulls you into its world and doesn’t let go, leaving you with the echoes of its songs long after the final page.

This is the book people warn you about before you read it—and for good reason. A Little Life is a heavy, sprawling novel that delves into trauma, love, and friendship through the lives of four friends in New York City. Yanagihara’s portrayal of Jude, a character haunted by his past, is as devastating as it is unforgettable.

The novel’s unflinching exploration of pain and resilience has polarized readers—some call it too brutal, others a masterpiece. But what’s undeniable is its emotional power. A Little Life doesn’t just tell a story; it immerses you in the raw, aching complexity of its characters’ lives, leaving an indelible mark.