What's missing from EW's New Book Classics list?

jj Mon, Aug 11, 2008 at 09:52 AM EST

I agree about Time Traveler's Wife. I would have also added Daughter of Fortune and I can't believe none of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series made the list.

Martha Sun, Jul 20, 2008 at 09:01 PM EST

I was disappointed that "Gilead" by Marilynne Robinson wasn't higher up the list...like in the top 25. A ridiculously well-written and amazing book. And this is going to sound almost blasphemous, but I don't think "Beloved" deserved to be #3. The topic was momentous, the craft, not so much. "Song of Solomon" was much better written. As for "TTTW," it was an enjoyable read for book club, but I'm not sure it deserves to be on this list.

Sun, Jul 20, 2008 at 02:08 AM EST

TTTW is the best book!

MAC Fri, Jul 18, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

Time Traveler's Wife = overrated and I've even read it twice!
The Known World and I Know This Much is True definitely belong on there.

Allison Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 11:04 PM EST

Thanks for this list. I was able to add a lot of books to my "Books to Read" list.

Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 09:51 PM EST

Motherless Brooklyn. And Nick Hornby is here guys--How to Be Good.

Jeffrey Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 03:34 PM EST

Just noticed that the list is the best books of the last 25 years, which puts King fans' "The Stand" out (published in the late 70's). However, my nominee "Christine" was 1983 so it squeaks in.

Jeffrey Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 03:31 PM EST

I hate to generalize (really, I do), but The Time Traveller's Wife must be a girl thing. My wife was crazy about it; I tried and simply couldn't do it. And believe me, I'm not a "man's man". My favorite novel is Margaret Atwood's "Cat's Eye" (a much better novel than "Handmaid's Tale", BTW). I had to give up during the scene (not much of a spoiler, it's early on) when the protagonist has sex with himself. This rang so incredibly untrue to me that I had to quit. I just don't believe a straight guy would have sex with himself. On another note, I'll join in the chorus of Stephen King fans, though I'd definitely vote "Christine" over "The Stand" (they're my favorite two). For anyone who hasn't read "Christine" in a while, read it again. It transcends horror fiction and, in my opinion, comes close to fitting the moniker of "the great American novel".

kristy e Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 01:21 PM EST

It's funny, I was reading the list of classics last week waiting for the time travelers wife to be on it, I was shocked when it wasn't! I am so glad she remembered to recognize it. I just re-read it last week, and it is such an amazing book, I still can't get the characters out of my head. I can't wait to see the movie!

Jen Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 10:17 AM EST

The most egregious absences:
The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy)- it won the Booker Prize, c'mon!
Fight Club (Chuck Palahniuk)- you include the movie but not the book? I can see with something like The Silence of the Lambs, where the movie is better than the book, but Fight Club manages to be excellent in both media.

Nancy Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 08:01 AM EST

Pulitzer Prize winning Personal History by Katherine Graham. Whoever created this list obviously did not read this book. If they had, it would be in the top 25.

To Mindy Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 07:34 AM EST

Would that scene happen to involve Clare and Gomez?? For my money, I don't mind the scene at all. I think the whole relationship between the two of them is important as a contrast to Henry and Clare. If not...well then never mind.

greg Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 06:38 AM EST

the fortress of solitude.

Ackerman Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 06:32 AM EST

No "Midnight's Children"? And Amen for the "Geek Love" mention. I understand that you are taking the term "classic" a bit lightly, given the cultural and finacial feedback presence, but "Da Vinci Code"? Really?

Mindy Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 06:28 AM EST

I loved the Time Traveler's Wife until the one scene toward the end that ruined the whole thing, and now I recommend it to no one. My two favorites that are missing - Twilight and Marley & Me.

misty Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 05:53 AM EST

I hated Time Traveller's Wife - couldn't make it past the first few chapters. I'd like to have seen books like The War of Don Emmanual's Nether Parts by Louis de Bernieres. Much better than Captain Corelli. Or I'm Not Scared by Niccolo Ammaniti. And I think the Harry Potter series should have been included instead of just one book - and those that think it shouldn't be a list based on book sales - Potter isn't just about the number of books sold, it is about the number of people (children mainly) that the series encouraged into reading books and the general influence of the book itself. The focus on children's literature has never been so great since the series arrival, and the fact that a mere BOOK (HP 7) could affect so many people's summers last year it a good thing.

Kimberly Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 04:16 AM EST

I agree with "The Time Traveler's Wife."

Also, Nick Hornby should have made the list. My vote goes to his novel, "A Long Way Down," which was laugh-out-loud funny and poignant at the same time. Suicide couldn't have been handled better.

"Throw Like a Girl" by Jean Thompson-my first favorite book that was a short story collection. I'd almost given up reading short stories before this book.

I think the list could have included more YA fiction, too. Like "Harry Potter," there are many other YA novels that resonate with adults. For one, I agree with one of the previous comments, "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson. I also enjoyed "This Lullaby" by Sarah Dessen.

Also, "In Her Shoes" and a little more chick lit wouldn't have hurt. After all, it's genre that's grown over the past 25 years.

David Hopman Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 04:05 AM EST

Cryptonomicon or The Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson.

The Discworld series by Terry Pratchett.

Meghan Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 03:24 AM EST

This is a great list; I finally cracked and got The Road from the library after seeing it here. I'd add:

Speak / Laurie Halse Anderson
The Book Thief / Markus Zusak
Everything is Illuminated and even better Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, by Jonathan Safran Foer
Ender's Game / Orson Scott Card

Great list overall, though!

DJ Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 02:16 AM EST

I was very excited to see you recognized THE HOUSE ON MANGO STREET. What a great piece of literature.

Adam Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 01:45 AM EST

The English Patient

Caleb Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 01:16 AM EST

The Time Traveler's Wife
The Post-Birthday World
Middlesex.

I would LOVE to see Oscar Wao lose some attention, please.

Sean Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 12:32 AM EST

Nice to see The Watchmen on the list but I think Y: The Last Man is an equally worthy "New Classic". Also, Mary Doria Russell's The Sparrow...

Dan Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:53 PM EST

The Informers by Bret Easton Ellis would have been a great addition to the list because it is a 226 page advertisement for Ray Ban Wayfarers as well as because of its depiction of 1980's LA

Mel Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:39 PM EST

Off the top of my head, you missed The Stand, The Bean Trees, Black and Blue, Carter Beats the Devil, Election, A Girl Named Zippy, Skinny Legs and All, and In Her Shoes.

Erin Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:23 PM EST

why was there no Chuck Palahnuik on the list??? Fight Club would be the most obvious choice but, come on, Survivor or Choke are both amazing, amazing books. you guys left off one of the best authors of our time!

Erin Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:22 PM EST

why was there no Chuck Palahnuik on the list??? Fight Club would be the most obvious choice but, come on, Survivor or Chock are both amazing, amazing books. you guys left off one of the best authors of our time!

Robert Taylor Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:14 PM EST

I cannot believe you overlooked the phenomenal "Batman: The Long Halloween," easily one of the best comics ever published and also one of the greatest of the modern murder mysteries.

Speaking of modern murder mysteries, where is "Devil in the White City"? I've never had so many "Oh no they did'unt really do that!" moments in a true-life crime book that is so amazingly absorbing.

CutlerShark Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:07 PM EST

American Tabloid

The Drawing of the Three

kelly Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 09:32 PM EST

another vote for Wally Lamb, She's Come Undone
very disappointed not to see this on the list

Crystal Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:46 PM EST

Was Margaret Atwood on there?
Handmaid's Tale, yes. Personally I like The Blind Assassin better but I have learned that is an uncommon opinion.

Teresa Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:41 PM EST

The Joyce Carol Oates selection was odd. Was Margaret Atwood on there? I didn't see Wally Lamb but I may have overlooked it. Atonement should've been waaaaaaay father up. Never Let Me Go or The Satanic Verses (or something by Rushdie) and nothing by Paul Auster? Really?

Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:34 PM EST

I must be the only person who did not enjoy The Time Traveler's Wife and thought it to be highly overrated. I read it at the ssame time of A Long Way Gone which was amazing, and also true, so maybe that colored my reading. I agree with The World According to Garp and Middlesex being overlooked. Nothing by Norman Mailer is odd. Savage Beauty or Zelda should have been on there. And something by Tom RObbins: Skinny Legs and All or Still Life with Woodpecker. Replay? Wicked? Jemima J? Good In Bed? A Series of Unfortunate Events! Secret Life of Bees. A Short History of Nearly Everything. John Adams. House of Sand and Fog. Ok, I'm done, bc that's what I thought was missing. At least somewhat.

MoMo Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:31 PM EST

How can The DaVinci Code be on the list and not The Stand by Stephen King or The Drawing of the Three in the Dark Tower series. Stephen King is so phenominally successful, he doesn't get his due for being a great American writer.

Nix Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 06:33 PM EST

It does seem like there's "representation" going on here, which sucks. Even in a series this sort of thing doesn't do justice. So on that note I will say that while I'm gratified crusty grandpa Cormac is on top, "The Road" is not enough to relegate either "Blood Meridian" or "The Crossing" (best of the Border Trilogy, IMHO) beyond top 25.

Raven_Moon Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 05:13 PM EST

I'm pretty unimpressed with the New Classics book list. What about "Girl, Interrupted" by Sussanna Kaysen, or "Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows"? (I would have put all the HP books on there, but I can understand spreading things around.)

Jody Cook Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 05:06 PM EST

I have enjoyed many many of the books you listed but had a hard time with the omission of WICKED and the fact that KAVALIER AND CLAY was so far down on the list. Also COLD SASSY TREE, NAKED,THE FINAL CONFESSION OF MABEL STARK and CARTER BEATS THE DEVIL would have made my list.

Todd Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 04:56 PM EST

His most famous works may have been pre-1983, but Kurt Vonnegut put out some brilliant stuff after that too. My vote would go to Bluebeard, which might have been his most autobiographical book (including his autobiographies).

And how about The Gospel of the Flying Spaghetti Monster? Did his noodly appendages cause you to forget this book?

Stephen Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 04:24 PM EST

I was so shocked to read through the list and see that The Ruins by Scott Smith was on there and Geek Love by Katharine Dunn was not that I flipped through the magazine over and over, only to find that indeed The Ruins was listed still and Dunn's amazing novel was left off.

Jbrn Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 04:15 PM EST

Agree with A Simple Plan replacing The Ruins for a Scott Smith entry. Also would probably have included Peter Hoeg's Smilla's Sense of Snow, somewhere.

some other guy Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 03:42 PM EST

American Tabloid, James Ellroy

Infinite Jest, David Foster Wallace

Troy Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 02:49 PM EST

The Stand? Where's The Stand? Jeez

rebecca Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 02:36 PM EST

Oh, and to the people commenting on the fact that only one Harry Potter book made the list, and not the best one at that - I just assumed Goblet of Fire was there to represent the entire series. They could hardly put all seven on there (and they chose GoF because it marked the series's transition from pure children's book to much darker, more grown-up themes).

rebecca Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

I agree with everyone who mentioned Life of Pi - I was shocked not to find it on the list.

whit Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 02:30 PM EST

Time Traveler's Wife definitely. More Harry Potter. No Stephen King? He is the best author at characterization, hands down. No Interview with a Vampire? When it came out it was huge. Also The Historian. One of the best books I have ever read.

Chelsea Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 02:02 PM EST

What about 'Twilight' by Stephenie Meyer? A lot of people write it off as just some teen romance, but Meyer's novel is a very poignant love story that tests: just what are you willing to sacrifice for true love?

Crystal Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 01:35 PM EST

How is there not a Nick Hornby book on this list??

I’m adding:
Case Histories – Kate Atkinson
About a Boy – Nick Hornby

Seconding:
Assasination Vacation - Sarah Vowell
The English Patient – Michael Ondaatje

I wouldn’t necessarily put them on this list, but still recommend:
Nineteen Minutes – Jodi Picoult (I don’t like all her books, but this one is great)
Julie & Julia – Julie Powell
Winner of the National Book Award – Jincy Willett

Aaron Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 01:15 PM EST

I was shocked to not see Time Traveler's Wife. Consider this one more signature on your petition. I was actually pretty impressed with your list otherwise, including some books I assumed would be overlooked (Drop City, the works of Alice Munro and Raymond Carver...although I don't get how "On Beauty" was picked over "White Teeth"). I would have liked to see "Waiting" by Ha Jin and I second everyone who noted "The Known World" by Edward P Jones (I'm still convinced it's on that list and I'm just not seeing it. Never have I reacted to physically to a book. Incredibly powerful writing.)

To G Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 01:14 PM EST

It's possible that they've seen part of the cut and don't think that it's anything special. Or that could just be my projecting my massive fears about the movie..seriously I hate the casting. I hate the stills that I've seen. I haven't seen a trailer yet, but that may break my heart if it's bad. Ack...

G Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 12:22 PM EST

I had to read the list twice thinking that I must have missed The Time Traveler's Wife the first time through - but alas, that amazingly complex trek through time and relationships was left off! This just after variety's article about upcoming Oscar contenders... while left the movie adaptation out in the cold as well. Booo.

Gretchen Weiners Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 12:14 PM EST

MBR - good call with Roddy Doyle! A Star Called Henry is also one of my favorites. Also, The Woman Who Walked Into Doors and Paula Spencer. How he was able to speak as an alcoholic woman who is beat by her husband as a male writer and do it so phenomenally is beyond me.

nunya Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 12:13 PM EST

THE KNOWN WORLD by Edward P. Jones. A brilliant and breathtaking novel. Also Doris Kearn Goodwin's A TEAM OF RIVALS.

Jelana Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 12:11 PM EST

I will never understand why Bonfire of the Vanities was so low on the list. Yes, the movie sucked, but that book defined the 80s like no other, and was a terrific read to boot.

Lesa Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 12:07 PM EST

Michael Cunningham's The Hours and Wally Lamb's She's Come Undone. Simply a crime to not be on the list.

Liz Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 12:01 PM EST

Life of Pi is missing from the list for sure. I'm really glad "The Giver" is on there... it is my all time favorite book. "The Road" is lovely, but I think it came out too recently to say its the #1 from the last 25 years.

Steph Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST

Ok, Kavalier and Clay should have been in the top ten!
Where was Fight Club, Middlesex, Devil in the White City, and Water for Elephants?
Also I think something by James Ellroy should have been on the list, perhaps LA Confidential?

I can't sign the Timetraveler's Wife petition, I really wasn't a fan, sorry.

AB Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:39 AM EST

Wow, I think I'm getting better book recommendations from the list of omissions than the list itself! (If my dead body is found in the next few days, it's because my boyfriend killed me for buying more books). Count me among the many who loved 'TTW' and can't believe it didn't make the cut. I also loved 'The Club Dumas' by Arturo Perez-Reverte (which was made into a really crappy Johnny Depp movie).

Anna Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:39 AM EST

I vote that any of John Irving's novels should be higher than number 73. Where's The World According to Garp, or The Hotel New Hampshire? That guy is genius.

Miranda Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:26 AM EST

How on earth could I have forgotten Jeffrey Eugenides?!?!?!? Middlesex and The Virgin Suicides rank as two of my all-time favorite books. I just hope that I don't have to wait much longer for another book by him....

MBR Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:23 AM EST

Wow, how could I have missed The Time Traveller's Wife. Sounds like a must-read. I agree with the comments about the omission of Middlesex; it's also one of my favorites from the last few years. I'd put Wally Lamb's I Know This Much Is True ahead of She's Come Undone - it's simply devestating (in a good way) - but both are incredible, and one of them should be on the list. And there's nothing from Roddy Doyle? (his Barrytown Trilogy, maybe?).

Early Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:21 AM EST

Marley & Me was one of the best written books I've read in a long time. I can't remember ever having laughed so much and cried so hard reading the same book. He wrote the definitive book on the highs & lows of being a dog owner.

Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:04 AM EST

I'll sign your petition. The Time Traveler's Wife was a beautiful book, but that movie is going to suck. The casting is all wrong. Also, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the best book in the series, not the Goblet of Fire. Why is Goblet of Fire the only Harry Potter book/movie on any of these lists?

Ames Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 11:02 AM EST

oh! and Carlos Ruiz Zafon's 'The Shadow of the Wind,' for sure!

Ames Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

Sign me up for your 'Time Traveler's Wife' petition. The book is so gorgeous and heartbreaking. It's at least top 25!

Cera Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:55 AM EST

Three books that should have made the list are Memoirs of a geisha, Fight Club and Clan of the Cave Bear. Some of the best reads I have had in a long time.

Lena Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

I wholeheartedly sign "The Time Traveler's Wife" petition. It's the one book I recommend to everyone now, regardless of who they are or their reading tastes.

Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:48 AM EST

I could not believe that "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" was the only one listed. If anything, you should have put the Harry Potter Series..and it really should have been number 1.

The Time Traveler's Wife and Wicked, I agree, should also have been on this list.

Marty Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:42 AM EST

Stephen King was represented by his book on writing? What about his fiction? It? The Stand? The Dark Tower? Talisman?

Dana Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:40 AM EST

Stephen Kings, "Nightmares and Dreamscapes" or "IT"
I am a HUGE Dean Koontz fan so I'd have loved to see any one of his books make the list, hard to pick one but "The Watchers" is excellent

YolandaHayes Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

That J.M. Coetzee makes no appearance on the list is shows that it is in a no way a serious one. Coetzee is a literary giant and has written some of the most important fiction of the past 25 years.

CBB Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:28 AM EST

Time Traveller's Wife and Middlesex.

Lauren Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:25 AM EST

Amen on Middlesex, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Time Traveler's Wife (my workplace gets a shout-out in that book, which is very cool!), and especially The Post-Birthday World (my best friend and I have named that and High Fidelity as the books that have most affected our view of relationships).

I heart Jodi Picoult (a very nice lady as well as a fantastic writer), but I would have to vote for The Pact over My Sister's Keeper. I was disappointed in the end of MSK, but The Pact was a fantastic, disturbing page-turner from beginning to end. Read it immediately if you haven't already--it's Picoult's best work.

bradywrites Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 10:19 AM EST

I have to agree with the others who mentioned Life of Pi. I read it almost two years ago, and it has stuck with me in ways that other novels have not. Also, I'd have to include Into the Wild as opposed to Into Thin Air, if only one Jon Krakauer book can make the list. And Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon was just way too magical and should have found its way onto the list.

dan jones Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 09:58 AM EST

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintainance. Best. Novel. Ever.

John Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 09:41 AM EST

Ian McEwan was too low and miss Amsterdam is wrong. And also missing was Middlesex, which is horrible.

canuck1975 Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 09:29 AM EST

Where was the English Patient? Or Life of Pi? How about Paris 1919?

Vicky Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 09:27 AM EST

I'll also sign your Time Travler's Wife petition. I was sad to not see it on the list.

Sean Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

While several of my favorites were included, one more I would have loved seeing on the list is "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy. Oh, and I was a bit surprised that "Geek Love" by Katherine Dunn didn't make the cut.

Emily Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 09:16 AM EST

One of my favorite books of the last 25 years is "Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe" by Fannie Flagg. It is a wonderful story that always makes me laugh and cry. Definitely a new classic as far as I'm concerned.

Auriana Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 09:06 AM EST

I wasn't too happy with this list. I'd never even heard of the number 1 book listed and though I'm a voracious reader, other than a handful of books on there, there's not much that I'd sit down and read. While I know not to expect much of anything from my favorite genre (fantasy), I still would have loved to see anything by Katharine Kerr or Morgan Llywelyn (her Irish Century books starting with 1916 and ending with 1999 are simply amazing) on the list. The most glaring ommissions to me though is "The Eyre Affair" by Jasper Fforde and Bernard Cornwell's Arthur trilogy.

S Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 09:01 AM EST

Also, Orhan Parmuk should probably have a book on this list.

S Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 09:00 AM EST

I agree with aaa; non-fiction books are severely underrepresented here, and should probably have their own list.

bbc Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 08:55 AM EST

I have, in the past year, read The Ruins by Scott Smith, as well as his debut novel A Simple Plan, published in 1993. While I did enjoy The Ruins, it paled in comparison to A Simple Plan. Definately more list worthy of the two.

Gretchen Weiners Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 08:52 AM EST

The Time Traveler's Wife is pretty fantastic, but my favorite book of all-time is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. I can't believe it didn't make the list! It's just stunning and I tell every single person I know to read it. And yes, I read it before Oprah dug her self-promotional claws into it.

aaa Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 08:51 AM EST

I really wish there had been separate lists for fiction and non-fiction, but maybe they thought that would be overkill? Anyway, my biggest complaint is the omission of 'The Terror' by Dan Simmons. I don't know how 'The Ruins' made the list, when 'The Terror' is a superior novel in every way. Also would have liked to see: 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell' by Susanna Clarke; 'She's Come Undone' by Wally Lamb; 'Chronicles, Part 1' by Bob Dylan; and 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson.

Lise Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 08:47 AM EST

Time Traveler's Wife - a true gem. There are always so many amazing books, it's hard to pick even 100 best... but from clicking through the EW galery I have a list of at least 10 books I'll be checking out soon from my library. Thanks for the recommendations, EW!

Nicole Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 08:37 AM EST

i was shocked to see the post-birthday world miss the list. ew gave it really high marks and put it on all kinds of other "must" lists.

Kerri Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 08:37 AM EST

Um, I will TOTALLY sign the petition for "Time Traveler's Wife". Never in my life have I read a book more poignant, touching, and entertaining. No, not even "Harry Potter."

Kristina Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 08:33 AM EST

Why wasn't The Post-Birthday World by Lionel Shriver on your list? You named it the number one best book of 2007 and I'd have to agree. What gives?

S Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 08:30 AM EST

I'd add "The Last Town on Earth" by Thomas Mullen and "Guns, Germs and Steel" by Jared Diamond.

amyelissa Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 08:25 AM EST

I felt there were several holes in the list.I agree that Bret Easton Elis should be on there.I loved Less Than Zero. Also, Million Little Pieces and Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs.

Fred Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 08:16 AM EST

My vote would be for "Girl With the Pearl Earring" by Tracy Chevalier. The narrative of this novel is simply poignant. A very beautifully written book!

jez Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:59 AM EST

I am happy that Neil Gaiman made the list with his Sandman comics, but his novel American Gods is one of the best books I have ever read. The mix of new & old mythology done in a beautiful writing style. Sandman is iconic, but American Gods is simply brilliant!

Mamba Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:55 AM EST

I think Edward P. Jones' The Known World should be on the list. And Harry Potter should definitely NOT be number one. Success alone should not determine a book's standing.

Ed Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:54 AM EST

I don't remember seeing Michael Cunningham's The Hours on the list. Why was it left off?

jason Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:47 AM EST

im sorry i was thinking this was for the whole pop culture list, not just books...

jason Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:45 AM EST

how could you guys forget about ALIAS in the TV section?? that show became a huge classic and has quite a cult following even after it was unfortunately axed... then MOVIES, umm KILL BILL!!! this movie went way beyond the norm and surpassed most of the orignal, "out-of-the-box" ideas in the way it was presented and mixed several genres and techniques into one. I was happy to see that MOULIN ROUGE wasnt passed up.

stephanie Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:39 AM EST

I also agree that harry potter should be at number one.

and maybe this book isn't as well-known amongst adults or what, but I'm an avid reader and hadn't heard of half the books on that list. with that being said, where was stephen chbosky's "the perks of being a wallflower" ??? I'm almost 25 years old and the book still makes me cry everytime-- the perils of high school, knowing what it's like to have a crush on your best friend, that perfect drive on that perfect night and feeling infinite.. come on, EW! how could that not be on the list??

stephanie Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:39 AM EST

I also agree that harry potter should be at number one.

and maybe this book isn't as well-known amongst adults or what, but I'm an avid reader and hadn't heard of half the books on that list. with that being said, where was stephen chbosky's "the perks of being a wallflower" ??? I'm almost 25 years old and the book still makes me cry everytime-- the perils of high school, knowing what it's like to have a crush on your best friend, that perfect drive on that perfect night and feeling infinite.. come on, EW! how could that not be on the list??

Miranda Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 07:31 AM EST

I agree with "The Time Traveler's Wife". (I'm very leery of the movie version. There are just too many ways to mess up.) However the book that I really noticed was missing was Gregory Maguire's "Wicked". It's easy to be down on it because it spawned a hit musical (although the musical isn't that great). But, the book is such a clever idea, so well written that it's a real shame that it wasn't included. I'd personally have put it on the list over "The Da Vinci Code".