As the first decade of the 21st century comes to an end, we began to look back on everything that has occurred throughout the past ten years, especially books. Books have had such a huge impact on us over the past ten years. From a book series turning into some of the most popular movies and so popular were these series that a new genre of music known as wizard rock was created; Yes, you guessed right ladies and gentlemen, it’s Harry Potter. The series written by J.K. Rowling is about a boy who discovers he is a wizard and begins to attend the school of witchcraft and wizardry known as Hogwarts. Each book is a new year he attends Hogwarts to master his skills of wizardry and defeat intentionally harmful dark magic. Millions of copies have been published and sold worldwide and the movies based on the series have sold millions worldwide as well. Therefore Harry Potter is a biggie when it comes to books of the decade.
Team Jacob or Team Edward? Another series that has bitten people worldwide this decade is the Twilight Saga. The Twilight saga consists of 4 books written by Stephenie Meyer. This series begins in a small town where a normal, quiet teenage girl and a handsome, charming young vampire fall in love with each other. The series justify and show the development of their relationship throughout time. Just as Rowling, Meyer has published and sold over a million copies of the saga worldwide. The movies based on the saga have recently been filmed and released, attracting many teenage girls and even adult women.
The Time Traveler’s Wife was also another popular book of the decade. Written by Audrey Niffenegger, The Time Traveler’s Wife is about a young woman, Clare, who falls in love and marries an adventurous librarian, but their love is unlike any other. Clare has to live with a husband who disappears and travels throughout time at any given moment. The book describes the effect time travel takes place on their marriage, but their love is so passionate that they attempt to live a normal life. Many people, especially women, were attracted to the book as well as the movie due to the romantic story plot.
You can’t forget the touching story of My Sister’s Keeper. Author Jodi Picoult writes this novel about a young girl who was conceived for the sole purpose of helping her sick sister. Kate is battling leukemia and all the treatment she has undergone has made her weak, and whenever needed Anna is there to donate bone marrow or blood transfusions. Anna decides to take to a stand for her rights in this moving story. Copies were sold worldwide and the book was even made into a movie that was released earlier this year.
The Book Thief was also another popular book of the decade. Written by Markus Zusak, The Book Thief is a story set in World War II in Germany that begins with a foster child, Liesel Meminger. Leisel has the urge to steal the one thing she truly desires, books. She learns to read with the help of her foster father, and reads these stolen books to friends and neighbors during bomb raids in her basement. So as this first decade comes to an end, look back on the books you’ve enjoyed reading. Who knows maybe some of the books listed have been your favorite throughout the decade?
