Top 100 Books of the 21st Century

I spent such an enjoyable weekend keeping an eye on, or listening to, the countdown on ABC Radio National of the Top 100 Books of the 21st Century, which played over this last Saturday and Sunday afternoons (Melbourne time -- it was broadcast simultaneously over the whole of Australia). I voted for my own top ten on the first day without thinking about it too hard, and of course since then I did have second thoughts, and remembered books that I'd forgotten. 

I have read 62 of the final 100 -- I think. I'm not sure if I have actually read Horse, by Geraldine Brookes -- I think I have -- which would make it 63. Five of my personal ten made it into the Top 100 (Piranesi, This House of Grief, Dark Emu, Wifedom and Wolf Hall). There were a couple of books that I loathed that rated highly with other people (looking at you, Where the Crawdads Sing). There were many books that I loved, but didn't vote for, that I cheered for when they appeared (My Brilliant Friend, Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, Normal People, Burial Rites, The Slap, Limberlost). Some books I know are probably amazing, but I know I don't have the emotional strength to face them (The Road, A Little Life). Some books I am determined to seek out, having found out a bit more about them (A Gentleman in Moscow, Question 7, Bel Canto). There are books that I've tried to read, but which defeated me (Carpentaria, Prophet Song).

But the best part was hearing so many people get excited about books and reading. It doesn't matter what books are your favourites. It gave me hope that reading and literacy isn't completely dead, and I hope that bookshops and libraries get a boost from people seeking out titles they've missed, like me.