Calling all bibliophiles, now is your time to shine.
ABC Radio National is inviting Australians to have their say on the stories that have shaped the past quarter-century, with voting now open for The Top 100 Books of the 21st Century.
And, to make this moment even sweeter, you won’t even need to talk to anyone. Truly, an introverts dream.
The inaugural list will be unveiled in a two-day broadcast across 18–19 October 2025, with the countdown featuring live discussions, special guests and commentary.
From children’s favourites like The 13-Storey Treehouse through to the works of Margaret Atwood, the event promises to showcase everything from poetry to politics.
“This is about the books that moved us, challenged us, or stayed with us long after the first chapter,” ABC said in launching the project. “Can you proudly say your vote helped pick the top book?”
How it works
Readers can vote for any book published in English between January 1, 2000 and August 31, 2025. All genres are eligible and participants can manually add titles if they aren’t already on the list.
The broadcaster is also encouraging Australians to connect via the ABC Book Club Facebook group and join the conversation on social media using #Top100Books.
The initiative aims to reflect the stories that resonate most strongly with Australian readers today, whether popular bestsellers or influential works of ideas.
“The Top 100 Books countdown will celebrate the books that have shaped Australia’s cultural memory in the 21st century,” ABC said.