The Guardian List of the Best Books

May 16, 2026, 07:15
GlobalCulture

Introduction

The Guardian newspaper made a list of the 100 best books. More than 170 book experts helped make this list.

Main Body

The list changed since 2003 and 2015. Now, more women writers are on the list. In 2003, only 16% were women. Now, 36% are women. George Eliot wrote the best book. It is called 'Middlemarch'. Toni Morrison and James Joyce also have books at the top. Virginia Woolf has five books on the list. Some famous men and children's books are not on the list. The experts only chose serious books for adults. The UK wants more people to read books again.

Conclusion

The list shows that people like more women writers now. They still love old, real stories.

Learning

📦 The 'Ownership' Pattern

Look at how we talk about things people have. In the text, we see a simple way to say someone owns or created something:

  • Virginia Woolf has five books →\rightarrow (Person) + has + (Thing)
  • Toni Morrison and James Joyce also have books →\rightarrow (People) + have + (Thing)

The Simple Rule: Use HAS for one person (He/She/Virginia). Use HAVE for more than one person (They/Toni and James).

💡 Quick Word Swap

Instead of saying "The list shows," you can use these A2 words to describe information:

  • Shows →\rightarrow Tells us
  • Chose →\rightarrow Picked
  • Changed →\rightarrow Became different

Vocabulary Learning

list
a set of items written or printed together
Example:I made a list of groceries for the shopping trip.
book
a written or printed work of fiction or nonfiction
Example:She borrowed a book from the library to read.
women
adult female humans
Example:Many women help run the community center.
writer
a person who writes books or articles
Example:The writer finished a new novel last week.
best
the highest quality or most excellent
Example:This is the best cake I have ever tasted.
change
to make something different
Example:We need to change the schedule to fit everyone's needs.
now
at the present time
Example:Now is the perfect moment to start the project.
only
just; nothing more than
Example:She has only one pencil left.
have
to possess or own
Example:I have a key to the office.
top
the highest or uppermost part
Example:The cat sat on the top of the shelf.
famous
well known by many people
Example:The city is famous for its beautiful parks.
children
young people who have not yet become adults
Example:Children love to play in the park after school.
read
to look at and understand written words
Example:I like to read a book before bed.
people
human beings in general
Example:People often ask for help when they need it.
love
a strong affection or attachment
Example:She loves to travel to new countries.