As we arrive at the 25th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001 we thought one way that readers could reflect on that day is through incredible works of fiction that have sought to capture the impact of that moment in history. Through a variety of perspectives and lenses, these stories remind us of not only what transpired, but the long-lasting ripple effects of 9/11.

Hollow Bones by Jodi Picoult

In her latest release, New York Times bestseller explores the events of 9/11 through her character Molly. Having lost her mother to the attacks at only two months, Molly has made it a point to always be prepared. In fact, she built her whole job around it. But when an unexpected tragedy sends her world into chaos, no amount of preparation could have readied her for the secrets and obstacles she’ll have to overcome.

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Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

Nine-year-old Oskar Schell is on a mission to find a lock to match the key left behind by his father who died during the events of 9/11. Taking him through New York City, Oskar encounters many people and many stories tied to that day in an unforgettable story.

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The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

A Pakistani man named Changez is living what appears to be the American dream. Living as an immigrant, he is working for a high-value firm and falling in love with an elite, Manhattan socialite. Then, September 11th, 2001 changes the entire world and Changez must grapple with his identity in the wake of the tragedy as a sentiment shift occurs that challenges everything good in his life.

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The Submission by Amy Waldman

When a contest to design a memorial tribute for the 9/11 attacks results in a Muslim-American winning, a traumatized, misguided and ideologically scattered fight ensues. A widow becomes the winning architect’s greatest defender as scrutiny, prejudice and power-hungry politicians collide over the issue of who should be allowed to represent the events of that day.

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The Memory of Things by Gae Polisner

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Kyle Donohue watches a plane crash into the first tower. Fleeing the mayhem, he encounters a girl covered in ash, unable to convey what has happened to her. In a spontaneous decision, he brings her home to see if he can help. Can she remember anything? He begins to bond to her as they endure the tragedy together, strangers, but connected.

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The Zero by Jess Walter

In the chaotic aftermath of 9/11 Brian Remy has some big problems. He has huge gaps in his memory from his apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, his son still acts like he’s dead, he doesn’t know his new girlfriend’s name, and he’s been recruited for a strange assignment. Soon, he discovers he’s working for an intelligence agency to discover the secrets about himself that currently allude him.

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The Light We Lost by Jill Santopolo

This novel kicks off on 9/11, and though it is mostly a contemporary romance, it is a story that explores just one of millions of ripples from that day. Lucy and Gabe meet on that fateful day, and then again a year later, and their love story begins. When Gabe is sent to the Middle East as a photojournalist, the couple faces distance, betrayal, heartbreak, love and ambition. If you’re looking for a story that is adjacent to 9/11, but perhaps doesn’t focus on the event so much as the people impacted by it, this bestseller is a great selection.

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