A Novel from the 2000s

[svkk]

We were recently assigned to read novels from different decades in our English class. I was assigned to read a novel from the 2000s and to comment on its relevance to the modern world. Essentially, I have to read the novel and discuss how it reflects the following:

Economic significance
Cultural significance
Political climate
Social climate


Now, I can assure you that I spent hours looking for a book that would not only reflect the points above and give me adequate material for the presentation, but also be an enjoyable read. By browsing the Pulitzer Prize time line, I have found these books:

Forgetfulness (http://www.amazon.com/Forgetfulness-Ward-Just/dp/0618634630/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-8551036-8720136?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177976021&sr=1-1)
The Corrections (http://www.amazon.com/Corrections-Jonathan-Franzen/dp/1841156736/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/102-8551036-8720136?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1177977302&sr=1-1)


However, I'm frankly not sure about either of them. After reading a bit about them, I do not feel like I'm interested in these. Hence, I am here to ask for better suggestions. Remember, it needs to be an American book (as it is an American literature class), it needs to have been written in the 2000s, and it must be reflective of the points given above. Oh, and it must be enjoyable.

I welcome all suggestions. Thanks for the help in advance!

[bazarov]

Some American writer, who hasn't published anything for a very long time, wrote a novel; something about life in todays America. I think basic story is some family and their life after Twins were crashed. Someone help about author and title; guy is very old and famous...

[papayahed]

The only one I can think of is I am Charlotte Simmons. It's about college students so i don't know how relevent it is, it seems to go to the extreme in some aspects, specifically college atheletics. Although, what do I know? I haven't been in college in a while and when I was I never went near athletics. I wrote a review in the Review a Book Thread.

[tudwell]

bazarov, you thinking of DeLillo? He recently wrote Falling Man, about 9/11. He's old, too, though I wouldn't say he "hasn't published anything for a very long time".

[malwethien]

How about Jonathan Safran Foer? (1) Everything is Illuminated or (2) Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

[Orpheus]

I would recommend The Kite Runner. I'm not sure if it would be considered an "American book" but it is definately one of my favorite contemporary novels right now. Perhaps that's because I just read it today. If this isn't too late, I would check it out. It deals with all of the criteria that you listed.

[higley]

I think The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon is everything you're looking for. It's got significance and climate up the wazoo. And it's immensely enjoyable. Not to mention it did win the Pulitzer in 2001!

[bazarov]

bazarov, you thinking of DeLillo? He recently wrote Falling Man, about 9/11. He's old, too, though I wouldn't say he "hasn't published anything for a very long time".

I really don't know; it could be. I haven't meant 50 years, I meant 10 or 15, sorry for misunderstanding.

[tudwell]

I haven't meant 50 years, I meant 10 or 15, sorry for misunderstanding.

Well, it hasn't even been that long. His last novel was put out in 2003. Maybe it's not who you're thinking of...