Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Affliction

   

   "Affliction" is a powerful and haunting novel about a man named Wade Whitehouse, a small-town cop in New Hampshire, who descends into a spiral of violence and despair triggered by the fear of his own impotence. The narrative delves deep into Wade's past and present life, his struggles with alcoholism, his failed marriage and difficult relationship with his daughter, and his abusive father, all leading to a tragic and shocking climax. The book is a profound exploration of the struggle for self and identity in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

   The 5126th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. The Darling

   

   The novel explores the life of a politically radical American woman who, after becoming involved with various revolutionary movements in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s, flees to Liberia to escape the FBI. In Liberia, she marries a government official and becomes embroiled in the country's own political turmoil, witnessing and participating in the complex interplay of power, colonialism, and personal relationships. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist grapples with her role in the political landscape, her identity, and the consequences of her actions, both in her personal life and in the broader context of the African nation's violent history.

   The 8544th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. Lost Memory Of Skin

   

   The novel explores the life of a young sex offender known only as "The Kid," who, after being released from prison, struggles to adapt to a marginal existence on the fringes of society. Living under a causeway in a makeshift encampment with other convicted sex offenders, The Kid's life takes a turn when he meets "The Professor," a brilliant but obese sociologist who has his own mysterious past. The Professor takes an interest in studying The Kid and his fellow outcasts, leading to a complex relationship that forces The Kid to confront his past actions and his uncertain future. The story delves deeply into themes of redemption, the dehumanizing effects of technology, and the thin lines between society's outcasts and its guardians.

   The 8553rd Greatest Book of All Time

4. 4. Cloudsplitter

   

   The novel is a profound exploration of the life of John Brown, the radical abolitionist whose actions were pivotal in American history. Narrated by his son, Owen Brown, the story delves deep into the complexities of John Brown's fervent crusade against slavery, which culminated in the infamous 1859 raid on the federal armory at Harpers Ferry. This act intended to incite a slave uprising, ultimately sparked increased tensions leading to the American Civil War. The narrative provides a detailed psychological portrait of both John Brown and his family, exploring the moral foundations of civil disobedience and the intense personal and political conflicts involved in the fight against inhumanity.

   The 8642nd Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. The Sweet Hereafter

   

   "The Sweet Hereafter" is a poignant exploration of a small town's grief and search for justice following a tragic school bus accident that claims the lives of numerous local children. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of four different characters, each deeply affected by the tragedy. As the community grapples with the emotional aftermath and the complexities of blame, the story delves into themes of loss, community bonds, and the challenging path toward healing. The novel examines the impact of the disaster on the town's social fabric and the personal lives of its residents, revealing the enduring strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of profound sorrow.

   The 9578th Greatest Book of All Time