The Dark Side by Jane Mayer

"The Dark Side" by Jane Mayer is a non-fiction book that explores the use of torture and other controversial tactics by the United States government in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Mayer details the decision-making process behind the use of enhanced interrogation techniques, and the legal and ethical debates surrounding them. She also examines the impact of these tactics on the individuals who were subjected to them, as well as the broader implications for American democracy and human rights. The book draws on extensive research and interviews with key players in the Bush administration, as well as classified documents and memos.

The 7830th greatest book of all time


Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 96

Since this book was first published in 2008, there is a penalty of 54.4%. The age adjusted score is 43.78.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.