The Greatest "Psychological, Dark Humor, Social & Cultural Fiction, Fiction" Books Since 1970

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

Dark Humor

Dark humor is a genre of literature that combines humor with themes and subjects that are typically considered taboo, morbid, or controversial. It often involves making light of serious or disturbing topics such as death, violence, and mental illness. Dark humor can be used to satirize societal norms and conventions, challenge the status quo, and provide a unique perspective on the human condition. Books in this category may be unsettling or uncomfortable to read, but they offer a unique and often thought-provoking perspective on the world around us.

Social & Cultural Fiction

Social & Cultural Fiction is a literary category that encompasses novels and stories that delve into the complexities of society and culture, exploring themes such as class, race, gender, and identity within specific social contexts. These narratives often provide a lens through which readers can examine the intricacies of human relationships and the impact of cultural norms and societal structures on individuals and communities. By offering a fictional yet reflective portrayal of real-world social dynamics, this genre invites readers to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that shape our world. Authors in this category frequently use their characters and settings to comment on contemporary issues, challenge prevailing ideologies, and provoke thought about the possibility of social change, making Social & Cultural Fiction a powerful tool for empathy and a mirror for the ever-evolving human condition.

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. Suttree by Cormac McCarthy

    Set in 1950s Knoxville, Tennessee, the novel follows the life of a man who has renounced his former existence of privilege to live among society's outcasts on the river. He is an educated man, who has chosen a life of fishing and surviving on the fringes of society. The narrative is filled with his encounters with various characters from the underbelly of the city, including criminals, prostitutes, and other outcasts. Despite his attempts to isolate himself, he finds himself drawn into the problems and tragedies of those around him.

    The 760th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

    This novel is a gritty, raw portrayal of a group of heroin addicts living in Edinburgh, Scotland. The narrative is non-linear and told from multiple perspectives, providing a deep dive into the minds and lives of these characters. The story explores themes of poverty, addiction, friendship, and the struggle to escape one's circumstances, all set against the backdrop of a bleak urban landscape. It is known for its strong Scottish dialect, graphic content, and dark humor.

    The 1099th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Some Hope by Edward St Aubyn

    "Some Hope" is a darkly humorous novel that delves into the life of a man who struggles to overcome his traumatic past and drug addiction. He is invited to a lavish party filled with Britain's aristocracy, where he must confront his past and deal with the pretentious and shallow society he is part of. The narrative explores themes of abuse, recovery, and the struggle to find redemption and hope amidst despair.

    The 2227th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk

    "Haunted" is a novel composed of 23 stories, all told by people who have answered an ad for a writer's retreat. The individuals are locked inside a theater for three months, with no connection to the outside world. As time goes on, they begin to starve, go mad, and resort to violence. Each character's story reveals their darkest secrets and fears, creating a chilling and disturbing narrative.

    The 8500th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Mailman by J. Robert Lennon

    The novel centers around the life of a seemingly ordinary mail carrier in a small American town, whose mundane existence belies a complex inner world filled with secrets, fantasies, and obsessions. As the protagonist navigates his daily routine, delivering letters and packages to the townspeople, he becomes increasingly entangled in their lives and personal affairs. His voyeuristic tendencies and the discovery of a mysterious undeliverable letter lead to a series of events that unravel his carefully constructed facade, exposing the dark undercurrents of suburban life and the fragile nature of personal identity.

    The 8508th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Homesick for Another World by Ottessa Moshfegh

    "Homesick for Another World" is a collection of short stories that explore the lives of various flawed and eccentric characters, each struggling with their own personal demons and insecurities. The narratives delve into the dark, often uncomfortable aspects of humanity, with themes of loneliness, self-loathing, and the desperate search for connection and meaning. The stories are set in a variety of locations, from small towns to big cities, and each presents a unique perspective on the human condition.

    The 9613th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download