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. Things In Nature Merely Grow

   

   Yiyun Li reflects on the deaths of her two sons and her attempts to live alongside that loss. Through writing, gardening, reading philosophy, learning piano, and close attention to language and thought, she examines what it means to continue "being" after a loved one is gone, offering intimate, meditative observations without revealing private details.

   The 8609th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Vagrants

   

   Set in a small Chinese town during the late 1970s, the story unfolds around the execution of a young woman named Gu Shan, a former political prisoner. Her death acts as a catalyst, revealing the complex and often harrowing lives of the town's residents, from a disillusioned teacher and a fervent revolutionary to a grieving mother and a pair of young lovers. As the community grapples with the oppressive political climate and their own personal struggles, the narrative delves into themes of loss, resilience, and the quest for dignity amidst pervasive fear and repression.

   The 8940th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Kinder Than Solitude

   

   This novel revolves around the intertwined lives of three friends from their youth in Beijing during the aftermath of the Tiananmen Square protests to their separate paths as adults in the United States and China. The mysterious poisoning of their friend, Shaoai, which occurred during their teenage years, casts a long shadow over their lives, influencing their relationships, personal development, and their ability to find solace and meaning in their adult lives. Through a narrative that weaves past and present, the story explores themes of memory, guilt, isolation, and the complex nature of human connections, revealing how the echoes of a moment can shape the course of a lifetime.

   The 11868th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Book Of Goose

   

   Set against the backdrop of post-war rural France, this evocative tale explores the intricate bond between two young girls, Fabienne and Agnès, whose friendship is both their sanctuary and their undoing. As they navigate the complexities of adolescence, they embark on a literary venture that catapults them into unexpected fame, challenging their perceptions of identity, loyalty, and the power of storytelling. The narrative delves into themes of innocence, ambition, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction, ultimately questioning the cost of dreams and the sacrifices made in their pursuit.

   The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time