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 8626th 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 8956th 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 11895th 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 17152nd Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. Gold Boy, Emerald Girl

   

   Set against the backdrop of contemporary China, this collection of short stories delves into the intricate lives of its characters, exploring themes of love, loneliness, and the search for identity. Each narrative paints a vivid picture of individuals grappling with societal expectations and personal desires, revealing the quiet struggles and poignant moments that define their existence. Through a blend of subtle prose and emotional depth, the stories capture the essence of human connection and the enduring quest for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

6. 6. Dear Friend, From My Life I Write To You In Your Life

   

   This introspective memoir delves into the complexities of mental health, identity, and the power of literature as a means of survival. Through a series of reflective essays, the author explores her personal struggles with depression and the solace she finds in the written word. The narrative weaves together her experiences as an immigrant, a writer, and a mother, offering a poignant meditation on the universal search for meaning and connection. With a blend of vulnerability and insight, the book invites readers to consider the profound impact of storytelling on the human experience.

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7. 7. A Thousand Years Of Good Prayers

   

   Set against the backdrop of contemporary China, this collection of short stories delves into the intricate lives of its characters, exploring themes of cultural dislocation, familial bonds, and personal identity. Each narrative offers a poignant glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of individuals navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing society, where tradition and modernity often clash. Through a delicate and empathetic lens, the stories capture the essence of human connection and the universal quest for understanding and belonging.

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8. 8. Where Reasons End

   

   A mother, imagining conversations with her son after his death by suicide, constructs a timeless space where language becomes both bridge and barrier, testing the capacity of words to carry grief, love, memory, and wit. Through their tender, playful repartee, she wrestles with mourning and meaning, finding a fragile continuity that honors the irreducible presence of the lost while acknowledging the limits of understanding.

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