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. The Very Heart Of It

   

   A collection of Thomas Mallon’s journal entries from the 1980s and 1990s that follows his early years as a gay writer in New York City. The entries capture daily life in the literary scene—relationships, friendships, the social world, and the effects of the emerging AIDS crisis—while tracing his personal and professional growth. Intimate and observant, the book offers a vivid, reflective portrait of that era.

   The 12585th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. A Book Of One's Own

   People and Their Diaries

   

   "A Book of One's Own" delves into the intriguing world of diaries, exploring the private writings of both famous and obscure individuals. The author examines the myriad motivations behind keeping a diary, from the desire for self-expression to the need to leave a mark for posterity. Through a series of engaging analyses, the book reveals how diaries serve as a unique form of personal and historical record, offering insights not only into the individual diarists’ lives but also into the times in which they lived. The work is both a celebration of diary-keeping and a thoughtful reflection on the act of writing itself.

   The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Up With The Sun

   

   Set against the vibrant backdrop of mid-20th century New York City, this captivating narrative delves into the life of a charismatic yet enigmatic Broadway actor whose career is marked by both dazzling triumphs and haunting failures. As the protagonist navigates the complex world of theater, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, each with their own dreams and secrets. The story intricately weaves themes of ambition, identity, and the relentless pursuit of fame, painting a vivid portrait of a bygone era where the spotlight could illuminate or obscure the truth.

   The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Watergate

   

   Set against the backdrop of one of the most infamous political scandals in American history, this novel intricately weaves together the lives of various characters entangled in the Watergate affair. Through a blend of historical fact and imaginative storytelling, the narrative delves into the personal and political machinations of those involved, from the conspirators to the unsuspecting bystanders. The story captures the tension, intrigue, and moral ambiguity of the era, offering a nuanced exploration of power, loyalty, and the human condition amidst the unraveling of a presidency.
5. 5. Fellow Travelers

   

   Set against the backdrop of 1950s Washington, D.C., this historical novel delves into the lives of two men caught in a web of political intrigue and personal conflict during the McCarthy era. As the Red Scare grips the nation, a young, idealistic journalist becomes romantically involved with a charismatic State Department official, leading to a complex relationship fraught with secrecy and danger. Amidst the paranoia and fear of the Lavender Scare, their love story unfolds, highlighting the personal costs of political persecution and the struggle for authenticity in a time of widespread suspicion and repression.

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