Mark Haber

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. Lesser Ruins

    In "Lesser Ruins," a retired professor grapples with the loss of his wife by diving into his lifelong project: a book dedicated to Michel de Montaigne, the father of the essay. As he attempts to bring Montaigne's legacy into the modern era, he faces numerous distractions, from haunting memories to the constant buzz of technology and his son's musical ambitions. Amidst the chaos, his reflections weave through past experiences at a community college and an artists' retreat, exploring themes of creativity, ambition, and the human quest for meaning. The narrative is infused with dark humor, capturing the professor's journey through grief and artistic obsession.

    The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 2. Reinhardt's Garden

    Set against the lush and oppressive backdrop of the South American jungle, this novel follows the obsessive journey of a man named Jacov who is in relentless pursuit of the elusive concept of melancholy. As he navigates the dense wilderness, accompanied by a small group of followers, Jacov's quest becomes a philosophical exploration of human emotion, madness, and the thin line between genius and insanity. The narrative unfolds through a series of fragmented reflections and encounters, painting a vivid picture of the characters' inner turmoil and the enigmatic allure of their surroundings.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  3. 3. Saint Sebastian's Abyss

    In this gripping narrative, two art critics, once inseparable in their shared obsession with a singular painting, find their friendship unraveling over time due to diverging interpretations and personal ambitions. As they delve deeper into the enigmatic artwork, their lives become intertwined with its mysteries, leading to a profound exploration of art, rivalry, and the nature of obsession. The story unfolds with a blend of intellectual intrigue and emotional depth, capturing the complexities of human relationships and the consuming power of passion.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org