Alan Johnson

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. This Boy

    A Memoir of a Childhood

    Set against the backdrop of post-war Britain, this poignant memoir chronicles the early life of a boy growing up in the impoverished neighborhoods of London. Through vivid storytelling, the narrative captures the resilience and determination of a young child navigating the challenges of a fractured family, economic hardship, and societal expectations. Despite the odds, the protagonist's journey is one of hope and perseverance, highlighting the transformative power of education, community, and personal ambition in overcoming adversity.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Please, Mister Postman

    A candid memoir of early adulthood in 1970s–80s Britain, charting the grind and camaraderie of life as a postman, the pull of trade union activism, and the pressures on a young family, set against industrial unrest and sweeping social change, culminating in personal joys and losses that set the stage for a new chapter in public life.