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. Sophie's Choice

   

   Set in post-World War II Brooklyn, this novel follows the story of a young Southern writer who becomes friends with a Jewish scientist and a beautiful Polish Catholic survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp. The narrative unravels the tragic love triangle between the three characters, with the woman's haunting past and the horrific choice she had to make in the concentration camp serving as the heart of the story. The book delves into themes of survival, guilt, and the struggle to find meaning in the aftermath of atrocities.

   The 803rd Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. The Confessions of Nat Turner

   

   "The Confessions of Nat Turner" is a fictionalized account of a historical event, the 1831 Virginia slave uprising led by Nat Turner. The book is presented as a first-person narrative from Turner's perspective, exploring his life as a slave, his religious visions, and the violent rebellion he led against white slaveholders. The novel delves into the complexities of slavery, morality, and rebellion, while also examining the psychological trauma inflicted by the institution of slavery.

   The 1541st Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

3. 3. Darkness Visible

   A Memoir of Madness

   

   "Darkness Visible" is a memoir that explores the author's personal struggle with depression. It provides an intimate account of his descent into a severe and debilitating state of depression, his contemplation of suicide, and eventual recovery. The book offers a candid and insightful perspective on the nature of depression, its impact on the individual, and the process of healing and recovery, shedding light on a topic often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding.

   The 2601st Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

4. 4. The Long March

   

   The book is a fictional account that delves into the psychological and physical toll of military life on a group of Marine reservists during the Korean War. It explores the grueling experience of a forced march ordered by a colonel who is determined to prove the toughness of his men. Throughout the narrative, the story focuses on the internal struggles of one particular reservist, who grapples with his own existential crises and the absurdity of war. The narrative examines themes of authority, the human condition, and the often harsh realities of military discipline and endurance.

   The 7966th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon
5. 5. Lie Down In Darkness

   

   Set in the post-World War II American South, this poignant narrative delves into the complexities of a dysfunctional family grappling with profound grief and despair. The story unfolds through the perspectives of its tormented characters, each haunted by their own demons and regrets. As they gather for the funeral of a beloved daughter, the family's deep-seated tensions and unresolved conflicts come to the fore, painting a vivid portrait of human frailty and the relentless pursuit of redemption amidst the shadows of past mistakes.

   The 11155th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

6. 6. Set This House On Fire

   

   Set against the backdrop of a picturesque Italian village, this novel delves into the complexities of human nature and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of beauty and privilege. The story unfolds through the eyes of a troubled American artist who becomes entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and moral ambiguity following the mysterious death of a charismatic friend. As he grapples with his own demons and the haunting memories of the past, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of guilt, redemption, and the elusive nature of truth.

   The 16899th Greatest Book of All Time