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. Ragtime

   

   Set in the early 20th century, this novel intertwines the lives of fictional characters with real historical figures, creating a vivid portrayal of America's past. The narrative follows the lives of an upper-class family in New Rochelle, New York, an African-American musician from Harlem, and a Jewish immigrant and his daughter, while also featuring historical figures like Harry Houdini, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford. The novel explores themes of wealth, race, and class, against a backdrop of significant historical events, such as the onset of World War I and the rise of the labor movement.

   The 406th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Book of Daniel

   

   "The Book of Daniel" is a semi-fictional novel that explores the lives of the Isaacson family, specifically focusing on the children, Daniel and Susan, after their parents, accused of being Communists, are executed. The narrative is a combination of historical fiction and a political commentary, providing a deep exploration of the Red Scare in the United States during the Cold War era. The novel is a critical examination of social, political, and familial dynamics in a time of national fear and paranoia.

   The 838th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Welcome To Hard Times

   

   Set in a desolate, lawless town in the Dakota Territory, the story unfolds as a brutal drifter known as the Bad Man wreaks havoc, leaving the community in ruins. The narrative follows Blue, the town's reluctant mayor, who attempts to rebuild and bring order to the chaos, grappling with themes of morality, resilience, and the cyclical nature of violence. As the townspeople struggle to reclaim their lives, they confront the harsh realities of survival and the haunting presence of past traumas, ultimately questioning whether true redemption and justice are attainable in such a harsh and unforgiving landscape.

   The 4252nd Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. World's Fair

   

   Set in 1930s New York, this novel follows the life of a young boy named Edgar as he navigates through the complexities of family life, school, and the exciting spectacle of the World's Fair. The narrative is a blend of Edgar's memories and his older brother's diary entries, painting a vivid picture of the Depression-era Bronx, the looming war, and the technological wonders of the fair. The boy's experiences and observations reveal the socio-cultural dynamics of the time and the transformative power of the fair, which symbolizes hope and progress amidst the bleakness of the era.

   The 7875th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Billy Bathgate

   

   "Billy Bathgate" is a historical novel set in the 1930s that follows the life of a teenage boy from the Bronx who becomes involved with a notorious mobster and his gang. The protagonist, Billy, is taken under the wing of the gang leader, and the novel provides a detailed look into the world of organized crime during the Great Depression. The story is filled with violence, love, and the struggle for power, all seen through the eyes of a young boy trying to navigate his way through this dangerous world.

   The 9069th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Sweet Land Stories

   

   This collection of five short stories delves into the darker aspects of American life, exploring themes of crime, poverty, and moral ambiguity. Each narrative in the compilation takes the reader on a journey through the underbelly of American society, from the struggles of a young girl kidnapped by her father to the tale of a woman who finds herself involved in a bizarre plot to steal a baby. The stories are rich in detail and character development, showcasing the author's ability to weave complex tales that challenge the reader's perceptions of right and wrong. Through these narratives, the collection paints a vivid picture of the complexities and contradictions of the American dream, revealing the often harsh realities that lie beneath its hopeful veneer.

   The 10365th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Loon Lake

   

   The novel follows the journey of a young and impoverished man during the Great Depression as he stumbles upon the secluded, opulent estate of Loon Lake. Seeking escape from his destitute circumstances, he becomes entangled with the lives of the wealthy industrialist who owns the estate, his mysterious mistress, and other eccentric characters he meets along the way. Set against the backdrop of economic turmoil, the story explores themes of desire, power, and the American Dream, revealing the stark contrasts between different social classes during one of America's most challenging times.

   The 11660th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Lives Of The Poets

   A Novella and Six Stories

   

   "Lives of the Poets" is a collection of six short stories and a novella that delve into the lives of various characters, each struggling with personal crises, existential despair, and the search for meaning. The stories explore themes of artistic creation, human connection, and the complexities of life in contemporary society. Through a blend of realism and metaphor, the narrative weaves together the lives of poets, writers, and ordinary people, revealing the profound impacts of everyday events and the enduring power of storytelling in understanding one's own existence.

   The 11660th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. The March

   

   "The March" is a historical fiction novel that follows the destructive journey of General William Tecumseh Sherman's Union army through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina during the American Civil War. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, including those of slaves, soldiers, civilians, and Sherman himself. The book explores the chaos, violence, and often arbitrary nature of war, as well as its profound effects on individuals and societies. It also delves into the complexities of the human condition and the struggle for survival amidst chaos.

   The 14983rd Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. Homer & Langley

    

    The novel follows the lives of two reclusive brothers, Homer and Langley Collyer, who live in a decaying mansion in New York City. As the world outside changes dramatically through events like the World Wars and the Great Depression, the brothers retreat further into their own isolated existence, hoarding newspapers and various items. Homer, who is blind, narrates their story, capturing the complexities of their relationship and the impact of Langley's increasingly erratic behavior. The narrative explores themes of isolation, the passage of time, and the struggle to maintain human connection amidst the chaos of the modern world.

11. 11. All The Time In The World

    New and Selected Stories

    

    The book is a collection of short stories that explore the complexities of human experience through various characters and settings. Each story delves into themes such as love, loss, ambition, and the passage of time, capturing moments of introspection and revelation. The narratives are rich with emotional depth and often highlight the intersection of personal and historical events, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition. Through vivid storytelling and keen observations, the book invites readers to ponder the intricacies of life and the myriad ways people navigate their individual journeys.

12. 12. The Waterworks

    

    Set in the post-Civil War era of 1870s New York City, the narrative unfolds through the eyes of a newspaper editor, McIlvaine, who becomes embroiled in a mysterious investigation when a freelance writer, Martin Pemberton, claims to have seen his supposedly deceased father alive in a passing carriage. As McIlvaine delves deeper into the enigma, he uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving the city's elite, a secretive doctor, and a hidden facility where the boundaries between life and death are blurred. The story weaves a rich tapestry of historical intrigue, moral ambiguity, and the relentless pursuit of truth amidst the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing metropolis.

13. 13. City Of God

    

    Set against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis, this novel weaves together a tapestry of interconnected lives, exploring themes of faith, identity, and the search for meaning in a fragmented world. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a diverse cast of characters, including a disillusioned Episcopal priest, a Holocaust survivor, and a filmmaker, each grappling with their own existential dilemmas. As their paths intersect, the story delves into the complexities of human experience, examining the intersections of religion, science, and art, while questioning the very nature of reality and the divine.