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 World According to Garp

   

   The novel follows the life of T.S. Garp, the illegitimate son of a feminist mother, who becomes a writer. Garp's life is filled with unusual experiences and characters, from his unconventional conception to his untimely death. He navigates through a world filled with sexual violence, infidelity, and gender issues, and his life story is punctuated by his own literary creations. His mother's feminist ideals and the tragic events of his life deeply influence his writing and worldview.

   The 407th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. A Prayer for Owen Meany

   

   The book is a tale of two childhood friends, one of whom believes he is God's instrument. The story is set in a New England town during the 1950s and 1960s and follows the lives of the two boys, one small and with a strange voice, who has visions of his own death and believes he is an instrument of God, and the other, the narrator, who struggles with faith. The novel explores themes of faith, fate, and the power of friendship against a backdrop of historical and political events, including the Vietnam War.

   The 524th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Cider House Rules

   

   This novel tells the story of Dr. Wilbur Larch—saint and obstetrician, founder and director of the orphanage in the town of St. Cloud's, Maine, and a man of rare compassion and an addiction to ether. Dr. Larch loves all his orphans, especially Homer Wells, who is never adopted and becomes his invaluable apprentice. As Homer comes of age, he must leave the only home he's ever known to explore the world outside, a world filled with temptations and moral dilemmas, from the struggle over abortion to the question of what constitutes a family.

   The 2483rd Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Hotel New Hampshire

   

   The novel follows the Berry family, whose eccentricities and resilience are tested over generations, particularly through their experiences running various incarnations of the eponymous hotel. From their original establishment in New England to a second in Vienna, the Berrys encounter a cast of quirky characters, endure tragedies, and navigate complex relationships. Themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams are explored against a backdrop of political and social upheaval, with the family's unique motto, "Keep passing the open windows," serving as a refrain for their determination to persevere in the face of life's absurdities and challenges.

   The 8098th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Water Method Man

   

   The novel follows the life of Fred "Bogus" Trumper, a perpetual graduate student struggling with a series of personal and professional challenges. As he navigates his complicated relationships with his estranged wife, Tulpen, and his son, Colm, Bogus grapples with his indecisiveness and a chronic urinary tract issue that serves as a metaphor for his inability to confront his problems. The story unfolds through a blend of humor and introspection, capturing Bogus's journey toward self-discovery and acceptance amidst the chaos of his life.

   The 16632nd Greatest Book of All Time

6. 6. Setting Free The Bears

   

   In this whimsical and thought-provoking tale, two Austrian university students, Siggy and Hannes, embark on a daring adventure to liberate the animals from the Vienna Zoo. Set against the backdrop of post-World War II Europe, their journey is filled with humor, philosophical musings, and a deep exploration of freedom and captivity. As they navigate their own personal struggles and the complexities of their plan, the narrative weaves between past and present, revealing the intricate tapestry of human and animal lives intertwined. The story is a poignant reflection on the nature of liberation, the bonds of friendship, and the enduring quest for meaning in a world marked by chaos and change.

   The 16666th Greatest Book of All Time