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. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant

   

   "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" is a novel about the life of the Tull family, which is marked by abandonment and discord, but also love and resilience. The story is told from the perspective of each family member, providing a unique viewpoint on the family's dynamics and history. The matriarch, Pearl, struggles to raise her three children, Cody, Ezra, and Jenny, after their father abandons them. Each child deals with the abandonment and their dysfunctional family in different ways, shaping their adult lives. The novel explores themes of family, love, abandonment, and the idea of home.

   The 1830th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Accidental Tourist

   

   The novel follows the life of a travel writer, who, after the death of his son and subsequent separation from his wife, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. He meets an eccentric dog trainer who is the complete opposite of his introverted and orderly self. Through their relationship, he learns to embrace the unpredictability of life and move beyond his grief. The story is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the unexpected turns life can take.

   The 2273rd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Breathing Lessons

   

   This novel revolves around a middle-aged couple, Ira and Maggie Moran, and their journey to a funeral. The story delves into their relationship dynamics, their regrets, and their hopes for the future. The narrative explores the complexities of marriage, the disappointments of parenthood, and the general trials and tribulations of life. The couple's interactions with other characters they meet along the way further illuminate their struggles and their enduring love for each other.

   The 2388th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Three Days In June

   

   Gail Baines, an awkward mother of the bride, navigates a turbulent few days before and after her daughter Debbie’s wedding: she loses her job, feels excluded from pre-wedding plans, and is surprised by the unexpected return of her ex-husband Max. When Debbie shares a troubling secret about her fiancé, the wedding—and the family’s buried history—are thrown into doubt. The novel follows how these events force the family to confront past choices, misunderstandings, and the complexities of love and marriage.

   The 12448th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. A Spool Of Blue Thread

   

   The novel delves into the complex dynamics of the Whitshank family, spanning across four generations, living in Baltimore, Maryland. The narrative weaves through time, unraveling the family's secrets, rivalries, and bonds as it focuses on Abby and Red, the aging parents, and their children who grapple with their own identities and relationships. The story explores themes of legacy, memory, and the nuanced fabric of familial love, all symbolized by the titular spool of blue thread, which holds sentimental value and represents the threads of stories that connect the family members to each other and to their shared past.

   The 14450th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Searching for Caleb

   

   In "Searching for Caleb," a quirky, upper-class family is brought to life, with a focus on the Peck family's black sheep, Duncan. Duncan, who rejects the family's traditions and expectations, embarks on a quest to find his missing uncle Caleb, who disappeared decades ago without a trace. Alongside him is his cousin, Justine, who also feels out of place within their family. The novel explores themes of identity, family bonds, and the need for personal freedom.

   The 14649th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. A Patchwork Planet

   

   The novel centers around Barnaby Gaitlin, a 30-year-old man who is still trying to shake off the bad reputation he earned in his youth. He works for Rent-a-Back, a service that helps elderly people with odd jobs, and he finds fulfillment in helping them. However, his family and the society still see him as a failure. He meets Sophia, a wealthy woman who doesn't fit into his world, and their relationship causes him to reevaluate his life and the choices he's made.

   The 17151st Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. If Morning Ever Comes

   

   The novel explores the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth through the eyes of a young man who returns to his coastal hometown in North Carolina from college in New York upon hearing of his sister's sudden marriage. As he reacquaints himself with his family's quirks and the rhythms of small-town life, he grapples with his own uncertainties about the future, his place in the family, and his understanding of home. The narrative delves into themes of nostalgia, the passage of time, and the bittersweet nature of coming-of-age, as the protagonist confronts the universal challenge of figuring out where he belongs in the world.

   The 17151st Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Vinegar Girl

   The Taming of the Shrew Retold

   

   In this modern retelling of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," the story unfolds around Kate Battista, a sharp-tongued and independent young woman who finds herself caught in a peculiar predicament. Her eccentric scientist father concocts a plan to marry her off to his brilliant but socially awkward lab assistant, Pyotr, to prevent him from being deported. As Kate navigates the chaos of her father's scheme, she grapples with her own desires and the expectations placed upon her, leading to unexpected revelations about love, family, and self-discovery.

   The 17151st Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. Ladder Of Years

    

    The novel follows Delia Grinstead, a middle-aged woman who impulsively walks away from her family during a beach vacation, seeking a fresh start and a sense of identity beyond her roles as wife and mother. As she settles into a new town under a different name, Delia navigates the challenges of independence, forming new relationships and reflecting on her past. Her journey explores themes of self-discovery, the complexities of family dynamics, and the search for personal fulfillment, ultimately leading her to confront what she truly wants from life.

11. 11. Digging To America

    

    The novel explores the intertwining lives of two families in Baltimore who meet at the airport while adopting Korean infants. The Iranian-American Yazdan family and the all-American Donaldson family navigate cultural differences, friendship, and identity as they raise their daughters, Jin-Ho and Susan. Through annual "Arrival Day" celebrations and everyday interactions, the families confront their own assumptions and prejudices, revealing the complexities of assimilation and belonging. The story delves into themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the subtle nuances of human connection.

12. 12. Noah's Compass

    

    The book follows Liam Pennywell, a recently downsized schoolteacher in his sixties, who moves into a smaller apartment and wakes up in a hospital with no memory of how he got there. As he grapples with this unsettling gap in his memory, Liam embarks on a journey of self-discovery, seeking to understand his past and find meaning in his life. Along the way, he encounters Eunice, a quirky young woman who helps him confront his emotional detachment and the relationships he has neglected. Through this introspective journey, Liam learns to navigate the complexities of human connection and the importance of embracing life's uncertainties.

13. 13. Back When We Were Grownups

    

    The story follows Rebecca Davitch, a 53-year-old widow who has spent years managing her late husband's sprawling Baltimore family and their event-planning business. As she reflects on her life, Rebecca begins to question the choices she made and wonders if she has become the person she was meant to be. Her journey of self-discovery leads her to reconnect with her past, including an old flame, and explore the "what ifs" of her life. Through a blend of humor and poignant moments, the narrative delves into themes of identity, family, and the unexpected paths life can take.

14. 14. Clock Dance

    

    The story follows Willa Drake, a woman in her sixties, who has spent her life conforming to the expectations of others. After receiving a call about her son's ex-girlfriend, Denise, who has been injured, Willa impulsively travels to Baltimore to care for Denise's nine-year-old daughter, Cheryl. Immersed in a community of quirky neighbors and unexpected challenges, Willa embarks on a journey of self-discovery, reevaluating her past choices and finding new purpose and connection in the most unlikely of places. Through this transformative experience, she learns to embrace change and the unpredictability of life.
15. 15. Saint Maybe

    

    In this poignant tale, a young man named Ian Bedloe grapples with guilt and redemption after a tragic accident shatters his seemingly idyllic family life. Struggling with the burden of his perceived role in the tragedy, Ian seeks solace and guidance from a local religious community, the Church of the Second Chance. As he navigates the complexities of forgiveness and responsibility, Ian's journey unfolds over decades, revealing the transformative power of love, family, and faith in the face of life's unexpected challenges.

16. 16. French Braid

    

    Set against the backdrop of Baltimore, this novel intricately weaves the lives of the Garrett family over several decades, capturing the subtle yet profound shifts in their relationships. Through a series of vignettes, the narrative delves into the complexities of familial bonds, exploring themes of love, distance, and the passage of time. Each character's journey is portrayed with Tyler's signature warmth and keen observation, revealing how the seemingly mundane moments of life can leave lasting imprints, much like the pattern of a French braid.

17. 17. A Slipping Down Life

    

    In a small, sleepy town, a reclusive teenager named Evie Decker finds herself captivated by the enigmatic charm of a local musician, Drumstrings Casey. As she becomes increasingly obsessed with him, Evie takes a bold step that intertwines their lives in unexpected ways, leading to a journey of self-discovery and transformation. Through the lens of Evie's infatuation and the ensuing consequences, the narrative explores themes of identity, longing, and the complexities of human connection, all set against the backdrop of a seemingly mundane yet richly textured community.

18. 18. Earthly Possessions

    

    In this compelling narrative, a woman named Charlotte Emory finds herself caught in a whirlwind of unexpected events when she is taken hostage by a bank robber during a mundane errand. As they embark on a road trip across the American landscape, Charlotte reflects on her life, marriage, and the choices that have led her to this moment. Through a series of introspective revelations and encounters with colorful characters, she begins to reassess her own desires and the concept of freedom, ultimately discovering a newfound sense of self amidst the chaos.

19. 19. The Tin Can Tree

    

    In a small, tightly-knit community, the sudden and tragic death of a young boy sends ripples of grief and introspection through the lives of those left behind. As family and friends grapple with their loss, they navigate the complexities of human relationships, finding solace in shared memories and the mundane routines of daily life. Through poignant and tender storytelling, the narrative explores themes of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that connect us all, even in the face of heart-wrenching sorrow.

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20. 20. The Clock Winder

    

    Set in the 1960s, this novel explores the intricate dynamics of family and personal growth through the lens of Elizabeth Abbott, a young woman who becomes a handyman for the eccentric Mrs. Emerson in Baltimore. As Elizabeth navigates her role within the Emerson household, she becomes entwined in the lives of the Emerson children, each grappling with their own struggles and aspirations. Through her interactions and the passage of time, Elizabeth discovers the complexities of love, independence, and the passage of time, ultimately finding her own path amidst the chaos of familial expectations and personal desires.

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21. 21. Morgan's Passing

    

    Set in Baltimore, this novel follows the life of Morgan Gower, a quirky and enigmatic man who works at a hardware store and has a penchant for adopting various personas. His life takes an unexpected turn when he becomes entangled with a young couple, Emily and Leon Meredith, after a chance encounter at a puppet show. As Morgan becomes increasingly involved in their lives, he grapples with his own identity and the boundaries of reality and fantasy. The story explores themes of self-discovery, the complexity of human relationships, and the search for authenticity in a world filled with facades.

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22. 22. The Amateur Marriage

    

    Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century America, this novel delves into the complexities of a mismatched marriage between Michael and Pauline, whose impulsive wartime romance leads to a tumultuous and enduring union. As they navigate the challenges of family life, societal changes, and personal growth, their relationship is marked by misunderstandings and unfulfilled dreams. Through the lens of their evolving family dynamics, the story explores themes of love, regret, and the passage of time, painting a poignant portrait of the struggles and resilience inherent in the human experience.

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23. 23. Redhead By The Side Of The Road

    

    In this poignant and introspective novel, the life of Micah Mortimer, a meticulous and solitary tech expert, is turned upside down when two unexpected visitors disrupt his routine. As he navigates the sudden appearance of a young man claiming to be his son and the potential end of a long-term relationship, Micah is forced to confront the rigid boundaries he has set around his life. Through a series of heartwarming and humorous events, he learns to embrace the unpredictability of life and the importance of connection, ultimately discovering a newfound sense of purpose and belonging.

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