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. Olive Kitteridge

   

   The book is a collection of 13 interconnected short stories revolving around Olive Kitteridge, a retired schoolteacher living in a small town in Maine. Olive is a complex character with a prickly exterior but a deep well of emotion and empathy beneath the surface. Through her interactions and relationships with various town residents, the book explores themes of love, loss, aging, and change, painting a rich portrait of a community and its inhabitants.

   The 1354th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. My Name Is Lucy Barton

   

   The novel is a deeply moving exploration of the complex relationship between a mother and daughter. The protagonist, Lucy Barton, is recovering from a surgery in a New York hospital when she is visited by her estranged mother. Over the course of several days, they share stories from their past, revealing their troubled family history, poverty, and abuse. As Lucy grapples with her own identity and struggles to understand her mother, she also reflects on her own experiences as a wife and mother, her desire to become a writer, and her battle with a mysterious illness. Through their conversations, the two women attempt to reconcile their past and their relationship.

   The 9129th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Tell Me Everything

   

   In the small town of Crosby, Maine, a murder investigation unfolds, drawing together a cast of familiar characters. Bob Burgess, the town lawyer, finds himself defending a man accused of a shocking crime. Amidst this turmoil, he forms a deep friendship with Lucy Barton, a writer living nearby. Together, they explore their pasts, fears, and the meaning of their lives. Meanwhile, Lucy meets Olive Kitteridge, and the two women share stories of the people they've known, finding solace and understanding in their shared experiences. "Tell Me Everything" delves into the complexities of human relationships and the different forms love can take.

   The 10409th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Anything Is Possible

   

   "Anything is Possible" is a collection of interconnected stories exploring the lives and struggles of various residents in a small town in Illinois. The stories delve into the characters' pasts, revealing their secrets, regrets, and the complexities of their relationships. The book explores themes of poverty, trauma, and the human capacity for change, demonstrating that despite hardships and heartbreak, anything is possible.

   The 13961st Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Olive, Again

   

   In this poignant sequel, readers revisit the complex and compelling world of a prickly yet deeply human protagonist, now grappling with the changes of older age. Through a series of interlinked stories set in a small town in Maine, the narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of human relationships. As the protagonist confronts her own mortality and the evolving lives of those around her, the novel paints a rich and nuanced portrait of a community where personal histories are as rocky and enduring as the coastal landscape, offering a profound exploration of the resilience required to embrace life's second chapters.

   The 15010th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Ay, William / Oh William!

   

   The book explores the intricate dynamics of relationships and personal history through the lens of Lucy Barton, who reflects on her complex bond with her ex-husband, William. As they navigate the challenges of aging and uncover hidden family secrets, Lucy gains deeper insights into William's character and their shared past. The narrative delves into themes of love, forgiveness, and the enduring connections that shape our lives, offering a poignant meditation on the nature of human relationships and the ways in which we come to understand those closest to us.

   The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Amy And Isabelle

   

   Set in a small New England town during a sweltering summer, the story delves into the complex and strained relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter. As secrets unfold and tensions rise, both characters grapple with their own insecurities and desires, leading to a poignant exploration of love, betrayal, and the longing for connection. The narrative beautifully captures the nuances of small-town life and the intricate dance of emotions that bind and separate family members.

   The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. The Burgess Boys

   

   Set against the backdrop of a small town in Maine, this poignant novel delves into the complexities of family dynamics and personal redemption. The story follows two brothers, Jim and Bob, whose lives are upended when their nephew, Zach, becomes embroiled in a controversial incident that stirs racial tensions in their hometown. As the siblings grapple with their own past grievances and secrets, they are forced to confront their differing paths and the impact of their choices. Through a tapestry of emotional depth and intricate character development, the narrative explores themes of identity, forgiveness, and the enduring bonds of family.

9. 9. The Best American Short Stories 2013

   Selected from U.S. and Canadian Magazines

   

   This anthology brings together a diverse collection of short stories that explore the intricacies of human relationships, the complexities of identity, and the unexpected moments of grace that punctuate everyday life. Each story, penned by a different author, offers a unique perspective and voice, capturing the essence of contemporary American life with vivid detail and emotional depth. The narratives range from poignant and introspective to humorous and satirical, providing readers with a rich tapestry of experiences and insights into the human condition.

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10. 10. Abide With Me

    

    Set in a small New England town during the 1950s, the story follows Reverend Tyler Caskey as he grapples with the sudden loss of his wife, Lauren, and the challenges of raising their young daughter, Katherine, alone. As Tyler struggles to find solace and meaning in his faith, he faces the scrutiny and judgment of his congregation, who are unaware of his inner turmoil. Through a tapestry of interconnected lives, the narrative explores themes of grief, redemption, and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately revealing the profound impact of compassion and understanding in the face of adversity.

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11. 11. The Things We Never Say

    

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12. 12. Lucy By The Sea

    

    An older novelist and her husband retreat to a rented seaside house during the early days of the pandemic, and through quiet, observant episodes she reflects on marriage, aging, past traumas and family ties; the short book uses the shoreline and lockdown’s solitude as a backdrop for intimate conversations, small acts of care, and moments of memory that reveal love, loneliness, resilience and the ways ordinary details can hold deep emotional truths.

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13. 13. Voi William!

    

    An intimate, quietly powerful narrative in which a woman looks back on her long, complicated relationship with a once-married partner, accompanying him as questions about his past and their shared history force her to reckon with memory, class, parenting and the small but telling choices that define a life; through wry, observant prose she examines love, loss, resilience and the ways personal histories reverberate across decades.