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. Bel Canto

   

   In an unnamed South American country, a lavish birthday party is thrown for a powerful businessman, with a famous opera singer as the guest of honor. The party is interrupted by a group of terrorists who take everyone hostage, demanding the release of their imprisoned comrades. As weeks turn into months, the hostages and their captors form unexpected bonds. The story explores the relationships that develop under these extraordinary circumstances, and the transformative power of music and love.

   The 947th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Tom Lake

   

   Set against the backdrop of a Michigan orchard during the COVID-19 pandemic, the story revolves around a mother named Lara who recounts her youthful romance with a famous actor to her three grown daughters. As they pick cherries and navigate the complexities of their own lives, Lara's tales of love, ambition, and choices made long ago reveal the intricate layers of family bonds and the enduring impact of past decisions on the present. Through this intimate narrative, themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time are poignantly explored.

   The 5388th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Dutch House

   

   The novel tells the story of siblings Maeve and Danny Conroy, who are raised in a grandiose mansion known as the Dutch House in suburban Philadelphia. After their mother abandons the family and their father dies, they are exiled from the house by their stepmother, Andrea. The siblings' bond deepens as they navigate their lives, haunted by the loss of their home and the impact of their past. The narrative explores themes of memory, forgiveness, and the inescapable nature of family history, as Maeve and Danny grapple with their shared experiences and the legacy of the Dutch House.

   The 7099th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Commonwealth

   

   The novel spans five decades, telling the story of a large blended family that is forever changed when an unexpected romantic encounter occurs at a christening party. The repercussions of this event ripple through the lives of the four parents and six children involved, as secrets are revealed and relationships are forever altered. The story explores themes of love, responsibility, and the effects of a shared history.

   The 7587th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. State Of Wonder

   

   In this novel, a pharmaceutical researcher named Marina Singh embarks on a journey deep into the Amazon rainforest to uncover the fate of her colleague, who died under mysterious circumstances while investigating a potentially groundbreaking drug. As Marina navigates the dense jungle and encounters the enigmatic Dr. Annick Swenson, who is leading the research, she confronts ethical dilemmas, cultural clashes, and her own personal demons. The story explores themes of scientific discovery, the clash between modernity and indigenous cultures, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the lush and perilous backdrop of the Amazon.

   The 11499th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Patron Saint Of Liars

   

   The novel follows the journey of Rose Clinton, a pregnant woman who leaves her husband and travels to a home for unwed mothers in Kentucky, where she plans to give up her child for adoption. As she settles into life at the home, Rose becomes intertwined with the lives of the other residents and the nuns who run the establishment. Over time, she grapples with her own secrets and desires, ultimately making unexpected choices that affect her future and the lives of those around her. The story explores themes of identity, motherhood, and the complexities of human relationships.

   The 17114th Greatest Book of All Time

7. 7. These Precious Days

   

   The book is a collection of deeply personal essays that explore themes of friendship, love, and the passage of time. Through a series of reflective narratives, the author delves into her relationships with family, friends, and her own creative journey, offering insights into the complexities of human connections. The essays are woven together with warmth and introspection, capturing moments of joy, loss, and the profound impact of seemingly ordinary experiences. The collection ultimately celebrates the beauty and fragility of life, encouraging readers to cherish the precious moments that define our existence.

   The 17114th Greatest Book of All Time

8. 8. Run

   

   Set against the backdrop of a snowy Boston evening, this compelling narrative unfolds over a single day, exploring themes of family, identity, and destiny. The story revolves around a former mayor and his two adopted sons, whose lives are irrevocably altered when a car accident introduces them to a woman and her daughter, revealing unexpected connections and challenging their understanding of family bonds. As secrets unravel and relationships are tested, the characters navigate a complex web of emotions, ultimately discovering the profound impact of love and the ties that bind them together.

   The 17114th Greatest Book of All Time

9. 9. Taft

   

   The novel explores the intersecting lives of John Nickel, a former musician turned bar manager in Memphis, and the ghostly presence of Taft, a deceased man whose life and family continue to influence those around them. As John becomes entangled with Taft's children, he grapples with his own past decisions and the responsibilities of fatherhood. The narrative delves into themes of loss, connection, and the impact of personal choices, weaving a poignant story about the complexities of human relationships and the enduring influence of those who have passed.
10. 10. Truth & Beauty

    A Friendship

    

    The book is a memoir that explores the deep and complex friendship between the author and the late writer Lucy Grealy. It delves into their shared experiences, personal struggles, and the profound impact they had on each other's lives. Through candid reflections, the narrative captures the joys and challenges of their bond, highlighting themes of love, creativity, and the search for identity. The memoir offers an intimate look at the nature of friendship and the enduring influence of those we hold dear.

11. 11. The Magician's Assistant

    

    In this poignant and beautifully woven tale, a woman named Sabine is thrust into a journey of self-discovery and revelation following the sudden death of her husband, a charismatic magician. As she grapples with her grief, Sabine uncovers hidden truths about her husband's past, including a family she never knew existed. Her journey takes her from the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the quiet, snow-covered plains of Nebraska, where she confronts the complexities of love, loss, and the illusions that shape our lives. Through encounters with her husband's estranged family, Sabine learns to navigate the delicate balance between reality and magic, ultimately finding solace and understanding in the most unexpected places.

12. 12. This Is The Story Of A Happy Marriage

    

    This collection of essays offers a candid and introspective look into the author's life, exploring themes of love, commitment, and the pursuit of happiness. Through a series of personal narratives, the author delves into her experiences with marriage, writing, and the bonds that shape her world. With wit and wisdom, she reflects on the complexities of relationships, the challenges of balancing personal and professional life, and the enduring power of storytelling. Each essay is a window into her journey, revealing the joys and struggles that have defined her path to fulfillment.

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13. 13. The Best American Short Stories 2006

    Selected from U.S. and Canadian Magazines

    

    This anthology presents a diverse collection of twenty short stories that capture the essence of contemporary American life through a variety of voices and perspectives. Each story delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring themes of love, loss, identity, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world. The narratives are rich with emotional depth and vivid imagery, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of characters from different backgrounds and experiences. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of the human condition, the collection showcases the talent and creativity of some of the finest writers of the time.

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14. 14. The Getaway Car

    A Practical Memoir About Writing and Life

    

    In this insightful and candid essay, the author delves into the intricacies of the writing life, exploring the challenges and triumphs that accompany the creative process. With a blend of personal anecdotes and practical advice, the narrative offers a glimpse into the author's journey from aspiring writer to accomplished novelist. It reflects on the importance of perseverance, the necessity of discipline, and the unpredictable nature of inspiration, ultimately serving as both a memoir and a guide for those who dream of crafting their own stories.