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 Poisonwood Bible

   

   The Poisonwood Bible is a novel that follows the experiences of a missionary family in the Belgian Congo during the 1960s. The story is told from the perspective of the wife and four daughters of the Baptist minister who drags his family into the politically volatile Congo on a mission to save souls. The novel explores themes of cultural arrogance, religious zeal, and the clash of Western and African values, as well as the personal growth and self-discovery of the women in the family as they grapple with the harsh realities of their new life and the fallout from their father's single-minded vision.

   The 878th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Bean Trees

   

   The novel follows the journey of a young woman from rural Kentucky who, on her drive west to avoid an unwanted pregnancy, is unexpectedly entrusted with a three-year-old Native American girl. The protagonist settles in Tucson, Arizona, where she builds a non-traditional family with a group of resilient and unconventional women. The narrative explores themes of love, friendship, and the power of the human spirit while tackling issues of social injustice and immigration.

   The 2098th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Demon Copperhead

   

   "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver is a modern reimagining of Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield." The story follows the life of a young boy named Damon Fields, nicknamed Demon Copperhead due to his fiery red hair. Set in the rural Appalachian mountains, the novel explores Demon’s challenging upbringing, marked by poverty, addiction, and systemic neglect. Through his journey, Demon navigates foster care, the hardships of adolescence, and the struggle to find his own identity and place in the world. Kingsolver's narrative shines a light on the resilience and spirit of those often overlooked by society, offering a heartfelt and poignant tale of survival and hope.

   The 2107th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Flight Behavior

   

   "Flight Behavior" is a thought-provoking novel that explores the effects of climate change on a small town in Appalachia. The story centers around a young woman who stumbles upon a forest filled with a massive population of monarch butterflies, which have migrated there due to changing weather patterns. This unusual event brings a flurry of scientists, reporters, and religious leaders to the town, causing upheaval in the community and forcing the protagonist to reevaluate her understanding of the world.

   The 3180th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Prodigal Summer

   

   The novel weaves together the lives of three characters in southern Appalachia, exploring themes of nature, connection, and renewal. A reclusive wildlife biologist becomes entwined with a young hunter, while a recently widowed woman navigates her newfound independence and a contentious relationship with her neighbor. Through their interconnected stories, the narrative delves into the intricate balance of ecosystems and human relationships, highlighting the beauty and complexity of the natural world and the cycles of life and love.

   The 9028th Greatest Book of All Time

6. 6. Pigs in Heaven

   

   This novel follows the story of a young Cherokee girl and her adoptive mother. When the mother's right to custody is challenged by the Cherokee Nation, she takes her daughter and flees, sparking a nationwide manhunt. The narrative explores themes of cultural identity, belonging, and the meaning of family, while also delving into the legal and ethical complexities of Native American adoption laws.

   The 14051st Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Animal Dreams

   

   The novel follows the story of Codi Noline, a woman who returns to her hometown of Grace, Arizona to help her aging father. As she reconnects with her community and navigates her complicated relationship with her sister Hallie, who has disappeared in Nicaragua, Codi grapples with feelings of displacement and a lack of identity. The story explores themes of memory, heritage, love, and environmental conservation as Codi learns to find her place in the world and protect the land she calls home.

   The 14985th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. The Lacuna

   

   "The Lacuna" is a captivating historical novel that follows the life of Harrison Shepherd, a young man with a Mexican-American heritage. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous events of the early 20th century, including the Mexican Revolution and the McCarthy era in the United States, the story explores themes of identity, politics, and art. Through Shepherd's unique perspective as a writer and his encounters with iconic figures such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, the novel delves into the complexities of personal and national history, while also shedding light on the power of storytelling and the search for belonging.

   The 14985th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Unsheltered

   

   Set in two different centuries, this novel intertwines the lives of two families living in the same house in Vineland, New Jersey. In the 19th century, a science teacher grapples with societal resistance to Darwin's theories, while in the present day, a middle-aged couple faces economic instability and family challenges. Both narratives explore themes of resilience, adaptation, and the search for security amidst crumbling foundations, highlighting the timeless struggle to find shelter in a world that is constantly changing.

   The 17152nd Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

    A Year of Food Life

    

    In this captivating narrative, a family embarks on a year-long journey to eat only locally grown food, exploring the profound impact of their choices on health, the environment, and community. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, insightful observations, and practical advice, the story delves into the challenges and rewards of sustainable living, highlighting the importance of reconnecting with the land and understanding the origins of our food. The family's experiences serve as a compelling call to action, encouraging readers to consider the broader implications of their dietary habits and the potential for positive change.

11. 11. High Tide In Tucson

    Essays from Now or Never

    

    This collection of essays explores the intricate connections between nature, culture, and personal experiences, weaving together reflections on topics ranging from the environment and family life to the broader societal issues of the time. Through vivid storytelling and keen observations, the author delves into the complexities of human existence, drawing parallels between the natural world and the human condition. Each essay offers a unique perspective, encouraging readers to consider their place in the world and the impact of their actions on the environment and society.

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12. 12. Small Wonder

    Essays

    

    In this collection of essays, the author explores the intricate connections between humanity and the natural world, weaving personal anecdotes with broader reflections on global issues. Through a lens of compassion and environmental consciousness, the narrative delves into themes of family, community, and the urgent need for ecological preservation. The essays are imbued with a sense of hope and resilience, urging readers to recognize the small wonders in everyday life and to embrace a more harmonious relationship with the planet.

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13. 13. The Best American Short Stories 2001

    Selected from U.S. and Canadian Magazines

    

    This anthology presents a diverse collection of short stories that capture the essence of contemporary American life at the turn of the millennium. Each story, selected for its narrative strength and emotional depth, explores themes of identity, belonging, and the human condition, offering readers a glimpse into the varied experiences and voices that define the American landscape. The collection showcases the work of both established and emerging writers, providing a rich tapestry of storytelling that resonates with authenticity and insight.

14. 14. Another America / Otra América

    Poems

    

    This evocative collection of poetry delves into the intricate tapestry of human experience, exploring themes of identity, migration, and the quest for belonging. Through vivid imagery and poignant reflections, the verses traverse the landscapes of both the physical and emotional realms, capturing the essence of life's journey across borders and cultures. The poems invite readers to contemplate the shared struggles and triumphs that unite us, offering a profound meditation on the diverse narratives that shape our world.

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15. 15. How To Fly In Ten Thousand Easy Lessons

    Poems

    

    This collection of poetry and essays offers a heartfelt exploration of the natural world, human relationships, and the intricate dance between the two. With a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for life's simple pleasures, the author weaves together personal reflections, observations of nature, and poignant insights into the human condition. The work is a celebration of resilience, beauty, and the interconnectedness of all living things, inviting readers to find solace and inspiration in the everyday wonders that surround them.

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16. 16. Homeland And Other Stories

    

    A tightly woven collection of short stories that paints vivid portraits of ordinary Americans—men and women of different ages—confronting the intimate consequences of economic hardship, family obligation, shifting social roles, and moral compromise. The pieces probe questions of belonging and identity, showing how place, work, love, and memory shape choices large and small, with sharp social observation balanced by compassion and quietly lyrical prose. Through linked voices and recurring motifs, the collection examines what people sacrifice for survival, what they risk to change, and how home can be both refuge and constraint.

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17. 17. Last Stand

    

18. 18. Holding The Line

    

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