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 Things They Carried

   

   The book is a collection of linked short stories about a platoon of American soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War. The story is semi-autobiographical, based on the author's experiences in the war. The narrative explores the physical and emotional burdens the soldiers carry during the war, as well as the lingering effects of war on veterans. It delves into themes of bravery, truth, and the fluidity of fact and fiction.

   The 648th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. Going After Cacciato

   

   The novel is a surreal exploration of a young infantryman's experience in the Vietnam War. The protagonist and his squad are tasked with chasing down Cacciato, a fellow soldier who has gone AWOL and is attempting to walk from Vietnam to Paris. The narrative is interspersed with flashbacks and hallucinations, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy as the protagonist grapples with the horrors of war, the concept of courage, and the boundaries of sanity.

   The 9960th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon

3. 3. In The Lake Of The Woods

   

   "In the Lake of the Woods" is a psychological mystery that explores the hidden depths of a troubled man's psyche following a devastating career collapse. After a humiliating public defeat in a political election, the protagonist and his wife retreat to a secluded cabin by a lake in Minnesota to seek solace and regroup. However, the tranquility of their surroundings contrasts sharply with the man's internal turmoil and the unresolved shadows of his past, including haunting memories from his time as a soldier in Vietnam. The tension escalates when his wife mysteriously disappears, leading to a deepening enigma that intertwines guilt, denial, and the elusive nature of truth.

   The 11002nd Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

4. 4. America Fantastica

   

   In this satirical exploration of modern America, the narrative follows a journalist who embarks on a surreal journey across the country after a series of unexpected events. As he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, the story delves into themes of identity, truth, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. Through a blend of humor and poignant commentary, the tale reflects on the complexities of contemporary society, questioning the nature of storytelling and the pursuit of the American dream.
5. 5. If I Die In A Combat Zone, Box Me Up And Ship Me Home

   Box Me Up and Ship Me Home

   

   This poignant memoir offers a raw and introspective account of a soldier's experience during the Vietnam War, blending personal narrative with broader reflections on the nature of conflict. Through vivid storytelling, the author navigates the complexities of fear, courage, and morality, capturing the harrowing realities of combat and the internal struggles faced by those who serve. The narrative oscillates between the chaos of the battlefield and the contemplative moments of introspection, providing a profound exploration of the human condition amidst the backdrop of war.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

6. 6. July, July

   

   Set against the backdrop of a 30-year college reunion, this novel weaves together the lives of ten former classmates as they confront the choices and regrets that have shaped their lives. Through a series of interconnected stories, the narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the passage of time, revealing the hidden truths and unfulfilled dreams that linger beneath the surface. As the characters navigate the complexities of middle age, they grapple with the haunting memories of their past, seeking redemption and understanding in the shared experiences of their youth.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

7. 7. Tomcat In Love

   

   A comic and bittersweet novel about a middle-aged veterinarian named Tom who, after a frightening health scare, becomes consumed by the idea of love and embarks on a series of awkward, often surreal attempts at courtship in a small Midwestern town; blending dark humor and empathy, the story probes loneliness, longing, and the awkwardness of male desire as Tom’s misadventures force him to confront his fears and yearnings.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org