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. Cold Mountain

   

   "Cold Mountain" is a novel set during the American Civil War, following a wounded Confederate soldier who deserts the army to make a perilous journey back home to his beloved. The narrative alternates between his arduous trek and the struggles of the woman he left behind as she tries to maintain their North Carolina homestead. The novel explores themes of love, survival, and the destructive impact of war on the human spirit.

   The 1877th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Thirteen Moons

   

   The novel follows the life of Will Cooper, an orphaned boy who is sent to manage a trading post on the edge of the Cherokee Nation in the early 19th century. As he grows up, Will becomes deeply intertwined with the Cherokee people, forming lasting relationships and witnessing the profound changes and challenges they face, including the forced removal known as the Trail of Tears. Through his journey, Will navigates themes of love, loyalty, and identity, reflecting on his experiences and the passage of time in a rapidly changing America.

   The 17114th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Varina

   

   The novel follows the life of Varina Howell Davis, the wife of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, as she reflects on her past during the tumultuous years of the American Civil War and its aftermath. Through a series of flashbacks and encounters with various characters, Varina grapples with the moral complexities and personal losses she experienced, including the impact of slavery and the war on her family and society. As she journeys toward reconciliation with her past, the narrative explores themes of survival, identity, and the enduring consequences of historical events.

4. 4. Nightwoods

   

   Set against the backdrop of the Appalachian wilderness in the 1960s, this gripping tale follows the life of a reclusive woman named Luce, who becomes the guardian of her troubled niece and nephew after their mother's murder. As she grapples with the challenges of raising the traumatized children, the arrival of their dangerous stepfather threatens the fragile sanctuary she has created. With a narrative rich in atmospheric detail and emotional depth, the story weaves themes of survival, redemption, and the enduring power of love amidst the haunting beauty of the natural world.

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5. 5. The Trackers

   

   Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, this novel weaves a tale of art, identity, and the search for belonging. The story follows a young artist commissioned by the government to paint a mural in a small Wyoming town. As he immerses himself in the lives of the townspeople, he becomes entangled in their personal struggles and secrets, particularly those of a mysterious woman who vanishes, leaving behind a trail of intrigue. The narrative explores themes of resilience and the transformative power of art amidst economic hardship, capturing the essence of an era marked by both despair and hope.

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