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 Quick And The Dead

   

   This novel is a darkly comic exploration of life, death, and morality, set in the deserts of the American Southwest. It follows the intertwined lives of three teenage girls, each dealing with their own personal losses and existential questions. The narrative delves into themes of environmental degradation, the absurdity of the human condition, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Through its vividly drawn characters and landscapes, the story examines the thin line between the quick (the living) and the dead, offering a poignant reflection on the nature of existence.

   The 3177th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. Honored Guest

   

   "Honored Guest" is a collection of short stories that explore the themes of death, loss, and grief. The narratives delve into the lives of various characters dealing with these themes, such as a mother dying of cancer, a woman coping with her mother's death, and a girl struggling with her father's unexpected passing. The stories are poignant and often surreal, offering a deep examination of human emotions and the complexities of life and death.

   The 5031st Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

3. 3. The Pelican Child

   Stories

   

   A collection of eleven darkly comic, dreamlike stories about childhood misfits and struggling adults. Williams sketches idiosyncratic characters — from heiresses and men suspended in schooltime memory to a haunted visitor and a strange “pelican child” — against a ruined, urgent landscape. spare, often uncanny prose explores isolation, moral decay, and small, hard-won moments of understanding without revealing outcomes.

   The 12145th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

4. 4. The Changeling

   

   "The Changeling" tells the story of Pearl, a young woman who marries a wealthy alcoholic, Thomas, and moves to a remote island where she is isolated from society. She gives birth to a son, but becomes convinced that her child has been replaced by a changeling. The narrative follows her descent into madness and explores themes of motherhood, alcoholism, and the supernatural.

   The 14761st Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon
5. 5. Concerning The Future Of Souls

   

   In **Concerning the Future of Souls**, Joy Williams presents a collection of ninety-nine short stories that explore the complex journey of souls. The tales are woven around Azrael, an angel tasked with transporting souls, who grapples with the challenges of his role, his interactions with Death, and an unusual friendship with the Devil. The stories feature a diverse cast, from everyday individuals to historical figures like Jung and Nietzsche, as well as animals and elements of nature. Each narrative delves into the fate of the soul, touching on themes of transcendence and mortality in a world facing extinction. Through these stories, Williams invites readers to reflect on the profound questions of existence and the moral implications of being human.

   The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon

6. 6. Harrow

   

   Set in a dystopian future where environmental collapse is imminent, the narrative follows a young girl named Khristen who finds herself at a mysterious institute for the "pre-dead." As she navigates this surreal landscape, she encounters a cast of eccentric characters, each grappling with their own existential dilemmas. Through a series of bizarre and darkly humorous events, the story explores themes of mortality, the human impact on nature, and the search for meaning in a world teetering on the brink of oblivion. The novel's haunting prose and vivid imagery paint a poignant picture of a society confronting its own demise.

   The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time

7. 7. Breaking And Entering

   The Extraordinary Story of a Hacker Called 'Alien

   

   In this enigmatic and darkly humorous novel, two drifters, Liberty and Willie, traverse the sun-soaked landscapes of Florida, breaking into vacant homes and living off the grid. Their unconventional lifestyle is marked by a series of surreal encounters and existential musings, as they grapple with the complexities of identity, freedom, and the human condition. Through their journey, the narrative explores themes of disconnection and the search for meaning in a world that often feels alien and indifferent.

   The 17113th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

8. 8. 99 Stories Of God

   

   This collection of micro-stories weaves together the divine and the mundane, exploring the presence of God in everyday life through a series of brief, poignant narratives. Each story, ranging from the whimsical to the profound, offers a glimpse into the human condition, highlighting moments of grace, irony, and introspection. With a minimalist style, the book invites readers to reflect on the intersections of spirituality and reality, challenging conventional perceptions of the sacred and the ordinary.

9. 9. Ill Nature

   Rants and Reflections on Humanity and Other Animals

   

   In this collection of essays, the author delivers a scathing critique of humanity's destructive relationship with the natural world. Through a blend of sharp wit and poignant observations, the narrative exposes the environmental degradation caused by consumerism, industrialization, and apathy. The essays serve as a passionate call to action, urging readers to reconsider their impact on the planet and embrace a more sustainable and respectful coexistence with nature. The prose is both lyrical and incisive, offering a compelling exploration of the moral and ethical dimensions of environmental stewardship.

   Purchase from Bookshop.org
10. 10. State Of Grace

    

    Set against the backdrop of a sun-drenched, decaying Florida landscape, this novel delves into the life of a young woman grappling with existential ennui and the complexities of human relationships. As she navigates through a world filled with eccentric characters and surreal experiences, she finds herself questioning the nature of reality and her place within it. The narrative is a poignant exploration of identity, isolation, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels indifferent and chaotic.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org

11. 11. Taking Care

    Selected Stories

    

    In this poignant and introspective narrative, the story delves into the life of a man grappling with the emotional complexities of caring for his terminally ill wife while simultaneously navigating the responsibilities of fatherhood. Through a series of reflective moments and tender interactions, the narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring human spirit. As the protagonist confronts the inevitable, he finds solace in the small, everyday acts of kindness and the profound connections that define his existence, offering a moving meditation on the nature of care and the resilience of the human heart.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org

12. 12. The Visiting Privilege

    New and Collected Stories

    

    This collection of short stories delves into the complexities of human existence, exploring themes of isolation, longing, and the often surreal nature of everyday life. Through a series of poignant and darkly humorous narratives, the characters navigate their relationships and environments with a sense of detachment and introspection. The stories are marked by a sharp, incisive prose that captures the absurdity and beauty of the human condition, offering a profound reflection on the intricacies of life and the fleeting nature of connection.

    Purchase from Bookshop.org