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. Plainsong

   

   This novel is set in the small town of Holt, Colorado, and explores the intertwining lives of its residents. The narrative focuses on a high school teacher raising two sons after his wife leaves him, a pair of bachelor brothers who have lived together on their family farm for decades, and a pregnant teenager kicked out of her home. The characters' lives intersect in unexpected ways, offering a poignant exploration of community, resilience, and the human capacity for connection and kindness.

   The 5333rd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Our Souls At Night

   

   The novel centers on Addie Moore and Louis Waters, two elderly neighbors in a small Colorado town who have both lost their spouses and are living in quiet solitude. Seeking companionship to combat the loneliness, Addie proposes that they start sleeping in bed together, platonically, to talk and provide comfort for each other during the night. As their unconventional relationship evolves, they share intimate conversations, revealing their life stories, regrets, and the challenges they face with their families and the town's residents. The story is a tender exploration of aging, companionship, and the courage to seek connection in the twilight years of life.

   The 8371st Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Eventide

   

   Set in the small town of Holt, Colorado, the novel delves into the lives of the aging McPheron brothers as they grapple with the loneliness and challenges of rural life after their surrogate daughter leaves for college. Simultaneously, the story follows a struggling young mother as she battles to keep her family together amidst poverty and social services intervention. The narrative weaves together the experiences of these characters and others in the community, painting a poignant and realistic portrait of small-town existence, with its interwoven relationships and the enduring human capacity for resilience and connection in the face of hardship.

   The 8377th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Benediction

   

   Set in the small, fictional town of Holt, Colorado, the story follows the final days of a terminally ill man named Dad Lewis. As he grapples with his impending death, Dad reflects on his life, relationships, and regrets, while those around him, including his family and neighbors, navigate their own struggles and connections. The narrative weaves together the lives of various townspeople, highlighting themes of community, forgiveness, and the quiet dignity of ordinary lives. Through its poignant exploration of human frailty and resilience, the story paints a vivid portrait of life in a close-knit rural community.

   The 14901st Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Tie That Binds

   

   Set in the fictional town of Holt, Colorado, this poignant narrative unfolds through the eyes of a neighbor, Sanders Roscoe, as he recounts the life of Edith Goodnough, a resilient woman bound by familial duty and sacrifice. The story delves into the complexities of loyalty, love, and endurance, as Edith navigates the harsh realities of rural life, caring for her tyrannical father and mentally challenged brother. Through a series of flashbacks and present-day reflections, the tale captures the essence of human connection and the burdens of obligation, painting a vivid portrait of the indomitable spirit of a woman who quietly shapes the lives around her.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Where You Once Belonged

   

   In a small, tightly-knit town on the Colorado plains, the return of a once-prominent high school football star stirs up a whirlwind of emotions and memories among the residents. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of a local newspaper editor, who reflects on the star's rise and fall, revealing the complexities of human nature and the impact of past actions on the present. As the town grapples with the prodigal son's return, themes of redemption, betrayal, and the longing for belonging are poignantly explored, painting a vivid portrait of rural American life.

7. 7. Canto Della Pianura

   

   Set in the fictional town of Holt, Colorado, this poignant narrative weaves together the lives of several residents, each grappling with their own struggles and desires. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, the novel explores themes of loneliness, community, and the search for connection. The characters, ranging from a pregnant teenager to two elderly brothers, find solace and unexpected companionship in one another, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the quiet beauty of everyday life. With its spare, evocative prose, the story captures the essence of small-town America and the enduring bonds that form in the most unlikely of circumstances.