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. Purple America

   

   In this emotionally charged novel, we delve into the complexities of family dynamics and personal despair. The protagonist returns to his childhood home to care for his mother, who is afflicted with a debilitating illness. As he confronts the challenges of his mother's care, he also grapples with the dissolution of his own marriage and the haunting legacy of his absent father. Set against the backdrop of a decaying suburban America, the narrative weaves together themes of love, loss, and the search for identity, painting a portrait of a man struggling to make sense of his responsibilities and his place in a world that seems to be falling apart around him.

   The 7814th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Ice Storm

   

   Set in the 1970s, this novel explores the dysfunctional lives of two suburban Connecticut families during Thanksgiving weekend. The narrative delves into the emotional turmoil and existential dread experienced by the characters as they navigate through marital infidelity, teenage angst, and societal pressures. Their personal dramas culminate in a devastating ice storm, which serves as a metaphor for their frozen emotions and frigid relationships.

   The 17010th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Hotels Of North America

   

   In this intriguing novel, readers are introduced to the life of Reginald Edward Morse, a charismatic yet enigmatic online reviewer who shares his experiences through a series of hotel reviews. As he travels across North America, his reviews reveal more than just the quality of the accommodations; they offer a glimpse into his personal life, filled with humor, melancholy, and introspection. Through his candid and often poignant observations, the narrative explores themes of identity, connection, and the human condition, inviting readers to ponder the stories hidden within the walls of each hotel room.

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4. 4. The Diviners

   

   The Diviners is a novel by Margaret Laurence. Published by McClelland & Stewart in 1974, it was Laurence's final novel, and is considered one of the classics of Canadian literature. The novel won the Governor General's Award for English-language fiction in 1974. The protagonist of the novel is Morag Gunn, a fiercely independent writer who grew up in Manawaka, Manitoba. Morag has a difficult relationship with her daughter Pique and her Métis lover Jules Tonnerre, and struggles to maintain her independence. The Diviners was adapted for television by Anne Wheeler, with a screenplay by Linda Svendsen, and aired on CBC Television in 1993. Sonja Smits starred as Morag, and Tom Jackson starred as Jules Tonnerre. The book has been repeatedly banned by school boards and high schools. It is a regularly featured book on the American Library Association's Freedom to Read campaign.

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