Books

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 Haunting of Hill House

   

   The book is a chilling tale that revolves around a group of four individuals who decide to stay in a notoriously haunted mansion to conduct a paranormal investigation. The main character, a shy, reclusive woman with a troubled past, becomes increasingly unstable as she experiences terrifying phenomena and becomes obsessed with the house. As the supernatural events escalate, the lines between reality and imagination blur, leading to a shocking and tragic conclusion.

   The 218th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. We Have Always Lived in the Castle

   

   This novel tells the story of the Blackwood sisters, Merricat and Constance, who live in isolation in their family mansion, following the mysterious death of their parents due to arsenic poisoning. The sisters' lives are disrupted when their estranged cousin, Charles, arrives with intentions of stealing their fortune. The story is a chilling exploration of family secrets, mental illness, and the destructive power of mob mentality.

   The 500th Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. The Lottery and Other Stories

   

   "The Lottery and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that explore the dark side of human nature, often through the lens of seemingly ordinary people and events. The titular story follows a small town's annual ritual, which ends in a shocking and brutal act of violence. Other stories delve into themes of alienation, prejudice, and the human capacity for cruelty, all while maintaining a veneer of normalcy and routine. The collection is known for its unsettling atmosphere and its ability to reveal the sinister undercurrents of everyday life.

   The 744th Greatest Book of All Time

4. 4. Hangsaman

   

   The novel follows the psychological journey of Natalie Waite, a sensitive and imaginative young woman who struggles with her identity and sense of reality as she transitions from her sheltered home life to the complexities of college. As Natalie navigates the pressures of academic life, social expectations, and her own inner turmoil, she becomes increasingly isolated and detached from the world around her. Her descent into a surreal and fragmented mental state is marked by encounters with enigmatic characters and unsettling experiences, blurring the lines between imagination and reality. The story explores themes of alienation, identity, and the search for self in a world that often feels incomprehensible and hostile.

   The 6572nd Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. The Bird's Nest

   

   The novel explores the psychological unraveling of a young woman named Elizabeth Richmond, who suffers from multiple personality disorder. As Elizabeth's condition deteriorates, her alternate personalities—each with distinct traits and motives—begin to emerge, leading to a complex and often disturbing struggle for control. The story delves into themes of identity, trauma, and the human psyche, as Elizabeth's psychiatrist attempts to uncover the root of her disorder and integrate her fragmented selves. The narrative is a chilling exploration of the mind's depths and the impact of unresolved past traumas.

   The 6699th Greatest Book of All Time

6. 6. Life Among The Savages

   An Unconventional Memoir

   

   "Life Among the Savages" is a humorous and candid memoir that recounts the author's experiences of raising a family in rural Vermont. Through a series of witty and sharply observed vignettes, the book explores the chaotic and often absurd realities of parenting. The narrative delves into the daily challenges and adventures faced by the family, from dealing with the quirks of a dilapidated old house to navigating the social intricacies of small-town life, all while managing the unpredictable antics of her children. The author's sharp wit and keen insights provide a refreshing perspective on the trials and joys of domestic life.

   The 11151st Greatest Book of All Time

7. 7. The Sundial

   

   In this darkly comedic and suspenseful novel, a wealthy family and their eccentric guests gather in a grand, isolated mansion, convinced that the world is about to end. As they prepare for the impending apocalypse, tensions rise and secrets unravel, revealing the characters' deep-seated fears and desires. The story explores themes of power, paranoia, and human folly, as the characters grapple with their beliefs and the looming uncertainty of their fate, ultimately questioning the nature of reality and the reliability of prophecy.