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. Erasure

   

   This novel follows a successful African-American academic and author who, frustrated by the publishing industry's expectations and stereotypes around black literature, pens a satirical novel under a pseudonym. The novel becomes a huge success, forcing him to grapple with the unexpected consequences of his critique on the industry. He is also dealing with personal issues, including the disappearance of his sister and his mother's declining health. It's a complex exploration of identity, race, and the literary world.

   The 1272nd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. James

   

   "James" by Percival Everett offers a fresh perspective on the classic tale of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." The story is narrated from the viewpoint of Jim, an enslaved man who learns he is about to be sold, threatening to separate him from his family. To avoid this fate, Jim hides on Jackson Island, where he encounters Huck Finn, who is also on the run. Together, they embark on a perilous journey down the Mississippi River, seeking freedom and new beginnings. Along the way, they face various challenges, including natural disasters, unexpected encounters, and deceitful characters. Through Jim's eyes, the narrative explores themes of agency, intelligence, and compassion, offering a unique and insightful retelling of a well-known adventure.

   The 2807th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Telephone

   

   In "Telephone," a narrative unfolds around a man named Zach Wells, a geologist and college professor whose life is disrupted by a series of personal crises, including his daughter's rare genetic disease. As he grapples with the emotional and financial toll of his daughter's illness, Zach purchases a jacket on eBay that contains a note pleading for help, believed to be from a woman in a factory in New Mexico. This discovery leads him on an unexpected journey, compelling him to take action and confront ethical dilemmas that challenge his previously stable existence. The novel explores themes of communication, connection, and the impact of seemingly small, random events on our lives.

   The 7632nd Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. The Trees

   

   The novel is a provocative and darkly comedic exploration of racial violence and historical injustice in America. It begins with a series of gruesome murders in a small Mississippi town, where the victims are found alongside the bodies of young Black men who resemble Emmett Till, the teenager brutally lynched in 1955. As the investigation unfolds, the narrative delves into themes of systemic racism, retribution, and the haunting legacy of America's past, blending elements of mystery and satire to challenge readers' perceptions and confront uncomfortable truths about race and history.

   The 10226th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. I Am Not Sidney Poitier

   

   This novel is a satirical and surreal journey through the life of its protagonist, Not Sidney Poitier, a young black man who bears an uncanny resemblance to the famous actor Sidney Poitier. Despite his wealth inherited from his mother, Not Sidney faces a series of bizarre and racially charged adventures across the American South, which mirror plots of Sidney Poitier’s films. Through encounters with characters both absurd and malevolent, the narrative explores themes of identity, race, and society’s expectations, all while blurring the lines between reality and fiction, and questioning the very nature of existence and personal agency.

   The 10545th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Damned If I Do

   

   This novel delves into the complex life of a protagonist who is a highly skilled emergency room doctor, grappling with the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with the territory of his profession. Beyond the high-stakes environment of the ER, he faces personal challenges, including a strained relationship with his son and the haunting memories of his deceased wife. The narrative explores themes of responsibility, redemption, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world, all while showcasing the protagonist's journey towards understanding and acceptance amidst the myriad challenges he faces. Through a blend of sharp wit and profound insights, the story examines the intricate balance between life and death, and the inevitable consequences of the choices we make.

   The 11640th Greatest Book of All Time

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