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 Faraway Nearby

   

   "The Faraway Nearby" is a reflective exploration of the interconnectedness of the world, seen through the lens of the author's personal experiences and relationships. The book delves into themes of empathy, storytelling, and the human capacity for both kindness and cruelty, using the author's relationship with her mother and her struggle with illness as a poignant backdrop. The narrative weaves in and out of different topics and locations, from the Arctic to fairy tales, drawing insightful connections and offering a unique perspective on the human condition.

   The 4136th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Hope in the Dark

   Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities

   

   "Hope in the Dark" is a powerful and inspiring exploration of the transformative power of hope in times of uncertainty. The book challenges the notion that hope is a passive emotion, instead arguing that it is an active process that can inspire change and action. Using a series of historical examples, the author demonstrates how hope has been a driving force in social and political movements, and encourages readers to remain hopeful, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

   The 5925th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Men Explain Things To Me

   

   This book is a collection of essays that delve into the issues of feminism, gender inequality, and the pervasive problem of men dismissing and undermining women's voices. It opens with a now-iconic essay that recounts a personal experience where the author was patronizingly lectured to about her own book by a man who failed to recognize her as its author. The essays explore the cultural phenomenon where women's knowledge and expertise are often questioned or ignored, leading to broader discussions about power dynamics, violence against women, and the struggle for women's rights. Through incisive commentary and sharp wit, the book examines the silencing of women and calls for a more equitable social discourse.

   The 6792nd Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. A Paradise Built In Hell

   The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster

   

   The book explores the extraordinary communities and acts of altruism that emerge in the aftermath of disasters. It delves into historical and contemporary events, revealing how people come together in times of crisis to create spontaneous networks of support and solidarity. Contrary to the common belief that disasters lead to chaos and selfish behavior, the book argues that such events often bring out the best in humanity, fostering a sense of shared purpose and collective resilience. Through a series of compelling narratives, it challenges conventional views on human nature and the social dynamics of disaster response.

   The 8063rd Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Mother Of All Questions

   Further Feminisms

   

   In this thought-provoking collection of essays, the author delves into the complexities of silence and voice in the context of feminism and societal expectations. Through a series of insightful narratives, the book challenges the pervasive cultural norms that dictate women's roles and the questions they are expected to answer. It explores the power dynamics that silence women and the courage required to speak out, offering a nuanced examination of gender, identity, and the transformative potential of storytelling. The essays encourage readers to question the status quo and envision a world where every voice is heard and valued.

   The 11827th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. River Of Shadows

   Eadweard Muybridge and the Technological Wild West

   

   "River of Shadows" explores the transformative impact of the 19th-century photographer Eadweard Muybridge on technology, art, and society. Muybridge's pioneering work in capturing motion prefigured the development of cinema and influenced the pace and perception of modern life. The book delves into his personal history, including a dramatic murder trial, and his professional achievements, such as the famous photographic sequences of animals and humans in motion. Through Muybridge's story, the narrative connects the burgeoning technology of the American West with broader cultural shifts toward the rapid, fragmented visual experiences that characterize contemporary life.

   The 17117th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Hollow City

   The Siege of San Francisco and the Crisis of American Urbanism

   

   Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing San Francisco, this narrative explores the city's transformation through the lens of its diverse inhabitants. The story delves into the lives of artists, activists, and everyday citizens as they navigate the challenges of gentrification, economic disparity, and cultural shifts. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, the narrative captures the essence of a city in flux, highlighting the tension between progress and preservation, and the struggle to maintain a sense of community amidst relentless change.

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8. 8. Sprievodca Strácaním Sa

   A Field Guide to Getting Lost

   

   This reflective and poetic work delves into the concept of loss and the transformative power of getting lost, both physically and metaphorically. Through a series of essays, the narrative intertwines personal anecdotes, historical insights, and philosophical musings, exploring how losing oneself can lead to unexpected discoveries and a deeper understanding of the world. The book invites readers to embrace uncertainty and the unknown, suggesting that the act of losing one's way can be a path to finding one's true self.

9. 9. Orwell's Roses

   A Memoir of Roses, Politics, and the Power of Nature

   

   This thought-provoking exploration delves into the life and legacy of a renowned writer, intertwining his passion for gardening with his literary pursuits. The narrative weaves through historical events, personal anecdotes, and philosophical musings, revealing how the simple act of tending to roses becomes a symbol of resistance, hope, and the pursuit of beauty amidst a tumultuous world. Through a blend of biography, cultural analysis, and personal reflection, the book offers a fresh perspective on the intersections of art, politics, and nature, inviting readers to reconsider the power of small, everyday acts in shaping a more compassionate and just society.

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10. 10. Wanderlust

    A History of Walking

    

    This book explores the profound relationship between walking and thinking, tracing the history of pedestrianism from ancient times to the present. It delves into the cultural, political, and philosophical implications of walking, examining how it has shaped human experience and thought. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and literary references, the narrative reveals how walking serves as a powerful tool for reflection, creativity, and resistance, offering a unique perspective on the world and our place within it.

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11. 11. Zew Włóczęgi. Opowieści Wędrowne

    

    This book delves into the art and philosophy of wandering, exploring how the act of walking can be a profound journey of self-discovery and reflection. Through a series of interconnected essays, it examines the historical, cultural, and personal significance of walking, weaving together stories of famous wanderers, personal anecdotes, and philosophical musings. The narrative invites readers to embrace the unpredictability of the path, encouraging a deeper connection with the world and oneself through the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other.

12. 12. Call Them By Their True Names

    American Crises (and Essays)

    

    A collection of incisive essays examining how language, storytelling, and denial shape public life, while urging readers to name realities accurately and act with accountability. Moving from political deception and white supremacy to climate crisis, tech-driven inequality, and the criminal justice system, it blends cultural criticism with moral clarity and historical context. The result is a call for precision in words, empathy in practice, and sustained civic engagement to repair a fractured democracy.

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13. 13. Recollections Of My Nonexistence

    A Memoir

    

    A memoir tracing a young woman’s coming-of-age in San Francisco, it explores how fear, harassment, and the systemic erasure of women shaped her early years and fueled her resolve to find a voice. Moving through punk scenes, art worlds, and activist movements, it reflects on the politics of public space and the body, the possibilities and limits of language, and the gradual transformation of silence into speech as writing becomes both refuge and resistance.

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14. 14. No Straight Road Takes You There

    

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