Jonathan Ames

Jonathan Ames is an American author, known for his novels, essays, and his work in television. He created the HBO series 'Bored to Death' and has written several books including 'Wake Up, Sir!' and 'The Extra Man'.

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 Extra Man

    The novel follows the story of a young aspiring playwright who moves to New York City with dreams of making it on Broadway. He becomes the protégé of an eccentric older gentleman, a self-styled "extra man" who escorts wealthy widows in the Upper East Side's high society. As the protagonist navigates his new life, he is drawn into a world of old-world manners, transgender escapades, and odd human connections, all while grappling with his own identity and aspirations. The narrative is a comedic and poignant exploration of loneliness, friendship, and the quest for personal authenticity in a city that often feels overwhelming and surreal.

    The 9004th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Wake Up, Sir!

    In this witty and whimsical tale, a young, struggling writer named Alan Blair embarks on a journey of self-discovery and literary ambition, accompanied by his imaginary valet, Jeeves. As Alan navigates the challenges of writer's block, romantic entanglements, and the eccentricities of his surroundings, he relies on Jeeves' sage advice and impeccable service to guide him through a series of humorous misadventures. Set against the backdrop of a quirky artists' colony, the story explores themes of friendship, creativity, and the search for meaning in a world filled with both chaos and charm.

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  3. 3. You Were Never Really Here

    A terse, brutal novella follows Joe, a traumatized ex-soldier turned hired fixer who uses violence to rescue trafficked girls; as one rescue job unfolds, his panic attacks, flashbacks to childhood abuse, and self-destructive impulses surface, forcing him to confront whether violence can redeem him or only deepen the cycle of pain and isolation.

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