The Greatest Books of 2025 - Honorable Mention
This is one of the 759 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
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Troublemaker by Carla Kaplan
Troublemaker is a biography of Jessica “Decca” Mitford, who left British high society to become an antifascist and civil‑rights activist. The book traces her work in the Spanish Civil War and the United States — including investigative reporting, political organizing, and her lively correspondence — and conveys how her irreverent, committed approach shaped her public life and influence.
The 12297th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Intermediaries by Brandy Schillace
The Intermediaries recounts the overlooked history of the Institute for Sexual Science in interwar Germany, led by Magnus Hirschfeld, which pioneered early gender-affirming care and advocacy for homosexual and transgender people. Focusing on patients such as Dora Richter and the institute’s physicians, the book traces how medical experimentation, emerging queer activism, and political backlash intersected as nationalism and Nazi ideology rose. It is a concise, human-centered account of early transgender healthcare and the people who fought for recognition and dignity.
The 12299th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Languages Of Home by John Edgar Wideman
A collection of essays and long-form journalism by John Edgar Wideman, spanning nearly five decades. The pieces use personal reflection and cultural criticism to examine American identity, politics, and social change—addressing figures such as Zora Neale Hurston, Malcolm X, Spike Lee, Emmett Till, and Michael Jordan—while tracing shifts from the post–Civil Rights era into the contemporary moment.
The 12300th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
In Covid's Wake by Stephen Macedo, Frances Lee
How Our Politics Failed Us
In Covid’s Wake examines political and institutional responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that many governments abandoned preexisting plans and relied on sweeping emergency measures. The authors analyze how those choices affected inequality, schooling, and public debate—how science and dissent were politicized—and argue for preserving liberal toleration, openness to uncertainty, and honest public deliberation in future crises.
The 12303rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin
The Inside Story of How Wall Street and Washington Fought to Save the Financial System—and Themselves
1929 examines the run‑up to the 1929 stock market crash and its immediate fallout, showing how unchecked optimism, speculation, and fraud turned a booming market into sudden collapse and widespread economic ruin. Through portraits of financiers, regulators, and everyday people, it explores the human motives, political conflicts, and ignored warning signs behind the crash, and highlights recurring patterns in financial crises without revealing plot details.
The 12304th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Last Supper by Paul Elie
Art Faith, Sex, and Controversy in the 1980s
Paul Elie examines how artists and filmmakers in the 1980s brought religious themes into popular culture, turning music, film, and visual art into sites of spiritual debate. Through portraits of figures such as Leonard Cohen, Andy Warhol, Prince, Toni Morrison, Patti Smith, Bruce Springsteen, U2, Sinéad O'Connor, Wim Wenders, and Martin Scorsese, the book shows how their work engaged faith, doubt, and public controversy and helped shape the postsecular moment.
The 12305th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Hollow Half by Sarah Aziza
The Hollow Half is a memoir in which Sarah Aziza’s hospitalization for an eating disorder becomes the catalyst for tracing three generations of her Palestinian family—from Gaza to the Midwest and New York. Through memories, dreams, and recovered stories she explores how personal trauma and anorexia intersect with generational displacement, silence, and resilience. The book weaves language and family history as she resists assimilation and patriarchy and seeks a form of healing grounded in survival and love.
The 12308th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Twist by Colum McCann
A Novel
Anthony Fennell, an Irish journalist and playwright, is sent to report on the undersea fiber‑optic cables that carry the world’s information. His investigation brings him to the west coast of Africa and aboard a cable‑repair ship led by John Conway, a skilled engineer and freediver, intersecting with Zanele, a South African actress. As they set out to repair deep breaks, the novel quietly examines the hidden labor behind global infrastructure and the ways people try to mend personal and collective ruptures.
The 12311th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Names by Florence Knapp
After a storm, Cora and her nine-year-old daughter go to register the birth of her son. When Cora makes a last-minute choice about the baby’s name instead of following her husband’s wish, three alternate versions of their lives unfold over thirty-five years. The novel follows these parallel possibilities to explore family bonds, domestic abuse, and a woman’s search for autonomy and healing.
The 12314th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Electric Spark by Frances Wilson
The Enigma of Dame Muriel
Frances Wilson’s Electric Spark is a vivid, concise investigation of Muriel Spark’s formative years and the mysteries behind her fiction. Tracing episodes of divorce, poverty, espionage, scandal and a dramatic religious conversion in the 1940s–50s, Wilson shows how these experiences were transformed into the wry, puzzle-like novels for which Spark is known.
The 12316th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Replaceable You by Mary Roach
Adventures in the New Science of Bodyhacking
Mary Roach investigates the science and people behind replacing and repairing human body parts — from prosthetics and donor organs to stem-cell–grown tissues and 3D‑printed parts. Through on‑site reporting and interviews with researchers, surgeons, and patients, she explores the technical challenges and ethical questions of reconstructing the human body in an engaging, often humorous way.
The 12318th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Wild Thing by Sue Prideaux
A Life of Jimi Hendrix
"Wild Thing" by Sue Prideaux delves into the life of Paul Gauguin, a renowned post-Impressionist painter known for his vibrant colors and daring compositions. The book explores Gauguin's journey from a stockbroker in Paris to an artist who faced numerous challenges, including financial struggles and various odd jobs. It highlights his experiences in different parts of the world, such as Copenhagen, Panama City, and Tahiti, where he confronted the injustices of French colonial rule. Through encounters with notable figures like Vincent van Gogh and August Strindberg, and his marriage to Mette, Gauguin's life is portrayed as a tapestry of artistic inspiration and personal complexity. Prideaux offers a fresh perspective on Gauguin, shedding light on his creative brilliance, personal flaws, and the influences that shaped his extraordinary life.
The 10861st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
Angel Down by Daniel Kraus
During World War I, five soldiers sent into No Man’s Land discover a fallen angel that might alter the course of the conflict. Confronted with fear, desire, and mistrust, they must decide whether to cooperate or give in to their impulses, setting off intense moral and psychological tensions. The story blends battlefield realism with a supernatural encounter as the men struggle to survive and confront what the angel represents.
The 12320th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Will There Ever Be Another You by Patricia Lockwood
During a global pandemic, a young woman struggles to hold her family together after a devastating loss while contending with a mysterious illness that scrambles her thoughts and memories. As she drifts from her previous life—disoriented, unable to recognize friends, and haunted by repeating sounds and sensations—she tries to remake her identity and find ways to keep living amid grief and confusion.
The 12321st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
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Your Name Here by Helen DeWitt, Ilya Gridneff
A collaborative, metafictional novel that layers books-within-books, documents and multilingual passages to trace a project of literary creation and identity. Blending contemporary politics, cultural history and unconventional narrative techniques, it explores the process of becoming a writer and the risks and obsessions that drive artistic ambition.
The 12324th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Service by John Tottenham
A darkly comic novel about a forty-something journalist who, after the collapse of print, takes a job at a bookstore in a rapidly gentrifying Los Angeles neighborhood. Through his caustic attempts to write and the humiliations of service work, the book skewers gentrification, aging, professional envy, and the uneasy place of literature in the digital era.
The 12378th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
New Paltz, New Paltz by Mike Powell
Ben, a drifting fact-checker at a New York gossip magazine, spends his days noticing small, ordinary wonders until an irreverent young woman arrives and nudges him to reexamine art, ambition, and intimacy. The novel quietly follows his emotional awakening and the messy, unexpected ways relationships reshape everyday life.
The 12380th Greatest Book of All Time -
Someone To Watch Over You by Kumi Kimura
In early 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, two isolated people move in together: a former security guard linked to a protester’s death and a former teacher accused in a student’s suicide. They keep their distance, communicating mostly through notes and shared routines, forming a tense, ambiguous connection that offers shelter and raises questions about trust and consequence.
The 11476th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
For An Ecology Of Images by Peter Szendy
A theoretical meditation that reconceives images not as static representations but as living, circulating agents embedded in networks of perception, technology and power; it argues for an “ecology” that tracks how images attract and redistribute attention, interact with viewers and other images, mutate through technical and institutional media, and produce collective effects and political consequences, drawing on examples from art, cinema, advertising and archives to show how attending to an image’s agency and environment reshapes our understanding of aesthetics, mediation and public life.
The 12381st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Dazzling Paget Sisters by Ariane Bankes
The English Twins Who Captivated Literary Europe
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Television by Lauren Rothery
An aging A-list actor suddenly gives away his blockbuster earnings and begins a relationship with a much younger model, while his longtime non-famous friend—often his lover—reflects on their two-decade bond. Told through alternating perspectives that include an aspiring filmmaker writing about them, the novel examines luck, fame, money and the shifting landscape of contemporary Hollywood without revealing key plot twists.
The 12390th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Little Lazarus by Michael Bible
Little Lazarus follows teenagers Francois and Eleanor, restless outsiders in the small Southern town of Harmony, whose lives are forever changed one drunken night. Their parallel stories are woven together with the long, traveling perspective of two clairvoyant tortoises—Lazarus and Little Lazarus—whose centuries-spanning journeys and varied caretakers (from a billionaire to generations of men and even a dog named Pony) bear witness to human love, loss, and longing. The novel is a lyrical, character-driven exploration of connection and memory.
The 12393rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Mending Bodies by Hon Lai-Chu
In a near-future Hong Kong, a government program offers reduced living costs to people who undergo a painful surgery to become physically conjoined. An unnamed narrator researching the practice for her dissertation becomes increasingly conflicted about the costs to personal autonomy and the social pressures at play, as the novel examines bodies, power, and the fragility of institutions.
The 10017th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Overstaying by Ariane Koch
A darkly comic, absurdist novel about an impudent young woman who continues to live in her parents’ empty house in a small hometown she hates but can’t bring herself to leave. When a mysterious visitor turns up, she takes him in and becomes consumed by his ambiguous presence—part lover, part freeloader, part absence—while her imagination and memories send the narrative into surprising, room-like episodes rather than a straightforward plot.
The 11480th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
State Champ by Hilary Plum
Angela, a former high-school state champion runner and college dropout, works as a receptionist at an abortion clinic until a new “heartbeat law” criminalizes most abortions and her boss is arrested. In response she stages a solitary hunger strike in the boarded-up clinic, drawing in an ex, former patients, and opponents—while the book examines bodily autonomy, community responsibility, and the personal costs of political change.
The 12394th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Helen Of Nowhere by Makenna Goodman
Over the course of a single day, an unnamed man nearing the end of his career and marriage visits a country house with a young realtor. The house feels saturated with the memory of its former owner, Helen, whose stories present him with a tempting alternative way of life. As the day unfolds, he confronts who he is and what he might be willing to give up in pursuit of happiness.
The 12395th Greatest Book of All Time -
The Time Of The Novel by Lara Mimosa Montes
A disaffected young woman quits her job as a bookseller and sets out to become a full‑time narrator, turning daily life—apartments, studios, parties, the post office—into material for fiction. She chronicles the experiment of living inside language, testing the fantasy of uninterrupted interiority and the ways everyday reality intrudes. The novel follows her detours, psychic shifts, and surprising encounters as she explores what it means to enter and inhabit fiction.
The 12396th Greatest Book of All Time -
Fish Tales by Nettie Jones
The Guppy That Changed Everything
Lewis Jones moves between Detroit and New York, caught in a cycle of survival and desire as she navigates relationships with a revolving cast of cocaine-addled, sexually charged, and despairing men and women, confronting identity, loneliness, and the harsh realities of urban life.
The 6184th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
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Sad Tiger by Neige Sinno
A Memoir of Survival and Resilience
Sad Tiger is an autobiographical, literary meditation in which Neige Sinno recounts sustained sexual abuse by a family member and her long, fraught process of confronting it. The book combines candid memory with critical reflections on language, literature, and the taboos that keep survivors silent. Sinno probes family secrecy, the instability of recollection, and what it means to put the unspeakable into words, tracing how breaking silence can reshape a life without offering easy closure.
The 8426th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Road To Tender Hearts by Annie Hartnett
Sixty-three-year-old PJ Halliday, a lottery winner coping with loss and health problems, decides to drive from Massachusetts to Arizona to win back his high school sweetheart. When he unexpectedly becomes guardian to his estranged brother’s grandchildren, he sets out on a cross-country road trip with his adrift adult daughter and a therapy cat named Pancakes who seems to predict death. The journey forces PJ to confront his past, try parenting again, and search for a second chance at love.
The 12403rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake
When tech magnate Thayer Wren dies, his three telepathically and electrokinetically gifted children—Meredith, Arthur, and Eilidh—are drawn into a bitter contest over his fortune and the company he built. As their dangerous abilities, personal secrets, and long‑running rivalries surface, they must confront questions of power, identity, and family without ever knowing who will come out on top.
The 11018th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Great Work by Sheldon Costa
In the 19th-century Northwest, grieving alchemist Gentle Montgomery and his teenage nephew Kitt set out to track a legendary giant salamander whose blood might power an alchemical formula to revive Gentle’s dead friend. Their journey through a haunted wilderness brings surreal visions and draws the attention of a violent hunter, a corrupt judge, and a doomsday cult, forcing them to confront the creature, the strange dreams it provokes, and the fragile bonds between them. The story blends supernatural horror, alchemy, and a meditation on grief and human connection.
The 12404th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The National Telepathy by Roque Larraquy, Frank Wynne
In 1933 Buenos Aires, a shipment of nineteen Amazonian people — and an unexpected sloth — arrive to populate a proposed Ethnographic Theme Park. The sloth’s eerie telepathic ability draws the attention of officials, sparking secrecy, bureaucratic maneuvering, and the creation of a National Telepathy Commission. The novel follows the clash between spectacle and power as the city’s elite manipulate people and truth, told with dark humor and surreal inventiveness.
The 11341st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Ultramarine by Mariette Navarro, Eve Hill-Agnus
A female captain aboard a cargo ship lets her crew stop the engines for a swim; when they return there are twenty-one people and the vessel begins to behave strangely. As the captain’s perceptions unravel, the story blurs the line between hallucination and reality while she struggles to understand what is happening and to keep control of the ship.
The 11496th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
True Mistakes by Lena Moses-Schmitt
True Mistakes is a debut poetry collection in which Lena Moses‑Schmitt examines consciousness, identity, and time through moments of daily life—walking, painting, working—and the emotional terrain of grief, anxiety, and joy. The poems probe the boundary between art and reality, often reflecting on paintings as a way to explore memory and selfhood, and reframe misperceptions or errors as openings for imagination rather than failure.
The 12406th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Scrapbook by Heather Clark
In 1996, Harvard student Anna falls for Christoph, a visiting German, and follows him to Germany. Their burgeoning relationship is shadowed by the wartime histories of their grandfathers—Anna’s American GI who kept a wartime scrapbook and Christoph’s grandfather who fought for Nazi Germany. As Anna travels between the U.S. and Germany, family memories and the legacy of World War II intrude on their present, forcing them to reckon with how the past shapes their lives.
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The House On Buzzards Bay by Dwyer Murphy
Old college friends reunite for a summer at a family beach house on Buzzards Bay, hoping to reconnect as they navigate midlife. The mood shifts when one friend vanishes and a mysterious, seductive visitor arrives, while eerie break‑ins and strange disturbances suggest someone—or something—lurks near the marsh. Tensions and buried secrets rise as the group confronts how much their friendships and lives have changed.
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Fools For Love by Helen Schulman
Stories
Fools for Love is a short-story collection about the messy, funny, and sometimes sad ways people connect. The stories follow a range of characters—lovers, exes, parents, and a precocious baby—whose lives intersect as they navigate desire, attachment, and self-discovery. Set in places from Paris to the East Village, the book uses wit and empathy to explore romantic complications without tidy resolutions.
The 12410th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Season by Helen Garner
Helen Garner follows her grandson’s under‑16 Australian Rules football team across games and training in Melbourne, using close observation of the sidelines to explore family ties, the transition to adolescence and the communal drama of the sport. Warm, wry and spare, the book captures the thrill of team play and the quiet work of watching a boy become a young man—without revealing outcomes of matches or personal plot details.
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Ripeness by Sarah Moss
In the 1960s, Edith travels from school to rural Italy to support her sister Lydia through the final weeks of pregnancy and is tasked with making a single phone call that will determine the child’s future. Decades later in Ireland, a now-divorced Edith is drawn into a quiet mystery when her friend Maebh receives a call from a man claiming to be her long-lost brother. The novel explores family ties, migration, and the search for belonging without revealing what happens.
The 12419th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Herculine by Grace Byron
A young trans woman haunted by sleep-paralysis visions and a growing, more powerful presence flees New York to an all-trans women’s commune in rural Indiana founded by her ex. What begins as a refuge quickly reveals secretive residents, unsettling rituals, and escalating supernatural threats, forcing her to confront both external monsters and the traumas that follow her.
The 12421st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
A Mouthful Of Dust by Nghi Vo
Cleric Chih and their hoopoe companion Almost Brilliant arrive in the river town of Baolin to investigate a legendary famine. As they follow stories of strange dishes and starving streets, they’re drawn into a sinister magistrate’s mansion and must uncover what hunger has done to the town before darker forces — and desperate people — consume it.
The 12422nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Queen Of Swords by Jazmina Barrera, Christina MacSweeney
Jazmina Barrera digs through archives and fragments to sketch the life of Mexican writer Elena Garro, confronting gaps and contradictions that resist a tidy portrait. The book presents Garro as a restless artist—a writer associated with magical realism, a dancer and divination devotee, an activist and complicated partner and mother—while situating her life within Mexico City’s social and cultural history and reflecting on the limits of biography.
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The Lord by Soraya Antonius
Set during the 1936 Arab Revolt in Mandatory Palestine, The Lord follows Tareq, a young man from Jaffa whose travels and apparent miracles win him a following and draw the attention of the British authorities. The story is framed by Miss Alice Rhodes, an English missionary who once taught him and later recounts his life, and by the British intelligence officer determined to stop him. The novel offers an intimate, atmospheric portrait of Palestinian society and the tensions of colonial rule without revealing key outcomes.
The 12424th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Empire Of Ai by Karen Hao
An investigative look by Karen Hao into OpenAI and the broader AI industry, examining how the race to build large models concentrates power and requires enormous compute, data, energy, and human labor. Drawing on reporting from inside the company and around the world, the book explores the technological, social, and ethical consequences of rapid AI development without revealing insider plot details.
The 11035th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Good Liar by Denise Mina
Doctor Claudia O’Sheil, a renowned forensic scientist, is about to deliver a high-profile speech about evidence that helped secure a conviction in a notorious double-murder. New analysis suggests her testimony was flawed and an innocent man may be behind bars. As she faces the podium, Claudia must decide whether to expose the truth and risk her career, family security, and reputation, while revisiting the case to understand what really happened that night.
The 12428th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
To Smithereens by Rosalyn Drexler
Rosa, a drifting twenty-something, becomes involved with Paul, an art critic who convinces her to try wrestling to fulfill one of his fantasies. Joining a women's wrestling circuit and touring the South, she navigates rough coaches and complicated relationships with teammates and their partners, and through the sport begins to claim her own identity and resist Paul's attempts at control.
The 12429th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Born In Flames by Bench Ansfield
The Business of Arson and the Remaking of the American City
Born in Flames examines a 1970s wave of arson that devastated low-income neighborhoods, arguing many fires were set by landlords pursuing insurance payouts enabled by discriminatory “brownlining” practices. Spanning the Bronx to Britain and Brazil, the book traces the financial and policy forces behind the burnings and shows how residents organized to resist, helping spark the modern tenant movement for housing justice.
The 12430th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Capitalism by Sven Beckert
A Global History
Capitalism is a global history of the system from the 15th century to the present, tracing its roots in merchant networks across Asia, Africa and Europe. It emphasizes the role of state power, imperial expansion, coercion and resistance in shaping capitalist development rather than portraying it as a natural outcome of free markets. The book decentrers Eurocentric narratives and follows capitalism’s transformations into the modern era, including the rise of Asian economies.
The 12431st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Gods Of New York by Jonathan Mahler
Egotists, Idealists, Opportunists, and the Birth of the Modern City, 1986-1990
A concise chronicle of New York City from 1986 to 1989 that traces how booming finance, tabloid culture, and prominent public figures collided with deepening poverty, racial tensions, the AIDS and crack epidemics, and high‑profile incidents—transforming the city’s social and political landscape without revealing outcomes.
The 12433rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Night Watch by Kevin Young
Night Watch is a poetry collection that examines personal and American life through themes of family, loss, renewal, and resilience. A central sequence, “The Two-Headed Nightingale,” imagines the voices and shared identity of nineteenth-century conjoined performers Millie-Christine McCoy; another cycle, “Darkling,” responds to Robert Rauschenberg’s paintings and Dante’s Inferno to explore loneliness, companionship, and cultural critique. The poems blend music, humor, and elegiac reflection without revealing specific plot details.
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The Technological Republic by Alexander C. Karp
The Technological Republic argues that Silicon Valley has drifted into complacency, prioritizing consumer products and market signals over ambitious, public-minded engineering. Karp and Zamiska call for a renewed partnership between technologists and government, bolder thinking about technology’s role in national security (including AI), and a cultural shift away from intellectual timidity toward purposeful, long-term innovation.
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Remember Us To Life by Joanna Rubin Dranger
Remember Us to Life is a graphic memoir by Joanna Rubin Dranger in which she investigates her Jewish family’s past across Poland, Russia, Sweden and Israel. Blending illustrations, photographs and found objects, the book reconstructs everyday lives, migration and the violence that erased them while reflecting on memory, identity and grief. It is an intimate effort to recover and reckon with a family history shaped by antisemitism and displacement.
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Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
In a world where secrets and desires intertwine, a fierce storm brews both in the skies and within the hearts of two star-crossed lovers. As they navigate the treacherous paths of love and loyalty, they must confront their pasts and the shadows that threaten to tear them apart. With every twist and turn, they discover that the true battle lies not in the external forces that seek to destroy them, but in the internal struggles that challenge their very essence. Amidst the chaos, they find solace in each other's arms, daring to hope for a future that defies the odds.
The 12436th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Liquid by Mariam Rahmani
Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world, this narrative explores the fluidity of identity and the complexities of human relationships. The protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the intricate web of societal expectations and personal desires. Through a series of encounters and introspective moments, the story delves into themes of transformation, resilience, and the quest for authenticity. The prose is both evocative and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on the ever-shifting nature of life and the courage it takes to embrace one's true self.
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First Time Caller by B.K. Borison
In this heartwarming tale, a late-night radio show becomes the unlikely bridge between two souls searching for connection. A reclusive radio host, known for his soothing voice and insightful advice, finds his world turned upside down when a mysterious caller begins to share her life story on air. As their conversations unfold, both the host and the caller confront their pasts, revealing hidden truths and vulnerabilities. Through the power of words and shared experiences, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and unexpected romance, proving that sometimes the most profound connections are forged in the most unexpected ways.
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Who Is Government? by Michael M. Lewis
A collection of character-driven essays in which writers profile everyday federal employees and the work they do. Through vivid, behind-the-scenes stories—from a mining safety engineer to tax investigators to managers improving public services—the book shows how often-unseen government workers solve problems and affect people’s lives.
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Hungerstone by Kat Dunn
Set against the backdrop of a world teetering on the brink of chaos, this gripping tale follows a group of unlikely allies as they navigate a landscape fraught with danger and deception. As they uncover secrets buried deep within their pasts, they must confront their own inner demons while striving to prevent a looming catastrophe. With time running out, the characters are forced to make difficult choices that test their loyalty, courage, and humanity, ultimately leading them on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.
The 12444th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
When The Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi
When the Moon Hits Your Eye asks what would happen if the Moon were suddenly replaced by a same-mass wheel of cheese. Over the course of a lunar cycle, interconnected characters—children, scientists, workers, billionaires, preachers and politicians—grapple with the physical, social and personal consequences of this strange, impossible change.
The 12445th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang
In a gripping tale of mystery and self-discovery, a young woman finds herself entangled in the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the death of her best friend. As she delves deeper into the secrets and lies that shroud her friend's life, she uncovers a web of deceit that challenges her perceptions of trust and loyalty. With each revelation, she is forced to confront her own past and the choices that have led her to this pivotal moment, ultimately leading to a profound understanding of friendship, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit.
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Three Days In June by Anne Tyler
Gail Baines, an awkward mother of the bride, navigates a turbulent few days before and after her daughter Debbie’s wedding: she loses her job, feels excluded from pre-wedding plans, and is surprised by the unexpected return of her ex-husband Max. When Debbie shares a troubling secret about her fiancé, the wedding—and the family’s buried history—are thrown into doubt. The novel follows how these events force the family to confront past choices, misunderstandings, and the complexities of love and marriage.
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The Living and the Rest by José Eduardo Agualusa
Um Diário
Daniel Benchimol retorna à Ilha de Moçambique, onde um festival literário reúne dezenas de escritores. Uma tempestade os deixa isolados por sete dias e, a seguir, uma série de acontecimentos misteriosos começa a desfocar as fronteiras entre realidade e ficção, passado e futuro, vida e morte, inquietando autores e habitantes. O romance explora memória, imaginação e as maneiras como as histórias transformam o real.
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The Possession Of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas
In a gripping tale of suspense and supernatural intrigue, a young woman finds herself ensnared in a web of dark secrets and ancient curses when she inherits a mysterious estate in the heart of Mexico. As she delves deeper into the history of her family's past, she encounters restless spirits and malevolent forces that threaten to consume her very soul. With the help of unlikely allies, she must confront her deepest fears and unravel the mysteries that bind her to the haunted legacy of her ancestors, all while battling the sinister entities that seek to claim her as their own.
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My Name Is Emilia Del Valle by Isabel Allende
Set against the backdrop of a vibrant Latin American landscape, this novel follows the life of a spirited young woman as she navigates the complexities of love, family, and identity. Through a series of poignant and often humorous events, the protagonist embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting societal expectations and personal challenges. Her story is a tapestry of rich cultural heritage, interwoven with themes of resilience, passion, and the enduring power of hope. As she learns to embrace her true self, she finds strength in her roots and courage to forge her own path in a world that is both beautiful and unpredictable.
The 12453rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Among Friends by Hal Ebbott
Set against the backdrop of a small, tightly-knit community, this heartwarming tale explores the intricate dynamics of friendship and the challenges that come with it. The story follows a group of diverse individuals whose lives intertwine through shared experiences, secrets, and personal growth. As they navigate the complexities of trust, loyalty, and forgiveness, the characters learn valuable lessons about the true meaning of companionship and the strength found in unity. Through moments of joy and hardship, the narrative beautifully captures the essence of human connection and the enduring bonds that hold people together.
The 12454th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
So Far Gone by Jess Walter
Set against the backdrop of a small, economically struggling town, the story unfolds through the intertwined lives of its residents, each grappling with their own personal challenges and aspirations. As secrets unravel and past decisions come to light, the characters navigate a landscape of hope, regret, and redemption. Through a tapestry of vivid storytelling and poignant moments, the narrative explores themes of resilience, community, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.
The 12457th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz
In a tale of suspense and intrigue, a series of mysterious murders unfolds within the opulent confines of a grand estate, where secrets lurk behind every marble pillar. As the body count rises, a determined detective delves into the lives of the eccentric residents and their hidden pasts, unraveling a web of deceit and betrayal. With each twist and turn, the detective must navigate a labyrinth of clues and red herrings to uncover the truth, all while racing against time to prevent the killer from striking again.
The 12459th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead
In a gripping tale of suspense and psychological intrigue, the story unfolds around a protagonist who finds themselves entangled in a web of secrets and deception. As they delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding them, they are forced to confront their own fears and the haunting truths that threaten to unravel their very existence. With each twist and turn, the narrative explores themes of identity, trust, and the dark corners of the human psyche, leading to a chilling climax that leaves readers questioning the boundaries between reality and illusion.
The 12460th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Harlem Rhapsody by Victoria Christopher Murray
Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1920s Harlem, this captivating tale weaves together the lives of three ambitious individuals navigating the complexities of love, ambition, and societal expectations. As they chase their dreams amidst the jazz-filled nights and cultural renaissance, each character faces personal challenges that test their resilience and redefine their paths. With themes of identity, empowerment, and the pursuit of happiness, the narrative explores the intricate dance between personal desires and the collective spirit of a community on the brink of transformation.
The 12461st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha
Set against the backdrop of India's elite society, this gripping thriller unravels the dark secrets and hidden motives within a powerful family. As the protagonist returns home to attend her father's funeral, she is thrust into a web of deceit, betrayal, and ambition. With the family's vast fortune at stake, tensions rise and loyalties are tested, revealing the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their inheritance. The narrative intricately weaves past and present, exploring themes of power, legacy, and the haunting shadows of unresolved pasts.
The 12462nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott
Set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked suburban neighborhood, the story delves into the intricate web of secrets and desires that bind a seemingly perfect community. As the facade of idyllic family life begins to crack, hidden tensions and long-buried truths surface, threatening to unravel the lives of its residents. With a keen eye for detail and a masterful grasp of suspense, the narrative explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their own. The tale is a gripping exploration of the dark undercurrents lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.
The 12463rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Something Rotten by Andrew Lipstein
In this captivating novel, readers are drawn into a world where ambition, morality, and the pursuit of success collide in unexpected ways. The protagonist, a young and ambitious writer, finds himself entangled in a web of ethical dilemmas after discovering a manuscript that could catapult him to fame. As he grapples with the consequences of his choices, the story delves into themes of integrity, the cost of ambition, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. With a sharp narrative and complex characters, the book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the literary world and the personal sacrifices made in the quest for recognition.
The 12464th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Kakigori Summer by Emily Itami
Set against the vibrant backdrop of a Japanese summer, this enchanting tale follows the journey of a young woman as she navigates the complexities of love, identity, and self-discovery. Amidst the sweltering heat and the allure of the traditional shaved ice dessert, kakigori, she finds herself entangled in a whirlwind romance that challenges her perceptions of life and happiness. As she grapples with the cultural expectations and her own desires, the story beautifully captures the essence of fleeting summer moments and the bittersweet taste of growing up.
The 12465th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang
In a world where the boundaries between science and spirituality blur, a young woman grapples with the profound implications of a miraculous pregnancy. As she navigates the complexities of her own identity and the expectations of those around her, she embarks on a transformative journey that challenges societal norms and personal beliefs. Her story unfolds with a delicate balance of introspection and external conflict, ultimately exploring themes of faith, autonomy, and the power of the human spirit in the face of the unknown.
The 12466th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
I See You've Called In Dead by John Kenney
In this witty and satirical novel, readers are taken on a whirlwind journey through the chaotic world of modern corporate life, where absurdity reigns supreme. The protagonist, a beleaguered office worker, navigates a landscape filled with eccentric colleagues, nonsensical meetings, and the constant pressure to maintain a facade of productivity. As the story unfolds, the character's internal monologue offers a humorous critique of the often-ridiculous demands of the workplace, ultimately leading to a moment of self-discovery and a reevaluation of what truly matters in life.
The 12467th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Note by Alafair Burke
In a gripping tale of suspense and mystery, the story unfolds around a seemingly innocuous note that sets off a chain of events, unraveling secrets and hidden truths. As the protagonist delves deeper into the origins and implications of the note, they find themselves entangled in a web of deception and danger. With each revelation, the stakes rise, and the protagonist must navigate a world where trust is scarce and every decision could be their last. The narrative weaves together elements of intrigue and tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final, unexpected twist.
The 12468th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Helen Of Troy, 1993 by Maria Zoccola
Set against the backdrop of ancient Greece, this narrative delves into the life of a woman whose beauty sparked one of the most legendary wars in history. The story intricately weaves together myth and history, exploring the complexities of love, power, and destiny. Through vivid storytelling, the reader is transported to a world where gods and mortals intertwine, and the choices of one woman have far-reaching consequences. The tale captures the essence of human emotion and the timeless struggle between duty and desire, offering a fresh perspective on a classic legend.
The 12472nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Experiment by Rebecca Stead
In a world where scientific curiosity meets the complexities of human relationships, a group of young friends embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind a mysterious experiment that has the potential to change their lives forever. As they delve deeper into the enigma, they grapple with questions of trust, loyalty, and the ethical boundaries of scientific discovery. Their adventure is a poignant exploration of friendship, courage, and the pursuit of knowledge, set against a backdrop of suspense and intrigue.
The 12474th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
I, Medusa by Ayana Gray
Set in a world where myths and reality intertwine, the story follows a young woman cursed with a power she never asked for. As she grapples with her newfound abilities, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting ancient deities and unraveling secrets of her lineage. Along the way, she must navigate a landscape filled with betrayal, loyalty, and the quest for redemption, all while trying to reclaim her identity and find her place in a world that fears her.
The 12475th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Blood In The Water by Tiffany D. Jackson
Set against the backdrop of a small, tight-knit community, this gripping thriller unravels the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic town. As the protagonist delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of a local teenager, they uncover a web of deceit, betrayal, and long-buried grudges that threaten to tear the community apart. With each twist and turn, the story explores themes of trust, redemption, and the lengths people will go to protect their own, culminating in a shocking revelation that challenges everything the protagonist thought they knew.
The 12476th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Manor Of Dreams by Christina Li
In a world where dreams hold the key to unlocking hidden truths, a young girl stumbles upon a mysterious manor that seems to exist beyond the boundaries of reality. As she delves deeper into its secrets, she discovers that the manor is a gateway to a realm where dreams and reality intertwine, revealing long-buried family secrets and untapped potential within herself. With the help of enigmatic allies and facing shadowy adversaries, she must navigate this dreamscape to uncover the truth and find her place in both worlds.
The 12477th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Poets Square by Courtney Gustafson
In a quaint neighborhood filled with charm and mystery, a young woman grapples with the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery. As she navigates the intricacies of her relationships and the secrets hidden within her community, she finds solace and inspiration in the poetic beauty of her surroundings. Through a series of poignant encounters and introspective moments, she learns to embrace her true self and the vibrant tapestry of life that unfolds around her.
The 12479th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Looking At Women Looking At War by Victoria Amelina
Set against the backdrop of conflict, this poignant narrative delves into the multifaceted experiences of women who find themselves entangled in the throes of war. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book explores the emotional and psychological landscapes of its characters, highlighting their resilience, vulnerability, and the unique perspectives they bring to the chaos surrounding them. As the women navigate the complexities of survival, identity, and loss, the narrative offers a profound reflection on the human condition and the indomitable spirit that emerges in the face of adversity.
The 12484th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Secret Lives Of The Dead by Tim Lebbon
In a world where the boundary between life and death is blurred, a group of individuals discovers that the deceased have secrets that could alter the course of the living. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the afterlife, they uncover a hidden realm where the dead communicate through cryptic messages, revealing truths that challenge their understanding of existence. This gripping tale weaves elements of suspense and the supernatural, exploring themes of mortality, memory, and the enduring connections that transcend the grave.
The 12486th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
When The Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy
Set in a small, isolated town, the story delves into the mysterious and eerie events that unfold when a long-lost family member returns home after years of absence. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense, folklore, and psychological tension as the protagonist grapples with unsettling changes in their environment and the resurfacing of dark secrets. As the line between reality and myth blurs, the community must confront the haunting past and the chilling presence that threatens to unravel their lives.
The 12488th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Raven Scholar by Antonia Hodgson
Set against the backdrop of 18th-century England, this gripping historical mystery follows a young scholar who becomes embroiled in a web of secrets and intrigue after discovering a mysterious manuscript. As he delves deeper into the enigmatic text, he uncovers a series of dark conspiracies that threaten not only his life but also the stability of the nation. With a cast of richly drawn characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists, the story weaves a tale of deception, loyalty, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
The 12489th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
They Bloom At Night by Trang Thanh Tran
Set against the backdrop of a mystical Vietnamese village, this enchanting tale follows the journey of a young girl who discovers her family's secret legacy of nurturing rare, luminescent flowers that only bloom under the moonlight. As she delves deeper into the mysteries of her heritage, she uncovers hidden truths about her ancestors and the magical connection between the flowers and the village's prosperity. With the help of newfound friends, she must navigate challenges and embrace her destiny to protect the village from impending darkness, all while learning the true power of love, courage, and tradition.
The 12490th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Hemlock & Silver by T. Kingfisher
In a world where magic and mystery intertwine, a young woman finds herself caught in a web of intrigue and danger after discovering a hidden realm filled with mythical creatures and ancient secrets. As she navigates this enchanting yet perilous landscape, she must rely on her wits and newfound allies to unravel the truth behind a series of dark events threatening both her world and the magical one. With courage and determination, she embarks on a journey that challenges her understanding of loyalty, friendship, and the very nature of magic itself.
The 12491st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Black Woods Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Alaska's rugged wilderness, this novel weaves a tale of resilience, love, and the indomitable spirit of nature. The story follows a young couple who, seeking solace and a fresh start, move to a remote cabin in the woods. As they navigate the challenges of isolation and the harsh elements, they discover the profound beauty and danger that the wild holds. Their journey is one of self-discovery, as they confront their pasts and forge a deeper connection with each other and the land that surrounds them.
The 12492nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Old Soul by Susan Barker
Set against a backdrop of historical and contemporary China, this novel intricately weaves the lives of its characters through time, exploring themes of reincarnation and destiny. The story follows a protagonist who experiences vivid memories of past lives, each one intricately connected to the others, revealing a tapestry of love, betrayal, and redemption. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of their current life, they are drawn into a journey of self-discovery, uncovering the profound impact of their past actions and the enduring nature of the human soul.
The 12493rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Eyes Of Gaza by Plestia Alaqad
Set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, this poignant narrative delves into the lives of those caught in the crossfire, offering a deeply personal and human perspective on the struggles faced by the inhabitants. Through vivid storytelling, the book captures the resilience, hope, and heartbreak of individuals striving to maintain a sense of normalcy amidst chaos. It sheds light on the emotional and physical toll of war, while also highlighting the enduring spirit and solidarity of a community determined to survive and thrive despite the odds.
The 12494th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Place Of Tides by James Rebanks
Years after meeting an elderly woman who cared for wild eider ducks on a remote Norwegian island, James Rebanks returns to spend her final season there. He joins her harsh, ancient work—building shelters and gathering precious eiderdown—and witnesses the rhythms of an elemental landscape. The book follows that season and Rebanks’s evolving understanding of the woman, the place, and himself.
The 12182nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Loved One by Aisha Muharrar
In this heartfelt narrative, a young woman grapples with the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery following the unexpected death of a close family member. As she navigates through her grief, she finds solace in unexpected friendships and learns to embrace the bittersweet memories that linger. The story delicately explores themes of healing and resilience, capturing the essence of human connection and the enduring impact of those we hold dear.
The 12497th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
No More Tears by Gardiner Harris
No More Tears is an investigative account tracing Gardiner Harris’s long-term reporting into Johnson & Johnson. Beginning with a chance conversation in 2004, the book examines decades of corporate decisions, safety concerns, marketing practices, and regulatory failures tied to consumer and prescription products—ranging from personal-care items to pain relievers and psychiatric medications—and how those actions affected public health.
The 12498th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake
Nina Kaur, a sophomore eager to secure her future, and Dr. Sloane Hartley, an adjunct professor and new mother asked to be the sorority’s academic liaison, are drawn into the rituals and culture of The House, an elite campus sisterhood. As they pursue belonging and influence, they must reckon with the moral and personal costs of loyalty to a group that demands conformity and secrecy.
The 12499th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Savage, Noble Death Of Babs Dionne by Ron Currie Jr.
In small-town Waterville, Maine, Babs Dionne—a proud Franco-American grandmother and ruthless crime matriarch—runs the local drug trade with help from her allies and oldest daughter. When a distant kingpin dispatches a mysterious enforcer known as “The Man” to probe slipping numbers, and Babs’s youngest daughter, Sis, disappears, the town is thrown into a tense, dangerous search for answers.
The 12502nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq
Heart Lamp is a collection of twelve short stories set in Muslim communities in southern India, focusing on the everyday lives of women and girls. Using a vivid, colloquial voice and dry, gentle humour, the stories portray family and community tensions through a diverse cast—children, grandmothers, clerics, brothers, husbands and, above all, mothers—exploring resilience and intimate struggles without revealing plot details.
The 9644th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org
The Greatest Books, 790 Books
This is honorable mention lists of greatest books of 2025. The original list of the top 100 is here: https://thegreatestbooks.org/lists/1088. This list are the books ranked 101 and after. This list is ranked
This list was originally published in 2025 and was added to this site 7 months ago.
This list has a weight of 30%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.
Here is a list of what is decreasing the importance of this list:
- List: is a follow up/honorable mention to a different list
- List: only covers 1 year (yearly book awards, best of the year, etc)
- Voters: Unknown Names
If you think this is incorrect please contact us.
- Number of Voters:
- 150
- Voter Count Unknown:
- No
- Voter Names Unknown:
- Yes
- High Quality Source:
- Yes
- Location Specific:
- No
- Category Specific:
- No