17 Books That You’ll Cancel Plans to Finish

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  • Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides

    The book follows the life of Calliope Stephanides, a Greek-American hermaphrodite, who narrates her epic story starting from her grandparents' incestuous relationship in a small village in Asia Minor to her own self-discovery in 20th century America. The novel delves into themes of identity, gender, and the American dream, while also providing a detailed history of Detroit through the eyes of three generations of an immigrant family.

    The 415th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Secret History by Donna Tartt

    A group of six classics students at a small, elite Vermont college, led by a charismatic professor, become entranced by the study of Greek culture and decide to recreate a Dionysian ritual, which ends in a tragic accident. The group, bound by their shared secret, begins to unravel as paranoia and guilt take hold. The novel explores themes of beauty and terror, the allure of the esoteric, and the destructive consequences of obsession.

    The 278th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Girls by Emma Cline

    Set in the late 1960s, the story follows a teenage girl named Evie Boyd, who becomes captivated by a group of free-spirited girls led by the enigmatic Suzanne. As Evie is drawn into their world, she becomes increasingly involved with their commune and its charismatic leader, Russell. The novel explores themes of adolescence, longing for acceptance, and the dark allure of cult dynamics, ultimately leading Evie to confront the consequences of her choices and the loss of innocence. Through Evie's eyes, the narrative delves into the complexities of identity and the search for belonging during a tumultuous period in American history.

    The 14901st Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Incendiary by Chris Cleave

    Set against the backdrop of a terrorist attack in London, this gripping narrative unfolds through a series of poignant letters written by a grieving mother to Osama bin Laden. As she grapples with the devastating loss of her husband and son, she navigates a world filled with chaos, fear, and media frenzy. Her raw and unfiltered voice captures the complexities of grief, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity for hope amidst unimaginable tragedy. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world forever altered by violence.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet, Xe Sands

    "A Children's Bible" follows a group of children and their parents who are spending the summer in a rented house in the countryside. As the parents indulge in drinking and infidelity, the children are left to their own devices and begin to explore the surrounding wilderness. When a severe storm hits and the world as they know it begins to crumble, the children turn to their own imaginations and a battered old Bible for guidance. The novel is a poignant commentary on climate change, societal decay, and the resilience of youth.

    The 9242nd Greatest Book of All Time
  • Klara And The Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

    The novel centers around Klara, an Artificial Friend with keen observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches the behavior of those who come in to browse, and those who pass on the street outside. She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change forever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans. Set in a dystopian future, the story explores complex themes such as the nature of love, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and what it truly means to be human, all through the eyes of an AI protagonist yearning to understand the people she is meant to serve.

    The 4968th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

    Set during the turmoil of World War II, the novel follows the intersecting lives of a blind French girl and a German boy. The girl, living in occupied France, seeks solace in the world of books and the imagination, while the boy, a member of Hitler Youth, is a radio operator for the German forces. Their paths cross in the walled city of Saint-Malo, with the narrative exploring themes of survival, morality, and the human spirit.

    The 1431st Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani

    "The Perfect Nanny" by Leïla Slimani is a psychological thriller that explores the relationship between a wealthy Parisian family and their nanny, Louise. The novel begins with the murder of the two children in the family by Louise, who had been their caregiver for several years. The story then delves into the events leading up to the tragic incident, revealing the complex dynamics between the family and Louise. Slimani's novel is a chilling portrayal of the blurred lines between love and obsession, and the dangers that can arise when those lines are crossed.

    The 5958th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Sociopath by Patric Gagne

    In this gripping psychological thriller, readers are plunged into the mind of a cunning and manipulative individual who navigates the world with a chilling lack of empathy. The protagonist, a master of deception, weaves through relationships and societal norms with calculated precision, leaving a trail of chaos and intrigue in their wake. As the story unfolds, the lines between sanity and madness blur, challenging perceptions of morality and the human psyche. With unexpected twists and a haunting narrative, this tale delves deep into the complexities of human behavior and the dark allure of power.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

    The novel is a reimagining of the ancient Greek epic of the Trojan War, told from the perspective of Patroclus, an exiled young prince who becomes the beloved companion of Achilles, the greatest warrior of his age. Their deep bond and affection for one another transform into a powerful love that defies the expectations of their society and the will of the gods. As they grow into men, their fates become increasingly intertwined with the legendary conflict at Troy, where honor, sacrifice, and destiny culminate in a poignant and tragic conclusion. The story explores themes of heroism, glory, and the humanizing effects of love against the backdrop of war and the capricious whims of immortals.

    The 1327th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Fruit Of The Dead by Rachel Lyon

    Set in a small, tight-knit community, the story unfolds around a mysterious orchard that bears fruit with the power to reveal hidden truths and secrets. As the townspeople grapple with the revelations brought forth by the fruit, long-buried tensions and conflicts resurface, challenging relationships and testing loyalties. The narrative weaves together elements of magical realism and suspense, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the consequences of uncovering the past. With a rich tapestry of characters, the tale delves into the complexities of human nature and the delicate balance between truth and harmony.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Luster by Raven Leilani

    In this compelling narrative, a young Black woman navigates the complexities of modern life, grappling with her identity, desires, and the intricacies of an unconventional relationship. Set against the backdrop of New York City, she finds herself entangled with a middle-aged white man in an open marriage, leading her to confront her own vulnerabilities and aspirations. Through a blend of sharp wit and poignant introspection, the story explores themes of race, class, and the search for belonging, painting a vivid portrait of a woman striving to find her place in a world that often feels indifferent.

    The 14165th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • What Happened To Ruthy Ramirez by Claire Jimenez

    In this gripping narrative, the Ramirez family is thrust into turmoil when their teenage daughter, Ruthy, mysteriously disappears without a trace. Years later, the family is still grappling with the unresolved pain and unanswered questions surrounding her vanishing. The story unfolds as Ruthy's sister, Jessica, stumbles upon a reality TV show featuring a contestant who bears an uncanny resemblance to Ruthy, reigniting hope and prompting a journey filled with emotional revelations, familial bonds, and the relentless pursuit of truth. The novel deftly explores themes of identity, loss, and the enduring power of family ties.

    The 14165th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

    The novel is a deeply moving portrayal of four friends in New York City, spanning over several decades. It primarily focuses on Jude, a man with a mysterious and traumatic past, who struggles with physical disability and emotional trauma. The story explores themes of friendship, love, trauma, suffering, and the human will to endure in spite of life's hardships. It is an epic tale of heartbreak and despair but also of resilience and enduring love.

    The 1789th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

    The novel follows the life of a young, beautiful, and wealthy woman living in New York City who decides to enter a year of drug-induced sleep to escape her disillusionment with life and the world around her. Encouraged by her eccentric, unethical psychiatrist, she spends most of her time sleeping, waking only to eat, watch movies, and occasionally socialize with her best friend. The book explores themes of depression, alienation, and the search for meaning in a modern, materialistic society.

    The 2213th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • A Visit From The Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

    "A Visit from the Goon Squad" is an interconnected collection of stories about a group of characters whose lives intersect in the music industry. The narrative spans several decades, tracing the characters' journey from their youth to middle age. It explores themes of time, change, and the impact of technology on human relationships and the music industry. The novel is known for its experimental structure, including a chapter written as a PowerPoint presentation.

    The 419th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Tomorrow, And Tomorrow, And Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

    The novel follows the intertwined lives of two childhood friends, Sam and Sadie, who reconnect in adulthood to create a successful video game company. Their partnership is marked by both creative synergy and personal conflicts as they navigate the complexities of friendship, ambition, and the gaming industry. Through triumphs and setbacks, the story explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of collaboration.

    The 2823rd Greatest Book of All Time
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About this list

Oprah, 17 Books

This list, titled '17 Books That You’ll Cancel Plans to Finish,' is curated by editors at Oprah Daily and aims to highlight books that are so compelling they will capture readers' full attention, potentially disrupting their daily routines. The selection criteria focus on narratives with gripping characters and plots that resonate long after reading. The list is curated by a team including Charley Burlock, Trish Bendix, Michelle Hart, Marion Winik, and Bethanne Patrick, indicating a professional editorial approach rather than a public vote. The curated list is intended to showcase books that offer more than just an escape, but stories that become an integral part of the reader's life. Each book is selected based on its ability to deeply engage and linger in the reader's mind, ensuring they are hard to put down.

This list was originally published in 2025 and was added to this site over 1 year ago.

How Good is this List?

This list has a weight of 1%. 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:

  • Voters: Voter Count
  • List: criteria is not just "best/favorite"
  • Voters: are mostly from a single country/location

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List Information

Number of Voters:
5
Voter Count Unknown:
No
Voter Names Unknown:
No
High Quality Source:
No
Location Specific:
No
Category Specific:
No