The Greatest Books Since 2018
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.
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251. A Fever In The Heartland by Timothy Egan
The Ku Klux Klan's Plot to Take Over America, and the Woman Who Stopped Them
A Fever In The Heartland delves into the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s, focusing on the charismatic leader D.C. Stephenson, who expanded the group's influence across the American Heartland. The narrative explores how the Klan's ideology permeated society, gaining support from various influential figures. However, the story takes a turn when Madge Oberholtzer, a courageous woman, exposes Stephenson's brutal nature, leading to a pivotal moment that challenges the Klan's power and influence.
The 8602nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
252. Carnality by Lina Wolff
The novel explores the complexities of human desire and the moral ambiguities that accompany it, set against the backdrop of a politically unstable Spain. The protagonist, a Swedish writer, travels to Madrid to interview a controversial film director, only to become entangled in a web of lust, power, and existential questioning. As she navigates the city's vibrant yet chaotic atmosphere, she encounters a cast of eccentric characters, each grappling with their own inner conflicts and societal pressures. Through these interactions, the narrative delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the often blurred lines between reality and illusion.
The 8620th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
253. Things In Nature Merely Grow by Yiyun Li
Yiyun Li reflects on the deaths of her two sons and her attempts to live alongside that loss. Through writing, gardening, reading philosophy, learning piano, and close attention to language and thought, she examines what it means to continue "being" after a loved one is gone, offering intimate, meditative observations without revealing private details.
The 8625th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
254. We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman
The story revolves around the deep and enduring friendship between two women, Ash and Edi, as they navigate the heart-wrenching journey of Edi's terminal illness. Set against the backdrop of a hospice, the narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexities of saying goodbye. Through moments of humor, sorrow, and profound connection, the book captures the essence of human relationships and the ways in which we cope with the inevitable challenges of life and death.
The 8631st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
255. The Fraud by Zadie Smith
Set in 1873, "The Fraud" follows Mrs. Eliza Touchet, a Scottish housekeeper and cousin by marriage to the declining novelist William Ainsworth. Living with him for thirty years, Mrs. Touchet is a woman of varied interests, including literature, justice, and class. She harbors doubts about her cousin's talent and questions the moral integrity of his friend, Charles Dickens. Meanwhile, Andrew Bogle, who grew up enslaved on a Jamaican plantation, becomes a key witness in the famous "Tichborne Trial" in London. As the trial unfolds, Mrs. Touchet and Bogle navigate a world filled with deception and facades, questioning the nature of truth and identity. The novel explores themes of authenticity, societal hypocrisy, and the complex interplay between truth and fiction.
The 8641st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
256. Raising Hare by Chloe Dalton
During lockdown, speechwriter Chloe Dalton rescues an orphaned leveret and forms an unexpected companionship with a wild hare. The memoir follows their evolving relationship and reflects on freedom, trust, loss, and our connection to the natural world, while also exploring hare behavior and their place in culture and folklore.
The 8649th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
257. Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
Winifred Notty takes a position as a Victorian governess at the gloomy Ensor House, where the household’s eccentricities and her own troubled past begin to unsettle her. As she cares for the children and navigates the family’s secrets, her dark imagination and compulsions start to blur the line between fantasy and reality, leading to a tense and unsettling climax around Christmas.
The 8650th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
258. Liliana's Invincible Summer by Cristina Rivera Garza
A Sister's Search for Her Missing Brother
"Liliana's Invincible Summer" is a poignant memoir by Cristina Rivera Garza, reflecting on the life and untimely death of her younger sister, Liliana. The narrative delves into the vibrant and hopeful life Liliana led before it was tragically ended by her ex-boyfriend. Through a blend of personal recollections and collected evidence, Cristina paints a vivid picture of Liliana's journey, from her childhood in Mexico to the summer of 1990, marked by love and exploration. The book explores themes of grief, resilience, and the pervasive issue of gendered violence, as Cristina seeks to understand and honor her sister's life beyond the tragedy.
The 8666th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
259. From Blood And Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
In a world where the line between duty and desire blurs, a young woman named Poppy is chosen as the Maiden, destined to remain untouched until her Ascension. Her life is one of solitude and strict rules, but everything changes when she meets Hawke, a guard who challenges her beliefs and awakens forbidden feelings. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, Poppy is thrust into a dangerous journey of self-discovery, where she must confront her own desires and the truth about her world, ultimately leading to a battle for her freedom and her heart.
The 8672nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
260. The Discomfort Of Evening by Lucas Rijneveld
The novel explores the profound impact of grief and loss on a rural Dutch family following the tragic death of their eldest son. Narrated by his ten-year-old sister, the story delves into the family's unraveling as each member grapples with their sorrow in isolation, leading to a breakdown in communication and emotional connection. The young narrator's vivid imagination and coping mechanisms reveal the complexities of childhood innocence amidst trauma, as she navigates her own fears and desires in a world marked by silence and discomfort. Through stark and evocative prose, the narrative captures the haunting and often unsettling nature of mourning and the struggle to find solace in the face of overwhelming despair.
The 8692nd Greatest Book of All Time -
261. Too Much Lip by Melissa Lucashenko
Set in a small Australian town, this compelling narrative follows the journey of a fiercely independent woman who returns to her ancestral home to confront her family's turbulent past. As she grapples with the complexities of her Aboriginal heritage, she uncovers long-buried secrets that challenge her understanding of identity, belonging, and justice. With a blend of humor and raw emotion, the story explores themes of resilience, reconciliation, and the enduring bonds of family amidst the backdrop of cultural and social tensions.
The 8696th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
262. What We Can Know by Ian McEwan
Set between 2014 and a flooded near-future, the novel centers on a mysterious poem read at a dinner and a lone scholar, Thomas Metcalfe, who becomes obsessed with finding it. His search through archives and lives unearths love, loss and a violent secret, as the book probes how we piece together the past and what can truly be known across time.
The 8706th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
263. King Of Ashes by S. A. Cosby
Roman Carruthers returns to his Virginia hometown after his father is badly injured and discovers his family is in deeper trouble than he expected: a brother owing dangerous money to criminals and a sister determined to uncover the mystery of their mother’s disappearance years earlier. Using his financial skills and ruthless determination, Roman must confront old secrets and new threats to protect his family before everything unravels.
The 8723rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
264. The Uninhabitable Earth by David Wallace-Wells
Life After Warming
The book presents a stark and urgent examination of the catastrophic impacts of climate change, detailing the potential consequences of inaction. It explores a range of scenarios, from extreme weather events and rising sea levels to food shortages and mass migrations, emphasizing that these threats are not distant possibilities but imminent realities. The narrative underscores the interconnectedness of global systems and the profound changes required to mitigate the worst outcomes, urging immediate and comprehensive action to address the climate crisis.
The 8724th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
265. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
The story follows Piper Bellinger, a fashionable and carefree socialite whose life takes an unexpected turn when she's sent to a small fishing town in Washington as a consequence of her wild behavior. There, she meets Brendan, a rugged and stoic sea captain, who challenges her perceptions and ignites a surprising romance. As Piper navigates the challenges of small-town life and discovers more about her family's past, she begins to transform, finding strength and purpose beyond her glamorous Los Angeles lifestyle. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, love, and the importance of community.
The 8728th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
266. All The Sinners Bleed by S. A. Cosby
In this gripping Southern noir thriller, a Black sheriff in a small Virginia town confronts a series of brutal crimes that uncover deep-seated racial tensions and long-buried secrets. As he investigates a school shooting that spirals into a complex web of murder and corruption, he must navigate the challenges of his position in a predominantly white community while grappling with his own past. The narrative explores themes of justice, redemption, and the struggle for truth in a society fraught with prejudice and moral ambiguity.
The 8744th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
267. Inland by Téa Obreht
Set in the arid American West of the late 1800s, the novel weaves together the lives of two remarkable characters: a frontierswoman awaiting the return of her sons and husband to their drought-ridden homestead, and an outlaw on the run from his past, haunted by visions of lost camels and a mysterious boy. Their stories converge in a desolate town, where their fates intertwine through a series of events that encompass both the supernatural and the deeply human. The narrative explores themes of survival, myth, and the intersection of different cultures against a backdrop of a harsh and unforgiving landscape.
The 8771st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
268. Mother Mary Comes To Me by Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy reflects on her relationship with her mother, Mary Roy, exploring how childhood in Kerala and her mother’s fierce presence shaped her life and work. Written after Mary’s death, the memoir navigates complex feelings—love, anger, grief and admiration—without revealing plot details. Intimate, candid, and often quietly humorous, it examines how personal history forms identity and writing.
The 8782nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
269. Loot by Tania James
In the 18th century, young woodcarver Abbas is thrust into a world of art and adventure when he is tasked with creating a mechanical tiger for Tipu Sultan's sons. As he collaborates with the skilled French clockmaker Lucien du Leze, Abbas's journey takes him from India to Europe. Along the way, he navigates the complexities of war, displacement, and cultural exchange. When the tiger automaton is stolen, Abbas embarks on a daring mission to retrieve it from an English estate, reflecting the turbulent history of colonialism and personal growth.
The 8814th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
270. Fire Weather by John Vaillant
The Making of a Beast
The book delves into the catastrophic wildfire that engulfed Fort McMurray in Alberta, Canada, in 2016, exploring its devastating impact on the community and environment. It examines the complex interplay of natural and human factors that contributed to the disaster, including climate change, industrial activities, and urban development. Through vivid storytelling and detailed research, the narrative highlights the resilience of the affected residents while also serving as a cautionary tale about the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in a warming world.
The 8832nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
271. The Axeman's Carnival by Catherine Chidgey
"The Axeman's Carnival" is a gripping historical novel set in 1918 New Orleans, during the height of the Spanish flu pandemic. As the city grapples with fear and uncertainty, a serial killer known as the Axeman terrorizes its inhabitants. The story follows three main characters—a jazz musician, a young girl, and a detective—as their lives intertwine amidst the chaos. With vivid descriptions and a suspenseful narrative, the book explores themes of resilience, identity, and the power of music in the face of darkness.
The 8837th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
272. Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout
In the small town of Crosby, Maine, a murder investigation unfolds, drawing together a cast of familiar characters. Bob Burgess, the town lawyer, finds himself defending a man accused of a shocking crime. Amidst this turmoil, he forms a deep friendship with Lucy Barton, a writer living nearby. Together, they explore their pasts, fears, and the meaning of their lives. Meanwhile, Lucy meets Olive Kitteridge, and the two women share stories of the people they've known, finding solace and understanding in their shared experiences. "Tell Me Everything" delves into the complexities of human relationships and the different forms love can take.
The 8839th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
273. Negative Space by Luljeta Lleshanaku
"Negative Space" is a collection of poetry that delves into themes of loss, longing, and the complexities of human relationships. Through her precise and evocative language, the author explores the emptiness and absence that often define our lives, while also offering glimpses of hope and resilience. With introspective and thought-provoking verses, the book invites readers to reflect on the intricacies of existence and the profound impact of the spaces we leave behind.
The 8843rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
274. I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home by Lorrie Moore
"I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home" by Lorrie Moore is a novel that intertwines the past and present through a ghostly narrative. The story follows a teacher who travels to the Bronx to visit his ailing brother. Alongside this, a mysterious journal from the 1800s is stolen from a boarding house, weaving a connection between different eras. The novel introduces intriguing characters, including a therapy clown and an assassin, who challenge the boundaries between life and death. With a blend of humor and introspection, the book explores themes of love, grief, and the enduring impact of history on the human heart.
The 8852nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
275. The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates
This novel follows the life of a young slave, Hiram Walker, who possesses a mysterious power related to memory and water, which he discovers after almost drowning. His journey from the plantations of Virginia to the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement in the North is filled with loss, love, and a desperate desire for freedom. The narrative explores themes of slavery, racial injustice, and the power of memory and storytelling, all underpinned by the protagonist's supernatural abilities.
The 8855th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
Reading Statistics
Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!
Download
If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.
DownloadTo download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.
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