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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626. Chinese Postman by Brian Castro
Abraham Quin, a seventy-something former postman and professor, now lives a solitary life in the Adelaide Hills. As he reflects on his past, he shares memories, anxieties, and opinions on solitude, writing, and friendship. His life takes a turn when he begins a correspondence with Iryna Zarebina, a woman seeking refuge from the war in Ukraine. Through their letters, Quin finds a renewed appreciation for language and the small wonders of nature, offering a unique perspective on the experience of aging.
The 10651st Greatest Book of All Time -
627. The White Hot by Quiara Alegría Hudes
April, a young mother living in a house of unspoken secrets and constant arguments, copes by numbing herself—until a sudden urge sends her buying a one-way bus ticket and walking away. Her ten-day escape into wilderness and uncertainty becomes an intense, sometimes dangerous search for herself, a reckoning with desire, grief, and the patterns that bind her family. Told as a letter to her daughter, the novel is a lyrical, sharp account of a woman learning what freedom and responsibility might mean.
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628. Lonely Crowds by Stephanie Wambugu
Ruth, the only child of recent immigrants, and Maria, a beautiful orphan, form an intense friendship at a Catholic school that carries them into college and the early‑1990s New York art world. Maria finds early success as an artist while Ruth drifts toward a quieter life, and their bond is tested by ambition, class, desire, and time. The novel follows their volatile intimacy across decades and culminates in a final, fateful confrontation.
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629. Paper Girl by Beth Macy
In Paper Girl, Beth Macy returns to her Ohio hometown of Urbana as her mother’s health declines and finds a community transformed by job loss, fading local institutions (including the newspaper she once delivered), worsening mental-health and school outcomes, and the rise of conspiratorial thinking. Blending personal memory with reporting, Macy examines how these forces have reshaped families and neighbors while also tracing small moments of resilience. The book is a clear, non‑spoiler portrait of a small American town in flux.
The 10658th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
630. Forest Of Noise by Mosab Abu Toha
Poems
"Forest of Noise" is a poignant collection of poems by Mosab Abu Toha, capturing the essence of life in Gaza amidst conflict. Through his evocative verses, Abu Toha shares personal experiences and reflections, offering a window into the resilience and humanity of those living under siege. The poems traverse moments of everyday life, from the tender memories of family to the stark realities of survival. With a blend of clarity and emotion, this collection invites readers to witness the beauty and hardship of existence in a war-torn land.
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631. You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian
In the backdrop of the 1960 baseball season, Eddie O’Leary, a struggling shortstop, finds himself in a challenging situation. Battling a batting slump and feeling out of place with his new team, Eddie is forced to give interviews to Mark Bailey, a reporter who would rather be anywhere else. Mark, dealing with his own grief and loss, is reluctantly tasked with covering Eddie's season. As they navigate their personal struggles and the bustling city around them, an unexpected bond forms between the two. However, both must confront their fears and decide if their connection can withstand the pressures of their worlds.
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632. Buckley by Sam Tanenhaus
The Life and the Revolution That Changed America
A biography of William F. Buckley Jr. that traces his rise from the 1951 publication of God and Man at Yale to his decades as founder of National Review, columnist, television personality, and influential figure in the conservative movement. It examines his public career, personal relationships, and the internal struggles that reshaped conservatism in the late 20th century, presented without revealing major surprises.
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633. Our Migrant Souls by Héctor Tobar
A Meditation on Race and the Meanings and Myths of 'Latino
The book delves into the complex and multifaceted experiences of Latinx individuals in the United States, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. Through a blend of personal narratives, historical context, and cultural analysis, it examines the challenges and triumphs faced by Latinx communities, highlighting their resilience and contributions to American society. The narrative seeks to humanize and give voice to the diverse stories within these communities, addressing issues of race, class, and the ongoing struggle for recognition and equality.
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634. Barcelona by Mary Costello
"Barcelona" by Mary Costello delves into the intricate lives of its characters, each grappling with personal turmoil. In a Spanish hotel, a marriage teeters on the brink as a young wife is haunted by memories of a past love. Meanwhile, a father travels to Paris to connect with his scientist son, only to uncover unexpected truths. Another story follows a woman attending a literary reading, leading her to confront unsettling truths about her own relationship. Set against various backdrops, from bustling city streets to quiet suburban rooms, these stories explore the hidden tensions of modern life and the profound moments that can alter one's destiny.
The 10664th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
635. 36 Ways Of Writing A Vietnamese Poem by Nam Le
"36 Ways Of Writing A Vietnamese Poem" by Nam Le is a powerful exploration of identity and the complexities faced by a Vietnamese refugee in the West. Through a long-form poem, Le navigates themes of racism, oppression, and historical trauma, while also questioning the assumptions tied to these experiences. The work delves into the challenges of feeling perpetually outside one's own culture and language, and the intricate relationship between identity and expression. With a dynamic blend of tones and styles, the poem shifts between personal reflections and broader political commentary, offering a poignant and thought-provoking narrative.
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636. Lorne by Susan Morrison
A profile of Lorne Michaels, the creator and longtime producer of Saturday Night Live. Based on extensive interviews with Michaels and many SNL writers and performers, it explores his personality, his approach to finding and nurturing talent, and how he built and sustained a show that transformed American comedy.
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637. Maggie; Or, A Man And A Woman Walk Into A Bar by Katie Yee
A Man And A Woman Walk Into A Bar
After discovering her husband’s affair, a woman is soon diagnosed with breast cancer and nicknames the tumor “Maggie.” Told in fragments over months, the narrator converses with the tumor and the other woman, reworks bedtime stories from Chinese folklore for her children, and uses wry, intimate humor to navigate grief, healing, and reclaiming her life.
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638. Western Lane by Chetna Maroo
The novel follows the story of a young girl named Gopi, who navigates the complexities of family life and personal growth through the lens of squash, a sport she shares with her father and sisters. Set against the backdrop of their British-Indian community, the narrative explores themes of grief, identity, and the pursuit of excellence. As Gopi hones her skills on the court, she also grapples with the emotional challenges of her mother's death and the evolving dynamics within her family, ultimately finding solace and understanding in the game that connects them all.
The 10669th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
639. Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
The novel revolves around the lives of the wealthy Stockton family living in Brooklyn Heights, exploring themes of privilege, family dynamics, and personal growth. The story is told through the perspectives of three women: Darley, the responsible eldest daughter who gave up her career for family; Sasha, the outsider married into the family who struggles to fit in; and Georgiana, the youngest sibling navigating her identity and romantic entanglements. As they confront their personal challenges and the expectations of their affluent world, each woman learns to redefine her sense of self and family, ultimately seeking fulfillment beyond their privileged upbringing.
The 10672nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
640. Day One by Abigail Dean
In the quaint English seaside town of Stonesmere, a tragic event at a school assembly shatters the community's peace. Marty, a seemingly perfect girl living in the shadow of her parents' legacy, and Trent, a boy yearning for stability amidst his transient life, find their paths intertwined by the aftermath. As Trent becomes engrossed in media conspiracies surrounding the incident, Marty struggles with her role as the town's grieving figure. The story unfolds, exploring how trauma, secrets, and unspoken emotions shape their lives and the community around them.
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641. Dirrayawadha by Anita Heiss
"Dirrayawadha" by Anita Heiss is a historical novel set during the frontier wars in Australia. The story follows Miinaa, a young Wiradyuri woman, who works for a settler family at Cloverdale. Her brother, Windradyne, is a leader among their people, and he brings news of unrest as tensions rise across their land. Miinaa's life takes a new turn when she meets Daniel O'Dwyer, an Irish convict, and they form a secret bond. As they navigate their differences and the challenges of their time, Miinaa and Daniel's relationship is tested by the surrounding conflict and the struggle for their homeland. The novel explores themes of love, resilience, and cultural identity against the backdrop of historical events.
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642. The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis
In 18th-century Little Nettlebed, five Mansfield sisters become the focus of fearful gossip when villagers claim to see them turning into dogs. Told through multiple local perspectives, the novel explores how superstition, rumor and intolerance escalate into suspicion and danger for those who stand apart. Moody and unsettling, it follows the mounting pressure on the sisters as the community’s anxieties intensify.
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643. These Summer Storms by Sarah MacLean
After her father’s sudden death, Alice returns to the family’s private Rhode Island island expecting to leave after the funeral. Instead, he has left an ultimatum: the family must stay on the island for a week and complete a series of tasks to inherit his estate. Forced to live under one roof, the siblings confront old secrets, rivalries and grief while their relationships and futures are put to the test.
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644. The Use Of Photography by Annie Ernaux, Marc Marie
"The Use of Photography" is a poignant exploration of love and mortality, chronicling the intimate relationship between Annie Ernaux and journalist Marc Marie. Set against the backdrop of Ernaux's battle with breast cancer, the narrative unfolds through alternating perspectives of the two authors. As they navigate their passionate affair, they find solace and expression in capturing the everyday chaos of their shared spaces through photography. This unique blend of prose and imagery offers a raw and honest portrayal of their connection, highlighting the intertwining of life's fleeting moments with the enduring power of memory.
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645. From From by Monica Youn
"From From" by Monica Youn delves into the complex experience of Asian American identity. Through a series of poems and essays, the book explores themes of belonging, identity, and the challenges of being perceived as an outsider. It examines the struggle of forming an identity amidst stereotypes and societal expectations, using a blend of personal reflection and cultural critique. The collection includes a variety of pieces that dissect the nuances of racial identity and the impact of historical and contemporary biases.
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646. A Living Remedy by Nicole Chung
A Memoir
"A Living Remedy" is a heartfelt memoir by Nicole Chung that delves into themes of family, class, and grief. The story follows Nicole's journey to understand her adoptive parents' lives and the challenges they faced. Growing up in a predominantly white town in Oregon, Nicole eventually finds a sense of belonging at a university on the East Coast. As she builds her own life, she grapples with the stark differences between her upbringing and her current middle-class existence. The narrative takes a poignant turn when Nicole's father passes away due to health issues exacerbated by limited access to healthcare. Soon after, her mother is diagnosed with cancer, and the pandemic further complicates their ability to be together. Through these personal trials, Nicole reflects on the enduring strength of family bonds and the societal inequalities that impact their lives.
The 10677th Greatest Book of All Time -
647. My Name Is Barbra by Barbra Streisand
"My Name Is Barbra" is a memoir by Barbra Streisand, offering a personal glimpse into her life and illustrious career. From her early days in Brooklyn to her rise in New York's nightclub scene, Barbra shares her journey to stardom. The book covers her iconic performances in "Funny Girl," her groundbreaking work on "Yentl," and her directorial ventures like "The Prince of Tides." With candid anecdotes, Barbra reflects on her friendships, political activism, and the joy she finds in her marriage to James Brolin. This memoir is a heartfelt narrative of a legendary entertainer's life and achievements.
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648. Spent by Alison Bechdel
Cartoonist Alison Bechdel, who runs a pygmy-goat sanctuary in Vermont, grapples with climate anxiety, social unrest, and her own privilege. After a previous memoir is adapted into a successful TV series, Alison grows envious and considers using storytelling—even imagining a makeover-style show—to push people toward more ethical, less consumer-driven lives. The novel is a sharp, humorous, and introspective look at creativity, envy, and the impulse to change the world without losing oneself.
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649. John & Paul by Ian Leslie
Ian Leslie examines the twenty-three-year relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, showing how their intense, shifting personal bond—affectionate, competitive and often turbulent—shaped The Beatles' music. Tracing their shared life before, during and after the band, the book explores how their private language, emotional dynamics and collaboration fueled creativity and songwriting.
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650. Your Face Belongs To Us by Kashmir Hill
A Secretive Startup's Quest to End Privacy as We Know It
"Your Face Belongs to Us" by Kashmir Hill delves into the rise of Clearview AI, a small company that developed a powerful facial recognition app. This technology can identify individuals with remarkable accuracy using just a single photo, pulling up personal details from the internet. The book explores the implications of such a tool, which has been shared with law enforcement and private entities, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance. Through the story of Clearview AI's development and the people behind it, Hill highlights the potential dangers of unregulated facial recognition technology.
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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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