The Greatest Contemporary, Drama, and Romance Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 488 '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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Genres

Contemporary

Contemporary books are a genre that focuses on stories set in the present day, often exploring current social, cultural, and political issues. These books are typically written in a modern style and often feature relatable characters dealing with real-life situations. Contemporary books can cover a wide range of topics, from romance and family drama to coming-of-age stories and thrillers. The genre is constantly evolving to reflect the changing world we live in, making it a popular choice for readers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and issues.

Drama

Drama is a genre of literature that typically deals with serious and emotional themes, often exploring the complexities of human relationships and the struggles individuals face in their lives. These books often feature intense character development and intricate plotlines, delving into the depths of human experience and the challenges of navigating the world around us. From family dramas to political intrigue, the drama genre encompasses a wide range of stories that aim to captivate readers with their raw and powerful storytelling.

Romance

The Romance category of books typically involves stories that revolve around romantic relationships between two or more characters. These stories often explore themes of love, passion, and intimacy, and may include elements of drama, suspense, or humor. Romance novels can range from sweet and innocent to steamy and erotic, and may be set in a variety of time periods and locations. Overall, the Romance genre offers readers a chance to escape into a world of love and romance, where anything is possible.

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  1. 1. High Fidelity by Nick Hornby

    This novel revolves around the life of a record store owner in his mid-thirties who is obsessed with pop culture, particularly music. He has just been dumped by his long-term girlfriend and begins to question his life choices. As he revisits his top five breakups, he decides to get in touch with the exes to find out what went wrong in each relationship. Throughout this process, he learns a lot about himself, his fears, and his shortcomings while trying to make sense of his life.

    The 659th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin

    "Tales of the City" is a collection of interconnected stories set in 1970s San Francisco, focusing on the lives and experiences of a diverse group of residents living in the same apartment complex. The narrative explores various themes such as love, friendship, sexuality, and identity, providing a vivid snapshot of life in this iconic city during a transformative period of social change. The book is known for its candid portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and issues, a groundbreaking approach at the time of its publication.

    The 780th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann

    The novel follows the lives of three young women in New York City from 1945 to 1965 as they navigate the ruthless world of show business and the cost of fame. Each woman becomes dependent on "dolls," a slang term for pills, as they deal with the pressures of their careers, personal lives, and societal expectations. The narrative explores themes of ambition, addiction, and the destructive side of fame, providing a gritty, unflinching look at the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry.

    The 1182nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Normal People by Sally Rooney

    "Normal People" is a novel that explores the complex relationship between two high school students from different social classes in a small town in Ireland. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they form a strong bond that continues into their university years at Trinity College. The narrative follows their journey, filled with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and emotional intimacy, as they navigate their way through love, friendship, mental health issues, and the struggles of growing up.

    The 1233rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Girl With Green Eyes by Edna O'Brien

    "Girl With Green Eyes" is a novel about a young, naive country girl who moves to Dublin and falls in love with a sophisticated older man who is married and a writer. The book explores themes of love, passion, innocence, and societal expectations. The protagonist's journey is marked by her struggle to reconcile her feelings for the man she loves with the moral and social implications of their relationship.

    The 1921st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

    This novel follows the poignant journey of two teenagers, both cancer patients, who meet in a support group and fall in love. Their shared experiences and unique outlook on life and death bring them closer together, and they embark on a trip to Amsterdam to meet a reclusive author they both admire. Through their journey, they explore the harsh realities of living with a terminal illness while also experiencing the beautiful and tragic aspects of first love.

    The 2140th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

    This novel is a historical fiction that provides a rich exploration of life in Japan before World War II, through the eyes of a young girl sold into the geisha lifestyle. The protagonist is trained in the arts of entertaining wealthy and powerful men, navigating a world of jealousy, love, and social politics. Her journey is one of resilience and survival as she strives to find personal happiness in a society that views her as a commodity.

    The 2143rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

    "Fates and Furies" is a novel split into two parts, providing two perspectives on a single marriage. The first half of the book, "Fates," is told from the point of view of the husband, Lotto, a charismatic but failed actor turned successful playwright, who views his marriage as happy and his wife as supportive. The second half, "Furies," is told from the perspective of his wife, Mathilde, revealing her hidden past and the sacrifices and manipulations she has performed to maintain their life together. The novel explores themes of love, secrets, and the different narratives created within a relationship.

    The 3303rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Memories of Rain by Sunetra Gupta

    The novel explores the crumbling marriage of a Bengali woman and her Greek husband. The narrative alternates between Kolkata, India, and London, England, and spans over a decade, capturing the protagonist's emotional turmoil, her struggle to reconcile her Indian heritage with her Western lifestyle, and her eventual decision to leave her unfaithful husband. The novel is rich in poetic language and imagery, and it delves deep into themes of identity, cultural displacement, and the complexities of love and betrayal.

    The 3945th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner

    The novel follows the story of a romance novelist, who, after a love affair with a married man, is sent by her friends to a Swiss hotel to recover. At the hotel, she meets various eccentric characters, including a wealthy woman and her daughter, a mysterious, wealthy man, and a couple on their honeymoon. As she observes and interacts with these characters, she is forced to examine her own life and choices, ultimately deciding whether to accept a marriage proposal from a man she doesn't love or to continue living independently.

    The 4263rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker

    In this gripping tale of healing and redemption, a young woman named Kacey Cleary is on a quest to escape the haunting memories of a tragic accident that shattered her life. Fleeing to Miami with her younger sister, Livie, Kacey is determined to bury her past and start anew. However, as she navigates her way through a new city, she encounters a cast of intriguing characters, including the mysterious and charming Trent Emerson, who challenges her to confront her fears and open her heart. As secrets unravel and emotions intensify, Kacey must decide whether to continue running or face the pain head-on to find the peace she desperately seeks.

    The 6252nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

    In this poignant and emotionally charged novel, a couple grapples with the complexities of love and marriage as they confront the painful reality of infertility. Through alternating timelines, the story delves into the couple's past, filled with passion and promise, and their present, marked by heartache and distance. As they navigate the challenges that threaten to tear them apart, they must confront their deepest fears and insecurities to rediscover the love that once bound them. This tale of resilience and hope explores the imperfections of relationships and the enduring power of love to heal and transform.

    The 7432nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

    The novel chronicles the meteoric rise and tumultuous fall of a fictional 1970s rock band, focusing on the complex relationships and personal struggles of its members. Through a series of interview-style narratives, the story delves into the creative and emotional dynamics between the enigmatic lead singer, Daisy Jones, and the band's charismatic frontman, Billy Dunne. As they navigate fame, addiction, and conflicting ambitions, the band's journey is marked by intense passion, artistic brilliance, and inevitable heartbreak, ultimately revealing the cost of their legendary status.

    The 7828th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Disappearing Acts by Terry McMillan

    "Disappearing Acts" is a poignant narrative that delves into the complexities of a modern relationship, set against the backdrop of Brooklyn, New York. The story follows the lives of two African-American protagonists—a struggling construction worker and an ambitious music teacher—as they navigate the turbulent waters of love, ambition, and societal expectations. Their romance is marked by raw honesty and vulnerability, as they confront personal demons, financial hardships, and the challenges of an interracial relationship. The novel offers a gritty, realistic exploration of love and the transformative power of self-discovery and resilience in the face of adversity.

    The 7863rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

    The novel follows the journey of Lily Bloom, a young woman who moves to Boston to start her own business and escape her troubled past. She meets and falls in love with a charming neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, but their relationship becomes complicated as Ryle's dark side emerges. As Lily grapples with her feelings for Ryle, she reconnects with her first love, Atlas Corrigan, who reappears in her life unexpectedly. The story explores themes of love, resilience, and the complexities of domestic abuse, as Lily must make difficult decisions to protect herself and her future.

    The 8086th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham

    The narrative revolves around the lives of two boyhood friends navigating through their complicated lives in the 1980s. One of them is a bisexual man mourning the loss of his lover to AIDS, and the other is a straight man who's been in love with his friend since childhood. Their lives intertwine with a bohemian woman who dreams of having a child. The three of them form an unconventional family, exploring the complexities of relationships, love, and the concept of home.

    The 9503rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Dirt Music by Tim Winton

    The novel explores the entangled lives of a small, tight-knit community in Western Australia, where the past and personal grief weigh heavily on the present. It centers on the illicit romance between Georgie Jutland, a woman feeling trapped in her relationship with a local fisherman, and Lu Fox, a poacher with a troubled history. Their connection sets off a chain of events that disrupts the community and sends Lu on a transformative journey into the remote Australian wilderness. As the narrative unfolds, the characters grapple with their inner demons, the harsh realities of love and survival, and the redemptive power of nature and music.

    The 10767th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Banishing Verona by Margot Livesey

    The novel centers around the unexpected and profound connection between Zeke, a man with Asperger's syndrome who is skilled in carpentry and house renovation, and Verona, a pregnant radio host who is significantly older than him. Their lives intersect when Verona hires Zeke to work on her house, and despite their differences, they form an intense bond. However, when Verona suddenly leaves for London, Zeke is compelled to follow her, embarking on a journey that takes him out of his comfort zone and into a series of unpredictable and transformative experiences. The story explores themes of love, the challenges of communication, and the ways in which people's lives can become intertwined in the most unexpected of ways.

    The 10881st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Ttyl by Lauren Myracle

    This novel unfolds entirely through instant messages among three high school friends, chronicling their personal dramas as they navigate their sophomore year. The trio faces a range of teenage challenges, from boy troubles and friendship conflicts to more serious issues like peer pressure and inappropriate advances from a teacher. The format captures the authentic voice and dynamic interactions of adolescents, providing a snapshot of the early 2000s teen experience as the friends support each other through the ups and downs of adolescence.

    The 11358th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. I Loved You More by Tom Spanbauer

    This novel explores the complicated love triangle between a gay man, his best friend, and the woman they both love. Set in New York City and Portland, the narrative delves into the intricate dynamics of their relationships, the pain of unrequited love, and the struggle of coming to terms with one's sexuality. The protagonist's journey to self-discovery and acceptance is heart-wrenching and poignant, offering a raw and honest look at love, friendship, and identity.

    The 12163rd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Five Point Someone by Chetan Bhagat

    What not to do at IIT

    Set in the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, this novel follows the lives of three engineering students who struggle to cope with the intense academic pressure and rigid expectations of their institution. Through their journey, they navigate the challenges of friendship, love, and personal growth, often resorting to unconventional methods to survive the demanding environment. The story highlights the importance of finding one's own path and the value of experiences beyond academic achievements, ultimately questioning the true meaning of success in a highly competitive world.

    The 12701st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

    The novel centers on a young Jamaican British woman living in London, navigating the complexities of her identity, mental health, and relationships. After a painful breakup with her long-term boyfriend, she finds herself in a downward spiral, struggling with her self-worth and the pressures of societal expectations. As she deals with workplace discrimination, problematic dating experiences, and familial issues, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, supported by a cast of well-drawn friends and family members. The story offers a candid and often humorous exploration of contemporary issues such as race, feminism, and mental health, while providing a nuanced portrayal of the protagonist's resilience and growth.

    The 14371st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Separate Rooms by Pier Vittorio Tondelli

    The novel explores the profound journey of grief and self-discovery experienced by a young Italian writer following the death of his lover. Set against the backdrop of various European cities, the protagonist grapples with memories and emotions, reflecting on the complexities of love, loss, and identity. Through introspective narrative and vivid imagery, the story delves into the universal struggle of reconciling the past with the present, ultimately seeking solace and understanding in the face of profound personal loss.

    The 14371st Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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.

Download