The Greatest American "Contemporary, Relationships" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

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.

Relationships

The "Relationships" category in books encompasses a diverse range of topics centered around the dynamics between individuals in various types of interpersonal connections. This genre delves into the complexities of romantic partnerships, friendships, family bonds, professional associations, and the intricate web of social interactions that define human experience. Books in this category may offer insights into communication, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and the psychology of love and attachment. They can include self-help guides for improving personal connections, memoirs detailing real-life relational journeys, scholarly texts on sociological and psychological perspectives, and even fictional narratives that explore the nuances of human relationships. Whether providing advice for nurturing healthy and fulfilling relationships or offering a reflective lens on the challenges and triumphs of relating to others, this category aims to enlighten readers on the art of connecting with fellow human beings.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

American

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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.

Download
  1. 1. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

    The book follows the lives of two Jewish cousins, one a skilled escape artist and the other a talented artist, before, during, and after World War II. They create a popular comic book superhero, which brings them fame and fortune. However, their success is complicated by personal struggles, including the escape artist's attempts to rescue his family from Nazi-occupied Prague and the artist's struggle with his sexuality. The narrative explores themes of escapism, identity, and the golden age of comic books.

    The 254th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Hours by Michael Cunningham

    The novel is a reimagining of Virginia Woolf's "Mrs. Dalloway" and follows three women from different time periods, each of whom are profoundly affected by Woolf's work. The narrative alternates between Virginia Woolf as she writes "Mrs. Dalloway" in 1923, a 1950s housewife who is reading the novel, and a contemporary woman who is essentially living the life of the titular character. These three storylines eventually converge in a powerful exploration of mental illness, sexuality, and the transcendent power of literature.

    The 1187th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. 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 1457th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Women by Charles Bukowski

    "Women" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the chaotic love life of an aging writer. The protagonist, a hard-drinking and crude poet, navigates through a series of relationships with a variety of women, each with their own eccentricities and troubles. The narrative delves into the gritty, often sordid details of these relationships, depicting the protagonist's struggle with his own demons and the complexities of his romantic entanglements. Despite the seemingly bleak tone, the novel is punctuated with moments of raw humor and profound insight into human nature.

    The 1939th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 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 2038th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Black Tickets by Jayne Anne Phillips

    "Black Tickets" is a collection of short stories that explore the complexities of life through a diverse range of characters and situations. The stories delve into themes such as love, loss, identity, and the human condition. The narratives oscillate between the perspectives of troubled adolescents, middle-aged men and women grappling with life's disappointments, and the elderly reflecting on their past, providing a comprehensive exploration of human experiences.

    The 3016th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Wild at Heart: The Story of Sailor and Lula by Barry Gifford

    The book tells the story of Sailor Ripley and Lula Pace Fortune, two young lovers from the South who embark on a terrifying and exhilarating journey across America. Sailor, a rebellious outlaw with a troubled past, and Lula, a passionate woman with a zest for life, face numerous challenges and dangerous situations, including encounters with eccentric characters and run-ins with the law. Their compelling, roller-coaster romance is a testament to the extreme lengths people will go to preserve their love amidst chaos and adversity.

    The 3349th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Falling in Place by Ann Beattie

    "Falling in Place" is a novel set in the 1970s that explores the lives of a group of suburban Connecticut residents during one hot summer. The narrative focuses on the characters' internal struggles and interpersonal relationships, portraying a family in crisis, a teenage girl's suicide attempt, and a young boy's fascination with outer space. The story provides a stark examination of the disillusionment and existential dread experienced by the characters, reflecting the broader societal malaise of the era.

    The 3395th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. An American Marriage by Tayari Jones

    The book is a profound exploration of love, loyalty, and justice, centered on a young African American couple whose lives are shattered when the husband is wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn't commit. The narrative delves into the emotional turmoil that ensues, as the wife struggles with her obligations to her husband and her own desires for happiness. Through a series of letters exchanged between the couple during the husband's incarceration, and the perspectives of those entangled in their plight, the story examines the complexities of marriage, the impact of racial injustice on personal relationships, and the resilience required to overcome profound adversity.

    The 4148th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. 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 5418th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Charming Billy by Alice McDermott

    "Charming Billy" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, faith, and the power of stories. The narrative unfolds through the memories of friends and family gathered at a Bronx bar after the funeral of Billy Lynch, a charismatic but troubled man who died of alcoholism. As the mourners share their recollections, the reader learns about Billy's lifelong love for his Irish sweetheart who he believed died young, his subsequent marriage to a woman he didn't love, and his descent into alcoholism. The truth about his sweetheart's fate and the impact of deception on his life form the crux of the story.

    The 5687th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides

    This novel follows the intertwined lives of three college graduates in the 1980s. The story focuses on the romantic entanglements of Madeleine Hanna, an English major who is writing her senior thesis on Jane Austen and George Eliot, and her relationships with two men: Leonard Bankhead, a charismatic but troubled biology student, and Mitchell Grammaticus, a religious studies student who is in love with Madeleine. The narrative explores the complexities of love, mental illness, faith, and the relevance of the traditional marriage plot in a modern world.

    The 6432nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Chronic City by Jonathan Lethem

    "Chronic City" is a novel by Jonathan Lethem that follows the life of Chase Insteadman, a former child actor who has become a socialite in Manhattan. The story takes place in a surreal version of New York City where a mysterious fog has settled over the city and strange events occur. Along with a cast of eccentric characters, including a cultural critic, a reclusive author, and a giant tiger, Chase navigates the complexities of love, friendship, and the meaning of reality in a world that seems to be constantly shifting.

    The 7922nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Spartina by John Casey

    The novel follows the life of a Rhode Island fisherman who is struggling to make ends meet and is determined to finish building his boat, Spartina. The protagonist is deeply connected to the sea and the coastal life, but is also frustrated by his poverty and the wealthy summer residents who seem to take over his town. His life becomes even more complicated when he starts an affair with a younger woman, further straining his relationship with his family. The story is a deep exploration of the protagonist's character, his struggles, and his relationship with the sea.

    The 8292nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Preparation for the Next Life by Atticus Lish

    This novel tells the story of a U.S. Army veteran suffering from PTSD and a Chinese Muslim immigrant, both struggling to survive in the harsh realities of New York City. Their lives intersect and they form a relationship, trying to make sense of their past traumas, navigate the complexities of their present, and find hope for a better future. The book provides an intense, gritty portrayal of life on the fringes of society, highlighting issues of immigration, class, and the human cost of war.

    The 8341st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Last Night by James Salter

    "Last Night" is a collection of ten short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships, love, and mortality. The narratives are marked by their elegant prose and keen psychological insights, as they explore the intimate moments and pivotal events that shape the lives of the characters. From the story of a couple facing the wife's terminal illness to the tale of an adulterous love affair with unforeseen consequences, the book captures the poignant and often painful moments that define our fleeting existence. The stories are a testament to the author's mastery of the short story form, showcasing his ability to convey the depth of human emotion with subtlety and grace.

    The 8682nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Taipei by Tao Lin

    This novel follows a young writer living in New York City who is struggling with drug addiction and emotional disconnection. He embarks on a series of failed relationships and travels to Taipei, Taiwan to visit his parents. Throughout the book, he tries to find meaning and purpose in his life, exploring themes of identity, memory, and the digital age. Despite his struggles, the protagonist's journey is filled with humor and insight, providing a unique perspective on modern life.

    The 8723rd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Mrs. Ted Bliss by Stanley Elkin

    Mrs. Ted Bliss is a novel about an elderly widow living in a Miami high-rise. She becomes involved in a world of crime and intrigue when she befriends a drug dealer. Throughout the story, she navigates her way through life's complexities, dealing with her own mortality, the changing world around her, and the realities of aging. The book is a mixture of humor and pathos, offering a unique perspective on the human condition.

    The 9333rd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Bared To You by Sylvia Day

    "Bared To You" is an intense and passionate novel that explores the complicated relationship between Eva and Gideon, two damaged individuals with dark pasts. As they navigate their intense physical attraction and emotional connection, they must confront their personal demons and learn to trust each other. With steamy scenes and complex characters, this book delves into themes of love, trauma, and self-discovery.

    The 9838th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Hate To Want You by Alisha Rai

    In this steamy contemporary romance, two star-crossed lovers, Livvy and Nicholas, find themselves unable to resist the intense passion they've shared since their teenage years. Despite their families' bitter feud, they engage in a secret affair that spans a decade, meeting once a year on Livvy's birthday. When Livvy returns to their hometown after a long absence, the flames of their desire are reignited, forcing them to confront the painful past and the possibility of a future together. With compelling characters and sizzling chemistry, this novel explores themes of family, forgiveness, and the power of love.

    The 10278th Greatest Book of All Time

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.

Download