The Greatest American "Psychological, Domestic, Fiction" Books Since 1900

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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.

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Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

Domestic

The "Domestic" category of books typically refers to stories that focus on the everyday lives and experiences of individuals and families within their homes and communities. These books often explore themes such as relationships, family dynamics, personal growth, and the challenges and joys of daily life. Domestic fiction can include a range of sub-genres, from heartwarming family dramas to suspenseful psychological thrillers, but all share a focus on the intimate and personal aspects of human experience.

Fiction

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  1. 26. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

    "Everything I Never Told You" is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of a Chinese-American family living in 1970s Ohio. When their daughter Lydia goes missing and is later found dead, the Lee family is shattered by grief and forced to confront their own secrets and insecurities. As they navigate through their individual struggles, the novel explores themes of identity, race, and the pressures of societal expectations, painting a poignant portrait of a family on the brink of collapse.

    The 7981st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Wife by Meg Wolitzer

    The novel delves into the complex dynamics of a long marriage between a celebrated novelist and his wife, who has put aside her own literary talents to support her husband's career. As they travel to Helsinki for him to receive a prestigious award, the wife reflects on their shared history, her sacrifices, and the secrets they both keep. Her internal journey comes to a head as she grapples with her identity, the power imbalances in their relationship, and the decision of whether to continue in her role or step out of her husband's shadow to seek her own voice and independence.

    The 8532nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. The Woman Upstairs by Claire Messud

    The novel centers on Nora Eldridge, an elementary school teacher in Cambridge, Massachusetts, who once dreamed of becoming an artist. Now in her late thirties, she feels the bitter sting of unfulfilled dreams and is often referred to as the "woman upstairs" due to her quiet, unobtrusive existence. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes enamored with the Shahid family—Skandar, a Lebanese scholar, Sirena, an Italian artist, and their son, Reza, who becomes one of Nora's students. As Nora becomes increasingly entangled in the Shahid's charismatic and sophisticated world, she is awakened to new emotions and ambitions, but this infatuation leads her down a path of passion, betrayal, and a reexamination of her own identity and desires. The novel is a deep exploration of the themes of art, womanhood, and the complexities of the inner life.

    The 9895th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Imagine Me Gone by Adam Haslett

    The novel delves into the lives of a family grappling with the impact of mental illness across generations. It explores the bonds and strains among family members as they confront the challenges posed by the eldest son's severe anxiety and depression. Through shifting perspectives, the narrative examines the ways in which each family member copes with their shared and individual struggles, illuminating the profound effects of love, loyalty, and the legacy of mental health issues on their relationships and choices. The story is a poignant and insightful portrayal of the complexities of familial love and the enduring human capacity for resilience in the face of emotional turmoil.

    The 10120th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. In This Our Life by Ellen Glasgow

    This novel tells the story of the Timberlake family, focusing on two sisters, Stanley and Roy. Stanley is a selfish, manipulative woman who abandons her husband for her sister Roy's husband, causing a series of tragic events. Meanwhile, Roy, the more responsible and virtuous sister, must navigate the fallout of Stanley's actions. The book explores themes of family, morality, and the destructive power of selfishness, all set against the backdrop of the American South in the early 20th century.

    The 10168th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Position by Meg Wolitzer

    "The Position" is a novel that explores the impact of a bestselling sex manual, written by a couple, on their four children. The book, published in the 1970s, includes explicit illustrations of the couple and becomes a cultural phenomenon. The narrative, spanning over three decades, delves into the lives of the children, their struggles with their parents' public sexual revelations, and how it affects their own relationships and identities as they grow into adulthood.

    The 10874th 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