The Greatest American "Nonfiction, Fiction, Biography" Books Since 2010

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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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Nonfiction

Fiction

Biography

Biography is a genre of literature that focuses on the life story of a person, typically a historical figure or a celebrity. It provides a detailed account of the subject's life, including their upbringing, achievements, struggles, and personal relationships. Biographies can be written in various formats, including memoirs, autobiographies, and third-person narratives. This category of books offers readers an opportunity to gain insight into the lives of notable individuals and their impact on society.

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  1. 1. The Passage Of Power: The Years Of Lyndon Johnson by Robert Caro

    "The Passage of Power: The Years of Lyndon Johnson" by Robert Caro is the fourth volume in his acclaimed biography of the 36th President of the United States. This book covers the years from 1958 to 1964, including Johnson's ascent to the presidency following the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Caro explores Johnson's struggles to pass civil rights legislation, his relationship with Kennedy's family, and his efforts to establish his own presidential legacy. The book also delves into Johnson's personal life, including his marriage to Lady Bird Johnson and his health issues. Overall, "The Passage of Power" provides a comprehensive and insightful look into one of the most complex and consequential figures in American political history.

  2. 2. Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker

    "Hidden Valley Road" by Robert Kolker is a non-fiction book that tells the story of the Galvin family, who had 12 children, six of whom were diagnosed with schizophrenia. The book delves into the family's struggles with mental illness, the medical community's understanding of schizophrenia at the time, and the impact the family's situation had on each member. It also explores the history of schizophrenia research and treatments, as well as the Galvin family's contribution to advancing our understanding of the disease.

  3. 3. Thirteen Days In September: Carter, Begin, And Sadat At Camp David by Lawrence Wright

    "Thirteen Days In September" by Lawrence Wright is a detailed account of the historic peace negotiations that took place between President Jimmy Carter, Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat at Camp David in September 1978. The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the intense negotiations and personal dynamics between the leaders, as they worked to reach a peace agreement that would end decades of conflict in the Middle East. Wright's narrative is a gripping and informative account of a pivotal moment in modern history.

  4. 4. In The Darkroom by Susan Faludi

    In "In the Darkroom," Susan Faludi explores the complex relationship with her father, who underwent gender reassignment surgery and became Stefanie Faludi. Through interviews, personal anecdotes, and historical research, Faludi delves into her father's past as a Hungarian Holocaust survivor, her own upbringing, and the challenges of navigating a new relationship with a parent who has undergone such a drastic transformation. The book is a powerful exploration of identity, family, and the intersections of gender and history.

  5. 5. Grant by Ron Chernow

    "Grant" is a comprehensive biography of the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant. Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Ron Chernow, the book explores Grant's early life, military career, presidency, and post-presidential years. Chernow portrays Grant as a complex and often misunderstood figure, highlighting his military genius and leadership during the Civil War, as well as his struggles with alcoholism and financial ruin later in life. The book also delves into Grant's relationships with his wife, Julia, and political figures such as Abraham Lincoln and William Tecumseh Sherman. Overall, "Grant" offers a detailed and nuanced portrait of one of America's most significant historical figures.

  6. 6. Small Fry: A Memoir by Lisa Brennan-Jobs

    "Small Fry" is a memoir by Lisa Brennan-Jobs, the daughter of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The book details her complicated relationship with her father, who denied paternity for several years before finally acknowledging her as his daughter. Brennan-Jobs describes the emotional abuse she endured at the hands of her father, who alternated between neglect and intense attention. The memoir also explores her own journey towards self-acceptance and forgiveness, as she grapples with the legacy of her famous and flawed parent.

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