The Greatest American "Friendship, Fiction, Family" Books Since 1970

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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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Friendship

The "Friendship" category of books focuses on the relationships between individuals who share a deep bond of mutual affection, trust, and support. These books explore the complexities of friendship, including the challenges and rewards of maintaining close connections over time. They often depict the joys and struggles of navigating the ups and downs of life with the help of loyal companions, and may touch on themes such as loyalty, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. Whether exploring the dynamics of childhood friendships or the complexities of adult relationships, books in this category offer readers a heartwarming and insightful look into the power of friendship.

Fiction

Family

The "Family" category of books encompasses stories that revolve around the dynamics, relationships, and experiences of families. These books explore the complexities of familial bonds, including love, loyalty, conflict, and forgiveness. They may focus on different types of families, such as nuclear families, blended families, or extended families, and may cover a range of themes, from coming-of-age tales to domestic dramas. Overall, the "Family" category offers a rich and diverse collection of books that delve into the joys and challenges of family life.

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  1. 26. A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron

    The book follows the journey of a devoted dog who is reincarnated into several lives, each time with a different purpose. Through his various lives, he experiences life as a stray puppy, a golden retriever, a German shepherd, and a Labrador, among others. Each life teaches him something new and brings him closer to understanding his true purpose, which is to bring joy and comfort to the humans he loves. The book explores themes of love, loyalty, and the deep bond between humans and their pets.

    The 7885th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom

    This novel explores the afterlife journey of Eddie, an elderly amusement park maintenance man who dies while trying to save a little girl from a falling ride. In heaven, Eddie encounters five individuals who significantly impacted his earthly life, some in ways he was not aware of. Through these encounters, he learns valuable lessons about the interconnectedness of human lives, the true value of his existence, and the unseen consequences of seemingly insignificant actions. Each person helps Eddie understand a different aspect of his life and death, ultimately leading him to a profound sense of peace and understanding about the mysteries of life.

    The 8526th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Blankets by Craig Thompson

    This graphic novel is a coming-of-age autobiography that explores the complexity of family relationships, faith, love, and the transition into adulthood. The story follows the protagonist as he navigates his way through a strict and oppressive religious upbringing in a rural, snowy setting. The narrative dives deep into his first love, his relationship with his younger brother, and his struggle to reconcile his religious beliefs with his personal experiences. The book is a poignant exploration of the heartache and joy of growing up.

    The 8982nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

    "The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett is a novel that tells the story of twin sisters, Desiree and Stella, who grow up in a small, southern black community in the 1950s and 60s. After running away from home at the age of 16, Stella decides to pass as white and marries a wealthy white man, while Desiree returns to their hometown with her dark-skinned daughter. The novel explores themes of identity, race, family, and the consequences of choices made in the past. As the sisters' lives diverge, their daughters' paths cross, and secrets are revealed, ultimately leading to a powerful and emotional conclusion.

    The 9573rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Wonder by R.J. Palacio

    The book is a heartwarming and thought-provoking story about a young boy with a facial difference who, after being homeschooled for years, enters fifth grade at a mainstream school. The narrative explores his journey of facing the challenges of being different, dealing with bullying and the struggle to be accepted by his peers. It's a tale of empathy, resilience, and the importance of kindness, told through multiple perspectives that include the boy's own viewpoint as well as those of his classmates, family members, and others in his community. The story encourages readers to look beyond appearances and find the wonder in everyone's uniqueness.

    The 9782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

    Set during World War II, this heartwarming novel tells the story of Ada, a young girl with a clubfoot who has been locked away and mistreated by her mother her entire life. When London is evacuated, Ada and her younger brother Jamie are sent to the countryside, where they find refuge with Susan, a woman who reluctantly takes them in. As Ada learns to trust and love for the first time, she discovers her own strength and resilience, ultimately finding freedom and a sense of belonging in the midst of war.

    The 10142nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

    "The Day You Begin" is a heartfelt picture book that explores the feelings of loneliness, fear, and the courage to be oneself. Through relatable stories and beautiful illustrations, the book encourages readers to embrace their unique identities, celebrate their differences, and find the strength to connect with others, even when it feels difficult. It is a powerful reminder that everyone has a story worth sharing and that true connection begins when we have the courage to step out and be ourselves.

    The 10354th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd

    "A Snicker of Magic" is a heartwarming story about a girl named Felicity who has the ability to see words all around her. She and her mother move to a town called Midnight Gulch, where she meets a boy named Jonah and his family who are rumored to have magical powers. Felicity sets out to uncover the town's magical past and help Jonah's family break a curse that has plagued them for generations. Along the way, she discovers the power of friendship, family, and the magic of words.

    The 10765th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Fates Will Find Their Way by Hannah Pittard

    "The Fates Will Find Their Way" is a haunting narrative that revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a sixteen-year-old girl and the impact it has on a close-knit community. Told through the collective voice of the boys who knew her, the story unfolds in a series of speculative scenarios about her fate, interwoven with the boys' own transitions from adolescence to adulthood. As they grapple with the uncertainties of their own futures, the girl's absence becomes a canvas onto which they project their fears, desires, and the inexorable passage of time, painting a poignant picture of the ways in which a single event can reverberate through many lives.

    The 10939th 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