The Greatest Friendship, Historical Fiction, and Nonfiction 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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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.

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

Nonfiction

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  1. 1. What Is the What by Dave Eggers

    The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng

    The novel is a fictionalized account of a real-life Sudanese refugee, Valentino Achak Deng, who was forced to flee from his village during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The story follows his harrowing journey as a child through Ethiopia and Kenya, his life in various refugee camps, and his eventual resettlement in the United States. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the power of storytelling, while shedding light on the tragic history and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

    The 3027th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Ring Of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell

    The Story of a Man and His Otters

    "Ring of Bright Water" is a captivating memoir that chronicles the life of the author in the remote Scottish Highlands, where he develops a profound bond with a trio of otters. The narrative beautifully captures the idyllic, yet challenging, life in nature, detailing the playful antics and emotional intelligence of the otters, which bring immense joy and companionship. The book is a poignant exploration of the relationship between humans and wildlife, highlighting both the serene and harsh realities of living closely with nature.

    The 5482nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. A Bag Of Marbles by Joseph Joffo

    The Heartwarming True Story of a Young Boy's Survival in Nazi-Occupied France

    Set during World War II, this poignant memoir recounts the harrowing journey of two young Jewish brothers, Joseph and Maurice, as they flee Nazi-occupied Paris to seek refuge in the unoccupied zone of France. Through a series of perilous adventures and narrow escapes, the boys demonstrate remarkable resilience, resourcefulness, and brotherly love. Their story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to endure and survive in the face of unimaginable adversity.

    The 6038th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Tisha by Robert Specht

    The Story of a Young Teacher in the Alaska Wilderness

    "Tisha" is a biographical novel based on the true story of a young woman who moves to the Alaskan wilderness in the 1920s to become a teacher. The protagonist faces numerous challenges including harsh weather, isolation, and cultural differences, but remains steadfast in her commitment to educate the children in her care. The story also explores her fight against racial prejudice in the community, as well as her love affair with a half-Native man.

    The 8242nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Boys In The Boat by Daniel James Brown

    Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics

    This book tells the inspiring true story of the University of Washington's 1936 eight-oar crew and their epic quest for gold at the Berlin Olympics. It focuses on how these sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers overcame immense physical and psychological challenges to defeat elite rivals first from eastern and British universities and finally the German crew rowing for Adolf Hitler in the Olympic Games. The narrative not only captures the sheer physicality and competitive nature of rowing but also delves deeply into the personal lives and backgrounds of the crew members, illustrating how their shared experiences and unbreakable bond drove them to achieve an unparalleled victory in the face of adversity.

    The 12109th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Letters Of A Woman Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart

    "Letters of a Woman Homesteader" is a collection of spirited and insightful letters written by a young widow who leaves Denver in 1909 to settle in the Wyoming frontier. Through her correspondence, she shares her experiences and adventures as she homesteads alone with her daughter, offering a vivid portrayal of the challenges and joys of rural life. Her letters reveal not only the hardships faced by homesteaders but also the moments of community, friendship, and personal growth, providing a unique female perspective on a predominantly male-driven endeavor.

    The 14018th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Cross Creek by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

    "Cross Creek" is a memoir that captures the author's experiences living in a remote rural community in Florida during the 1930s. The narrative beautifully intertwines the natural landscape and the colorful lives of the local residents, offering a vivid portrayal of the challenges and joys of rural life. The author's deep connection to the land and her neighbors is explored through rich, descriptive prose, revealing her profound appreciation for the beauty and harshness of the environment, as well as the simplicity and complexity of human relationships in a close-knit community.

    The 13914th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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