The Greatest Psychological Books of 2017

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 '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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Genres

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.

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  1. 1. Hurricane Season by Fernanda Melchor

    The novel delves into the dark and turbulent lives of residents in a small Mexican village, where the discovery of a murdered witch sets off a chain of events that exposes the community's deep-seated violence, poverty, and superstition. Through a series of interconnected narratives, the story explores themes of misogyny, brutality, and despair, painting a vivid and harrowing portrait of human suffering and resilience in the face of relentless hardship.

    The 2646th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. Minor Detail by Adania Shibli

    The novel explores the haunting legacy of violence and occupation through two parallel narratives set decades apart. The first part recounts a brutal incident in 1949, where a young Palestinian girl is raped and murdered by Israeli soldiers in the Negev desert. The second part follows a contemporary Palestinian woman who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind this atrocity. As she delves deeper into the past, her journey underscores the enduring impact of historical trauma and the pervasive sense of displacement experienced by Palestinians. The narrative intertwines themes of memory, identity, and the relentless search for justice.

    The 3182nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

    The book revolves around the Richardson family and the mysterious mother-daughter duo who move into their rental home in Shaker Heights, Ohio. The lives of the seemingly perfect suburban Richardson family become intertwined with the lives of Mia Warren, an enigmatic artist, and her daughter Pearl. As the children of both families form relationships, secrets are uncovered, leading to a dramatic climax. The novel explores themes of motherhood, identity, and the moral complexities of following rules versus following one's instincts.

    The 3569th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 4. Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney

    The novel explores the intricate dynamics of relationships through the lives of two college students, Frances and Bobbi, who become entwined with an older married couple, Melissa and Nick. As Frances navigates her complex feelings for Nick, she grapples with issues of identity, friendship, and the nuances of intimacy. The story delves into themes of love, power, and vulnerability, capturing the emotional turbulence and self-discovery that accompany the transition into adulthood. Through sharp dialogue and introspective narrative, the book examines how personal connections shape and redefine the characters' understanding of themselves and each other.

    The 4592nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 5. Midwinter Break by Bernard MacLaverty

    A retired couple embarks on a short holiday to Amsterdam, hoping to escape the monotony of their daily lives and rekindle their relationship. As they navigate the city's picturesque streets and iconic landmarks, the trip becomes a poignant exploration of their shared history, individual regrets, and unspoken desires. Through moments of tenderness and tension, they confront the complexities of love, aging, and the passage of time, ultimately seeking solace and understanding in each other's company.

    The 6253rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  6. 6. Hunger by Roxane Gay

    A Memoir of (My) Body

    "Hunger" is a powerful memoir that delves into the complex relationship between the author's body and her experiences of trauma, shame, and self-worth. Roxane Gay fearlessly explores the physical and emotional implications of living in a world that often judges and marginalizes individuals based on their appearance. Through her raw and honest storytelling, she invites readers to confront their own biases and challenges societal norms, ultimately advocating for self-acceptance and compassion.

    The 6535th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  7. 7. Berta Isla by Javier Marias

    The novel follows the life of Berta Isla, a woman whose marriage to Tomás Nevinson is marked by long periods of uncertainty and absence due to his secretive work for British intelligence. As Berta navigates the complexities of her relationship and the emotional toll of not knowing her husband's whereabouts or fate, the story delves into themes of identity, loyalty, and the passage of time. Through Berta's perspective, the narrative explores the impact of espionage on personal lives and the enduring quest for understanding and connection amidst secrecy and betrayal.

    The 7979th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 8. The Silent Wife by Kerry Fisher

    A gripping emotional page turner with a twist that will take your breath away

    In this gripping tale of family secrets and personal redemption, two women, bound by marriage into the same family, navigate the complexities of their intertwined lives. As they confront the shadows of their pasts, they uncover hidden truths that threaten to unravel the fragile fabric of their relationships. Through a journey of self-discovery and resilience, they learn to confront their fears and embrace the power of forgiveness, ultimately finding strength in their shared experiences and forging a path towards healing and hope.

    The 10832nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  9. 9. The Destroyers by Christopher Bollen

    "The Destroyers" is a suspenseful novel set on the idyllic Greek island of Patmos. The story revolves around two childhood friends, one a wealthy inheritor of a construction empire and the other a struggling playboy, who reunite under mysterious circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of wealth, friendship, betrayal, and identity, all against a backdrop of escalating danger and suspense. The protagonist finds himself embroiled in a web of deception and murder, as the seemingly paradise island reveals its darker underbelly.

    The 11161st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 10. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

    The book centers on a teenage girl with a traumatic past, who was convicted of a heinous crime at a very young age—the murder of a baby. Now living in a group home and dealing with the complex dynamics within, she struggles with the weight of her past and the challenges of her present. As she contends with a society quick to label her as irredeemable, she seeks to uncover the truth and fight for a future that seems increasingly out of reach. Her journey is one of resilience and the quest for redemption, as she navigates a system that is often more interested in judgment than justice.

    The 12187th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 11. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

    The book follows the life of an eccentric and socially awkward woman in her early thirties, whose regimented and solitary existence is disrupted when she develops an unlikely friendship with a bumbling IT guy from her office. After they save an elderly man who has collapsed on the street, the trio forms a bond that ultimately leads her to confront her troubled past. As she grapples with her mother's cruelty and the secrets that have haunted her for years, she learns that opening up to others can be the key to healing and that she is capable of finding love and companionship. Through this journey of self-discovery, she realizes that she can break free from her previously lonely and routine life, challenging the notion that she is completely fine as she is.

    The 12213th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  12. 12. When Death Takes Something From You Give It Back by Naja Marie Aidt

    Carl's Book

    The book is a poignant exploration of grief and loss, written in the aftermath of the author's son's tragic death. It delves into the raw and chaotic emotions that accompany such a profound personal tragedy, blending poetry, prose, and fragmented memories to convey the depth of her sorrow. Through a deeply intimate narrative, the author reflects on the nature of mourning, the struggle to find meaning in the face of unimaginable pain, and the enduring bond between a parent and child. The work serves as both a tribute to her son and a universal meditation on the process of healing and remembrance.

    The 13791st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  13. 13. An Unkindness Of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon

    The novel explores the harsh life aboard the HSS Matilda, a spaceship organized much like the antebellum South, where the lower decks are populated by dark-skinned sharecroppers ruled by white overseers. The protagonist, a neurodivergent, queer black woman, serves as the ship's healer and navigates the oppressive social structure while uncovering the secrets of her mother's past and the ship's mysterious journey. Her search for truth leads to revelations that could alter the fate of the Matilda's segregated society, as she grapples with the complexities of identity, autonomy, and resistance against a backdrop of systemic injustice and intergenerational trauma.

    The 13885th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  14. 14. Turtles All The Way Down by John Green

    This novel delves into the life of a teenager grappling with obsessive-compulsive disorder as she embarks on a journey to solve a mystery involving a fugitive billionaire. The story is as much about the complexities of friendship, love, and coming-of-age as it is about the protagonist's internal struggles with her mental health. Through her eyes, readers are offered a deep, nuanced understanding of living with mental illness, all while navigating the challenges of adolescence. The narrative combines elements of mystery, romance, and a profound exploration of the human condition, making it a compelling read for young adults and adults alike.

    The 14122nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  15. 15. The Art Of Starving by Sam J. Miller

    This novel follows the life of a young, gay teenager who believes that his eating disorder grants him supernatural abilities, enabling him to see the truth about people's intentions and to manipulate the world around him. As he navigates the complexities of high school, bullying, and family issues, he embarks on a dark and dangerous journey of self-discovery. The story is a raw and powerful exploration of desire, the need for control, and the struggle to find one's place in the world, all while dealing with the challenges of growing up and the painful realities of human vulnerability.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  16. 16. Sleeping Beauties by Stephen King, Owen King

    In a small Appalachian town, an extraordinary event unfolds: women who fall asleep become shrouded in a cocoon-like gauze. If disturbed, they awaken in a violent, primal state. Meanwhile, in this bizarrely evolving world, Evie Black, a mysterious woman with a unique immunity to the sleeping phenomenon, emerges as both a potential savior and a harbinger of doom. As tensions between men and women escalate, the town becomes a battleground for a deeper societal confrontation, with Evie at its center. This novel weaves a rich tapestry of character and conflict, exploring themes of gender, power, and survival in a world teetering on the brink of an unfathomable transformation.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  17. 17. A Book Of American Martyrs by Joyce Carol Oates

    The novel delves into the deeply polarizing issue of abortion in America through the intertwined lives of two families. It begins with the assassination of an abortion provider by a staunchly pro-life extremist, exploring the profound and lasting impact of this act on both the victim's and the perpetrator's families. Through their struggles, grief, and attempts at reconciliation, the story examines themes of faith, justice, and the complex human emotions that arise from such a divisive social issue. The narrative offers a poignant and multifaceted look at the personal and societal ramifications of ideological conflict.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  18. 18. Right Behind You by Lisa Gardner

    The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the complex dynamics of a family haunted by a violent past. The story centers around a former child victim turned FBI agent, who is forced to confront her traumatic history when her troubled younger brother becomes the prime suspect in a series of brutal murders. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she must navigate a web of secrets and lies, testing her loyalties and challenging her perceptions of truth and justice. The narrative explores themes of redemption, familial bonds, and the enduring impact of childhood trauma.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. A Fist Or A Heart by Kristín Eiríksdóttir

    The novel explores the intertwined lives of two women in Reykjavik, an elderly artist named Elín and a young playwright named Ellen. As Elín reflects on her past and her complex relationship with her mother, she becomes increasingly involved in Ellen's life, who is struggling with her own creative and personal challenges. The narrative delves into themes of memory, identity, and the impact of art, weaving a poignant tale of connection and the haunting echoes of the past. Through its introspective and atmospheric storytelling, the book examines the delicate balance between creation and destruction in both art and life.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  20. 20. The Stranger In The Woods by Michael Finkel

    The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit

    The book tells the true story of Christopher Knight, who lived in complete isolation in the woods of Maine for 27 years. Known as the North Pond Hermit, Knight survived by stealing food and supplies from nearby cabins, evading human contact and detection for nearly three decades. The narrative explores his motivations for retreating from society, the challenges he faced in solitude, and the impact of his actions on the local community. Through interviews and research, the book delves into themes of solitude, survival, and the human need for connection.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Ankomst by Gøhril Gabrielsen

    Set against the stark and isolated backdrop of northern Norway, this gripping narrative follows a scientist who embarks on a solitary research expedition to study the effects of climate change. As she grapples with the harsh environment and her own inner turmoil, the arrival of an unexpected visitor disrupts her solitude, leading to a tense and introspective exploration of human connection, isolation, and the haunting echoes of past relationships. The story deftly intertwines themes of nature's unforgiving beauty and the complexities of the human psyche, creating a haunting and atmospheric tale of survival and self-discovery.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Psychopolitics by Byung-Chul Han

    Neoliberalism and New Technologies of Power

    In this thought-provoking exploration of contemporary society, the author delves into the pervasive influence of neoliberalism and digital technology on the human psyche. The book argues that modern power structures have shifted from external coercion to internalized control, where individuals willingly participate in their own subjugation through self-optimization and constant connectivity. By examining the psychological mechanisms at play, the author reveals how freedom is subtly transformed into a form of voluntary servitude, challenging readers to reconsider the nature of autonomy and resistance in the digital age.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  23. 23. Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a single mother finds herself entangled in a web of secrets and lies after embarking on an affair with her enigmatic boss, only to discover that his seemingly perfect wife harbors dark and mysterious secrets of her own. As the story unfolds through alternating perspectives, the lines between reality and illusion blur, leading to a shocking and unpredictable conclusion that challenges the boundaries of trust, love, and betrayal.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  24. 24. The Long Drop by Denise Mina

    Set in 1950s Glasgow, this gripping crime novel intertwines fact and fiction to explore the chilling events surrounding a notorious serial killer. The narrative follows a tense night in which two men, one being the accused killer and the other a desperate father seeking answers, embark on a harrowing journey through the city's dark underbelly. As secrets unravel and the lines between truth and deception blur, the story delves into themes of guilt, justice, and the haunting shadows of the past, painting a vivid picture of a city grappling with its own moral complexities.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 25. Concerning My Daughter by Hye-Jin Kim

    A middle-aged mother narrates her mounting anxiety when her adult daughter moves back home with her girlfriend, forcing her to confront ingrained homophobia, social expectations, and financial insecurity. At the care home where she works, she witnesses institutional indifference and cruelty toward vulnerable elders, experiences that unsettle her certainties and mirror the prejudice she harbors at home. Through clashes, small acts of defiance, and uneasy self-reflection, she wrestles with what love, protection, and dignity truly require in an unforgiving society.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org

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

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

Login to Download