The Greatest Books of All Time Set in Washington
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 352 '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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1. No No Boy by John Okada
This novel centers on the life of a young Japanese American man in the aftermath of World War II. Struggling with his identity and the societal rejection he faces for refusing to serve in the U.S. military, he returns to his hometown in Seattle, only to confront the deep divisions within his community and family. As he navigates the challenges of post-war America, he embarks on a painful journey of self-discovery, attempting to reconcile his cultural heritage with his national identity. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, belonging, and the complexities of racial prejudice, offering a poignant exploration of the immigrant experience in the United States.
The 2746th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
The book is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows a Native American teenager who leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school in a neighboring town. The protagonist grapples with his own identity, the perceptions and prejudices of his new classmates, and the harsh realities of life on the reservation. Throughout the story, he uses humor and his passion for drawing cartoons to navigate the challenges he encounters.
The 2843rd Greatest Book of All Time -
3. This Boy's Life by Tobias Wolff
A Memoir
This memoir explores the author's challenging childhood as he moves across the country with his divorced mother, fleeing an abusive relationship and seeking a better life. The young boy struggles with his identity, often resorting to lies and deceit to create a more favorable image of himself. As he navigates adolescence in a small town in the 1950s, he contends with a violent stepfather, school troubles, and his own rebellious nature. Despite the adversity, he maintains a sense of hope and resilience, offering a compelling portrait of a young man coming of age in post-war America.
The 2940th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. Ball Four by Jim Bouton
The Final Pitch
The book is a candid and controversial diary of a professional baseball season. The author, a pitcher, provides an insider's perspective on the sport, revealing the daily grind, locker room antics, and the pressures and politics of the game. The book also delves into the personal lives of the players, touching on their struggles with family, fame, and substance abuse. Despite the backlash it received from the baseball community, the book is considered a groundbreaking work for its honest portrayal of the sport.
The 3482nd Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Nisei Daughter by Monica Itoi Sone
This memoir provides a poignant account of a second-generation Japanese American woman's life before, during, and after World War II. It explores her childhood in Seattle's vibrant Nihonmachi, her family's forced relocation to an internment camp following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the challenges of rebuilding life in a post-war America rife with anti-Japanese sentiment. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the narrative delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the struggle for acceptance, offering a deeply personal glimpse into the impact of historical events on individual lives and the Japanese American community.
The 3893rd Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
Set in the 1950s on the fictional San Piedro Island in the northern Puget Sound region of the state of Washington, the plot revolves around the trial of Kabuo Miyamoto, a Japanese American accused of murdering Carl Heine, a respected fisherman in the close-knit community. The trial really serves as a means of exploring the inter-ethnic tensions of the post-WWII era, as flashbacks reveal the shared history of the island's residents including the forced internment of its Japanese population during the war. The novel also delves into the love affair between Ishmael Chambers, a local reporter, and Hatsue Miyamoto, Kabuo's wife.
The 4492nd Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Eat the Document by Dana Spiotta
This novel explores the lives of two former radicals from the 1970s who are now living under assumed identities. The narrative interweaves their past and present, revealing the consequences of their actions and the lengths they must go to keep their secrets. The story is also interjected with the perspective of the woman's son, who is on a quest to uncover his mother's past, adding another layer of intrigue and complexity.
The 4768th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Short Nights Of The Shadow Catcher by Timothy Egan
The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis
The book chronicles the remarkable journey of an intrepid photographer who dedicated his life to documenting the lives and cultures of Native American tribes at the turn of the 20th century. With a passion that bordered on obsession, he traversed the American West, capturing thousands of images and recordings that aimed to preserve the fading heritage of indigenous peoples. His monumental project was both a groundbreaking anthropological achievement and a testament to the power of photography as a means of cultural preservation. Despite facing personal and financial hardships, his work culminated in an invaluable historical record that continues to influence our understanding of Native American history and culture.
The 5780th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
A high school girl moves to a small town in Washington where she falls in love with a mysterious classmate who is revealed to be a vampire. This revelation puts her in danger as other vampires pose a threat to her life. The book explores their complicated relationship, as well as the difficulties they face due to his supernatural nature.
The 6323rd Greatest Book of All Time -
10. Raymond Carver by Carol Sklenicka
A Writer's Life
"Raymond Carver: A Writer’s Life" is a comprehensive biography of the renowned American short story writer. The book follows Carver's life from his childhood in rural Oregon to his rise to literary fame in the 1980s. Sklenicka delves into Carver's personal struggles with alcoholism and his complicated relationships with his family, friends, and fellow writers. She also examines his writing process and the evolution of his style. Through extensive research and interviews with those closest to Carver, Sklenicka paints a vivid portrait of a complex and influential writer.
The 6423rd Greatest Book of All Time -
11. The Field Of Blood by Joanne B. Freeman
Violence in Congress and the Road to Civil War
The book delves into the often-overlooked violent and tumultuous nature of American politics in the decades leading up to the Civil War. It reveals how physical confrontations, duels, and threats of violence were commonplace in Congress, reflecting the deep-seated divisions and intense emotions of the era. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the narrative uncovers the ways in which these conflicts were not just personal but also deeply tied to the broader national issues of slavery and sectionalism, ultimately contributing to the nation's path to civil war.
The 6855th Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Hitch 22 by Christopher Hitchens
A Memoir
This memoir chronicles the life and intellectual journey of a prominent journalist and critic, reflecting on his experiences, friendships, and ideological transformations. It delves into his early years, education, and the significant events that shaped his worldview, including his involvement in political movements and his evolving stance on various issues. The narrative is marked by wit, candidness, and a deep exploration of the complexities of belief, identity, and the pursuit of truth. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, the author offers a compelling portrait of a life dedicated to rigorous thought and fearless expression.
The 6974th Greatest Book of All Time -
13. One Day by Gene Weingarten
The Extraordinary Story of an Ordinary 24 Hours in America
The book delves into the intricacies of a single, ordinary day in American life, meticulously chronicling events from various perspectives across the country. Through a series of vignettes, it captures the diverse experiences, challenges, and moments of joy that define the human condition. By focusing on a seemingly random date, the narrative reveals the interconnectedness of people's lives and the profound impact of everyday occurrences, offering a poignant reflection on the shared humanity that binds us all.
The 7335th Greatest Book of All Time -
14. Still Loved By The Sun by Migael Scherer
A Rape Survivor's Journey Through the Criminal Justice System
"Still Loved By The Sun" is a poignant memoir that delves into the author's personal journey of grief and healing following the tragic loss of her son in a sailing accident. The narrative explores the depths of a mother's love and the struggle to find meaning and solace in the aftermath of an unimaginable event. Through a blend of raw emotion and lyrical prose, the book offers an intimate look at the process of mourning and the slow, often painful path toward acceptance and the rekindling of joy amidst the enduring presence of loss.
The 7622nd Greatest Book of All Time -
15. Microserfs by Douglas Coupland
This novel is a captivating exploration of the lives of a group of young tech workers in the 1990s, initially employed by a major software company in Silicon Valley, before venturing out to start their own company. Through the format of diary entries, the narrative delves into the personal and professional challenges they face, set against the backdrop of the rapidly evolving tech industry. The story offers a poignant look at the search for meaning amidst the bits and bytes of the digital age, touching on themes of friendship, love, and the quest for identity in a world dominated by technology.
The 7819th Greatest Book of All Time -
16. Chinook Texts by Franz Boas
Tales of the North American Indians
"Chinook Texts" is a collection of original narratives and texts in the Chinook language, accompanied by English translations. Compiled by a prominent anthropologist, the book serves as a significant resource for understanding the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Chinook people of the Pacific Northwest. The texts, which include myths, legends, and historical accounts, provide insights into the social structure, beliefs, and daily life of the Chinook. This work is particularly valuable for researchers and scholars interested in Native American languages, folklore, and anthropology.
The 8719th Greatest Book of All Time -
17. Showing Up For Life by Bill Gates
Thoughts on the Gifts of a Lifetime
This book is a collection of personal anecdotes and reflections that offer insights into leading a life filled with meaning, compassion, and a sense of responsibility. Drawing from his own experiences, the author emphasizes the importance of community, giving back, and the power of showing up—not just in the big moments, but every day. Through stories that span from his humble beginnings to his involvement in various philanthropic efforts, he illustrates how values like generosity and being present for others can shape not only individual lives but also the world at large. The narrative serves as a gentle reminder of the impact that one person's actions can have on the lives of many, encouraging readers to live intentionally and with purpose.
The 9015th Greatest Book of All Time -
18. 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 9103rd Greatest Book of All Time -
19. War Dances by Sherman Alexie
"War Dances" is a collection of short stories and poems that explore the lives of Native Americans in contemporary society. The narratives delve into various themes such as identity, culture, family, love, and loss. The stories are filled with humor, heartbreak, and wisdom, painting a vivid picture of the unique struggles and experiences faced by modern Native Americans.
The 9233rd Greatest Book of All Time -
20. Anybody Can Do Anything by Betty MacDonald
A Memoir of the Great Depression
"Anybody Can Do Anything" is a humorous memoir that recounts the author's experiences during the Great Depression. After returning to her family home in Seattle with her two young daughters, the author relies on the eccentric schemes of her optimistic sister to find work in a grim job market. The narrative is filled with amusing anecdotes and quirky characters, showcasing the author's sharp wit and resilience. Through a series of odd jobs and bizarre situations, the book delivers a message of perseverance and the importance of family support during tough times.
The 11006th Greatest Book of All Time -
21. The Nez Perce Indians And The Opening Of The Northwest by Jr., Alvin Josephy
A History
This book provides a comprehensive history of the Nez Perce tribe, focusing on their culture, interactions with European settlers, and their role in the development of the Northwest region of the United States. It delves into the tribe's resistance and adaptation in the face of expanding American frontiers during the 19th century, highlighting significant figures such as Chief Joseph. The narrative combines detailed historical accounts with the broader geopolitical implications of the tribe's struggle to maintain their lands and way of life amidst the pressures of colonization and changing governance.
The 11194th Greatest Book of All Time -
22. The Book Of Form And Emptiness by Ruth Ozeki
"The Book of Form and Emptiness" follows the journey of a young boy named Benny Oh who discovers an extraordinary ability to hear the voices of inanimate objects. As Benny navigates his complicated family dynamics and copes with the loss of his father, he becomes entangled with a cast of eccentric characters and finds solace in the companionship of the objects around him. This thought-provoking novel explores themes of grief, identity, and the power of imagination, ultimately challenging readers to reconsider their relationship with the material world.
The 11331st Greatest Book of All Time -
23. Straw For The Fire by Theodore Roethke
From the Notebooks of Theodore Roethke, 1943-63
"Straw for the Fire" is a posthumous collection of poetry and fragments drawn from the notebooks of a significant American poet. The anthology spans two decades of creative output, offering readers a window into the poet's process and evolution. The work is characterized by its introspective nature, lyrical intensity, and exploration of themes such as nature, the human psyche, and the cycle of life and death. The compilation, curated by a close friend from a vast array of notes and drafts, reveals the raw materials that shaped the poet's celebrated and influential body of work, showcasing the seeds of his poetic thought and the breadth of his linguistic artistry.
The 11331st Greatest Book of All Time -
24. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
In this final installment of a popular supernatural romance series, the story reaches its climax as the protagonist, now a newlywed, faces unforeseen challenges that threaten her life and that of her unborn child. Her transformation into a vampire brings about new powers and dangers, while the impending threat of a vampire council looms over her family. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of immortal life, culminating in a tense showdown that tests the bonds of family and love. Through it all, the narrative delves into the protagonist's personal growth and her unwavering determination to protect her loved ones at all costs.
The 11331st 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