The Best of "Best Book" Lists

The Best of "Best Book" Lists Collection gathers together a selection of popular bestsellers and fan favorites that frequently appear on "Best of" lists. This diverse Collection includes picks to suit a range of age groups and genre preferences, from otherworldly fantasy to gripping crime thrillers.

Playground

by Richard Powers

Publication year 2024

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Environment, Conflict, Perseverance, Masculinity, Death, Fathers, Friendship, Marriage, Siblings, Teamwork, Self Discovery, Community, Education, Fate, Literature, Loyalty & Betrayal, Order & Chaos, Power & Greed, Science & Technology, Wins & Losses

Tags Science Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

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Pony

by R. J. Palacio

Publication year 2021

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Coming of Age, Death, The Past, Animals, Appearance & Reality, Family, Colonialism, Religion & Spirituality

Tags Children`s Literature, World History, Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Animals, Action & Adventure

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Poor Things

by Alasdair Gray

Publication year 1992

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Femininity, Gender Identity, Sexual Identity, Politics & Government, Power & Greed, Science & Technology

Tags Historical Fiction, Science Fiction, Satirical Literature, Postmodernism, Gothic Literature, World History, Fantasy, Classic Fiction

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Portnoy's Complaint

by Philip Roth

Publication year 1969

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Religion & Spirituality, Shame & Pride

Tags Humor, Love & Sexuality, Psychology, Jewish Literature, US History, American Literature, World History, Classic Fiction

Portnoy’s Complaint is a 1969 novel by American author Philip Roth. The novel is presented as a continuous monologue in which the protagonist Alex Portnoy speaks to his therapist about his difficult relationship with his family, his country, and sex. The novel’s explicit and comedic depiction of sex caused controversy on release though Portnoy’s Complaint was later heralded as one of the greatest English language novels of the 20th century. The novel was adapted into... Read Portnoy's Complaint Summary

Powerless

by Lauren Roberts

Publication year 2023

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Social Class, War, Good & Evil, Loyalty & Betrayal, Wins & Losses

Tags Fantasy, Romance, Science Fiction

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Prairie Lotus

by Linda Sue Park

Publication year 2020

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Friendship, Coming of Age, Community, Race, Fathers, Daughters & Sons, Perseverance, Mothers

Tags Historical Fiction, Children`s Literature, Race & Racism, Colonialism & Postcolonialism, World History, Arts & Culture

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Presence

by Amy Cuddy

Publication year 2015

Genre Book, Nonfiction

Themes Self Discovery, Power & Greed, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Perseverance, Fear, Language

Tags Psychology, Self-Improvement, Business & Economics, Leadership, Science & Nature, Psychology, Philosophy, Philosophy

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Project Hail Mary

by Andy Weir

Publication year 2021

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Space, Science & Technology, Environment

Tags Mystery & Crime Fiction, Horror & Suspense, Science Fiction, Climate Change, Health, Science & Nature, Technology, American Literature, Fantasy, Action & Adventure

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Promise Boys

by Nick Brooks

Publication year 2023

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Masculinity, Race, Childhood & Youth, Family, Self Discovery, Social Class, Community, Education, Justice, Power & Greed, Truth & Lies

Tags Mystery & Crime Fiction, Horror & Suspense, Realistic Fiction, Race & Racism

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Properties of Thirst

by Marianne Wiggins

Publication year 2022

Genre Novel, Fiction

Themes Family, Grief, Memory, Perseverance, Nation, Justice, Politics & Government

Tags Historical Fiction, World War II, Arts & Culture, Civil Rights & Jim Crow South, Food, Grief & Death, US History, World History, Immigration & Refugeeism, Incarceration, Military & War, Philosophy, Politics & Government, Love & Sexuality, Relationships, Social Justice

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