The Greatest "Romance, Coming of age" 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 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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Romance

The Romance category of books typically involves stories that revolve around romantic relationships between two or more characters. These stories often explore themes of love, passion, and intimacy, and may include elements of drama, suspense, or humor. Romance novels can range from sweet and innocent to steamy and erotic, and may be set in a variety of time periods and locations. Overall, the Romance genre offers readers a chance to escape into a world of love and romance, where anything is possible.

Coming of age

The "Coming of age" category of books typically refers to stories that explore the transition from adolescence to adulthood. These books often focus on the challenges and experiences that young people face as they navigate the complexities of growing up, including issues such as identity, relationships, sexuality, and personal growth. Coming of age stories can be set in any time period or cultural context, and may feature protagonists of any gender, race, or background. Overall, the genre offers readers a glimpse into the universal struggles and triumphs of youth, and the process of becoming a fully realized adult.

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  1. 26. The Graduate by Charles Webb

    A recent college graduate, unsure of his future, begins an affair with the wife of his father's business partner. He later falls in love with her daughter, leading to a series of complicated and dramatic events. The narrative explores themes of disillusionment, rebellion, and the societal pressures faced by young adults.

    The 1562nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Le Diable au corps by Raymond Radiguet

    "Le Diable au corps" is a French novel focusing on a teenage boy who engages in a passionate and scandalous affair with a woman whose husband is fighting at the front during World War I. The novel explores themes of love, betrayal, and societal norms, while highlighting the consequences of their illicit relationship, including the woman's pregnancy, the boy's expulsion from school, and the tragic death of the woman during childbirth. The story is a poignant portrayal of youthful recklessness, war's impact on society, and the destructive power of love.

    The 1622nd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Forever... by Judy Blume

    This novel follows the story of Katherine, a high school senior, as she navigates her first serious romantic relationship with a boy named Michael. The two fall in love and, after dealing with the complexities of intimacy and the pressures of their peers, they decide to take their relationship to the next level by becoming sexually active. The book explores the emotional and physical aspects of their relationship, the consequences of their decisions, and the reality that first love doesn't always last forever.

    The 1696th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The River Sutra by Gita Mehta

    "The River Sutra" by Gita Mehta is a captivating novel that explores the intertwining lives of various characters along the sacred river Narmada in India. Through vivid storytelling and rich descriptions, the book delves into themes of spirituality, love, and the search for meaning in life. As the characters embark on journeys of self-discovery, the river serves as a powerful metaphor for the flow of life and the interconnectedness of all beings. With its lyrical prose and thought-provoking narrative, "The River Sutra" offers a profound exploration of the human experience and the timeless wisdom of ancient traditions.

    The 1839th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

    This novel explores the lives of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, who are brought together by war and fate. Mariam, an illegitimate child, suffers from the stigma surrounding her birth and the abuse she faces from her bitter mother. When she is married off to Rasheed, her life becomes a nightmare. Later, she becomes a co-wife to Laila, a beautiful and educated girl who also ends up as Rasheed's wife due to a series of tragic events. Despite their initial rivalry, the two women form a bond and become sources of support for each other in the face of their husband's brutalities and the war-torn world of Kabul.

    The 1900th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Normal People by Sally Rooney

    "Normal People" is a novel that explores the complex relationship between two high school students from different social classes in a small town in Ireland. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, they form a strong bond that continues into their university years at Trinity College. The narrative follows their journey, filled with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and emotional intimacy, as they navigate their way through love, friendship, mental health issues, and the struggles of growing up.

    The 2038th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

    The novel intertwines the stories of Leo Gursky, a Holocaust survivor living out his twilight years in New York City, and Alma Singer, a 14-year-old girl trying to ease her mother's loneliness after the death of her father. Their lives are connected through a book, written by Leo in his youth as a tribute to his first love, that has been translated into English and published under a different author's name. As Alma investigates the true authorship of the book, their stories converge in a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the power of literature.

    The 2319th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. Tipping The Velvet by Sarah Waters

    This novel is a vivid portrayal of a young woman's sexual and personal awakening in the late 19th century England. The protagonist, a seaside oyster girl, is captivated by a male impersonator and follows her to London, where she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Through a series of transformative experiences in the underbelly of Victorian society, she explores the complexities of love and identity, navigating through various roles and relationships that challenge the era's norms and her own understanding of desire. The narrative is a rich tapestry of music halls, drag culture, and the hidden queer subcultures of the time, offering a poignant exploration of gender and sexuality.

    The 2388th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Beautiful and Damned by F. Scott Fitzgerald

    This novel tells the story of Anthony Patch, a 1920s socialite and presumptive heir to a tycoon's fortune, and his wife Gloria. As they await the inheritance of his grandfather's estate, their reckless marriage deteriorates into a cycle of alcohol, parties, and squabbles, leading to their downfall. The narrative provides an exploration of the themes of greed, status, and the fleeting nature of youth and beauty.

    The 2398th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Garden Where the Brass Band Played by Simon Vestdijk

    This novel explores the life of a young boy named Nol Rieske, who falls in love with the daughter of a bandmaster in a small Dutch town. As he grows older, he becomes a successful musician, but his obsession with the bandmaster's daughter, who is mentally ill, continues to dominate his life. The story is a detailed exploration of a man's lifelong infatuation and its profound impact on his personal and professional life.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. To the North by Elizabeth Bowen

    The novel follows the life of a young woman who, after the death of her husband, moves to London and falls in love with her sister-in-law's lover. The narrative dives deep into the complexities of human relationships and emotions, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and loss. As the protagonist navigates her way through grief and fresh love, the readers are offered a profound exploration of her internal struggles, painting a vivid picture of her emotional journey.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. The Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima

    The novel is a classic tale of first love between a young fisherman and a pearl diver in a remote Japanese coastal village. The story is set in the post-war era and it explores themes of love, tradition, and the power of nature. The fisherman's love for the pearl diver is tested by the village's gossip and the jealousy of a wealthy rival. Despite the challenges, their love remains pure and steadfast, mirroring the timeless and unchanging rhythm of the sea and the cycles of nature.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Last Evenings with Teresa by Juan Marse

    The novel revolves around a young, ambitious man from the lower class who is obsessed with breaking into the higher social strata of Barcelona. He believes that his ticket to this higher society is through seducing Teresa, a naive, young girl from a well-off family. As he manipulates Teresa, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit, lies, and unexpected feelings. The story is a gritty exploration of class, ambition, and the lengths people will go to achieve their desires.

    The 2605th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín

    The novel tells the story of a young Irish woman, Eilis Lacey, in the 1950s who, unable to find work at home, is sent to Brooklyn by a helpful priest where she builds a new life. She finds work, studies to become a bookkeeper, and falls in love with an Italian plumber named Tony. However, a family tragedy forces her to return to Ireland, where she must choose between her new life in America and her old life at home.

    The 2618th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love by Oscar Hijuelos

    "The Mambo Kings Play Songs of Love" is a captivating tale of two Cuban brothers who emigrate to New York City in the 1950s to pursue their dreams of becoming famous mambo musicians. The story is told through the memories of the older brother, now a middle-aged man living in the U.S., as he reflects on their past glories, struggles, romantic entanglements, and the cultural and personal identity conflicts they faced in their journey. The book also explores themes of love, passion, music, and the immigrant experience.

    The 2743rd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Maurice by E. M. Forster

    "Maurice" is a novel that explores the emotional and societal challenges faced by its titular character, Maurice Hall, in early 20th-century England. The story delves into Maurice's journey of self-discovery, focusing on his struggles with his sexual identity in a time when homosexuality was socially unacceptable and legally condemned. Throughout the novel, Maurice experiences confusion and isolation but ultimately seeks a life of authenticity and love, which challenges the rigid norms of his society. The narrative addresses themes of desire, societal expectation, and the pursuit of happiness, culminating in a controversial yet hopeful resolution.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. In Praise Of Older Women by Stephen Vizinczey

    The book is a candid and provocative exploration of the romantic and sexual relationships of a young man, particularly with older, more experienced women. Through a series of intimate encounters and personal reflections, the protagonist embarks on a journey of emotional and sensual education. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th century Europe, the narrative delves into themes of love, passion, and the complexity of human connections, challenging societal norms and offering a fresh perspective on the dynamics between the sexes and the transformative power of relationships.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Betty Blue: The Story of a Passion by Philippe Djian

    Betty Blue: The Story of a Passion is a tragic love story set in rural France. The novel follows the passionate and tumultuous relationship between a handyman and a free-spirited, mentally unstable woman named Betty. As their relationship deepens, Betty's mental health deteriorates, leading to a series of dramatic and heartbreaking events. The story is a raw and poignant exploration of love, mental illness, and the devastating consequences of passion.

    The 4020th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham

    The narrative revolves around the lives of two boyhood friends navigating through their complicated lives in the 1980s. One of them is a bisexual man mourning the loss of his lover to AIDS, and the other is a straight man who's been in love with his friend since childhood. Their lives intertwine with a bohemian woman who dreams of having a child. The three of them form an unconventional family, exploring the complexities of relationships, love, and the concept of home.

    The 4037th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. Stardust by Neil Gaiman

    "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman is a fairy tale adventure set in the land of Faerie. The story follows the journey of a young man named Tristran Thorn, who sets out to capture a fallen star in order to win the heart of his true love. Along the way, he encounters a variety of magical creatures and characters, including witches, unicorns, and a ruthless prince. As Tristran navigates the dangers and wonders of Faerie, he learns valuable lessons about love, sacrifice, and the power of destiny.

    The 4112th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Love For Lydia by H. E. Bates

    This novel is a captivating exploration of love, class, and youth set in the interwar years in England. It follows the story of a young man who becomes infatuated with Lydia, a beautiful and capricious heiress. As their relationship develops, the narrative delves into the complexities of their emotions and the impact of their love on the lives around them. The story is a poignant reflection on the nature of love, the pain of growing up, and the inevitable change that time brings to relationships and social standings. Through vivid descriptions and deep character analysis, the novel presents a timeless examination of human desires and the quest for connection.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. The Magic Toyshop by Angela Carter

    After the sudden death of her parents, a young girl is sent to live with her tyrannical uncle who runs a toyshop. In this strange new world, she finds herself in a house filled with life-sized toys, a mute aunt, and her eccentric cousins. As she navigates through this bizarre and sometimes terrifying environment, she begins to experience the complexities of adult relationships and sexuality, eventually leading to a climactic confrontation with her oppressive uncle.

    The 4688th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Christy by Catherine Marshall

    The novel is a historical fiction set in the early 1900s, which follows the journey of a 19-year-old woman who leaves her comfortable city life to become a teacher in a remote, impoverished mountain community in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Through her experiences, she learns about the harsh realities of life, the power of faith, and the strength of the human spirit. Along the way, she also becomes torn between two men, a charismatic and passionate preacher and a pragmatic and grounded doctor.

    The 4899th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. There Is Confusion by Jessie Fauset

    "There Is Confusion" explores the complexities of African American life in the early 20th century, focusing on the intersecting lives of three young black protagonists from middle-class backgrounds. As they navigate the challenges of racism, societal expectations, and personal ambitions, the novel delves into themes of racial identity, class, gender roles, and the pursuit of the American Dream. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of their experiences in New York City, highlighting the tension between assimilation and cultural heritage, and the struggle to achieve personal and professional success in a world rife with discrimination and prejudice.

    The 4916th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Mama Day by Gloria Naylor

    The novel weaves a tale of the supernatural with the everyday lives of the inhabitants of Willow Springs, a small island off the coast of Georgia and South Carolina, where the descendants of a slave and her master reside. At the heart of the story is the formidable Mama Day, a wise and mystical elder who possesses a deep understanding of herbal medicine and the spiritual world. Her niece, Cocoa, falls in love with a man from New York City, and their relationship is tested by the collision of modern city life and the ancient, mystical heritage of the island. The narrative explores themes of heritage, identity, and the enduring bonds of family and community, as it oscillates between the past and the present, revealing the island's rich history and its impact on present-day events.

    The 4969th 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