The Greatest "Contemporary, Siblings, Fiction" Books Since 1970

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Contemporary

Contemporary books are a genre that focuses on stories set in the present day, often exploring current social, cultural, and political issues. These books are typically written in a modern style and often feature relatable characters dealing with real-life situations. Contemporary books can cover a wide range of topics, from romance and family drama to coming-of-age stories and thrillers. The genre is constantly evolving to reflect the changing world we live in, making it a popular choice for readers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and issues.

Siblings

The "Siblings" category in literature encompasses a diverse range of books that delve into the intricate dynamics, bonds, and conflicts inherent in sibling relationships. Whether exploring the fierce loyalty and deep-seated rivalries between brothers and sisters, the complexities of blended families, or the poignant connections in twins' lives, this genre offers a rich exploration of familial ties. From heartwarming tales of siblings banding together to overcome adversity to psychological dramas that unravel the darker aspects of these relationships, the "Siblings" category provides readers with a window into the multifaceted experiences that come with having siblings. It includes a variety of narratives, from coming-of-age stories and historical sagas to thrillers and comedies, all unified by the central theme of siblinghood and its impact on individual and family identities.

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 26. A Children’s Bible by Xe Sands, Lydia Millet

    "A Children's Bible" follows a group of children and their parents who are spending the summer in a rented house in the countryside. As the parents indulge in drinking and infidelity, the children are left to their own devices and begin to explore the surrounding wilderness. When a severe storm hits and the world as they know it begins to crumble, the children turn to their own imaginations and a battered old Bible for guidance. The novel is a poignant commentary on climate change, societal decay, and the resilience of youth.

    The 9546th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley

    The novel explores the complex and strained relationship between a woman and her estranged parents, particularly her mother. The protagonist grapples with the lasting effects of her upbringing, characterized by emotional distance, misunderstandings, and unmet needs. As she navigates her adult life, she reflects on the enduring impact of her childhood and the challenges of forging her own identity in the shadow of her parents' influence. The narrative delves into themes of memory, alienation, and the search for self amidst the phantoms of familial ties that both haunt and shape our experiences.

    The 10044th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout

    "Anything is Possible" is a collection of interconnected stories exploring the lives and struggles of various residents in a small town in Illinois. The stories delve into the characters' pasts, revealing their secrets, regrets, and the complexities of their relationships. The book explores themes of poverty, trauma, and the human capacity for change, demonstrating that despite hardships and heartbreak, anything is possible.

    The 10774th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Young Shoulders by John Wain

    "Young Shoulders" is a coming-of-age novel about a 10-year-old boy living in a small English town during World War II. The protagonist struggles with the harsh realities of war, the death of his father, and his mother's mental health issues. Despite the difficulties, he finds solace in his love for literature and his friendship with a local bookseller. The narrative explores themes of loss, resilience, and the power of literature.

    The 10803rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Position by Meg Wolitzer

    "The Position" is a novel that explores the impact of a bestselling sex manual, written by a couple, on their four children. The book, published in the 1970s, includes explicit illustrations of the couple and becomes a cultural phenomenon. The narrative, spanning over three decades, delves into the lives of the children, their struggles with their parents' public sexual revelations, and how it affects their own relationships and identities as they grow into adulthood.

    The 10847th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg

    This novel explores the complexities of family dynamics, focusing on the Middlestein family, who are grappling with various personal and collective crises, primarily revolving around Edie, the matriarch's, struggle with obesity and its impact on her health and relationships. As Edie's condition worsens, her family's reactions reveal their individual struggles, insecurities, and the ways in which they cope with stress and change. Through a narrative that is both compassionate and unflinching, the book delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the challenges of caring for someone who seems beyond help, all while painting a vivid portrait of contemporary American life and the ways in which personal and familial histories intertwine.

    The 10925th 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