Jernigan by David Gates

The novel is a darkly comic portrayal of a man's descent into alcoholism and self-destruction. The protagonist, a middle-aged father, grapples with the banality of his suburban life, the loss of his wife, and a strained relationship with his teenage son. His narrative is marked by sharp wit and a keen sense of the absurd, as he increasingly turns to the bottle for solace. The book offers a raw and unflinching look at the protagonist's attempt to navigate his existential despair, showcasing the tragicomic elements of his downward spiral.

The 4547th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 126

Since this book was first published in 1991, there is a penalty of 27.2%. The age adjusted score is 91.73.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.