The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Vol I and II by M.T. Anderson

The book follows the life of Octavian, a young African American boy raised in a strange and secretive environment in Revolutionary-era Boston. He is brought up as part of a philosophical experiment by a group of rationalist scholars who seek to determine the intellectual capacity of Africans. As he matures, Octavian realizes the true nature of the experiment and the oppressive reality of his existence. His journey of self-discovery leads him to question the very foundations of the society that treats him as an object of study rather than a human being. As the American Revolution unfolds around him, Octavian is drawn into the chaotic struggle for independence, identity, and survival, challenging the notions of freedom and what it means to be a traitor to a nation built on the paradox of liberty and slavery.

The 7048th greatest book of all time

Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 96

Since this book was first published in 2006, there is a penalty of 51.2%. The age adjusted score is 46.85.

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.