The Greatest American "Drama, Fiction, Historical fiction" Books Since 2000

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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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Genres

Drama

Drama is a genre of literature that typically deals with serious and emotional themes, often exploring the complexities of human relationships and the struggles individuals face in their lives. These books often feature intense character development and intricate plotlines, delving into the depths of human experience and the challenges of navigating the world around us. From family dramas to political intrigue, the drama genre encompasses a wide range of stories that aim to captivate readers with their raw and powerful storytelling.

Fiction

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

    The book follows the lives of two Jewish cousins, one a skilled escape artist and the other a talented artist, before, during, and after World War II. They create a popular comic book superhero, which brings them fame and fortune. However, their success is complicated by personal struggles, including the escape artist's attempts to rescue his family from Nazi-occupied Prague and the artist's struggle with his sexuality. The narrative explores themes of escapism, identity, and the golden age of comic books.

    The 254th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. What Is the What by Dave Eggers

    The novel is a fictionalized account of a real-life Sudanese refugee, Valentino Achak Deng, who was forced to flee from his village during the Second Sudanese Civil War. The story follows his harrowing journey as a child through Ethiopia and Kenya, his life in various refugee camps, and his eventual resettlement in the United States. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the power of storytelling, while shedding light on the tragic history and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

    The 1894th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett

    Set in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi, the story revolves around three main characters: two black maids and a young white woman. The maids, who have spent their lives taking care of white families and raising their children, agree to share their experiences with the young woman, who is an aspiring writer. The book offers a poignant and humorous look at the complex relationships between these women, while also exploring the racial tensions and social changes of the era.

    The 2194th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates

    The novel is a fictionalized account of the life of one of Hollywood's most enduring and enigmatic icons, Marilyn Monroe. It reimagines her life from her troubled childhood as Norma Jeane Baker through her rise to stardom and her tragic demise. The book delves into the complexities of her inner life, exploring her relationships, her struggles with fame, and her quest for love and identity. It presents a psychological portrait that blends fact with speculation, capturing the dichotomy between the public persona of the blonde bombshell and the private experiences of a woman both blessed and cursed by her beauty and allure.

    The 2262nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 2430th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Let the Great World Spin: A Novel by Colum McCann

    Set in 1970s New York City, the novel weaves together the stories of a diverse group of characters, ranging from a young Irish monk living among prostitutes in the Bronx to a group of wealthy Park Avenue ladies planning a charity event. Their lives intersect in unexpected ways against the backdrop of a tightrope walker's daring feat between the Twin Towers. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the interconnectedness of humanity.

    The 2588th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

    The novel follows the life of twin brothers born from a secret union between an Indian nun and a British surgeon in Ethiopia. Their mother dies during childbirth and their father disappears, leaving them to be raised by two doctors at the mission hospital where they were born. The story spans several decades and continents, and explores themes of love, betrayal, medicine, and the complexity of family ties. One of the brothers, a gifted surgeon, flees to America after a political revolution in Ethiopia, while the other remains and struggles with the challenges of practicing medicine in a developing country.

    The 3049th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Deacon King Kong by James McBride

    "Deacon King Kong" by James McBride is a novel set in 1969 Brooklyn, where a drunken Deacon Sportcoat shoots a drug dealer named Deems Clemens in the courtyard of the Cause Houses housing project. The shooting sets off a chain of events that brings together a cast of characters from the neighborhood, including a young drug dealer, a church-going widow, a corrupt cop, and a group of elderly church women. Through their perspectives, McBride explores themes of race, religion, and community in a vibrant and humorous tale.

    The 5489th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

    The book is a poignant tale of two French sisters during World War II who face the brutal German occupation of France in their own unique ways. While one sister joins the Resistance, risking her life to save others, the other struggles to maintain her family's home and protect her daughter, showcasing the resilience and strength of women under the shadow of war. Their paths are fraught with danger, moral complexity, and heartbreaking sacrifices, as they each fight for love, freedom, and survival against the backdrop of a world torn apart by conflict.

    The 6120th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac

    The book is a historical novel that tells the story of a Navajo man who serves in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. Recruited for his unique linguistic skills, he becomes one of the Code Talkers, a group of Native American soldiers tasked with using their native language to create an unbreakable code for transmitting messages. The narrative follows his experiences of discrimination, the horrors of war, and the crucial role the Code Talkers played in the American military victories in the Pacific Theater, all while exploring themes of cultural identity, bravery, and the complex nature of patriotism.

    The 6721st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Forever: A Novel by Pete Hamill

    This novel follows the story of Cormac O'Connor, an Irish immigrant who arrives in New York in 1740. After his parents are killed by an English lord, he vows revenge and is granted immortality by an African healer, on the condition that he never leaves the island of Manhattan. The story spans three centuries, as Cormac experiences New York's transformation from a colonial outpost to a modern metropolis, while he waits for his chance to avenge his parents.

    The 7075th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Ten Thousand Saints by Eleanor Henderson

    "Ten Thousand Saints" by Eleanor Henderson is a coming-of-age story set in the 1980s in New York City's East Village. The novel follows the lives of three teenagers, Teddy, Jude, and Eliza, as they navigate their way through the punk rock scene, drug addiction, and the AIDS epidemic. When Teddy dies of a drug overdose, Jude sets out on a journey to find his biological father, a former hippie who now lives in Vermont and runs a health food store. Along the way, Jude discovers a new sense of identity and purpose as he becomes involved in the straight-edge movement and begins to understand the true meaning of family and friendship.

    The 7885th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Half Broke Horses: A True Life Novel by Jeannette Walls

    Half Broke Horses is a novel based on the life of the author's grandmother, Lily Casey Smith, who grew up in the early 1900s on a ranch in Texas. The book follows Lily's journey from a young girl with a thirst for adventure to a strong-willed woman who becomes a teacher, a rancher, and a mother. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Lily remains determined and resilient, forging her own path in a world that often tries to limit her. The book is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of one remarkable woman and a celebration of the American West.

    The 7922nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Carter Beats The Devil by Glen David Gold

    Set in the early 20th century, this novel follows the life of a renowned magician, Charles Carter, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of deception and intrigue after he performs a trick on President Harding, who dies mysteriously hours later. Carter is forced to use his skills to clear his name, while also dealing with other challenges including a beautiful, elusive woman, a blind lion tamer, and a rivalry with Houdini. This historical novel weaves together a tale of magic, love, and suspense.

    The 8108th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Wrath & The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh

    In this reimagined tale inspired by "One Thousand and One Nights," a young woman volunteers to marry a caliph known for taking a new bride each day only to execute her at dawn. She does this to avenge her best friend, one of his previous victims. However, as she weaves stories night after night to postpone her execution, she begins to see a different side to the ruler and uncovers secrets that could alter the course of the kingdom. Amidst a backdrop of magic, betrayal, and political intrigue, the woman finds herself torn between her mission for revenge and the unexpected feelings she develops for the man she intended to hate.

    The 8527th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

    In this historical fiction novel, we follow the continuing adventures of a time-traveling nurse from the 20th century and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. Set against the backdrop of the looming American Revolution, the couple struggles to maintain their family and homestead while dealing with the political and social unrest of the era. The story intertwines romance, historical events, and fantasy elements as the couple faces challenges that test their bond and their ability to shape their destiny amidst the fiery cross of change and rebellion.

    The 9086th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

    This novel unfolds the glamorous yet tumultuous life of aging Hollywood icon, Evelyn Hugo, as she decides to finally reveal the truth about her scandalous life and her marriages to seven men. Through an exclusive interview with an unknown magazine reporter, Evelyn's story traverses decades of her career, uncovering the ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love that defined her. The narrative delves deep into themes of identity, love, and the price of fame, as Evelyn's complex character—her triumphs and her failures—is laid bare against the backdrop of the golden age of Hollywood.

    The 9322nd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. A Breath Of Snow And Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

    In this installment of the historical fiction series, the story continues to follow the lives of a time-traveling 20th-century doctor and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. As the American Revolution looms, the couple faces personal tragedies, political upheaval, and the constant threat of violence. They struggle to protect their family and their community in the backwoods of North Carolina, all while dealing with the complexities of their unique situation and the implications of knowing the future. The novel blends romance, adventure, and historical detail, creating a vivid and tumultuous world for its characters.

    The 9367th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Lovecraft Country by Matt Ruff

    "Lovecraft Country" is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly blends elements of horror, science fiction, and historical fiction. Set in the 1950s, the story follows a young African American man named Atticus Turner as he embarks on a dangerous journey through the racially segregated United States. Along the way, Atticus and his friends encounter supernatural forces, face institutional racism, and confront the horrors of Lovecraftian mythology. With its richly drawn characters and exploration of racial tensions, the book offers a unique and compelling perspective on both the genre of horror and the complexities of American society.

    The 10216th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk

    In a small town during World War II, twelve-year-old Annabelle encounters a bully named Betty, whose cruel actions escalate to the point of injuring a classmate. Annabelle finds herself caught in a web of lies and secrets as she tries to protect her friend and bring justice to Wolf Hollow. This coming-of-age story explores themes of bravery, friendship, and the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger.

    The 10216th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Orphans’ Home Cycle by Horton Foote

    The literary work in question is a collection of nine plays that weave a rich tapestry of early 20th-century Texas life through the eyes of Horace Robedaux, a character whose journey from childhood to adulthood is marked by loss, love, and the search for identity. As Horace grapples with the death of his father, his mother's remarriage, and the complexities of his own marital and familial relationships, the narrative explores the themes of resilience, human connection, and the enduring impact of family legacy. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, the plays chronicle the struggles and triumphs of a man and the community that shapes him, offering a poignant look at the ties that bind us to the places we call home.

    The 10550th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Betty by Tiffany McDaniel

    This novel is a poignant coming-of-age story set in the rural town of Breathed, Ohio, during the mid-20th century. It follows the life of a young girl of mixed white and Cherokee heritage, who grows up in a large, impoverished family plagued by dark secrets and personal tragedies. Through her eyes, we experience the harsh realities of racism, sexism, and the struggles of her family against the backdrop of Appalachian folklore and the deep connection to nature. The narrative is a tapestry of the protagonist's resilience, the power of storytelling, and the unbreakable bond she shares with her father, who instills in her the importance of her heritage and the strength found in one's roots.

    The 10586th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Royale by Marco Ramirez

    "The Royale" is a gripping play that delves into the complex world of boxing in the early 20th century, focusing on an African American fighter who dreams of becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. As he navigates the racially segregated landscape of the sport, he must confront not only his opponents in the ring but also the societal challenges and personal sacrifices that come with his ambition. The narrative builds to a climactic fight that's as much about personal triumph as it is about the broader racial tensions of the era, delivering a powerful punch about the cost of breaking barriers and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 10780th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter

    The novel weaves together multiple storylines spanning across different eras, from the 1960s Italian coastline to modern-day Hollywood. It centers around an almost-love affair between a young Italian innkeeper and an American actress who is believed to be dying. The narrative explores the complex interplay between life and art, love and dreams, as it moves through time and space, connecting a diverse cast of characters whose paths intersect in unexpected ways. The story delves into themes of missed opportunities, the impact of the past on the present, and the enduring allure of fame and ambition, all set against the backdrop of a changing cultural landscape.

    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