The Greatest "Fiction, Experimental, Lgbtq+" 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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Fiction

Experimental

The "Experimental" category of books is characterized by works that challenge traditional literary conventions and push the boundaries of form and content. These books often incorporate unconventional narrative structures, language, and themes, and may experiment with different mediums such as poetry, visual art, or multimedia. The goal of experimental literature is to create new and innovative ways of storytelling that challenge readers' expectations and expand the possibilities of what literature can be.

Lgbtq+

The "Lgbtq+" category of books encompasses literature that explores the experiences, identities, and relationships of individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning. These books may address issues such as coming out, discrimination, love, and acceptance, and may be written for a variety of audiences, including young adults, adults, and children. The category is diverse and inclusive, reflecting the wide range of experiences and perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community.

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  1. 1. Orlando: A Biography by Virginia Woolf

    The novel follows the life of a young nobleman in Elizabethan England who inexplicably transforms into a woman at the age of 30 and lives on for three centuries without aging. Throughout the centuries, the protagonist experiences various historical events, engages in relationships with both men and women, and explores the complexities of gender identity and sexuality. The book is an exploration of the fluidity of gender and time, as well as a critique of societal norms and expectations.

    The 146th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Our Lady of the Flowers by Jean Genet

    The novel is a dark, poetic exploration of the criminal underworld in Paris, focusing on the life and fantasies of a homosexual prostitute and thief. The protagonist, while in prison, creates an elaborate fantasy world populated by outcasts, convicts, and murderers, including a transgender character who becomes his ideal of beauty and purity. The narrative is filled with graphic depictions of sex and violence, and explores themes of transgression, identity, and the transformative power of the imagination.

    The 1273rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders

    The novel is set in a graveyard over the course of a single night and is narrated by a dazzling chorus of voices. The story is centered around the death of President Lincoln's 11-year-old son Willie, who resides in the Bardo, a transitional state between life and rebirth in Tibetan tradition. As Willie interacts with the other spirits stuck in this realm, his father visits the crypt to mourn, causing a struggle among the ghosts over the boy's soul. The narrative explores themes of grief, the impermanence of life, and the unresolved issues that keep us from moving on.

    The 1585th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Soft Machine by William S. Burroughs

    "The Soft Machine" is a surreal and experimental novel that employs a non-linear narrative and the cut-up technique, a method of rearranging or juxtaposing text to create new meaning. The book explores themes of control, conformity, and corruption in society, using a variety of characters and settings, including a junkie, a time traveler, and various dystopian societies. The narrative is marked by its explicit content and its critique of traditional societal structures, making it a notable work of the Beat Generation.

    The 5636th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. In Memoriam to Identity by Kathy Acker

    This novel presents a complex exploration of identity through the intertwining stories of three different characters: a young girl in a love affair with an older man, a gender-confused individual, and a woman who is a stand-in for the author herself. The narrative is fragmented and non-linear, embodying the theme of identity as fluid and ever-changing. The book is also a critique of societal norms and expectations, particularly those related to gender and sexuality.

    The 6717th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Hogg by Samuel R. Delany

    "Hogg" is a highly controversial and graphic novel that delves into the darkest corners of human depravity. Set in an unnamed American city, the story is narrated by an eleven-year-old boy who becomes the accomplice of a professional rapist and serial killer known as Hogg. The narrative explores themes of violence, sexual deviancy, and moral boundaries, testing the limits of what literature can express about the human condition.

    The 7104th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Sluts by Dennis Cooper

    "The Sluts" is a disturbing and provocative exploration of the underbelly of male prostitution, told through a series of online forum posts. The narrative centers around a young male escort named Brad, whose enigmatic and potentially deadly allure captivates a community of men obsessed with extreme sexual practices. As the users share their experiences and fantasies about Brad, the line between reality and fantasy blurs, leading to a shocking climax. The book is a chilling commentary on the commodification of the human body, the nature of desire, and the dark side of the internet.

    The 7112th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Spreadeagle by Kevin Killian

    This novel is a satirical look at modern-day America, focusing on a tech mogul who purchases a large portion of the state of Michigan to create a utopia for the wealthy. The narrative is told through the perspectives of a variety of characters, including the mogul's personal assistant, a porn star, and a teenage girl. The novel explores themes of capitalism, technology, and the American dream, all while presenting a critique of the extreme wealth and power held by a select few in society.

    The 8576th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. White Girls by Hilton Als

    "White Girls" is a collection of essays that explore the concept of "white girls" as the author sees it - a cultural and racial construct, rather than a literal description. The book delves into the author's personal experiences, pop culture, history, and his own identity as a gay black man. It examines figures from pop culture, literature, and the author's personal life, including Truman Capote, Michael Jackson, and the author's own sister, to explore themes of race, gender, identity, and the love and loss that comes with friendship.

    The 8718th 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