The Greatest American, Irish "Plays, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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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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Plays

Plays are a category of literature that consists of written works intended for performance on stage. They typically feature dialogue between characters and are structured into acts and scenes. Plays can be comedic, tragic, or a combination of both, and often explore themes such as love, power, and morality. They are meant to be performed by actors in front of an audience, and can be enjoyed both as written works and as live performances.

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  1. 1. Angels In America by Tony Kushner

    The play is a profound and complex exploration of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, intertwining the lives of several characters grappling with their sexuality, religion, and politics. Set against the backdrop of a conservative Reagan-era America, it delves into themes of abandonment, race, and the supernatural, as characters confront personal and societal challenges. The narrative weaves together the stories of a gay man diagnosed with AIDS, his closeted and conflicted lover, a Mormon couple facing their own crises, and a notorious real-life lawyer, Roy Cohn, also battling AIDS. Ethereal beings, including a heralding angel, intersect with the characters' lives, adding a fantastical dimension to the play's commentary on human suffering, redemption, and the quest for justice and love.

    The 1883rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Topdog Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks

    The play centers around two African American brothers, Lincoln and Booth, who share a tenuous and competitive relationship marked by a troubled past. Lincoln, a former street hustler, now works as a Lincoln impersonator in a shooting gallery, while Booth aspires to be the greatest card hustler, practicing the three-card monte con that Lincoln has abandoned. As they navigate their sibling rivalry, the brothers grapple with their roles as the "topdog" and the "underdog" in a cycle of poverty and broken dreams. The narrative delves into themes of identity, family dynamics, and the struggle for power, culminating in a dramatic and tragic exploration of fate and the inescapable nature of their circumstances.

    The 5389th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Six Degrees Of Separation by John Guare

    The play explores the premise that everyone in the world is connected to everyone else by a chain of no more than six acquaintances. It centers around a young con artist who infiltrates the lives of a wealthy New York couple, claiming to be the son of a famous movie star and a classmate of their children at Harvard. By spinning a web of lies and charm, he exposes the superficial nature of their social world while also revealing the deep-seated racial and class anxieties that lie beneath the polished surface of their lives. The title refers to the idea that any two individuals are connected by a chain of, at most, six other people, which becomes a metaphor for the interconnectedness of human experience and the illusion of separation in society.

    The 8996th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage

    "Intimate Apparel" is a poignant play set in New York City in 1905, which tells the story of Esther, an African American seamstress who creates exquisite lingerie for both wealthy uptown wives and downtown prostitutes. As she navigates the complexities of love, empowerment, and the constraints of the social order of her time, Esther dreams of opening her own beauty parlor where black women will be treated as royally as the white women she sews for. Through her interactions with a diverse cast of characters—including a Jewish fabric merchant, her landlady, and a Caribbean man—Esther's tale unfolds, revealing the deeply personal longing for connection and the impact of race and religion on the lives of the characters.

    The 9522nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. John by Annie Baker

    The play unfolds in a bed-and-breakfast in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where a young couple, Jenny and Elias, arrive to stay over the Thanksgiving weekend. Their relationship is tested by the eerie atmosphere of the B&B, the odd behavior of its peculiar proprietor, Mertis, and the presence of her enigmatic friend, Genevieve. As the weekend progresses, the couple's personal tensions and unresolved issues surface, with the intimate setting and the watchful eyes of the surrounding inanimate objects serving as a backdrop to the unraveling of secrets and the exploration of identity, perception, and the supernatural.

    The 9639th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Doubt: A Parable by John Patrick Shanley

    "Doubt: A Parable" is a gripping play set in a 1960s Bronx Catholic school, where the principal, Sister Aloysius, suspects the charismatic Father Flynn of improper relations with a student. As she seeks the truth, her convictions are challenged by the uncertainties and moral complexities of the situation. The play explores the nature of belief, the struggle for certainty in a world of ambiguity, and the consequences of acting on convictions in the absence of proof. Through its intense dialogue and powerful character dynamics, the narrative examines the fine line between righteousness and self-deception, leaving audiences to grapple with their interpretations of guilt and innocence.

    The 9743rd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. August by Tracy Letts

    "August" is a darkly comic play that delves into the dysfunctional dynamics of the Weston family, brought together by the disappearance of their patriarch in the scorching heat of an Oklahoma summer. The reunion at the family home leads to a turbulent confrontation of long-held secrets, personal demons, and bitter sibling rivalries. As the family's matriarch, who is afflicted with cancer and addicted to pills, faces the reality of her crumbling world, the characters are forced to confront their past choices and the uncertain future that lies ahead. The narrative weaves a tale of a family struggling to find solace and meaning amidst chaos and decline.

    The 9999th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Weir by Conor McPherson

    "The Weir" is a play set in a rural Irish pub, where the local men are joined by a woman from Dublin. Over the course of an evening, they share stories filled with personal reminiscences and Irish folklore, each tale more revealing and unsettling than the last. The intimate setting and the characters' narratives weave together themes of loneliness, loss, and the search for connection, as the supernatural elements of their stories reflect the haunting undercurrents of their own lives. The play's rich dialogue and atmospheric tension create a poignant exploration of the human condition and the power of storytelling to bring people together.

    The 10090th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 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 10560th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Wit by Margaret Edson

    The play is a poignant exploration of the life of a brilliant and exacting English professor who is diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. As she undergoes aggressive and painful treatment, she reflects on her life and work, particularly her study of the metaphysical poets, with a focus on the intricacies of John Donne's Holy Sonnets. The narrative juxtaposes the complexities of human emotions with the clinical detachment of the medical profession, ultimately offering a meditation on mortality, the value of human connection, and the meaning of life when faced with the imminence of death. Through her illness, the protagonist confronts the irony and tragedy of her situation, using her wit to cope with her deteriorating condition and to question the significance of her scholarly achievements.

    The 10615th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Love! Valour! Compassion! by Terrence McNally

    The play is a poignant exploration of the lives, relationships, and struggles of eight gay men who gather over the course of three summer weekends at a lakeside house in upstate New York. As they confront issues of fidelity, love, illness, and mortality against the backdrop of the mid-1990s AIDS epidemic, the friends navigate the complexities of their lives with humor, compassion, and sometimes heated conflict. The narrative delves deep into the bonds of friendship and the human need for connection, revealing the characters' desires, fears, and hopes in the face of an uncertain future.

    The 10637th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Master Class by Terrence McNally

    "Master Class" is a riveting play that takes place in a Juilliard School classroom, where the audience becomes privy to a series of master classes conducted by a legendary opera diva. As she imparts her knowledge to the aspiring singers, her teaching goes beyond mere technique. The play delves into the complexities of the diva's own life, her triumphs and heartbreaks, and her demanding and often mercurial nature. Through interactions with her students, we witness her vulnerability, her passion for art, and the personal sacrifices she has made for her career. The narrative weaves together humor, drama, and music to create a powerful and intimate theatrical experience that explores the cost of greatness and the enduring legacy of a true artist.

    The 10638th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Proof by David Auburn

    The play revolves around the daughter of a recently deceased mathematical genius who grappled with mental illness. As she comes to terms with her father's legacy and her own potential for both genius and madness, she faces the challenge of proving the authorship of a groundbreaking mathematical proof found among her father's papers. The narrative delves into themes of trust, credibility, and the complex bonds between geniuses and their caretakers, all while exploring the fine line between brilliance and insanity.

    The 10684th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Pillowman by Martin McDonagh

    The play is a dark, thought-provoking drama that centers around a writer in a totalitarian state who is interrogated by two detectives about the gruesome content of his short stories, which bear similarities to a series of child murders. As the narrative unfolds through a series of twists and flashbacks, it delves into themes of storytelling, the nature of cruelty, and the question of whether art can inspire real-life violence. The writer is forced to confront his past and the impact of his tales, leading to a harrowing exploration of the power of narrative and the blurred lines between fiction and reality.

    The 10707th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Anna In The Tropics by Nilo Cruz

    Set in 1929 in a Cuban-American cigar factory in Florida, the play explores the impact of mechanization and modernity on tradition and the lives of the factory workers. As a new lector is hired to entertain the workers by reading literature while they roll cigars, he chooses to read "Anna Karenina," which resonates deeply with the workers, stirring their emotions and desires. The story of the Russian classic becomes intertwined with their lives, leading to conflicts, romances, and personal revelations that mirror the tumultuous passions of Tolstoy's characters, ultimately challenging the characters to reflect on their own destinies and the changing world around them.

    The 10708th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Radio Golf by August Wilson

    Set in the 1990s, the play explores the complexities of African-American identity and the impact of gentrification in Pittsburgh's Hill District. It centers on an ambitious real estate developer who aspires to become the city's first Black mayor. His plans to revitalize the neighborhood by constructing high-end apartments and chain stores clash with the community's history and the legacy of a dilapidated house that holds significant cultural heritage. As he navigates political, ethical, and personal dilemmas, the protagonist is forced to confront the true cost of progress and the meaning of being a successful Black man in America, ultimately questioning whether the price of his ambitions might be the soul of his community.

    The 10729th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Aliens by Annie Baker

    The play centers around two thirty-something men, Jasper and KJ, who spend their time behind a Vermont coffee shop discussing music, philosophy, and their personal struggles, embodying a sense of aimlessness and lost potential. Their static existence is interrupted when they form an unlikely friendship with Evan, a high school student and employee of the coffee shop. Through their conversations and interactions, the trio explores themes of connection, the search for meaning, and the poignant moments found in the mundanity of everyday life. The narrative unfolds with a quiet intensity, capturing the essence of small-town ennui and the subtle dynamics of male friendship.

    The 10749th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Other Desert Cities by Jon Robin Baitz

    In the play, a family reunion during Christmas in Palm Springs is disrupted when the daughter, an aspiring writer, announces her plans to publish a memoir that revives a tragic event in the family's history. The revelation threatens to tear the family apart as secrets are unearthed and differing memories and perspectives come to light. The family members, including two parents with a history in Hollywood and politics, an aunt who was a former screenwriter, and an addict brother, all must confront their past and the impact of the daughter's book on their future. The play delves into themes of family loyalty, political responsibility, and the elusive nature of truth.

    The 10758th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. 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 10790th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Flick by Annie Baker

    The play is a poignant exploration of the lives of three underpaid employees at a run-down movie theater in central Massachusetts. As they perform the menial labor of cleaning the theater between screenings, their conversations and interactions reveal the quiet desperation, unspoken dreams, and complex relationships that shape their everyday lives. The narrative unfolds with a deep sense of realism, capturing the subtle dynamics of friendship, the longing for connection, and the struggle to find meaning in the mundanity of daily work. Through its meticulous attention to detail and authentic dialogue, the play offers a window into the lives of ordinary people and the profound truths that lie in the quiet moments of the human experience.

    The 10797th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. A Doll's House, Part 2 by Lucas Hnath

    In this play, a sequel to a classic 19th-century drama, the protagonist returns to the family she abandoned 15 years earlier. Her unexpected visit stirs up old wounds and confronts the societal changes that have occurred since her departure. The characters engage in intense dialogues that explore the complexities of marriage, family dynamics, and the pursuit of individual freedom. The play challenges traditional gender roles and the concept of closure, offering a fresh perspective on the consequences of seeking personal autonomy in a world that has been slow to change.

    The 10847th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Slave Play by Jeremy O. Harris

    The play is a provocative examination of race, sex, and power dynamics through the lens of interracial relationships. Set on a Southern plantation that hosts an antebellum-themed sex therapy retreat, the narrative follows three modern-day interracial couples as they engage in an experimental therapy to address their issues. The therapy involves role-playing scenarios from the slavery era, which leads to intense and often uncomfortable confrontations of historical and contemporary racial traumas. The play challenges audiences to reflect on the lingering impact of slavery on personal and societal relationships, while questioning the effectiveness and ethics of unconventional therapeutic methods.

    The 10866th 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