The Greatest "Contemporary, Psychological, Fiction, Romance" 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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Genres

Contemporary

Contemporary books are a genre that focuses on stories set in the present day, often exploring current social, cultural, and political issues. These books are typically written in a modern style and often feature relatable characters dealing with real-life situations. Contemporary books can cover a wide range of topics, from romance and family drama to coming-of-age stories and thrillers. The genre is constantly evolving to reflect the changing world we live in, making it a popular choice for readers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and issues.

Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

Fiction

Romance

The Romance category of books typically involves stories that revolve around romantic relationships between two or more characters. These stories often explore themes of love, passion, and intimacy, and may include elements of drama, suspense, or humor. Romance novels can range from sweet and innocent to steamy and erotic, and may be set in a variety of time periods and locations. Overall, the Romance genre offers readers a chance to escape into a world of love and romance, where anything is possible.

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  1. 1. Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson

    "Written on the Body" is a passionate love story that explores the protagonist's relationships with both men and women. The protagonist, whose gender is never revealed, falls deeply in love with a married woman, Louise, who is diagnosed with leukemia. The protagonist then faces a difficult decision: to let Louise stay with her husband who can afford her medical treatment, or to continue their affair and let Louise die. The book delves into themes of love, loss, and the complexity of human relationships.

    The 2374th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

    "Fates and Furies" is a novel split into two parts, providing two perspectives on a single marriage. The first half of the book, "Fates," is told from the point of view of the husband, Lotto, a charismatic but failed actor turned successful playwright, who views his marriage as happy and his wife as supportive. The second half, "Furies," is told from the perspective of his wife, Mathilde, revealing her hidden past and the sacrifices and manipulations she has performed to maintain their life together. The novel explores themes of love, secrets, and the different narratives created within a relationship.

    The 5418th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Folding Star by Alan Hollinghurst

    "The Folding Star" by Alan Hollinghurst is a captivating novel that follows the life of a young Englishman named Edward Manners who moves to Belgium to become a language tutor. As he immerses himself in the local culture, Edward becomes infatuated with one of his students, a 17-year-old boy named Luc. The novel explores themes of obsession, desire, and the complexities of relationships, as Edward's infatuation leads him down a path of self-discovery and ultimately reveals the dark secrets of his own past.

    The 5471st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell

    The novel explores a complicated relationship between an American teacher living in Bulgaria and a young male prostitute named Mitko. The narrative delves into themes of desire, shame, and the legacy of the past, as the protagonist grapples with his own identity and sexuality. As the relationship between the two men evolves, the protagonist is forced to confront his past, his feelings of isolation, and the societal norms that shape his existence.

    The 7057th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Banishing Verona by Margot Livesey

    The novel centers around the unexpected and profound connection between Zeke, a man with Asperger's syndrome who is skilled in carpentry and house renovation, and Verona, a pregnant radio host who is significantly older than him. Their lives intersect when Verona hires Zeke to work on her house, and despite their differences, they form an intense bond. However, when Verona suddenly leaves for London, Zeke is compelled to follow her, embarking on a journey that takes him out of his comfort zone and into a series of unpredictable and transformative experiences. The story explores themes of love, the challenges of communication, and the ways in which people's lives can become intertwined in the most unexpected of ways.

    The 8584th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. South of the Border, West of the Sun: A Novel by Haruki Murakami

    The novel tells the story of a man named Hajime, who grew up as an only child in post-war Japan. He forms a deep bond with a girl named Shimamoto during his childhood, but they lose touch as they grow older. Hajime builds a successful life with a wife and two daughters, but he is haunted by his past. When Shimamoto unexpectedly re-enters his life, he is torn between his commitment to his family and his lingering feelings for his childhood love. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, regret, and the complexities of human relationships.

    The 8992nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. I Loved You More by Tom Spanbauer

    This novel explores the complicated love triangle between a gay man, his best friend, and the woman they both love. Set in New York City and Portland, the narrative delves into the intricate dynamics of their relationships, the pain of unrequited love, and the struggle of coming to terms with one's sexuality. The protagonist's journey to self-discovery and acceptance is heart-wrenching and poignant, offering a raw and honest look at love, friendship, and identity.

    The 10243rd 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