Ranking the Top Ten Most Influential Novels of My Life

Earlier this week, I found myself reflecting on influence—specifically, how the books we read shape what we write as authors. This train of thought led to a realization: I’ve never ranked books before. The idea of ranking books always felt arbitrary to me.

Who’s to say what makes one book better than another? What criteria should be used to decide? And why can’t The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein be considered the best book of all time? Just because it’s not a novel?

I decided to create my own list—partly to share the novels that have deeply impacted me, but also to reveal some of the influences behind my own writing. I know this list might ruffle some feathers, but so be it. We all have our opinions. Just because I don’t list a novel here, that doesn’t mean I dislike it. It means nothing more than it didn’t influence me the way these novels did.

Without further ado, here’s my list of my top ten most influential novels of all time, along with a few honorable mentions, because, let’s be real, it’s impossible to stick to just ten.

Honorable Mentions:

• The Stranger by Albert Camus
• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
• No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
• The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

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10) Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred Taylor

This is arguably my favorite book to teach in a classroom. Mildred Taylor’s Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a masterclass in character development. It follows the Logans, a family of five in 1933 Mississippi, who are fortunate to own their own land during the Reconstruction era. The nine-year-old narrator, Cassie, observes her brother Stacey as he navigates complex friendships in a time marked by prejudice and violence. Taylor’s skill in conveying events through the eyes of a young character who doesn’t fully understand them is truly remarkable.

9) Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

Many people might expect to see Slaughterhouse-Five here, as it’s often ranked higher. But Cat’s Cradle has always resonated with me in a way that Slaughterhouse-Five never did. Maybe it’s the satire of Bokononism, a religion that openly acknowledges that everything is made up. Or perhaps it’s the exploration of technological dangers through “ice-nine,” an alternative structure of water that can instantly freeze everything. Whatever the reason, Cat’s Cradle is a laugh-out-loud masterpiece of postmodern storytelling that deserves its spot on this list.

8) American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman’s American Gods is a dazzling exploration of Americana, pitting new gods against old. It’s a stark commentary on the tension between ancient beliefs and modern obsessions. The story follows Shadow, a man struggling with the loss of his wife, who encounters the enigmatic Mr. Wednesday. He’s drawn into a war between the old Norse gods and the new American gods, represented by modern idols like money, fame, and technology. It’s a thrilling premise, executed with Gaiman’s characteristic wit and skill.

7) And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

You’ve seen the premise countless times—strangers on an island are killed off one by one, and they realize that the murderer is among them. Even Family Guy did it. But And Then There Were None remains a masterwork of mystery and suspense. The character backstories add depth, and the twists keep you on your toes. The re-readability factor is a major reason this book ranks so highly for me. Each time I revisit it, I find new details I missed before.

6) Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Some might raise an eyebrow at Gone Girl’s inclusion here, but those critics probably only watched the movie. I can honestly say that I’ve never encountered a more jaw-dropping plot twist than I did halfway through this book. I like to think I’m pretty good at anticipating where stories are going, but this one completely floored me. It’s one of those rare reading moments I’ll never forget.

5) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

A modern classic, The Book Thief is narrated by Death, who observes the events of the Holocaust. The story follows Liesel, a young girl discovering the power of words and stories as war rages around her. It’s a deeply moving novel with a perspective that feels both intimate and unique.

4) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

When The Great Gatsby was published, it received positive reviews but struggled with sales. Many saw it as an overly nostalgic period piece. When Fitzgerald died in 1940, the novel was considered a failure, and he never saw its rise to classic status. I’m always struck by Fitzgerald’s decision to have Nick Carraway narrate the story rather than Gatsby himself. Nick’s admiration for Gatsby adds a touching dimension to the tragic tale.

3) The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen

Jonathan Franzen is one of the most talented authors of the 21st century, and The Corrections is arguably his best work. It follows the Lambert family as each member grapples with the challenges of modern life. The father, Alfred, suffers from Parkinson’s and dementia, prompting the family to gather for one last Christmas together. It’s a profound exploration of family dynamics, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

2) East of Eden by John Steinbeck

I’ve already discussed East of Eden in an earlier blog post, which you can find here. The novel’s exploration of good and evil, and the choices that define us, makes it a timeless classic.

1) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This might not come as a surprise, but I have To Kill a Mockingbird ranked as my top novel. There’s never been a book, in my opinion, that has created more memorable characters while tackling major themes of morality and justice. Through Scout’s perspective, we see her father, Atticus Finch, take on the entrenched racism of Maycomb, Alabama. The character of Boo Radley adds a touching layer, representing the fear and misunderstanding that drive prejudice. It’s undoubtedly one of the most powerful novels ever written.

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As I wrap this up, I find it interesting that my top choice comes from an author who only had one major success. Sure, Harper Lee helped Truman Capote with In Cold Blood, and Go Set a Watchman was released years later, but To Kill a Mockingbird remains her only true literary triumph.

I guess it only takes one.

Feel free to disagree with my rankings as much as you’d like. We all have our own perspectives—this was just mine.

Whalers hits bookstores in early 2025.