Ranking My Reads: Five Years of Literature

Over the past five years, I have explored a diverse range of novels that have shaped my understanding of literature and deepened my appreciation for storytelling. I have been drawn to fiction that is absurd, nihilistic, totalitarian, and challenges existing structures and societal norms. Novels that explore themes like memory, absurdism, unreliability, solarpunk, and blue humanities resonate with me the most. Some books left a lasting impact, aligning perfectly with my literary interests, while others did not engage me as much. In this section, I rank the novels I have read based on my preferences and reflect on what made each one stand out or fall short for me.

No Longer Human 

I found this novel deeply unsettling yet profoundly compelling. Its exploration of alienation, self-destruction, and nihilism resonated with my interest in unreliable narration and existential despair. The fragmented storytelling and psychological depth make it my top choice.

1984 

 This novel's terrifying vision of a totalitarian regime and its control over truth captivated me. Its themes of power, surveillance, and memory manipulation align with my fascination with dystopian fiction that challenges societal structures.

The Only Story

I loved how this novel explores memory, love, and regret through an unreliable narrator. Its introspective and fragmented style, combined with its emotional depth, made it an unforgettable read.

The Setting Sun

This novel’s exploration of existential despair, social disintegration, and the breakdown of traditional values fascinated me. Its absurdist elements, combined with a critique of post-war Japan, resonated with my preference for fiction that challenges societal norms and structures.

Klara and the Sun

The AI’s limited yet evolving perspective on human emotions and relationships intrigued me. The novel’s exploration of memory, perception, and existential questions aligns perfectly with my interest in speculative fiction.

The God of Small Things

I admired the novel’s nonlinear narrative and its bold critique of caste, love, and societal norms. Its lyrical prose and exploration of trauma and memory made it a compelling read for me.

Animal Farm

I appreciated the sharp allegory of power and corruption. Its ability to depict totalitarianism in such a simple yet profound way aligns with my interest in political and philosophical fiction.

Metamorphosis

The absurdity of Gregor Samsa’s transformation and the existential isolation he faces fascinated me. While I appreciate its surreal quality, I found other novels more philosophically engaging.

The White Tiger

 This novel’s critique of class and capitalism was powerful, but its narrative felt more direct than the layered complexity I usually enjoy. However, I admired its raw and unapologetic voice.

Gun Island

I was intrigued by its themes of climate change and migration, but its narrative didn’t feel as structurally experimental as my favorites. Still, its engagement with solarpunk themes was noteworthy.

The Outsiders

While I appreciated its commentary on class struggles and identity, I found it more straightforward compared to the thought-provoking narratives I prefer.

Untouchable

The novel’s critique of caste oppression was powerful, but its traditional storytelling style placed it lower in my ranking. I valued its message but wished for more experimental narration.

To the Lighthouse 

While I admired the modernist technique, the stream-of-consciousness narration felt too introspective for my taste. I prefer narratives that challenge power structures rather than focus on inner psychology.

The Old Man and the Sea

 I found this novel too simplistic for my liking. Though it had existential themes, I prefer fiction that pushes narrative boundaries and explores deeper philosophical dilemmas.

The Home and the World

 This was my least favorite novel. While it critiques colonialism and nationalism, its conventional structure and historical setting didn’t engage me. I struggled to connect with its themes in the way I did with more radical, experimental works.

🎬 Video Credits

📌 Script Writing & Prompt Generation: ChatGPT

📌 AI Video Generation: Pictory AI

📌 AI Voiceover: Eleven Labs

Special thanks to AI tools for bringing this literary ranking to life!