Recs if you like All Quiet on the Western Front...

Based on the list/book published in 2006, general editor Peter Boxall.

As you turn the first page, a wave of dread consumes you. You see a library ticket at the front; 'The Library of Jurgen Leitner'. Who is this man? And why does this book seem to have such a horrible effect on your mind, your body, the world?

(For The Magnus Archives enthusiasts. Suggestions welcome though I may be a bit picky 🤓)

Translated german language literature that is considered by many to be "core" reading from the modern and contemporary eras - meaning 1880 onwards, making it very readable. 🇩🇪🇦🇹🇨🇭 I usually kept it to one book per author to make this a starting off point (sometimes added additional faves). Suggestions welcome!

For when you need to wallow in melancholy and misery: a collection of pessimistic, cynical, downbeat, depressing, doom and gloom fiction for my disillusioned friends.

More to come!

Got the holiday blues? Check out my list Christmas with the Cranks!

A collection of books that are banned or challenged. Dive into these controversial works and explore what has been pushed for you to not discover.

Banned books are books that have been prohibited or had its free access restricted by an authority—the government, school system or religious group—because they object to its content, ideas or themes. Banning a book is a form of censorship. The list is bound to not contain everything since the number is astronomical but feel free to suggest :]

Works I would consider german literary classics. "German" in this context means "written in German", not "written by a German author", therefore Swiss, Austrian, and other authors will also be included on this list, provided they wrote their works in German.

All the 2026 BOTM monthly, add on, and Allurial titles

this is a list consisting of some German books that are considered classics by the internet (and also me) in their original language. some books may be by Austrian/Swiss authors but they had an impact on German literature. it's a work in progress, so let me know what books I’m missing 🫡

a non-exhaustive collection of works

book recs for orange readers according to read your color on substack | updated periodically

The most popular book of each year according to Goodreads (Posted by Sharon on April 1, 2025). In order of oldest (1925) to newest (2024)

A collection of memoirs, fiction, and other writings written about WWI and its effects by people who lived and experienced it. Warning: some views expressed in these books (eg. racism, sexism), though considered "acceptable" at the time, are absolutely not - please engage with caution. Please suggest any other books (caveat that they must be English or English translation) you can think of - I'm always looking to add more perspectives. Find a catalogue of this list in the comments.

I tried to find the latest version (2026).

Books that leave a lasting impression long after you’ve returned them to the shelf. Romance is not required to break your heart - this list also includes fantasy, fiction, and nonfiction compiled by my own heartbreak, friends, and social media recommendations to hurt your feelings. Happiness? Don’t know her, I need to call my therapist for a higher antidepressant dose. [Never take these away from me.]

If any of these novels or authors are problematic in any way please let me know.

No specific theme here I've just found books over time. All books are under 300 pages and I hope you find something you enjoy!

These books have been turned into movies that went on to win an Oscar

So you want to diversify your reading list and thought about checking German literature. Should you check out the classical ones? Try some modern reads? Here's a list of every type of German book I really enjoyed or I heard are excellent - from the classics, to YA, to non-fiction

(bonus points if he made you watch them with him!)

From classics to modern lit, a selection of great books written in German.