The Human StainThe Human Stain
Score Modern
What it's about
In 1990s America, writer Nathan Zuckerman lives a secluded life until the aging classics professor Coleman Silk becomes his neighbor. As Zuckerman learns Silk's story, a public scandal and a long-kept secret, he uncovers a portrait of America itself.
Why it's worth reading
It's on the New York Times list of the 100 best books of the 21st century. It completes Philip Roth's American Trilogy.
You'll love it if you liked
American Pastoral
The Plot Against America
The NetanyahusGood to know
It stands alone. Its themes of identity and public shaming feel very current.
By the numbers
- Readers28 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics59 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller17 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #217 of the 309 literary novels we rank
- #986 of the 1,573 modern books we rank
- #1827 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Moving
More by Philip Roth
American Pastoral
Portnoy's ComplaintThe Plot Against America
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All the Light We Cannot See
Americanah
A Little Life
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Quick answers
Is The Human Stain worth reading?
Yes. It's on the New York Times list of the 100 best books of the 21st century. It ranks #1,827 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 65.4 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Human Stain about?
In 1990s America, writer Nathan Zuckerman lives a secluded life until the aging classics professor Coleman Silk becomes his neighbor. As Zuckerman learns Silk's story, a public scandal and a long-kept secret, he uncovers a portrait of America itself.
How long does it take to read The Human Stain?
About 9 hours (361 pages), or about 3 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Human Stain?
If you liked it, try American Pastoral by Philip Roth, The Plot Against America by Philip Roth or The Netanyahus by Joshua Cohen.