🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Denis Johnson
Denis Johnson was an American author famously known for his novel Tree of Smoke published in 2007 and a short story collection titled, Jesus’ Son published in 1992. Johnson also wrote poetry, plays, non-fiction, and journalism. Born in 1949 Munich, Germany, and spent part of his childhood in Japan, in the Philippines and the suburbs of Washington, D.C. His father worked as a liaison between the CIA and USIA while his mother was a homemaker. Denis earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1971 from the University of Iowa and masters in fine arts from Lowa Writers Workshop where he also took classes from Raymond Carver. Johnson’s debut book, The Man Among Seals, was a collection of poetry published in 1969 at the age of nineteen. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Denis Johnson has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Denis Johnson
Angels
Angels continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Denis Johnson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Fiskadoro
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Fiskadoro, another outstanding contribution from Denis Johnson.
The Stars at Noon
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Stars at Noon, another outstanding contribution from Denis Johnson.
Resuscitation of a Hanged Man
Resuscitation of a Hanged Man is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Denis Johnson have come to expect.
Already Dead
A gripping mystery unfolds in Already Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Denis Johnson's mastery of suspense.
The Name of the World
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Name of the World, another outstanding contribution from Denis Johnson.
Tree of Smoke
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Tree of Smoke, another outstanding contribution from Denis Johnson.
Nobody Move
Nobody Move continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Denis Johnson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Laughing Monsters
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Laughing Monsters, another outstanding contribution from Denis Johnson.
Shoppers
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with Shoppers, another outstanding contribution from Denis Johnson.
Soul of a Whore and Purvis
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with Soul of a Whore and Purvis, another outstanding contribution from Denis Johnson.
Train Dreams
Train Dreams continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Denis Johnson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Veil
The Veil is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Denis Johnson have come to expect.
Jesus' Son
Jesus' Son continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Denis Johnson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Incognito Lounge
The Incognito Lounge continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Denis Johnson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Throne Of The Third Heaven Of The Nations Millennium General Assembly
Epic adventure awaits in The Throne Of The Third Heaven Of The Nations Millennium General Assembly, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Collections series that raises the stakes across the realm Denis Johnson has built.
The Man Among the SealsInner Weather
The Man Among the SealsInner Weather continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Denis Johnson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Largesse of the Sea Maiden
The Largesse of the Sea Maiden continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Denis Johnson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Car Crash While Hitchhiking and Emergency
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Car Crash While Hitchhiking and Emergency, another outstanding contribution from Denis Johnson.
Seek
Seek is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Denis Johnson have come to expect.
Real Things: An Anthology of Popular Culture in American Poetry
Real Things: An Anthology of Popular Culture in American Poetry is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Denis Johnson have come to expect.
The Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Scribner Anthology of Contemporary Short Fiction, another outstanding contribution from Denis Johnson.
The New Granta Book of the American Short Story
The New Granta Book of the American Short Story is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Denis Johnson have come to expect.
Object Lessons: The Paris Review Presents the Art of the Short Story
Object Lessons: The Paris Review Presents the Art of the Short Story continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Denis Johnson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Breaking into Blossom: Poems with Extraordinary Endings
Breaking into Blossom: Poems with Extraordinary Endings continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Denis Johnson's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Denis Johnson?
Denis Johnson is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 25 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Plays, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Denis Johnson series to start with?
For readers new to Denis Johnson's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 9 books. Begin with Angels to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Denis Johnson written?
Denis Johnson has written over 25 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Denis Johnson books in order?
Yes, reading Denis Johnson's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Denis Johnson write in?
Denis Johnson writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 25 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Denis Johnson's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Denis Johnson's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Denis Johnson's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Denis Johnson's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Angels, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.