J

Jonathan Ames

Bestselling Author • 8 Series • 21 Books

8
Series
21
Books
8
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Happy Doll Books
Start with: A Man Named Doll (2021)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: I Pass Like Night (1989)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Bored to Death (2009)

About Jonathan Ames

Author Jonathan Ames has written both comic memoirs and novels. At one time, he worked for the New York Press for many years, and made a name for himself telling tales about his own sexual misadventures. These stories each had a self deprecating sense of humor. Ames has also won a Guggenheim Fellowship. Jonathan Ames was born in March 23, 1954 in New York City. He grew up in Oakland, New Jersey and went to Indian Hills High School; he would graduate from Princeton University and got his Master of Fine Arts from Columbia University in the subject of fiction. Ames also has had a long time love of boxing, and occasionally fights under the name of “The Herring Wonder”, having two amateur matches. “The Extra Man” was made into a movie and released in the year 2010. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Happy Doll Books series, Jonathan Ames 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 Jonathan Ames

Publication Order of Happy Doll Books
3 books 2021–2025
1

A Man Named Doll

A Man Named Doll is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Happy Doll Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jonathan Ames have come to expect.

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2021
2

The Wheel of Doll

The Wheel of Doll is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Happy Doll Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jonathan Ames have come to expect.

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2022
3

Karma Doll

Karma Doll is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Happy Doll Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jonathan Ames have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
3 books 1989–2004
1

I Pass Like Night

I Pass Like Night continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jonathan Ames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
2

The Extra Man

The Extra Man continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jonathan Ames's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
3

Wake Up, Sir!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Wake Up, Sir!, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Ames.

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2004
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
2 books 2009–2013
1

Bored to Death

A gripping mystery unfolds in Bored to Death as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Jonathan Ames's mastery of suspense.

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2009
2

You Were Never Really Here

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with You Were Never Really Here, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Ames.

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2013
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
2 books 2002–2009
1

My Less Than Secret Life

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with My Less Than Secret Life, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Ames.

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2002
2

The Double Life is Twice as Good

The Double Life is Twice as Good is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jonathan Ames have come to expect.

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2009
Publication Order of Graphic Standalone Novels
1 books 2008–2008
1

The Alcoholic

The Alcoholic is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Graphic Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jonathan Ames have come to expect.

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2008
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
3 books 2000–2005
1

What's Not to Love?

What's Not to Love? explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Jonathan Ames.

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2000
2

Sexual Metamorphosis

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Sexual Metamorphosis, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Ames.

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2005
3

I Love You More Than You Know

I Love You More Than You Know explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Jonathan Ames.

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2005
Publication Order of Akashic Drug Chronicles Books
1 books 2020–2020
1

The Nicotine Chronicles

The Nicotine Chronicles is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Akashic Drug Chronicles Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jonathan Ames have come to expect.

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2020
Publication Order of Anthologies
6 books 2000–2010
1

Open City #9: Bewitched

Magic takes center stage in Open City #9: Bewitched, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by Jonathan Ames.

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2000
2

110 Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 110 Stories, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Ames.

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2004
3

The Insomniac Reader

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Insomniac Reader, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Ames.

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2005
4

Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant: Confessions of Cooking for One and Dining Alone

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Alone in the Kitchen with an Eggplant: Confessions of Cooking for One and Dining Alone, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Ames.

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2007
5

Awake!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Awake!, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Ames.

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2007
6

Coming and Crying

Coming and Crying is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jonathan Ames have come to expect.

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2010

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jonathan Ames?

Jonathan Ames is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 21 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Happy Doll Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Jonathan Ames series to start with?

For readers new to Jonathan Ames's work, the Publication Order of Happy Doll Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 3 books. Begin with A Man Named Doll to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Jonathan Ames written?

Jonathan Ames has written over 21 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Jonathan Ames books in order?

Yes, reading Jonathan Ames'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 Jonathan Ames write in?

Jonathan Ames writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 21 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Jonathan Ames's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Jonathan Ames'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 Jonathan Ames's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Jonathan Ames's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Happy Doll Books series. The first book, A Man Named Doll, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.