P

Paul Theroux

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 76 Books

6
Series
76
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Fong and the Indians (1968)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Murder in Mount Holly (1969)

About Paul Theroux

Paul Theroux is a published American novelist. In addition to being a novelist, he is a travel writer. One of his best known books is the 1975 release The Great Railway Bazaar. This was a travelogue made about a trip that the author took from Great Britain through Europe, the Middle East, Asia, to Japan, and then across Russia while going back to his point of origin. He is known more for being a travelogue writer, but has also released various works of fiction. Some of his works were then adapted into feature films. He was also given the 1981 James Tait Black Memorial Prize for writing The Mosquito Coast, his novel. The author was born in the United States. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Paul Theroux 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 Paul Theroux

Publication Order of Spencer Monroe Savage Books
2 books 1972–1982
1

The Consul's File

The Consul's File is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Spencer Monroe Savage Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1972
2

The London Embassy

The London Embassy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Spencer Monroe Savage Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1982
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
23 books 1968–2024
1

Fong and the Indians

Fong and the Indians continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1968
2

Waldo

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Waldo, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1968
3

Girls at Play

Girls at Play is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1969
4

Jungle Lovers

Jungle Lovers explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Paul Theroux.

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1971
5

Saint Jack

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Saint Jack, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1973
6

The Black House

The Black House continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1974
7

The Family Arsenal

The Family Arsenal is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1976
8

Picture Palace

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Picture Palace, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1978
9

The Mosquito Coast

The Mosquito Coast continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
10

O-Zone

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with O-Zone, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1986
11

My Secret History

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with My Secret History, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1989
12

Millroy the Magician

Magic takes center stage in Millroy the Magician, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that expands the enchanting world created by Paul Theroux.

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1993
13

My Other Life

My Other Life is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1996
14

Kowloon Tong

Kowloon Tong continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
15

Hotel Honolulu

Hotel Honolulu continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
16

Blinding Light

Blinding Light continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
17

The Elephanta Suite

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Elephanta Suite, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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2007
18

A Dead Hand: A Crime in Calcutta

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Dead Hand: A Crime in Calcutta as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Paul Theroux's mastery of suspense.

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2009
19

The Lower River

The Lower River continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
20

Mother Land

Mother Land is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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2017
21

Under the Wave at Waimea

Under the Wave at Waimea continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2021
22

The Bad Angel Brothers

The Bad Angel Brothers continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2022
23

Burma Sahib

Burma Sahib is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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2024
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
7 books 1969–2019
1

Murder in Mount Holly

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in Mount Holly as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Paul Theroux's mastery of suspense.

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1969
2

Doctor Slaughter

Doctor Slaughter continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
3

The Shortest Day of the Year

The Shortest Day of the Year is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1986
4

The White Man's Burden

The White Man's Burden is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1987
5

Dr. Demarr

Dr. Demarr is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1990
6

The Greenest Island

The Greenest Island is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1995
7

Camp Echo

Camp Echo continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
Publication Order of Collections
10 books 1972–2025
1

Sinning with Annie

Sinning with Annie is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1972
2

World's End

World's End is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1982
3

Half Moon Street

Half Moon Street is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1984
4

On the Edge of the Great Rift: Three Novels of Africa

On the Edge of the Great Rift: Three Novels of Africa continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
5

The Collected Stories

The Collected Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1997
6

The Collected Short Novels

The Collected Short Novels is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1998
7

Fresh Air Fiend: Travel Writings

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Fresh Air Fiend: Travel Writings, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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2000
8

The Stranger at the Palazzo d'Oro

The Stranger at the Palazzo d'Oro continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
9

Mr. Bones

Mr. Bones is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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2014
10

The Vanishing Point

The Vanishing Point is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
23 books 1972–2019
1

V.S. Naipaul

V.S. Naipaul continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1972
2

The Great Railway Bazaar

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Great Railway Bazaar, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1975
3

The Old Patagonian Express: By Train Through the Americas

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Old Patagonian Express: By Train Through the Americas, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1979
4

To the Ends of the Earth: The Selected Travels

To the Ends of the Earth: The Selected Travels continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
5

The Kingdom by the Sea

Epic adventure awaits in The Kingdom by the Sea, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series that raises the stakes across the realm Paul Theroux has built.

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1983
6

Sailing Through China

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Sailing Through China, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1984
7

The Imperial Way: By Rail from Peshawar to Chittagong

Conflict and courage define The Imperial Way: By Rail from Peshawar to Chittagong, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Paul Theroux that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1985
8

Sunrise with Seamonsters

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Sunrise with Seamonsters, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1985
9

Riding the Iron Rooster

Riding the Iron Rooster is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1988
10

Travelling the World

Travelling the World continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
11

The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific

The Happy Isles of Oceania: Paddling the Pacific continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
12

The Pillars of Hercules

The Pillars of Hercules is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1995
13

Slow Trains to Simla

Slow Trains to Simla continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
14

Sir Vidia's Shadow

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Sir Vidia's Shadow, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1998
15

Nurse Wolf and Dr. Sacks

Nurse Wolf and Dr. Sacks is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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2001
16

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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2002
17

2 Stars

2 Stars is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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2005
18

Ghost Train to the Eastern Star

Ghost Train to the Eastern Star continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
19

The Tao of Travel: Enlightenments from Lives on the Road

The Tao of Travel: Enlightenments from Lives on the Road continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
20

The Last Train to Zona Verde: My Ultimate African Safari

The Last Train to Zona Verde: My Ultimate African Safari is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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2013
21

Deep South: Four Seasons on Back Roads

Deep South: Four Seasons on Back Roads is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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2015
22

Figures in a Landscape: People and Places

Figures in a Landscape: People and Places is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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2018
23

On the Plain of Snakes: A Mexican Journey

On the Plain of Snakes: A Mexican Journey continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
Publication Order of Anthologies
11 books 1982–2015
1

The 23rd Pan Book of Horror Stories

The 23rd Pan Book of Horror Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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1982
2

Travel Writing

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Travel Writing, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1984
3

City Sleuths and Tough Guys

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with City Sleuths and Tough Guys, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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1989
4

The Literary Traveller

The Literary Traveller continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
5

A Tangled Web

A Tangled Web is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Paul Theroux have come to expect.

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2005
6

The Best American Magazine Writing 2007

The Best American Magazine Writing 2007 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
7

Cape Town Calling

Cape Town Calling continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
8

Granta 114: Aliens

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Granta 114: Aliens, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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2011
9

Fakes: An Anthology of Pseudo-Interviews, Faux-Lectures, Quasi-Letters, "Found" Texts, and Other Fraudulent Artifacts

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fakes: An Anthology of Pseudo-Interviews, Faux-Lectures, Quasi-Letters, "Found" Texts, and Other Fraudulent Artifacts, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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2012
10

The Best American Travel Writing 2014

The Best American Travel Writing 2014 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Paul Theroux's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
11

Life Is Short – Art Is Shorter: In Praise of Brevity

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Life Is Short – Art Is Shorter: In Praise of Brevity, another outstanding contribution from Paul Theroux.

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2015

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Paul Theroux?

Paul Theroux is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 76 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Spencer Monroe Savage 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 Paul Theroux series to start with?

For readers new to Paul Theroux's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 23 books. Begin with Fong and the Indians to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Paul Theroux written?

Paul Theroux has written over 76 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Paul Theroux books in order?

Yes, reading Paul Theroux'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 Paul Theroux write in?

Paul Theroux writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 76 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Paul Theroux's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Paul Theroux'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 Paul Theroux's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Paul Theroux's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Fong and the Indians, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.