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Yiyun Li

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 17 Books

6
Series
17
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Vagrants (2009)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: The Story of Gilgamesh (2011)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: A Thousand Years of Good Prayers (2005)

About Yiyun Li

Yiyun Li is a popular Chinese-American novelist, who is famous for writing short stories, literature & fiction, and nonfiction novels in the English language. She has won several distinctions and awards for her novels and short stories. Along with writing novels, she is currently working as the editor of a literary magazine called A Public Space based in Brooklyn. Author Li was born on November 04, 1972, in Beijing, China. She was brought up in her native place in Beijing, where her mother worked as a teacher, while her father was a nuclear physicist. Because of the profession of her father, it became easy for her to move to the United States as it was a common talk for people in such a profession to migrate to America. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Yiyun Li 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 Yiyun Li

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
5 books 2009–2022
1

The Vagrants

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Vagrants, another outstanding contribution from Yiyun Li.

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2009
2

Kinder Than Solitude

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Kinder Than Solitude, another outstanding contribution from Yiyun Li.

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2013
3

Where Reasons End

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Where Reasons End, another outstanding contribution from Yiyun Li.

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2019
4

Must I Go

Must I Go continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Yiyun Li's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2020
5

The Book of Goose

The Book of Goose is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Yiyun Li have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
2 books 2011–2014
1

The Story of Gilgamesh

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Story of Gilgamesh, another outstanding contribution from Yiyun Li.

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2011
2

A Sheltered Woman

A Sheltered Woman is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Yiyun Li have come to expect.

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2014
Publication Order of Collections
3 books 2005–2023
1

A Thousand Years of Good Prayers

A Thousand Years of Good Prayers is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Yiyun Li have come to expect.

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2005
2

Gold Boy, Emerald Girl

Gold Boy, Emerald Girl continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Yiyun Li's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
3

Wednesday's Child

Wednesday's Child is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Yiyun Li have come to expect.

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2023
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 2017–2025
1

Dear Friend, from My Life I Write to You in Your Life

Dear Friend, from My Life I Write to You in Your Life is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Yiyun Li have come to expect.

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2017
2

Things in Nature Merely Grow

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Things in Nature Merely Grow, another outstanding contribution from Yiyun Li.

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2025
Publication Order of Currency Books
1 books 2021–2021
1

If You Are Lonely and You Know It

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Currency Books with If You Are Lonely and You Know It, another outstanding contribution from Yiyun Li.

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2021
Publication Order of Anthologies
4 books 2005–2015
1

Glimmer Train Stories, #54

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Glimmer Train Stories, #54, another outstanding contribution from Yiyun Li.

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2005
2

Here

Here is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Yiyun Li have come to expect.

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2012
3

Stories Upon Stories

Stories Upon Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Yiyun Li have come to expect.

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2014
4

Days Like This

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Days Like This, another outstanding contribution from Yiyun Li.

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2015

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Yiyun Li?

Yiyun Li is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 17 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Yiyun Li series to start with?

For readers new to Yiyun Li's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 5 books. Begin with The Vagrants to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Yiyun Li written?

Yiyun Li has written over 17 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Yiyun Li books in order?

Yes, reading Yiyun Li'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 Yiyun Li write in?

Yiyun Li writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 17 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Yiyun Li's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Yiyun Li'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 Yiyun Li's most popular book?

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