Tim O'Brien has published 7 novels and 1 short story collection, beginning with Going After Cacciato (1975). The best-known is The Things They Carried (1990). The latest is July, July (2002).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Tim O'Brien
Start here
The Things They Carried
Tim O'Brien's most-read book.
Shortest way in
In the Lake of the Woods
One of the most-read, at about 320 pages.
Newest
July, July
Published 2002.
Standalone novels in order
Going After Cacciato (1975)
Northern Lights (1975)
If I Die in a Combat Zone Box Me Up and Ship Me Home (1979)
The Nuclear Age (1985)
In the Lake of the Woods (1994)
Tomcat in Love (Oct 1998)
July, July (2002)
Short story collections in order
The Things They Carried (1990)
About Tim O'Brien
Tim O'Brien is an American author who served as a soldier in the Vietnam War. Much of his writing is about wartime Vietnam, and his work later in life often explores the postwar lives of its veterans.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Tim O'Brien FAQ
- How many books has Tim O'Brien written?
- Tim O'Brien has published 7 novels and 1 short story collection that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Tim O'Brien's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The Things They Carried.
- What is Tim O'Brien's latest book?
- July, July (2002).
- What is Tim O'Brien's most famous book?
- The Things They Carried (1990) is Tim O'Brien's most widely read book.
Authors like Tim O'Brien
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.