The best so-called “End of the World” type novels that have some basis in reality:
[updated, as new good books need to be added]

1. One Second After by William R. Forstchen [2009] – EMP (Electro-Magnetic Pulse) hits the United States, what happens next?

2. Alas, Babylon, Pat Frank (1959) – Nuclear war in the 1950s-1960s

3.The Last Ship, William Brinkley (1988) – nuclear war, and the aftermath on a ship.

4. Lucifer’s Hammer, Larry Niven, Jerry Pournelle (1977) – disaster comes from the sky.

5. On The Beach, Nevil Shute (1957). Nuclear war.

6. Earth Abides, George R. Steward (1949) – disease

7. The Stand, Stephen King

8. Dies the Fire, S.M. Stirling

Have any that you would add?  Let us know below!