Mentioning the Thorn Birds puts me inside a time machine to my childhood living room where books like that and James Clavell and Leon Uris and MM Kaye were the big hardcovers on the shelf.
Let this be both a demonstration of my Biblioracling powers and an opportunity for me to get a mulligan and recommend something else. If you're open to short stories, Jhumpa Lahiri's "Unaccustomed Earth," is worth checking out.
You already demonstrated your extraordinary powers with the first book and now another. I'm positively giddy! It's like getting a second slice of cake without having to ask for one. Thank you!
John, you never cease to amaze and you never let me down. I've always been intrigued by the Nathanael West duo but have never managed to pick them up -- so I suppose I'm off to do so now!
And I wonder if Anthony Marra's A CONSTELLATION OF VITAL PHENOMENA or THE TSAR OF LOVE AND TECHNO might hit the spot for Kate C? Compulsively readable, a dash of history, warm writing and strong storytelling but unafraid of grappling with the darkness of the world.
Both great. I may even prefer Tsar, which I think puts me in the minority, but it's one of my favorite "linked" story collections of all time. The links felt totally organic, and structurally meaningful, rather than something tacked on to give it some coherence.
For Kate C I'd recommend "ALl the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr. The sweetness, history and storytelling should appeal.
The appeal of that book is indeed truly vast. It's the book that lots of people recommend to me or ask if I've read it. It sticks to them.
Thank you, Colleen! I read that book awhile ago and I heartily endorse it as well.
Some new. Some older classics. Strong women characters.
For Kate let's go waaay back to Colleen McCullough's "The Thorn Birds".
Mentioning the Thorn Birds puts me inside a time machine to my childhood living room where books like that and James Clavell and Leon Uris and MM Kaye were the big hardcovers on the shelf.
Thanks, Bill. I remember watching that series on TV - a wild success. Reading it would be a treat.
John, thanks so much for the wonderful recommendation. I read and loved The House of Broken Angels. -- Carilyn
Let this be both a demonstration of my Biblioracling powers and an opportunity for me to get a mulligan and recommend something else. If you're open to short stories, Jhumpa Lahiri's "Unaccustomed Earth," is worth checking out.
You already demonstrated your extraordinary powers with the first book and now another. I'm positively giddy! It's like getting a second slice of cake without having to ask for one. Thank you!
John, you never cease to amaze and you never let me down. I've always been intrigued by the Nathanael West duo but have never managed to pick them up -- so I suppose I'm off to do so now!
And I wonder if Anthony Marra's A CONSTELLATION OF VITAL PHENOMENA or THE TSAR OF LOVE AND TECHNO might hit the spot for Kate C? Compulsively readable, a dash of history, warm writing and strong storytelling but unafraid of grappling with the darkness of the world.
Your description makes Marra's writing very appealing. Warm writing with a dash of history and a dip into the world's darkness. Thank you!
Both great. I may even prefer Tsar, which I think puts me in the minority, but it's one of my favorite "linked" story collections of all time. The links felt totally organic, and structurally meaningful, rather than something tacked on to give it some coherence.
I am usually a fast reader; not with Marra's prose which I wanted to savor. Looking forward to The Tsar of Love and Techno. Thanks, Drew and John