blackwhiteandgray

I've just learned of James Purdy and don't know where to start with his books....I prefer to start where the author wound up before he or she passed on. And then I like to see where they began. Sometimes, I'll start with the middle. I just don't know with him. Anyone have an opinion on James Purdy?

As much as I don't care for him, Palahniuk's "Guts" is horrific. But if you want horror, I recommend Shelly.

Lost Boys by Orson Scott Card.

Reading classics is imperative if you wish to appreciate the form. Italo Calvino has a book on "Why Read the Classics." It hits this note directly.

Robert Harris was one who has been mentioned many times to me. Rory Clements was another. I have honestly never read a book in this genre before. I came across the genre at a conference and was very intrigued.

Prince Caspian I enjoyed. Overall, the series felt like it encompassed many good niches of the universe. I liked how none felt too demanding on the reader.

Thoughts? I have had this recommended numerous times. It caught my eye and so did the narrative. But the plot seemed murky, just...I'm not sure. I have not honestly given it a good chance. I am curious how you feel toward it.

This is surprising how many I've actually read on this list. I wouldn't consider myself much of a reader--avid, no. Passionate, yes

HitchHiker's Guide...A Scanner Darkly...

I have much to say on this novel but would rather hear others' opinions. I will choose to interject as I please, offering some opinions. * Just one: the book is tedious, yes, but a rewarding read. The tedium feels exemplified by the very nature of the characters' routines. And while they are not rewarded, we are with our clarity. Ironic, how self-aware. Its attitude calls back to Austen and her approaches.

Interesting tidbit: Dracula is a highly complex criticism of the Victorian Era. Vampires were not intended as a "dedicated" mythological figure but sort of a play on such, breathing darkness into what was seen as corrupt and arrogant living.

I took a large break in between 4 and 5, about that many years exactly. My vision of the series was irreparably altered by the films. The first three books will forever lie untouched in my mind, imagined in a rather "cooky" and sinister way. The later books just seem sort of fuzzy and large, rounded, and safe.

These are wonderful. Much thanks, to each of you. I'm getting rather excited.

Anything that offers some sort of perspective is worth some mention. It's not all very interesting and tends to lean on the side of "patting themselves on their backs." Regardless, it's interesting.

I love books but, in all honesty, I would fall asleep after awhile. My mind just starts jumping. Even with films, I tend to talk during.

Could anyone recommend good "Historical Fiction" books? I am new to the subject.

There are so many good books listed here. My own list is growing substantially.

Ireland, it's been years. You just reminded me

I've only ever read Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm. I will have to give this an honest read now.

Beloved is a great book. Also, Song of Solomon.

Try "Nightfall" or "Logan's Run" or "Anthem" Those are dystopias written before "dystopia" was a genre. And I kind of wish it wasn't...

My book interests lean more toward "literary" and, while I peruse most genres with an open-mind, I tend to have sort of snobbish tastes; I'm picky when it comes to style and openings. Those types of books beginning with "a hook" will oftentimes not hook me. I don't enjoy "book tricks" or "popcorn style reading." As we live in the Age of the Image, I see that tragic trend of explicit transitions, telling us a story as if it's a film. And the art of storytelling seems to be eroding from the mainstream literature hitting shelves. Publishing houses will more than often aim for what makes the most money; it's particularly why I avoid Young Adult and Romance. Growing up, I read strictly adult fantasy. Now I just can't enjoy it. Even Neil Gaiman is too fantastical for me.