Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Hello, I'm a European that loves American literature. Currently, I'm looking to read contemporary stories set in the rural or small-to midtown United States, preferably in the region between the Appalaches and the Rocky Mountains.
I'm not really looking for stories set in New York or Los Angeles or at the coastal regions, as I've read plenty of those (and often liked them ).
The Help is really big here right now, if you're interested in race relations in MS during the '60's. You might like O, Pioneer by Willa Cather, set in Nebraska. If you are at all interested in biographies, I loved Bobbie Ann Mason's Clear Springs. She writes about her family in rural Kentucky during the depression on up to present. It reminded me so much of the stories my mom tells about rural Oklahoma that I lent it to her. She never reads books, and she loved it. If you're into older books (like Cather), Mark Twain is a good one and so is Steinbeck.
I don't read a lot of modern stuff. It annoys me, but I do like the western writer Larry McMurtry and the historical fiction writer John Jakes. It's quick reading, but I like it.
How recent does the story have to be for you to consider it contemporary? I tend to prefer older literature. I did recently read "No Country for Old Men" an excellent thriller that takes place in the southwest.
How recent does the story have to be for you to consider it contemporary? I tend to prefer older literature. I did recently read "No Country for Old Men" an excellent thriller that takes place in the southwest.
To be honest, I'd prefer stories taking place after 2000.
But on the other hand, if they're as good as Cormac McCarthy's, I don't mind them being a bit less recent .
To be honest, I'd prefer stories taking place after 2000.
But on the other hand, if they're as good as Cormac McCarthy's, I don't mind them being a bit less recent .
Well, none of my recommendations are that recent. Sorry. I don't like most recent stuff.
Another poster mentioned the NYT book list - I personally have no luck finding good books off that list. Maybe I'm just too picky, but I've disliked almost every book I've read off that list except The Help, which I didn't think was firework-fantastic.
Anyway, my book recs won't be too helpful. Perhaps someone else's will.
I was looking at your profile and then clicked on this page.
I have a few suggestions based on your profile and question(on topic)
It seems you have read Cormac Mccarthy, a national treasure, some of his offerings are more accessible than others but always worth the effort. BLOOD MERIDIAN is difficult for many readers due to GRAPHIC subject matter, however, THE ROAD is so deceptively complex, an economy of words, an abundance of meaning.
Joyce Carol Oates may appeal to your shadow side. She has many novels and short stories you could sample.
When you need to cleanse your palate: Christopher Moore is hysterical. You will enjoy the stories more if you DO NOT read anything about the plot. No book jacket reviews etc. I would not start with The Fool. Try Fluke, The Stupidest Angel, Lamb. A Dirty Job would be my first choice for you.
If you enjoy Christopher Moore, know that many of his characters reappear in subsequent stories, so reading in order of dates published will let get the inside jokes and references.
Enjoy
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
).
.
