From the classifieds of the Jacqui's Room Tribune:
MWF ISO a good book. Recent literary relationships all disappointing. Looking for an intelligent book with humor, depth, and a gripping, complex plot. Age not important. Must not open with landscapes. Also, graphic violence, kidnapping of small children, and jokes that hurt people's feelings need not apply. Satisfying, yet surprising ending essential. Join me for curling up on long winter nights or walks on the beach.
Any good literary matchmakers out there have that somebook special for me?
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
ISO a good book
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12 comments:
Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris. Do Not Miss!
love 'must not open with landscapes'
this is my week for book recommendations, apparently...ooo...may be a blog later in the week!
have you read neil gaiman's current newbery, among other awards book, the graveyard book? you can do it in an afternoon. if you want bigger and more far reaching and can handle some definitely less disirable behavior by some characters: i highly recommend his 'american gods.' imaginative, mythical, realist rollercoaster ride.
eek, desirable
I've always liked "Antonietta" by John Hersey. It's about a Strad violin and the structure plays with various kinds of narrative. I haven't read it for a while ... maybe I'll have to dig it out.
Can you provide an example of a book you've read that satisfies all of your characteristics? That would help me as I mull over the possibilities . . .
ZEITOUN by Dave Eggers (though there isn't much humor, the truth and power of it make up for the lack) or THE LAST SUMMER OF THE DEATH WARRIORS by Francisco X. Stork.
I think A Very Long Engagement meets all your qualifications.
http://www.amazon.com/Very-Long-Engagement-Novel/dp/0312424582/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1263929965&sr=8-3
Mmm. Yummy new book ideas. Thanks, all!
cath, I have read The Graveyard Book and LOVED it. American Gods was a little too mythical for me.
Beth, To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite novel ever. Funny, smart, deep, beautifully written, with a surprising yet inevitable ending that makes the whole thing even better. But I'm also feeling a need to try some new kinds of books, so what do you like?
Cheryl, I bought The Mighty Thor Zeitoun for Hanukkah and now, due to household laws concerning who gets to read books first, must wait to read it. I'm also eagerly awaiting (drooling over) Death Warriors, but I can't get it yet, right? So I need a fling in the meantime.
Corey, Hope, and Diane, I am intrigued. Will check them out.
ditto jacqui re: beth's suggestion. fav book ever....movie, too.
how about adding good omens by gaimen and pratchett...nothing quite so escapist as apocalyptic comedy.
Try books by Deb Caletti (The Nature of Jade) and Beth Kephart (Undercover, Nothing but Ghosts). Start there, and let me know when you want more recommendations.
Crap! That's tough criteria. The Hungry Caterpillar? Maybe Dick and Jane Run? ;0)
Actually, I've read so may fun things, however, kidnapping and blah-bah-dee-blah-being people's feelings have come to be familiar (yet alarming) to me.
I'm sensitive, yet I expect people to offend me. Therefore I ignore them and enjoy alternate story aspects. Sorry can't be more helpful.
luv you Jacqui!!!!!
Oh oh oh! I was going to suggest Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass, but ignore me and READ GOOD OMENS per Cath C's suggestion. A brilliant, laugh out loud, yet thought-provoking book. One of my favorites!
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