Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Let It Read

I'm soliciting suggestions for my summer reading list.

Please leave a comment including the title of a favorite book and a short (or long) note explaining why I would also love it.

Bonus points if it's readily available free (via loan or library) or used.

It's this or borrow Kim's Jane Austen collection. Help.

11 comments:

Corinne said...

I just finished 'The Rachel Papers' by Martin Amis.

It's a coming-of-age tale (which is all I should have to say to sell you). It's filled with good cockney slang, late teenage sex scenes, and a protagonist who would like to think he's self-aware and enlightened. I got it on amazon for like 2 bucks.

I'm also really into Iris Murdoch lately, I would start with 'Under the Net.' Aggen will second this recommendation.

Nicolas Frisby said...

Stumbling on Happiness; non-fiction you can apply to your life.

Also, Watchmen, the graphic novel that brought some respect to the medium.

dn said...

I see The Rachel Papers was called "the best teenage sex novel since Goodbye Columbus." I guess that explains your rave, Boba-Fetter.

Anonymous said...

I think you should read "Farewell to Arms" by Ernest Hemingway. It's an intense, glowing recount of WWI, and chock-full of exciting action and intriguing dialogue.

Also, I second Nick's recommendation of Watchmen. In fact, I have a copy if you're interested. Otherwise, any Vonnegut is good summer reading.

Anonymous said...

American Pastoral by Philip Roth. That'll wipe that smug smile off your face. Plus, I know how you love to read about the Northeastern American Jewish experience.

--Serpentine

Alison said...

I'm bored by everything I'm reading now, so I will offer an old recommendation: "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" by Michael Chabon. I read it a few months ago and thought it was pretty terrific. Comic books, Hitler, young love... what more could you want?

I know we have clashing literary tastes (see: The Emperor's Children, Hemingway), but I stand by this one.

Gav said...

The Berenstain Bears "No Girls Allowed"

Sister Bear can run faster, climb higher, and hit a ball farther than the boys, and she gloats over it. So Brother Bear and his friends build a clubhouse for boys only, and Sister is hopping mad! She plans a honey of a revenge in this funny and thoughtful book.

Corinne said...

damn, caught.

Anonymous said...

I have a Brit Lit class this summer, so...
--anything by PG Wodehouse (invented the Jeeves butler)
--Middlemarch by George Eliot
--anything by Aphra Behn
--Agatha Christie mysteries, esp. Harley Quin cases
non Brit Lit:
On Writing by Stephen King
Portrait of a Lady, Henry James
Uncle Vanya by Anton Chekhov

dukkillr said...

I am loving "Cloudsplitter" by Russell Banks. It's historical fiction following the life of John Brown.

The book was a Pulitzer Finalist and the rights to a movie have been bought by Martin Scorsese. It's not especially light reading, but it's a very good book.

Bob said...

I have a copy of Kavalier and Clay, if you want to borrow it to follow Alison's suggestion. I liked it.