Fiction Worth Reading
Lately I have been enjoying some excellent books. Putting aside some of the heavier theological material I have been consuming, I decided to spend some time reading fiction. Lukas McKnight recently posted on the importance of reading fiction, so I thought I would share a bit about some of the titles I have been digging into of late.
The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri – This excellent novel tells the story of a young man born in America to Bengali parents, named for an obscure Russian novelist. Following the journey of this man and his family, the book powerfully draws the reader into the beauty, the challenges and the drama of one culture colliding with another. If you ever wonder it the challenges faced by immigrants entering into our Western culture, this book will open your eyes and heart in a very real way. Lahiri’s previous book, a collection of short stories called “Interpreter of Maladies”, won here the Pulitzer. (NOTE: There is a film made of “The Namesake”, but I recommend reading the book before seeing the film).
Gilead by Marilynn Robinson – While this book is another Pulitzer winner, I picked it up on the suggestion of Scot McKnight, who says he does not enjoy fiction that much. This warm and moving book is written as a letter to an elderly father to his very young son, retelling the story of his life. As the father is a pastor, his reflections on life are rich with spirituality, tempered with a wisdom earned through a long life. It was a restful, but engaging book that I gladly recommend.
The Road by Cormac McCarthy – When I saw this book on the shelf, the first thing that caught my eye was the “Oprah Book Club” sticker. Many might pass over the title on that alone, but not only do I respect Oprah’s literary choices, I also knew that this title had also won the Pulitzer. By far the darkest of the titles I am recommending, this story chronicles the journey of a father and son across the landscape of a desolate, post-apocalytic America. In world now void of order or governance, the powerfully written work is largely free of punctuation, proper names and chapter division, further emphasizing the loss of boundaries in the dying world. For all its darkness and despair, this book also presents a moving portrait of relentless hope driven by love. An excellent book.
The Novel by James Michener – This creative book introduces reader to the world of writing and publishing from the perspective of one of the most prolific historical novelist in America, the late James Michener. While by no means one of his best works, for anyone interested in the realities of the life of a novel, this book is a fascinating read. Broken into four parts- The Author, The Editor, The Critic and The Reader- Michener creates an enjoyable story through which the world of publishing comes alive. While the book was largely rejected by critics, any wannabe novelist would benefit from this decent novel.
What fiction can you recommend?
I’m into historical fiction, and the best I’ve read are
Redemption – Leon Uris (about the events leading up to the Irish rebellion in 1916.
The Hope and The Glory – Herman Wouk (these two books chronicle Israels fight for independence)
…actually anything written by Herman Wouk….
Thanks for the list.
I recommend anything by Jane Austen. I know, a little cliche.
drummerchris,
Thanks for the suggestions. I love historical fiction as well. I find it is a great way to broaden our historical perspective.
Peace,
Jamie
Matt,
By no means cliche! Jane Austen is one of the best writers in English history and is often dismissed by many as merely a “classic romance novelist” rather than the master of language and storytelling that she is. Which title do you most prefer?
Peace,
Jamie
Great recs. I like to read widely, so:
Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies is brilliant! Don’t miss out on that. Leif Enger’s Peace like a River will be good for those who liked Gilead or things like To Kill A Mockingbird. If you like crime novels, read Pellecanos’ The Night Gardener, certainly transcends the genre! Watership Down is always good (certainly not just a children’s book). Isaac Asimov and Orson Scott Card to blow up any SF stereotypes.
BK
BK,
Thanks for the recommendations. I want to read Interpreter of Maladies, though I tend to struggle with short stories. Not sure why. Watership Down has been on my list for a while and not sure why I haven’t read it yet. Thanks again. Don’t be scarce!
Peace,
Jamie
Absolutely Watership Down. It won’t take long, and it’s great.
also:
Nikos Kazantzakis: Christ Recrucified (my favorite novel, probably)
Ditto: Zorba the Greek
I loved Gilead, but try her first, housekeeping. very good.
Austen: Pride and Prejudice (my fave of hers)
I just finished the Kite Runner…really well done…will keep you gripped.
My absolute favorites of all time, however (though i’ve said it twice for others) is Walter Wangerin Jr. The book of the dunn cow and the book of sorrows. Heartbreaking and beautiful.
oh, and the funniest of all time: A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole. Riotously funny stuff.
Thanks Mike. I have picked up a few of these already from the used bookstore, so I’ll add them to the list for reading soon.
Peace,
Jamie
Michener is one of my favorite writers. So, love seeing his book mentioned here. Centennial and Chesapeake are among my favorites he wrote.
For a bit lighter fare (especially after Cormac McCarthy) I heartily recommend Douglas Adams, especially his Dirk Gently novels. Not just for the humor but also because Adams has some great insights into postmodernism, but without having to rely on heavy or dark philosophy. Also the short stories of Mark Twain are absolutely excellent. Twain is now known more for his novels, but it’s his short stories that really stand out. Brilliant and hilarious, and extremely insightful about humanity. They do get a little dark as he got older and more cynical.
Patrick O’Brian’s books are grand if you like classic sailing stories. Dostoevsky is incredible if you can get into his prose. I’ve really liked his The Idiot and the Brothers Karamazov.
Shusaku Endo is an amazing Japanese novelist with an interest in Christian themes. Eiji Yoshikawa is also amazing for epic Japanese history. His Musashi is one of my favorite books ever.
Ah, but I adore fiction so could keep writing for pages and pages.
A wonderful topic.
Patrick,
Great suggestions. I have read some Endo and really was moved by his writing. Thanks!
Peace,
Jamie
OMG … I have to second the Confederacy of Dunces recommendation. It’s wonderful.
Here are some others that I have loved …
Valley of the Moon, which is autobiographical fiction written by Jack London. Beautiful recounting of his early years in SF and northern California and his marriage.
Tortilla Flats by John Steinbeck … really wonderful studies in human behavior and community in Monterey in the 1920′s. Charming and funny, but with surprisingly deep undercurrents.
Wayward Bus by John Steinbeck (see above).
For historical fiction and Michener, you cannot beat The Source, especially as a very interesting study on the roots of our faith.
Saving the best for last … one of my favorite authors is Larry McMurtry. I love most of his writing, his twisty way of describing people is really insightful. But my favorite series is Lonesome Dove and Streets of Laredo. They are fabulous books. He also did a great book on Billy the Kid, but the title escapes me now.
Of course … you have read Harry Potter?
Sonja,
Thanks for the recommendations.
Peace,
Jamie
Sonja,
And yes, I read Harry Potter and am I fan of the series. If you get a chance to read John Granger’s works on the Potter series you won’t disappointed. I have a good article by him, so if you are interested, drop me an email.
Peace,
Jamie
Is he the guy that wrote about finding God in Harry Potter? I think I’ve read his book. If it’s the book I’ve read, the author did a great job of going through the etymology of all the main characters names and the charms. He also went into a lot of detail about the theology involved in the first 4 or 5 books too. It was quite fascinating. Is this the same book?
Sonja,
That’s the guy, though I have not read that book. I am reading his newer title that focuses on the alchemical literature aspect of the writing rather than the explicitly spiritual themes (though there is obvious overlap).
Peace,
Jamie
Jamie … ooohhhh … sounds like I’ll have to get his other book. Well, I didn’t know there was another book, but the one you describe sounds fabulous and interesting. I lent his first book out quite a bit to friends when they were skeptical/fearful about allowing their children to read HP. It lent credence to my arguments.
Sonja,
I think he has actually written several books on the topic, but the one I am reading is called:
“Unlocking Harry Potter: Five Keys for the Serious Reader”
Also, if you haven’t seen it, his blog is quite good, at:
http://www.hogwartsprofessor.com/
Peace,
Jamie