I recently reviewed A Little Life and when making some notes, I kept going back to this novel exploring men’s mental health. With male suicide on the rise, I thinks it’s a novel we need for our times.
I'm surprised at the number of books I've read from this list. The two standouts are The Name of the Rose and An Instance at the Fingerpost, both historical novels and both totally absorbing reads for me.
I love A.S. Byatt's work. 'Possession' was a pure delight. I haven't got to 'Cloud Atlas' yet, but I actually really enjoyed 'The Bone Clocks'. 'The Queen of the Night' was an enjoyable read, but hasn't really stayed with me since.
Ooh, a new JCO, definitely going to check that one out. The Stand (uncut) is one of my favorite big books, enjoyable to the last page. Pillars of the Earth I didn't expect to like so much, but it really was a good book.
_Mason & Dixon_ is an absolutely astonishing novel of loss and a friendship that blossoms between coworkers. It's global in scale with fun and quirky little subplots that tie in historical figures, emerging technology, and contemporaneous mythology, all written in 18th Century diction. Of all Pynchon's work, this novel definitely has the most heart.
Hey Eric, I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to Ducks, Newburyport! I'm at about page 720 and it is absolutely incredible. Your whole channel is a great escape and always gives amazing book recommendations. Take care and stay safe out there!!!
I'm definitely one of those who really loves both The Secret History and A little life, two of my favorite books of all time. But I do get why people have such different views on them. I'll go ahead and put Ducks, Newburyport on my summer TBR as it is finally available at my local library!
I'd definitely recommend novels like 'The Name of the Rose', 'Jonathon Strange and Mr.Norrell'', 'Cloud Atlas', and 'The Stand'. The first three do play literary games with the reader but are still good reads. Three more I would like to read are 'Possession', 'Little, Big' and 'Dhalgren'.
'Pachinko' = one of my fav books of the year so far. You should definitely get around to it soon! 'All the Light We Cannot See' = although long it goes by very quickly (chapters are very short and a lot of blank space), nevertheless the epitome of a page turner! 'Middlesex' = a fantastic story (and a real eye opener about intersex people). 'American Gods' = My first Neil Gaiman book and OMG! Just so amazing and smart. I know there is a great TV series based on it but I don't want to watch as I love the story as it is in my mind! 'A Little Life' = I heard her talk about it at the Cheltenham Book Festival and went and purchased it right away. Although I loved it and the characters felt like my own friends by the end there were parts where I had to physically put the book down due to the descriptions of self harm etc. I know others see it as torture porn I just felt it was a realistic depiction of a real issue. Nevertheless one of my all time fav. books! (Sci-Fi: I just read 'Sea of Rust' which is a great not-too-long book you should read!) 'Ducks, Newburyport' = I read based on your review...am now also singing its praises. Only one or two of my friends willing to take up the challenge so far! What I would add...'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. One of the weirdest books I have every read, a story within a story and a book that breaks the rules of what a book should be. It took me ages to read for all the best reasons and I was dreaming about the story and characters for months after. He is one of my favourite authors (having also read 'the Fifty Year Sword', 'Only Revolutions' and 'The Familiar' parts 1-3) mainly for his originality and blurring of the lines between literature and art.
Regarding A Little Life, I'm one of those who loved it, and consider it one of my all time favourite books, but it is the only book on my list of favourites that I did not give 5 stars haha. It is because while I personally got so into the story and the characters, I completely understand and see the issues people have with it, and I had some issues with it myself, particularly the writing. But, still, it is one of my favourites. I'm going to read Ducks, Newburyport soon because of you, even though the amount of pages intimidate me!
That's really interesting. Don't be intimidated - just give it a try! You'll know soon enough whether you're likely to enjoy the rest of it or not. Hope you do like it though!
I've read a bunch of these and a few, The Secret History, Possession, Cloud Atlas, Lonesome Dove, Kavalier and Clay are among my favorite novels ever! I'm a bit sad that The Mists of Avalon wasn't included though, I adore that book.
@@EricKarlAnderson I guess the short description is King Arthur from the women's point of view. It's got political intrigue, magic, and how to survive as a woman in that age. I loved it.
I think the definitive version of The stand is way over 1000 pages. It's Stephen king's longest novel (and he has very very long novels). I read 19 of 50. Not bad
The Robber Bride is really good. Definitely you should read Middlesex. So good! I liked The Parisian too. I was disappointed that it wasn't long listed this year for the Women's Prize. Midnight's Children! What a difficult books to understand. Smh... Both Sacred Games and A Suitable Boy have been on my TBR Big Books list. I have infinite Jest and everyday I walk right by it without another glance. I keep it because I know I want to read it but I doubt if it's going to happen. The Count of Monte Cristo is over 1,000 pages and so worth the read. Fantastic! Highly recommend it. There's another big book that's on my TBR that's not on this list and it's calledThose Bones are not My Child by Toni Cade Bamara. It weighs in at 676 pages. Hope to one day get to it but I know it's going to make me sad.
I've read 18 of these, but quite frankly, I'd enthuse about only 7 of them. "Possession" I found a slog, for example, and at page 200 of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell I just gave up. The most outright enjoyable were "The Name of the Rose", "An Instance of the Fingerpost" and "The Luminaries". As to "A Little Life", I don't think it opened a debate about men's mental health, because his tribulations were a case of one damned thing after another, so it all became totally unbelievable and therefore irrelevant to any real life that any man could ever experience. Every man in his young life was a vicious predator (really?) and the whole novel was set in an airless place and time that had no feeling of reality. It might have worked as a shorter book with fewer atrocities, then it would have avoided the accusation of torture porn, but as it is, no. One I might recommend is Neal Stephenson's "Baroque Cycle", even though it is a through-plotted trilogy, not a single novel. Oh, and as a postscript, Jaume Cabre's wonderful "Confessions", both works very highly rated on goodreads.
I really think you’d love Middlesex. I know there are always new things coming out and the TBR is always growing but you’d be well advised to make time for it, I think.
Thankyou Eric, just wanted to tell you pillars of the Earth was one of my favorites, you should try it... I love big books ! I look forward to hear about Joyce Carol Oates newest book that you’re reading....
I’m three years late to this. Lonesome Dove is not just a cowboy book. It’s tremendously involving. Infinite Jest is fantastic, but I understand why people are put off by its reputation. Too bad, because you are missing out. I was surprised at the list - I’ve read 12 of them, way more than I would have thought.
You definitely should read Infinite Jest, despite the hip kids at your college self-aggrandizing preening over it. It has a lot of parallels with Hamlet-the title is taken from Hamlet. Try reading the two works in parallel and report back.
Something about big books just scare me I just got down reading a book about 560 pages long a psychological murder mystery and this was one of my first big books and it was really good it's called imaginary friend by Stephen chowbsky
A lot of my favorites are here: The Name of the Rose, WInd-up BIrd Chronicle, An Instance of the Fingerpost among others. I'd like to recommend The Quincunx, Cutting for Stone, and Kafka on the Shore. :)
I mostly liked The Secret History but the ending didn't satisfy imo. I much prefer her The Goldfinch. I didn't like Lonesome Dove. DNF. A book of his that isn't as long but more satisfying for me was his Anything For Billy, his fictional take on Billy The Kid.
I loved (loved, loved) The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood. The book is not really about Zenia the mysterious woman. It's about three women who have to live in the storm that wrecks havoc in their lives called Zenia and how they bound together even though they are each very different. It is a funny book and a serious one too. Atwood kind of pokes fun at the archetypes of women while presenting a moving account of their struggles and friendship. Lonesome Dove was made into an excellent miniseries and if that is any indication of the book, its sure to be a great book more about the mores of that place in American history and heavy on characters. I don't think it should be dismissed as a "cowboy story." Another book by Joyce Carol Oates that I really liked was We Were the Mulvaney's which was an Oprah book club selection, don't hold that against it. I had to read Possession by AS Byatt in a college course. The first time I read it, I didn't like it, I was reading the Archivist by Martha Cooley around that time and I thought the Archivist was a better novel.. Possession seemed too draggy and I didn't appreciate the finer aspects. I wasn't sure about the aspect of scholars acting in such unscrupulous ways but I guess that could happen. I thought the novel maybe could have been more focused on the thrill of finding out stuff and not so much about the shenanigans of some of the characters. The second time I read it when I was older and more relaxed, I loved it and could forgive its faults. My dad gave me The Pillars of the Earth and I have to say I loved this one too. My father said it wasn't something he would normally read but he got engrossed in it. There is a miniseries on DVD based on the book and it is pretty good.
I'm currently 200 pages into American Gods and I absolutely adore it. I'm actually verging on obsessed as I'm consuming it in various different mediums - primarily the written book but the audio version is also excellent and I'm dipping into a three-part graphic novel version also. I'm also beyond excited to hear there is an annotated version coming out in June. I just love the premise and the juxtaposition between old mythological stories and placing these gods into a modern-day American setting. It's like one long dream sequence - like Alice in Wonderland for adults with an ex convict instead of a curious little girl. It's all very clever and it's the novel that has finally got me out of my lockdown reading slump. Highly recommended so far! I've wanted to read Possession for years. It sounds like it has all the elements I love in a novel but it has been festering on my shelves for years. I should get to it soon!
Since you love London, I would recommend beginning your Neil Gaiman reading with “Neverwhere.” It will be a quick read and the London insider humor will make it enjoyable even if, for some reason, the book itself does not work for you. Also, there is an annotated version of “American Gods” and if you are thinking of diving into Gods, this version might be of interest to you. Also, “Possession” really is worth the time. Byatt always is.
Unpopular opinion but I HATED all the light we cannot see, I just don’t understand the appeal! I didn’t care about any of the characters (not saying I disliked them necessarily I just didn’t care) and I found it so slow and hard to get through
Oh Eric. Have you read Lonesome Dove yet? If not, dive in. It is so much more than a "cowboy novel". It is panoramic grandure at its best. It sweeps you along and doesn't let you go. I can't rave about it enough.
I've seen a few of your videos now. Seems like you can't read books with the slighest bit of resistence in the prose. Also pretty limited when it comes to genres. Can't follow this.
I was amazed to see how many of these books I have read and of course how many I haven’t got to yet. I really enjoy David Mitchell (and a new one soon ..yay) my favourite is the thousand autumns of Jacob de Zoet. The Secret History was a good read but to me The Little Friend is the best of all. Interesting to hear your endorsement of Marlon James as I seem to get to a certain point and stop. But want to read it so much. A Little Life? Left the cutter bleeding on the shower floor and he will probably stay there. But agree that the depiction of friendship is marvellous. Thanks Eric! Ducks next on my list!
I've not read The Little Friend but I should. I meant to say, I think I preferred The Goldfinch to Secret History - even though I didn't feel the end of The Goldfinch quite worked.
The Overstory is terrific and I understand why it’s received so much attention, but his 2003 novel The Time of our Singing is significantly better. It asks many important questions about race and race-relations without being so heavy-handed. It’s an amazing piece of literature.
Hi Eric. I am a David Mitchell fan and was caught off guard when you showed the copy of his new novel in your hands. I didn't even know he had a new work out. Have you read it?Is it good? (You have a signed Murakami! Wow!)
Lonesome Dove is the perfect novel. It compares the beauty and cruelty of human nature with the beauty and cruelty of the American west. It's a brutal work wrapped up in humor and friendship. I hosted a group read of it with about 10 people who had never read it before, myself included, and for five of us it landed on our favorite books of all time list with others putting it at their best of the year. It's not a cowboy book but it does involve cowboy characters. It really is a stunning representation of what a novel can be. It would be a shame for you to dismiss it so easily.
I listened to the audio portion of All the Light We Cannot See. I recommend the audio. Shogun by James Clavell. Or any of the other novels in the Asian Saga Series. Night Film Neil Gaiman writes magical realism
Yes, there are 2 versions of it! The long uncut one is also the one I'm reading right now! It's so good and there is not a single dull page so I wonder what parts were left out in the first version !
@@BlackStarCocoon aww that would explain it, probably for people that cant handle such a chunky book. But you still get the plot. Stephen king, is a very clever writer even with the short down version. Maybe. It's still sitting on my shelf unread .
Life After Life is one of my all-time favorite books. It's the first book by Kate Atkinson that I've read, and I plan to read others, esp. A God in Ruins. The plot and writing of Life After Life held my interest from start to finish, and the book doesn't seem as long to me as it actually is. I love the concept of how different circumstances and choices affect the relived life of the protagonist. I wholehearted recommend Life After Life.
I’m very happy to see The Stand on this list. It’s a truly great book that fully deserves a spot. I read it eons ago, when it came out. Certain scenes still make my skin crawl just thinking of them. I may read it again someday or I may just enjoy memories of the original experience. But I no longer have the energy for super long books. 500 pages feels like a grind to me. And really, we can only read a certain number of books in a lifetime. I’d rather not spend that time on books whose length alone depresses me. 😕 I’m really loving authors who can do so much in such a small space. I just finished Red At The Bone on Saturday, in one day, and was absolutely floored by what Jacqueline Woodson accomplished in just 196 pages. The Nickel Boys is another brief novel that just killed me. Yeah. I’m just not a fan of long books. 🤷♀️ But, I will try Ducks at some point. I figure if it hooks me in 100 pages, maybe I’ll try to get all the way through it.
Did you see the TV adaptation of The Stand? I really liked that as well. I can understand your feelings about longer books but they can also be so rewarding. It's definitely true writing a short powerful novel like The Nickel Boys is such a skill. I still need to get to Red at the Bone. And I think it won't even take you 100 pages to decide whether you'll love or loath Ducks, but obviously I hope you'll love it. :)
Eric Karl Anderson Hmm. I’m not sure I ever saw the tv show of The Stand. If I did, it didn’t leave a lasting impression. I may have skipped it assuming they would ruin it. 😉 The original tv adaptation of Salem’s Lot with David Soul scared the crap out of me. There’s one scene that still scares me just thinking of it.
Eric, please do read the pillars of the earth, it's a brilliant book, would love to hear your review! I didn't much like american gods nor americanah. I think the beauty about long books is that you get the chance to get really immersed in the story and attached to the characters. What kind of sci-fi were you looking for?
I will try to get to it. It sounds really good. I'm not sure what sci-fi I'd like since I've not read much before. I just think it'll be an interesting genre to explore so naturally I'm looking to start with some which people agree are the best. In addition to Dhalgren I'm hoping to read Dune this year as well. But I'm also curious about Doris Lessing's sci-fi series.
@@EricKarlAnderson i wouldnt normally recommend Dune for someone who's new to sci-fi although you might enjoy it, there's definitely a lot of depth that you don't find in other sci-fi books but it can be tedious to get through. If you're looking for something more modern i really enjoyed Children of Time, very original and well executed
I’m an avid Neil Gaiman fan. I actually didn’t enjoy American Gods as much as I expected to. The Ocean at the End of the Lane though, is absolutely fantastic and a great starting point for Neil’s work.
I thought Pachinko started well but fell apart really badly after the first half. Some of the characters are killed off so suddenly it's almost funny (literally, "... And then he died"). There's some dodgy anti-Japanese prejudice in there too, and some Christian propaganda for good measure. Really loved your interview with Nino and her translators, though! I'm somewhat involved in the Georgian literature scene, and she is already a huge star in her home country.
Surprised and glad to find how many of these big books I have indeed read. I find the medieval age fascinating & so enjoyed reading this book of Eco's & Foucault 's Pendulum, both of which I read twice. I think I enjoyed Midnight's Children because I could identify with places, events, people, emotions that he described, they were so familiar. I have ordered The last Samurai after hearing so much about it. I am re-reading Günter Grass's The Tin Drum(589pages) after 30 years & am appreciating it more.
Roberto Bolano 2666 is actually in five parts, which were intended to be published as separate books. My version has four books. They have a common thread but they stand alone on their own methods. This is about a group of scholars in Europe and Mexico, a mysterious German, journalists, academic meetings, and many other topics that come in and out of the story. The part about Santa Teresa is actually the most difficult to read. It is emotionally draining. My favorite is the last part about the Eastern Front in WWII. This is an exercise in endurance, particularly the section on the crimes.
This is a great list, and I enjoyed your opinions of it. I also read and thoroughly enjoyed Wind Up Bird and I’m currently reading 1Q84, which I’m also enjoying, but I do find Murakami’s portrayal of women to be off and has already made me uncomfortable in 1Q84 already.
Ken Liu books are incredible I think the third one is out in March. If your into short story collections I would recommend the Paper Menagerie by him. Also with Neil Gaiman my first book was Fragile Things which is a short story collection that’s where I started and I think that is a good place to start. Be interested to see what you think :). Great videos by the way
I was hoping I'd see Roberto Bolano on this list! Though I thought they'd maybe go with The Savage Detectives, his other novel that's long but not quite as long as 2666, it's around 600 pages. I recommend that too and if anything I'd start with that, because it's probably the novel that's a good place to start to see whether you'd get on with him. But 2666 is, in my opinion, well worth its 900 pages!
I totally disagree about the dismissal of Lonesome Dove. Only western I've ever read, and it's one of my all-time favorite books now. Just finished it a couple of months ago.
Eric, I'm so glad you loved The Eighth Life, and what joy it must have been to interview the author and translators! I really must be getting on with Ducks, but this pandemic has destroyed my concentration. Short novel recommendation: Such Small Hands by Spanish writer Andre Barbas, with intro by Edmund White. Spooky and alarming. Cheers!
That was so fun :) I’m definitely going to read the Chabon. So glad to hear I wasn’t the only one who hated the film of Winter’s Tale. I think I was hoping for the Shakespeare play. Weird and disappointing. Other Big-Books on my list: Someday I’ll finally get to Moby Dick and finish Don Quixote, and in a rash moment I promised my friend Kathy that the first book I read after I retire will be her fav. Gone with the Wind. What was I thinking? Totally not up my alley. The things we do for friendship...
Another great presentation Eric! I really appreciate your honesty about books. When I read tomes such as described here I find myself expecting more from the author because I am giving them a big chunk of my time. I am currently reading 2666 by Bolano which I admit I started with a bad attitude ( book group selection - not mine) but I am 350 pages in and get why it is an important book to read. I like you was in the middle of the road with A Little Life - heavy on the pain but some good writing. I also loved A Suitable Boy so get your copy from your parents’ house - they will appreciate the room it gives them when you take it away. Take care.
What a great list and terrific overview. I have several of these on my TBR or I’ve read. I recently got The Eighth Life because of you raving about it. I adore Joyce Carol Oates and can’t wait for this one. She’s amazing. I also love Murakami and have read a few of his. I can see why you showed your signed edition from him! I’ve read the Follett trilogy and I am looking forward to the prequel coming in the fall. My only addition to your description of his work is that although it is historical fiction, it’s really a family saga as well. Throughout the series, we follow the same families (through different generations) and that really makes the story. Thank you for the excellent content! Stay safe and healthy.
Sometime in the 90s I read Possession and The Secret History back to back. The latter was a good read, but definitely a letdown after Possession, which I absolutely adored and need to reread.
Oooh, so happy to see The Last Samurai on this list! And don't worry about the Tom Cruise thing: that's how I discovered the book. I turned on the radio on a respected literary show and the presenter was basically giving an errata corrige, reading a message from a listener informing that Dewitt's book had nothing to do with Tom Cruise and that it was instead the story of a single mum raising an autistic child. Now, nowhere in the book it's state that the child is authistic, but I'm mentioning this only because that's what has drawn me to the book. And what I found is a kaleidoscope of inventions as profound as entertaining. Loved it!
A suitable boy by Vikram Seth is an Indian novel and I heard about it way back in 1993, but could not get my hands on it. Now, I have it in my collection and am planning to read it. Hope to read it soon.
I tried to read A Secret History earlier this month and expected to like it from the reviews I’ve watched, but gave up about 100 pages in. I didn’t like the characters at all so didn’t care what happened to them. I did snag Blonde (ebook) on sale recently and am looking forward to it!
I'm quite interested in reading some of these. Especially want to give Joyce Carol Oates a try, seeing you praise them almost every single time they're mentioned. Pachinko is one I've been wanting to read a long time but let's see when I can get round to it. I have a request Eric, as much as I love your videos, the volume is a bit low. Could you please do something about it?
The Name of the Rose is one of my all time favorite books. It is quite stunning. ETA Possession and Fingersmith- so very well done, and such enjoyable reads.
I cant believe that someone so well read has not read Pillars of the Earth. It has to be one of my all time favorite reads. It of course is a gift that keeps on giving into an entire trilogy. If you loved the Wolf Hall trilogy I think you would love this too.
They picked the wrong Sarah Waters. It should have been The Little Stranger. I will die on this hill. Also, in general I’m really surprised that they chose The Grace of Kings as kind of the stand in for genre epic fantasy on the list. Clearly they should have consulted me before publishing this list lol. Loved hearing your thoughts on these. I was tickled yet unsurprised to see the Luminaries on here. Happy reading 😊😊
Haha, whereas I think the first half of The Paying Guests is probably my favourite of all her writing! And I'd love to see you make a list of your 50 fav genre epic fantasy novels!
I’m in my 4th attempt to read Pachinko. I’ve made it as far as chapter 16 this time. I loved The Overstory. I read it via audio and can still remember the trees mentioned. Have you seen the tv adaptation of The Dublin Murder Squad ? I got part way through Kavalier & Clay and gave up. The only others I’ve read are The Secret History , Fingersmith, An Instance of the Fingerpost was a great book. A Little Life was torture porn. I gave up halfway.
Dear Eric thank you for your recommendations, Marlon James rather long but excellent novel "A Brief History of Seven Killing" is my favorite read of all times. Awesome taste in books BTW.
Quite an interesting, diverse list. Great video! I was surprised to have ticked off quite a few of these already. Where we overlap I tend to agree with your verdicts, except for ‘Queen of the Night’ which I really didn’t get on with at all. I adored Possession but read it so long ago now. Am sad to have lost my first edition! A Suitable Boy is amazing - the polar opposite of Rushdie: it leans more into rich characterisation and lush narrative. Very much in the style of Middlemarch or War and Peace. I’ve preordered the Goldsboro special edition of the new David Mitchell - soo jealous you have a copy already!
Yeah, I know not everyone loves Queen of the Night but I enjoyed it so much. If A Suitable Boy is the opposite of Rushdie I expect I'll really love it! :)
I recently reviewed A Little Life and when making some notes, I kept going back to this novel exploring men’s mental health. With male suicide on the rise, I thinks it’s a novel we need for our times.
Definitely!
I'm surprised at the number of books I've read from this list. The two standouts are The Name of the Rose and An Instance at the Fingerpost, both historical novels and both totally absorbing reads for me.
Then those are two I really ought to get to! Thanks
I love A.S. Byatt's work. 'Possession' was a pure delight.
I haven't got to 'Cloud Atlas' yet, but I actually really enjoyed 'The Bone Clocks'.
'The Queen of the Night' was an enjoyable read, but hasn't really stayed with me since.
Ooh, a new JCO, definitely going to check that one out. The Stand (uncut) is one of my favorite big books, enjoyable to the last page. Pillars of the Earth I didn't expect to like so much, but it really was a good book.
Great when a novel surprises like that!
_Mason & Dixon_ is an absolutely astonishing novel of loss and a friendship that blossoms between coworkers. It's global in scale with fun and quirky little subplots that tie in historical figures, emerging technology, and contemporaneous mythology, all written in 18th Century diction.
Of all Pynchon's work, this novel definitely has the most heart.
Hey Eric, I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to Ducks, Newburyport! I'm at about page 720 and it is absolutely incredible. Your whole channel is a great escape and always gives amazing book recommendations. Take care and stay safe out there!!!
That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you. And glad we can escape together.
Please keep us posted on the new Joyce Carol Oates, sounds very interesting!
I definitely will once I finish it. Thanks
I'm definitely one of those who really loves both The Secret History and A little life, two of my favorite books of all time. But I do get why people have such different views on them. I'll go ahead and put Ducks, Newburyport on my summer TBR as it is finally available at my local library!
Great, I hope you enjoy Ducks as much as I do!
I'd definitely recommend novels like 'The Name of the Rose', 'Jonathon Strange and Mr.Norrell'', 'Cloud Atlas', and 'The Stand'. The first three do play literary games with the reader but are still good reads.
Three more I would like to read are 'Possession', 'Little, Big' and 'Dhalgren'.
👍📚
The Magus by John Fowles
'Pachinko' = one of my fav books of the year so far. You should definitely get around to it soon!
'All the Light We Cannot See' = although long it goes by very quickly (chapters are very short and a lot of blank space), nevertheless the epitome of a page turner!
'Middlesex' = a fantastic story (and a real eye opener about intersex people).
'American Gods' = My first Neil Gaiman book and OMG! Just so amazing and smart. I know there is a great TV series based on it but I don't want to watch as I love the story as it is in my mind!
'A Little Life' = I heard her talk about it at the Cheltenham Book Festival and went and purchased it right away. Although I loved it and the characters felt like my own friends by the end there were parts where I had to physically put the book down due to the descriptions of self harm etc. I know others see it as torture porn I just felt it was a realistic depiction of a real issue. Nevertheless one of my all time fav. books!
(Sci-Fi: I just read 'Sea of Rust' which is a great not-too-long book you should read!)
'Ducks, Newburyport' = I read based on your review...am now also singing its praises. Only one or two of my friends willing to take up the challenge so far!
What I would add...'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. One of the weirdest books I have every read, a story within a story and a book that breaks the rules of what a book should be. It took me ages to read for all the best reasons and I was dreaming about the story and characters for months after. He is one of my favourite authors (having also read 'the Fifty Year Sword', 'Only Revolutions' and 'The Familiar' parts 1-3) mainly for his originality and blurring of the lines between literature and art.
Regarding A Little Life, I'm one of those who loved it, and consider it one of my all time favourite books, but it is the only book on my list of favourites that I did not give 5 stars haha. It is because while I personally got so into the story and the characters, I completely understand and see the issues people have with it, and I had some issues with it myself, particularly the writing. But, still, it is one of my favourites. I'm going to read Ducks, Newburyport soon because of you, even though the amount of pages intimidate me!
That's really interesting. Don't be intimidated - just give it a try! You'll know soon enough whether you're likely to enjoy the rest of it or not. Hope you do like it though!
I loved A Little Life! It broke my heart and I still think about it often.
Fantastic video Eric 👍📚 My favourite big book is ‘Crimson Petal and The White’ .
I've read a bunch of these and a few, The Secret History, Possession, Cloud Atlas, Lonesome Dove, Kavalier and Clay are among my favorite novels ever! I'm a bit sad that The Mists of Avalon wasn't included though, I adore that book.
Interesting, I've not read that.
@@EricKarlAnderson I guess the short description is King Arthur from the women's point of view. It's got political intrigue, magic, and how to survive as a woman in that age. I loved it.
Kara Kask i also love The Mist of Avalon, prefer it to T.H. White’s, The Once and Futur King.
I think the definitive version of The stand is way over 1000 pages. It's Stephen king's longest novel (and he has very very long novels).
I read 19 of 50. Not bad
The Robber Bride is really good. Definitely you should read Middlesex. So good! I liked The Parisian too. I was disappointed that it wasn't long listed this year for the Women's Prize. Midnight's Children! What a difficult books to understand. Smh... Both Sacred Games and A Suitable Boy have been on my TBR Big Books list. I have infinite Jest and everyday I walk right by it without another glance. I keep it because I know I want to read it but I doubt if it's going to happen. The Count of Monte Cristo is over 1,000 pages and so worth the read. Fantastic! Highly recommend it. There's another big book that's on my TBR that's not on this list and it's calledThose Bones are not My Child by Toni Cade Bamara. It weighs in at 676 pages. Hope to one day get to it but I know it's going to make me sad.
Wow, Bamara book sounds really interesting. I've not come across it before. Thanks
I've read 18 of these, but quite frankly, I'd enthuse about only 7 of them. "Possession" I found a slog, for example, and at page 200 of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell I just gave up. The most outright enjoyable were "The Name of the Rose", "An Instance of the Fingerpost" and "The Luminaries".
As to "A Little Life", I don't think it opened a debate about men's mental health, because his tribulations were a case of one damned thing after another, so it all became totally unbelievable and therefore irrelevant to any real life that any man could ever experience. Every man in his young life was a vicious predator (really?) and the whole novel was set in an airless place and time that had no feeling of reality. It might have worked as a shorter book with fewer atrocities, then it would have avoided the accusation of torture porn, but as it is, no.
One I might recommend is Neal Stephenson's "Baroque Cycle", even though it is a through-plotted trilogy, not a single novel. Oh, and as a postscript, Jaume Cabre's wonderful "Confessions", both works very highly rated on goodreads.
Interesting, thank you
I really think you’d love Middlesex. I know there are always new things coming out and the TBR is always growing but you’d be well advised to make time for it, I think.
Thankyou Eric, just wanted to tell you pillars of the Earth was one of my favorites, you should try it... I love big books ! I look forward to hear about Joyce Carol Oates newest book that you’re reading....
I’m three years late to this.
Lonesome Dove is not just a cowboy book. It’s tremendously involving.
Infinite Jest is fantastic, but I understand why people are put off by its reputation. Too bad, because you are missing out. I was surprised at the list - I’ve read 12 of them, way more than I would have thought.
You definitely should read Infinite Jest, despite the hip kids at your college self-aggrandizing preening over it. It has a lot of parallels with Hamlet-the title is taken from Hamlet. Try reading the two works in parallel and report back.
Something about big books just scare me I just got down reading a book about 560 pages long a psychological murder mystery and this was one of my first big books and it was really good it's called imaginary friend by Stephen chowbsky
A lot of my favorites are here: The Name of the Rose, WInd-up BIrd Chronicle, An Instance of the Fingerpost among others. I'd like to recommend The Quincunx, Cutting for Stone, and Kafka on the Shore. :)
Tom Wolfe! Nothing great about that book. It’s NOT the great American book. (Yes, I’m native to the USA.)
I mostly liked The Secret History but the ending didn't satisfy imo. I much prefer her The Goldfinch. I didn't like Lonesome Dove. DNF. A book of his that isn't as long but more satisfying for me was his Anything For Billy, his fictional take on Billy The Kid.
Surprised by these omissions: The Quincunx, Atlas Shrugged, and City on Fire.
I loved (loved, loved) The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood. The book is not really about Zenia the mysterious woman. It's about three women who have to live in the storm that wrecks havoc in their lives called Zenia and how they bound together even though they are each very different. It is a funny book and a serious one too. Atwood kind of pokes fun at the archetypes of women while presenting a moving account of their struggles and friendship. Lonesome Dove was made into an excellent miniseries and if that is any indication of the book, its sure to be a great book more about the mores of that place in American history and heavy on characters. I don't think it should be dismissed as a "cowboy story." Another book by Joyce Carol Oates that I really liked was We Were the Mulvaney's which was an Oprah book club selection, don't hold that against it.
I had to read Possession by AS Byatt in a college course. The first time I read it, I didn't like it, I was reading the Archivist by Martha Cooley around that time and I thought the Archivist was a better novel.. Possession seemed too draggy and I didn't appreciate the finer aspects. I wasn't sure about the aspect of scholars acting in such unscrupulous ways but I guess that could happen. I thought the novel maybe could have been more focused on the thrill of finding out stuff and not so much about the shenanigans of some of the characters. The second time I read it when I was older and more relaxed, I loved it and could forgive its faults. My dad gave me The Pillars of the Earth and I have to say I loved this one too. My father said it wasn't something he would normally read but he got engrossed in it. There is a miniseries on DVD based on the book and it is pretty good.
HATED Underworld. Loved The Luminaries.
I'm currently 200 pages into American Gods and I absolutely adore it. I'm actually verging on obsessed as I'm consuming it in various different mediums - primarily the written book but the audio version is also excellent and I'm dipping into a three-part graphic novel version also. I'm also beyond excited to hear there is an annotated version coming out in June. I just love the premise and the juxtaposition between old mythological stories and placing these gods into a modern-day American setting. It's like one long dream sequence - like Alice in Wonderland for adults with an ex convict instead of a curious little girl. It's all very clever and it's the novel that has finally got me out of my lockdown reading slump. Highly recommended so far! I've wanted to read Possession for years. It sounds like it has all the elements I love in a novel but it has been festering on my shelves for years. I should get to it soon!
Since you love London, I would recommend beginning your Neil Gaiman reading with “Neverwhere.” It will be a quick read and the London insider humor will make it enjoyable even if, for some reason, the book itself does not work for you. Also, there is an annotated version of “American Gods” and if you are thinking of diving into Gods, this version might be of interest to you.
Also, “Possession” really is worth the time. Byatt always is.
Not afraid - the luminaries was soooo underwhelming. Boring. Midnight chn -a great book.
Unpopular opinion but I HATED all the light we cannot see, I just don’t understand the appeal! I didn’t care about any of the characters (not saying I disliked them necessarily I just didn’t care) and I found it so slow and hard to get through
I'm surprised I've read almost half of these. Many didn't seem that long. I take that a the sign of a good book.
Oh Eric. Have you read Lonesome Dove yet? If not, dive in. It is so much more than a "cowboy novel". It is panoramic grandure at its best. It sweeps you along and doesn't let you go. I can't rave about it enough.
I liked Doerr’s book, but didn’t love it. Lonesome Dove and 2666 are on my TBR LIST
I haven’t seen that jacket on Cloud Atlas! Gorgeous!!
If you really want to read Gaiman, I thought The Ocean at the End of the Lane was lovely…and a very quick read.
I've seen a few of your videos now. Seems like you can't read books with the slighest bit of resistence in the prose. Also pretty limited when it comes to genres. Can't follow this.
The Name of the Rose is fascinating. I never noticed the length…which isn’t my norm.
I really want to read the Rusdie and Gaiman. I would start with Gaiman’s shorter works.
Yay Possession, I love it sooo much!!!
I know I really ought to get to reading Possession! I can attest The Luminaries really is worth the time.
I love Chabon but I haven’t read the one you’ve described. May need to now.
I WILL read Suitable Boy…just not this year.
Added Ducks to my TBR , based on your review.
I was amazed to see how many of these books I have read and of course how many I haven’t got to yet. I really enjoy David Mitchell (and a new one soon ..yay) my favourite is the thousand autumns of Jacob de Zoet. The Secret History was a good read but to me The Little Friend is the best of all. Interesting to hear your endorsement of Marlon James as I seem to get to a certain point and stop. But want to read it so much. A Little Life? Left the cutter bleeding on the shower floor and he will probably stay there. But agree that the depiction of friendship is marvellous.
Thanks Eric! Ducks next on my list!
I've not read The Little Friend but I should. I meant to say, I think I preferred The Goldfinch to Secret History - even though I didn't feel the end of The Goldfinch quite worked.
The Overstory is terrific and I understand why it’s received so much attention, but his 2003 novel The Time of our Singing is significantly better. It asks many important questions about race and race-relations without being so heavy-handed. It’s an amazing piece of literature.
Great, yes I've been meaning to read more of his books.
I agree with you about The Secret History.
Hi Eric. I am a David Mitchell fan and was caught off guard when you showed the copy of his new novel in your hands. I didn't even know he had a new work out. Have you read it?Is it good? (You have a signed Murakami! Wow!)
I've not read it yet. Hoping to soon. Will let you know!
Lonesome Dove is the perfect novel. It compares the beauty and cruelty of human nature with the beauty and cruelty of the American west. It's a brutal work wrapped up in humor and friendship. I hosted a group read of it with about 10 people who had never read it before, myself included, and for five of us it landed on our favorite books of all time list with others putting it at their best of the year. It's not a cowboy book but it does involve cowboy characters. It really is a stunning representation of what a novel can be. It would be a shame for you to dismiss it so easily.
Absolutely. An incredible book and miniseries. I also love Possession. One of my favorite books ever.
I listened to the audio portion of All the Light We Cannot See. I recommend the audio.
Shogun by James Clavell. Or any of the other novels in the Asian Saga Series.
Night Film
Neil Gaiman writes magical realism
Oh I read Shogun when I was a teenager and loved it so much! I was completely absorbed.
The stand is a lot longer then 800 odd pages you mentioned, the stand I have is 1320.
Yes, there are 2 versions of it! The long uncut one is also the one I'm reading right now! It's so good and there is not a single dull page so I wonder what parts were left out in the first version !
@@BlackStarCocoon aww that would explain it, probably for people that cant handle such a chunky book. But you still get the plot. Stephen king, is a very clever writer even with the short down version. Maybe. It's still sitting on my shelf unread .
@@slate2103 Oh yes, read it! It's fantastic! I won't soon forget these characters.
Pillars was also embarrassingly dull.
Dont bother with the Pynchon book…boring.
Possession is fantastic!! Loved it!
I just finished Last Samurai! So much fun and really enjoyed it
Oh good! I'm looking forward to it.
I've read 8 of them. Good or bad?
Annie Proulx Barkskins
If you enjoy audio books, I would recommend the audio version of "Middlesex". I found it very entertaining. I have listened to it twice.
Oh wow ok
Nice list. I've only read 18 of these, and for the most part I liked the ones I've read, so my TBR will be absorbing the rest. :)
Great! Hope you find some new favourites. 📚
If you liked A God in Ruins you will love Life After Life.
Life After Life is one of my all-time favorite books. It's the first book by Kate Atkinson that I've read, and I plan to read others, esp. A God in Ruins. The plot and writing of Life After Life held my interest from start to finish, and the book doesn't seem as long to me as it actually is. I love the concept of how different circumstances and choices affect the relived life of the protagonist. I wholehearted recommend Life After Life.
Life After Life was so interesting, such a wonderful character and ultimately so surprising.
I’m very happy to see The Stand on this list. It’s a truly great book that fully deserves a spot. I read it eons ago, when it came out. Certain scenes still make my skin crawl just thinking of them. I may read it again someday or I may just enjoy memories of the original experience.
But I no longer have the energy for super long books. 500 pages feels like a grind to me. And really, we can only read a certain number of books in a lifetime. I’d rather not spend that time on books whose length alone depresses me. 😕 I’m really loving authors who can do so much in such a small space. I just finished Red At The Bone on Saturday, in one day, and was absolutely floored by what Jacqueline Woodson accomplished in just 196 pages. The Nickel Boys is another brief novel that just killed me. Yeah. I’m just not a fan of long books. 🤷♀️ But, I will try Ducks at some point. I figure if it hooks me in 100 pages, maybe I’ll try to get all the way through it.
Did you see the TV adaptation of The Stand? I really liked that as well.
I can understand your feelings about longer books but they can also be so rewarding. It's definitely true writing a short powerful novel like The Nickel Boys is such a skill. I still need to get to Red at the Bone. And I think it won't even take you 100 pages to decide whether you'll love or loath Ducks, but obviously I hope you'll love it. :)
Eric Karl Anderson Hmm. I’m not sure I ever saw the tv show of The Stand. If I did, it didn’t leave a lasting impression. I may have skipped it assuming they would ruin it. 😉 The original tv adaptation of Salem’s Lot with David Soul scared the crap out of me. There’s one scene that still scares me just thinking of it.
Eric, please do read the pillars of the earth, it's a brilliant book, would love to hear your review! I didn't much like american gods nor americanah. I think the beauty about long books is that you get the chance to get really immersed in the story and attached to the characters. What kind of sci-fi were you looking for?
I will try to get to it. It sounds really good. I'm not sure what sci-fi I'd like since I've not read much before. I just think it'll be an interesting genre to explore so naturally I'm looking to start with some which people agree are the best. In addition to Dhalgren I'm hoping to read Dune this year as well. But I'm also curious about Doris Lessing's sci-fi series.
@@EricKarlAnderson i wouldnt normally recommend Dune for someone who's new to sci-fi although you might enjoy it, there's definitely a lot of depth that you don't find in other sci-fi books but it can be tedious to get through. If you're looking for something more modern i really enjoyed Children of Time, very original and well executed
I’m an avid Neil Gaiman fan. I actually didn’t enjoy American Gods as much as I expected to. The Ocean at the End of the Lane though, is absolutely fantastic and a great starting point for Neil’s work.
Great! Thanks for the tip!
Also, Sacred Games has become a TV series on Netflix. It's not quite the book but quite brilliantly done.
I did not know that about Jonathan Franzen. And honestly, I'm shooketh.
Just finished American Gods and it was great. But my favorite Gaiman is Neverwhere. Just such fun with GREAT characters and storytelling.
I thought Pachinko started well but fell apart really badly after the first half. Some of the characters are killed off so suddenly it's almost funny (literally, "... And then he died"). There's some dodgy anti-Japanese prejudice in there too, and some Christian propaganda for good measure. Really loved your interview with Nino and her translators, though! I'm somewhat involved in the Georgian literature scene, and she is already a huge star in her home country.
Surprised and glad to find how many of these big books I have indeed read. I find the medieval age fascinating & so enjoyed reading this book of Eco's & Foucault 's Pendulum, both of which I read twice. I think I enjoyed Midnight's Children because I could identify with places, events, people, emotions that he described, they were so familiar. I have ordered The last Samurai after hearing so much about it. I am re-reading Günter Grass's The Tin Drum(589pages) after 30 years & am appreciating it more.
Roberto Bolano 2666 is actually in five parts, which were intended to be published as separate books. My version has four books. They have a common thread but they stand alone on their own methods. This is about a group of scholars in Europe and Mexico, a mysterious German, journalists, academic meetings, and many other topics that come in and out of the story. The part about Santa Teresa is actually the most difficult to read. It is emotionally draining. My favorite is the last part about the Eastern Front in WWII. This is an exercise in endurance, particularly the section on the crimes.
This is a great list, and I enjoyed your opinions of it. I also read and thoroughly enjoyed Wind Up Bird and I’m currently reading 1Q84, which I’m also enjoying, but I do find Murakami’s portrayal of women to be off and has already made me uncomfortable in 1Q84 already.
Ken Liu books are incredible I think the third one is out in March. If your into short story collections I would recommend the Paper Menagerie by him. Also with Neil Gaiman my first book was Fragile Things which is a short story collection that’s where I started and I think that is a good place to start. Be interested to see what you think :). Great videos by the way
I was hoping I'd see Roberto Bolano on this list! Though I thought they'd maybe go with The Savage Detectives, his other novel that's long but not quite as long as 2666, it's around 600 pages. I recommend that too and if anything I'd start with that, because it's probably the novel that's a good place to start to see whether you'd get on with him. But 2666 is, in my opinion, well worth its 900 pages!
I totally disagree about the dismissal of Lonesome Dove. Only western I've ever read, and it's one of my all-time favorite books now. Just finished it a couple of months ago.
Eric, I'm so glad you loved The Eighth Life, and what joy it must have been to interview the author and translators! I really must be getting on with Ducks, but this pandemic has destroyed my concentration. Short novel recommendation: Such Small Hands by Spanish writer Andre Barbas, with intro by Edmund White. Spooky and alarming. Cheers!
That was so fun :)
I’m definitely going to read the Chabon. So glad to hear I wasn’t the only one who hated the film of Winter’s Tale. I think I was hoping for the Shakespeare play. Weird and disappointing.
Other Big-Books on my list: Someday I’ll finally get to Moby Dick and finish Don Quixote, and in a rash moment I promised my friend Kathy that the first book I read after I retire will be her fav. Gone with the Wind. What was I thinking? Totally not up my alley. The things we do for friendship...
Another great presentation Eric! I really appreciate your honesty about books. When I read tomes such as described here I find myself expecting more from the author because I am giving them a big chunk of my time. I am currently reading 2666 by Bolano which I admit I started with a bad attitude ( book group selection - not mine) but I am 350 pages in and get why it is an important book to read. I like you was in the middle of the road with A Little Life - heavy on the pain but some good writing. I also loved A Suitable Boy so get your copy from your parents’ house - they will appreciate the room it gives them when you take it away. Take care.
What a great list and terrific overview. I have several of these on my TBR or I’ve read. I recently got The Eighth Life because of you raving about it. I adore Joyce Carol Oates and can’t wait for this one. She’s amazing. I also love Murakami and have read a few of his. I can see why you showed your signed edition from him! I’ve read the Follett trilogy and I am looking forward to the prequel coming in the fall. My only addition to your description of his work is that although it is historical fiction, it’s really a family saga as well. Throughout the series, we follow the same families (through different generations) and that really makes the story. Thank you for the excellent content! Stay safe and healthy.
Have read 17 of them... 'A Suitable Boy' is definitely one of my faves of all time... am hoping the sequel will arrive before I expire... :-(
Sometime in the 90s I read Possession and The Secret History back to back. The latter was a good read, but definitely a letdown after Possession, which I absolutely adored and need to reread.
I highly recommend Lonesome Dove. I'm not into cowboys myself and the novel isn't really a cowboy novel. I'm sure you would enjoy it!
Oooh, so happy to see The Last Samurai on this list! And don't worry about the Tom Cruise thing: that's how I discovered the book. I turned on the radio on a respected literary show and the presenter was basically giving an errata corrige, reading a message from a listener informing that Dewitt's book had nothing to do with Tom Cruise and that it was instead the story of a single mum raising an autistic child. Now, nowhere in the book it's state that the child is authistic, but I'm mentioning this only because that's what has drawn me to the book. And what I found is a kaleidoscope of inventions as profound as entertaining. Loved it!
A suitable boy by Vikram Seth is an Indian novel and I heard about it way back in 1993, but could not get my hands on it. Now, I have it in my collection and am planning to read it. Hope to read it soon.
I tried to read A Secret History earlier this month and expected to like it from the reviews I’ve watched, but gave up about 100 pages in. I didn’t like the characters at all so didn’t care what happened to them. I did snag Blonde (ebook) on sale recently and am looking forward to it!
Loved named of the rose. Highly recommended Neil Gaiman especially neverwhere. And Good omens with Terry Pratchett
I'm quite interested in reading some of these. Especially want to give Joyce Carol Oates a try, seeing you praise them almost every single time they're mentioned. Pachinko is one I've been wanting to read a long time but let's see when I can get round to it.
I have a request Eric, as much as I love your videos, the volume is a bit low. Could you please do something about it?
The Name of the Rose is one of my all time favorite books. It is quite stunning. ETA Possession and Fingersmith- so very well done, and such enjoyable reads.
@Eric Karl Anderson Mason & Dixon is one of my favorite novels. And The Pillars of the Earth is great as well.
You really need to read Possession and Middlesex. Two of my all time favourite books.
I cant believe that someone so well read has not read Pillars of the Earth. It has to be one of my all time favorite reads. It of course is a gift that keeps on giving into an entire trilogy. If you loved the Wolf Hall trilogy I think you would love this too.
I would love to see a video on your bad movies club! If they have books written and what your thoughts are regarding the book vs film! 🤓
Dhalgren was so good! Super weird and circular but the imagery was an absolute delight to read
I must said that I really enjoy American Gods and that it can be a great beginning to read Neil Gaiman
So many books there that I need to find time to read! The ones I have read are some of my favourites Cloud Atlas is a stand out.
They picked the wrong Sarah Waters. It should have been The Little Stranger. I will die on this hill. Also, in general I’m really surprised that they chose The Grace of Kings as kind of the stand in for genre epic fantasy on the list. Clearly they should have consulted me before publishing this list lol. Loved hearing your thoughts on these. I was tickled yet unsurprised to see the Luminaries on here. Happy reading 😊😊
Haha, whereas I think the first half of The Paying Guests is probably my favourite of all her writing! And I'd love to see you make a list of your 50 fav genre epic fantasy novels!
Robber Bride and Blind Assassin are my favorite Atwood novels.
That Murakami edition is beautiful!
I’m in my 4th attempt to read Pachinko. I’ve made it as far as chapter 16 this time. I loved The Overstory. I read it via audio and can still remember the trees mentioned.
Have you seen the tv adaptation of The Dublin Murder Squad ?
I got part way through Kavalier & Clay and gave up.
The only others I’ve read are The Secret History , Fingersmith,
An Instance of the Fingerpost was a great book.
A Little Life was torture porn. I gave up halfway.
Oh that's interesting about Pachinko.
I've not seen The Dublin Murder Squad. Is it good?
Dear Eric thank you for your recommendations, Marlon James rather long but excellent novel "A Brief History of Seven Killing" is my favorite read of all times.
Awesome taste in books BTW.
That is a brilliant brilliant novel. What do you think of Black Leopard Red Wolf?
Quite an interesting, diverse list. Great video! I was surprised to have ticked off quite a few of these already. Where we overlap I tend to agree with your verdicts, except for ‘Queen of the Night’ which I really didn’t get on with at all. I adored Possession but read it so long ago now. Am sad to have lost my first edition! A Suitable Boy is amazing - the polar opposite of Rushdie: it leans more into rich characterisation and lush narrative. Very much in the style of Middlemarch or War and Peace. I’ve preordered the Goldsboro special edition of the new David Mitchell - soo jealous you have a copy already!
Yeah, I know not everyone loves Queen of the Night but I enjoyed it so much. If A Suitable Boy is the opposite of Rushdie I expect I'll really love it! :)