Friends! Today I bring you some of my favourite books. While they’re mainly very obvious choices, I always enjoy hearing the recommendations of others so I thought I’d share. And maybe you could share some of your favourites too?
Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World by Haruki Murakami
My favourite Murakami, alongside Kafka on the shore. This beautiful cover is illustrated by M. S. Corley.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
Rarely am I affected by a book as much as this. Haunting and heart-rending.
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
I think everyone I have recommended this to has enjoyed it.
Jane Eyre by Emily Bronte
I’m such a fan girl. I yearn for a Nanny/Jane Eyre crossover with Fran Drescher shouting “OH, MR ROCHESTER!”
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood
It was hard to get into the first time I tried, but well worth it when I did. This and Alias Grace are two of her most satisfying books. I also loved Oryx and Crake but after not enjoying its companion book The Year of the Flood, I wonder if I was wrong about it. Time for a reread.
Leviathan, or, The Whale by Philip Hoare
I saw Philip Hoare speak at the readers and writers festival a year or two back, he’s such an interesting man. And BFFs with John Waters! I haven’t read Moby Dick (it looms on the shelf), which plays a large part in the book, but I really love whales.
What’s the best thing you’ve read lately?
The last book I read was The Romantic Movement by Alain de Botton! Very insightful but not a lifetime favourite that’s for sure! I don’t think your choices are that cliché! I will have to check out the Murakami book – I always love his stories!
Many books i’ve never read before,but thanks for some recommendations! Hmm, the best thing i read lately. Must be Tatiana De Rosnay ” Sara’s key”.
The Blind Assassin is my absolute favourite book of all times. I did not know what to expect when I started reading it and was blown away. It’s what got me into Margaret Atwood!
murakami is always a good choice! as is middlesex. did you hear jeffrey eugenides came out with a new book? sounds pretty darn good.
xo
alicia
the-champagnelife.blogspot.com
I’ve been meaning to read The Blind Assassin for some time, perhaps I will pick up at a bookstore this weekend.
“Oh Mr ROCHESTER!” I can SO hear that in her voice. There needs to be a crossover, dammit!
I love The Heart is a Lonely Hunter so much – everything I’ve read of hers I’ve loved, but I think because I read that one first, I love it the most.
I struggled with the Blind Assassin – might have to give it another go.
I love Middlesex! But to me, anything Jeffrey Eugenides touches his pen to turns to gold. lovely thoughtful prose! can’t wait to read his new one… The Marriage Plot that just came out.
(Hi! Nice to meet you!)
I’m currently reading Middlesex and really enjoying it, although wondering if I’ve missed something as to why his brother is called Chapter Eleven?? Or am I meant to just go with it. The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter is one of my all time favourites, so understated and beautifully, hauntingly written. Have you seen the film? I still loved the book more, as is always the way, but Alan Arkin did a fantastic job as John Singer.
As for other books, can I recommend anything by Lynn Coady? She’s this great Canadian author, quite influenced by JD Salinger and just writes about the feeling of being a teenager growing up in small towns and all the awkwardness that comes with it, so well! Start with ‘Strange Heaven’ if possible, and let me know if her books are tricky to find here – I’d be happy to loan a copy!
I have just read ‘A Dangerous Vine’ by Barbara Ewing, ‘Black Swan Green’ by David Mitchell, ‘The Peoples’ Act of Love’ by James Meek, ‘Women in Gangs; Aroha Trust’ by Pip Desmond. All fantastic!
I love a good book recommendation. I’m looking forward to reading the new Jeffrey Eugenides book, and have been planning on re-reading Jane Eyre too. Am looking forward to doing so even more now that I know I will be hearing Fran Fine’s voice in my head as I read it, haha.
One of my all time favourites that I always recommend is The Secret History by Donna Tartt. If you haven’t read it already then you must!
i own blind assassin and tried to get into it ages ago and just gave up! your post made me want to give it another chance! thank you! ps. are you on goodreads? based on your recommendations, it looks like we should be friends!
xo
sami
Your Fran idea made me laugh out loud!
I am also looking forward to The Marriage Plot, and Mindy Kaling’s memoir. Too many reading wishlists over in these parts and not enough time to read :-/
i love the murakami book, specially the map in the beginning of the book, and the little drawns in some pages, its so weird and cute.