The Book Thread Book • Page 131

Legends of the fall: the 50 biggest books of autumn 2021

 

very excited to pick up Palmares ! honestly wild to see gayl jones publishing again

 

I’ve knocked out….

Making Movies (Sidney Lumet)
Angels (Denis Johnson)
A Clockwork Orange
Mrs. Dalloway

….within the last two weeks.

is Virginia Woolf the greatest author ever? I’m not saying Mrs. Dalloway is my all time favorite book (probably Blood Meridian), but I’ve never read words like hers before. The prose is almost indescribable. I’m glad I didn’t read it in high school because I most definitely would have not appreciated it.

next up….

Watership Down
In Cold Blood
Where Angels Fear to Tread
The Jungle

 

Watership Down is my favorite book. It’s not the best book ever written, but it’s just so wholesome and fun and transports me to a better place.

 

Also have to say Kubrick made the right decision leaving out the last chapter of A Clockwork Orange

 

Woolf is a true master. She sends me into literary bliss. I also rec Julien Gracq. Recently discovered him through Balcony in the Forest and it gave me Woolf vibes - obv different but still impeccable

 

Having a weird experience with The Death of the Heart by Elizabeth Bowen. On one hand there are entire stretches of chapters that I am completely exhausted and uninterested in the narrative, lost to what’s happening in a broad sense. Then, particularly at the less dialogue-driven scenes, I’m able to reground myself and enjoy the prose and from there realign myself with the drama (or lack thereof). Bowen can clearly write her ass off but the story isn’t captivating me. Still the prose can be stunning enough at times to make me want to finish it.

 

I read The Shipping News by Annie Proulx earlier this year, and it actually had a somewhat uplifting&happy ending. Started Postcards and it is sooo depressing but unreal that this was her debut. Absolutely stunning.

Also, read The Tiger’s Wife by Tea Obreht at the beach a couple weeks ago. Had me tearing up. The stories of the “deathless man” gave me chills. Highly, highly recommend. I think I have to put her among my favorite writers at this point.

 

I tried Inland recently and couldn't get into it. Breathtaking language but the ghost stuff and storyline wasn't keeping me in it. I still want to try The Tiger's Wife with her.

 

The Shipping News is in my top three books of all time. It’s pretty much perfect in my eyes. Postcards is one of the last of hers I still need to read.

 

Yea, Inland I was so-so on until about halfway through. The ending was gorgeous. It’s one of those books that has a permanent place in my brain because the feelings it brought up were exactly what I crave in literature. If you aren’t a fan of magical realism you probably wouldn’t like The Tiger’s Wife, though it’s more about folklore and myths passed down through generations so a little more grounded than Inland.

 

I like magical realism if it’s more based in reality, so that definitely sounds up my alley.

 

The Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig was really fucking good. This years Imaginary Friend/N0S4A2/IT...not quite the caliber of those books, but awfully close. @Night Channels

 

I was surprised by just how much I enjoyed it. Such a great read.

 

Very much so enjoyed it!

 

COVER REVEAL INCOMING

My first novel, Below Torrential Hill releases this December. A poetic coming-of-age tinged with magical realism, about a damaged family seeking absolution in their small suburban town. A winner of the Electric Eclectic Novella Prize and finalist for the Clay Reynolds Prize.

I poured my heart and eight years into this book. It would be a dream if some of you order a copy once it becomes available and read it (and you let me know what you think)!

 

congrats @OotyPa that's amazing! will def pick up a copy

 

Dig that cover! I'll definitely be picking this up!

 

Can’t wait to read it!

 

Congrats!

 

Please post a link in here when an order becomes available!

 

Thank you all. I absolutely will keep you all updated! I’ll also be posting on social media as it approaches so follow me on there if you’d like, share the cover if you’re so inclined to spread the word @jonathankoven on insta and twitter

 

I have a bookstagram so gave you a follow :)

 

Been a while since I've read any fiction books, wanted something in science fiction. Google led me to Ancillary Justice. If anyone's read it, is it worth the hype?

 

It is sitting on my shelf after hearing that it’s one of the best sci-fi books of this century… but haven’t quite gotten to it.