For the young girls - the Moomintroll books by Tove Jansonn are wonderful. The characters are animal like and whimsical.
6
If the young girls enjoy Ramona Quimby, they might like Cleary's
"Mouse" books--"Ralph S. Mouse," " Mouse and the Motorcycle."
Maybe a little down the road, I think they would enjoy Phillip Pullman's trilogy, "His Dark Materials." The first book, "The Golden Compass," was made into a movie. The main character and heroine, is a girl. There are talking animals and "personal animals." There is also a wonderful audiobook available.
Don't overlook non-fiction if they love animals. There are lots of terrific series with great pictures.
"Mouse" books--"Ralph S. Mouse," " Mouse and the Motorcycle."
Maybe a little down the road, I think they would enjoy Phillip Pullman's trilogy, "His Dark Materials." The first book, "The Golden Compass," was made into a movie. The main character and heroine, is a girl. There are talking animals and "personal animals." There is also a wonderful audiobook available.
Don't overlook non-fiction if they love animals. There are lots of terrific series with great pictures.
3
For the globetrotters: The James Herriot series (All Creatures Great and Small)
and Yes, Arthur Ransome - starting with Swallows and Amazons.
Great column.
and Yes, Arthur Ransome - starting with Swallows and Amazons.
Great column.
8
Other great books for kiddos: the Fabled Beast Chronicles, Bone, Harry potter (books 1-3), Zita, Thickety, Amulet, Tal, the Secret Series, Roald Dahl, Mabel Jones, poetry by Shel Silverstein,...there's actually loads of great stuff!
3
I am the female Noah. Thank you for this column. I do relate to being exhausted by the time I get my (squabbling) kids to bed.
I downloaded a book on phone. Wish me luck.
Thank you!
I downloaded a book on phone. Wish me luck.
Thank you!
1
For Noah:
Jane Smiley, 1000 Acres
Jennifer DuBois, A Partial History of Lost Causes
Kate Atkinson, Behind the Scenes at the Museum and Case Histories
Tana French, In the Woods and The Likeness
For Madonna:
The Miss Bianca series, and the Rescuers series, by Margery Sharp
The Little House on the Prairie series
Jane Smiley, 1000 Acres
Jennifer DuBois, A Partial History of Lost Causes
Kate Atkinson, Behind the Scenes at the Museum and Case Histories
Tana French, In the Woods and The Likeness
For Madonna:
The Miss Bianca series, and the Rescuers series, by Margery Sharp
The Little House on the Prairie series
2
Regarding the "Pulphead" by JJS recommendation - I whole-heartedly concur.
The Brooklyn Public Library does this service free for all. You can find it on their website. Librarians give great answers. I have used it myself and highly recommend it!
5
Noah: I implore you not to give up on Knausgaard, one of the great fictive voices of our time. Do yourself an immense favor and make a little pledge to come back to him. Patience will reward you. He writes right at the impulse, at the root, at the very place from which what we call fiction emerges. You'll learn more about all fiction and about yourself if you stick with him. Henry James to aspiring writers: "Be someone on whom nothing is lost." That's Knausgaard down to this day, having reached his mid-40s. I know of no writer more alive to writing's possibilities.
7
And some early chapter books
Greetings from Somewhere series
Kingdom of Wrenly series
Greetings from Somewhere series
Kingdom of Wrenly series
For twins - how about?
Little Witch - Anna Bennett (a classic back in print)
Pippi Longstockings
Double Detective series - zack Norris (twins)
Pack-n-Go Girls series - Lisa Travis (international travel)
Key Hunters series
Boxcar Children series
Little Witch - Anna Bennett (a classic back in print)
Pippi Longstockings
Double Detective series - zack Norris (twins)
Pack-n-Go Girls series - Lisa Travis (international travel)
Key Hunters series
Boxcar Children series
2
The problem with focusing on 'girl' books is you miss out on Treasure Island & 20K Leagues under the sea. Maybe these resonated for me because the action occurred right outside my front door in the South Pacific.
On Project Gutenberg I found some of Lucy Fitch Perkins Twin series, including my favourites: The Cave Twins (still a great read almost 60 years later with a Mum who's a great hunter) & the Dutch Twins. They are windows into a long lost world of different childhoods.
Also Andrew Lang's Fairy books which are not PC but were part of my diet of 'cross cultural studies': the fairy tales, myths & legends of everyone.
You will find Sherlock Holmes, The Prisoner of Zenda, etc.
If they love animals, how about Black Beauty?
At 7-8 I loved Milly Molly Mandy. There's a map at the start & I'm still a sucker for fiction with maps.
The Wizard of Earthsea quartet springs to mind.
They're a bit young, but they can grow into Daddy Longs Legs which is a delightful look at being a uni undergrad in 1912.
Joan Aiken wrote a whole set of modern fairy stories which might still be around e.g. A harp of fishbones, all published by Penguin.
The Wind on the Moon: 2 girls & magic potion
A book I laughed myself sick over: Our hearts were young & gay: two 19 year old girls in Paris in the 1920s. I think I was 10-12 when I read it. Funny illustrations.
And don't forget non-fiction, especially about the places they've been.
On Project Gutenberg I found some of Lucy Fitch Perkins Twin series, including my favourites: The Cave Twins (still a great read almost 60 years later with a Mum who's a great hunter) & the Dutch Twins. They are windows into a long lost world of different childhoods.
Also Andrew Lang's Fairy books which are not PC but were part of my diet of 'cross cultural studies': the fairy tales, myths & legends of everyone.
You will find Sherlock Holmes, The Prisoner of Zenda, etc.
If they love animals, how about Black Beauty?
At 7-8 I loved Milly Molly Mandy. There's a map at the start & I'm still a sucker for fiction with maps.
The Wizard of Earthsea quartet springs to mind.
They're a bit young, but they can grow into Daddy Longs Legs which is a delightful look at being a uni undergrad in 1912.
Joan Aiken wrote a whole set of modern fairy stories which might still be around e.g. A harp of fishbones, all published by Penguin.
The Wind on the Moon: 2 girls & magic potion
A book I laughed myself sick over: Our hearts were young & gay: two 19 year old girls in Paris in the 1920s. I think I was 10-12 when I read it. Funny illustrations.
And don't forget non-fiction, especially about the places they've been.
4
I can't believe someone else remembers "Our Hearts Were Young and Gay"! I was also about 10 when I read it, and loved it.
7
Great new column. For Noah, I'd suggest essays. This is the golden age of biography. I'd also check the staff recommendations at your local bookstore.
2
Oh, what a wonderful column !! Thank you.
I would like to luxuriate in a long novel written by you.
I would like to luxuriate in a long novel written by you.
2
To the Arizona ad executive with two young children looking to find a contemporary-ish writer to excite him the way Updike and Roth used to, I would recommend Richard Ford's "Frank Bascombe" series as a worthy successor, and send him over to Pete Dexter's "Spooner" for a one-off look at the role of fatherhood. Nathan Hill's "The Nix" is a good companion to Franzen and Ethan Canin is just a generally under-appreciated author, in my book.
4
Great to see this in the Times. Nicole did a similar column called "Match Book" in the Boston Globe and I've really missed it. She's pointed me toward books that I either had forgotten about or never considered until she put them in context for me.
2
--for the children try the Freddy the Pig series....by Walter R. Brooks animal characters with human emotions and situations
1
Noah - you should try "The Orphan Master's Son" by Adam Johnson, or "The Dog Stars" by Peter Heller. Neither is exactly like Goldfinch, but I know several people who liked all three. I can't imagine reading essays if you are too tired for fiction! Nor can I imagine reading poetry if too tired for fiction. But that is just me. If you like spy novels, try "The Red Sparrow" by Jason Matthews. Good Luck!
5
Noah,
Hopefully you are scanning the comments! I think the recommendations here were dreadful. As an avid Roth reader -- "The Ghostwriter" and "The Counterlife are two of my favorite novels of all time --- maybe you can look to a couple of his contemporaries. James Salter ("The Hunters", "A Sport and a Pastime") and Richard Ford ("The Sportswriter", "Independence Day") are fantastic American writers much in the vein of Roth and Updike.
Hopefully you are scanning the comments! I think the recommendations here were dreadful. As an avid Roth reader -- "The Ghostwriter" and "The Counterlife are two of my favorite novels of all time --- maybe you can look to a couple of his contemporaries. James Salter ("The Hunters", "A Sport and a Pastime") and Richard Ford ("The Sportswriter", "Independence Day") are fantastic American writers much in the vein of Roth and Updike.
6
For the granddaughters: "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" and "Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and Me, Elizabeth" -- both are by E.L. Konigsburg. These books aren't globe-trotting, but they are superb. Also, E.B. White's books -- "Charlotte's Web," "Stuart Little," and "The Trumpet of the Swan." And Zilpha Keatley Snyder's "The Headless Cupid" and "The Egypt Game." "The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I Mean Noel)" and "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin.
9
Yes, yes! What a blast from the past, I remember reading "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler" probably a dozen times. And Zilpha Keatley Snyder books covered my shelves, her series "Below the Root" was one of my favorite books, though I think that series might be better read at 12 or 13.
2
I have a reco for Noah:
Tom Drury! My favorite is The End of Vandalism but it's all good. So smart, perfect dialogue, and a subtle sense of humor.
Also, Junot Diaz never lets me down.
Enjoy!!
Tom Drury! My favorite is The End of Vandalism but it's all good. So smart, perfect dialogue, and a subtle sense of humor.
Also, Junot Diaz never lets me down.
Enjoy!!
For 8 to 12-year-olds,
Maud Hart Lovelace- Betsy-Tacy books
Soup and Soup and Me by Robert Newton Peck
The Indian in the Cupboard - Lynn Reid Banks
The Children of Green Knowe - L. M. Boston
CS Lewis - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Edgar Eager - Half Magic
The Secret Garden and The Little Princess- Frances Hodgson Burnett
Anne of Green Gables - L. Montgomery
Arthur Ransome - Swallows and Amazons
Maud Hart Lovelace- Betsy-Tacy books
Soup and Soup and Me by Robert Newton Peck
The Indian in the Cupboard - Lynn Reid Banks
The Children of Green Knowe - L. M. Boston
CS Lewis - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Edgar Eager - Half Magic
The Secret Garden and The Little Princess- Frances Hodgson Burnett
Anne of Green Gables - L. Montgomery
Arthur Ransome - Swallows and Amazons
9
Fabulous column! My 9 year old daughter has read these recently and enjoyed them all. She tends to steer clear of book series with the predictable story arcs. I have read many of these along with her -- Edward Tulane and Adventures with Waffles being my favorites.
The Penderwicks series
Tale of Despereaux
My Side of the Mountain
Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Adventures with Waffles
The Fourteenth Goldfish
Secret Chicken Society
Year of Billy Miller
Horn Book Magazine has many great suggestions as well.
The Penderwicks series
Tale of Despereaux
My Side of the Mountain
Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Adventures with Waffles
The Fourteenth Goldfish
Secret Chicken Society
Year of Billy Miller
Horn Book Magazine has many great suggestions as well.
6
Suggestions for Noah: Any book by Abraham Verghese,particularly The Tennis Partner and Cutting For Stone
Disgrace by Coetzee
The English Patient by Ondaatje
The Dinner by Koch
A Sense of an Ending by Barnes
Close Range:Wyoming Stories by Proulx
Deborah Downs
Disgrace by Coetzee
The English Patient by Ondaatje
The Dinner by Koch
A Sense of an Ending by Barnes
Close Range:Wyoming Stories by Proulx
Deborah Downs
2
What a wonderful idea! I am going to love this.
5
To Madonna Krakel--
When just a bit older than your granddaughters, I loved a series of novels set in Scotland which were about the adventures of a brother and sister called Ian and Sovra. I devoured books as a child, but these stand out. I highly recommend them.
When just a bit older than your granddaughters, I loved a series of novels set in Scotland which were about the adventures of a brother and sister called Ian and Sovra. I devoured books as a child, but these stand out. I highly recommend them.
1
Purely to facilitate: the author is (or was) Elinor Lyon. The series runs to nine books.
3
Title? Author? Anything to help us track them down?
1
One item missing from your recommendations for Noah is at least one book on parenting skills. No children should spend all of their time together bickering. Get to the library and have the librarian recommend some.
6
In high school my introduction to William Blake made me feel in the presence of a god. That feeling has endured over decades, so recently I decided finally to read Fearful Symmetry by Frye. I too am tired at the end of my day and have no doubt that much of Frye is way above my head, but on almost every page there's yet another clear and accessible opening not just to Blake but to my own world. I completely get the idea or plan of "starting small", as in poetry, and could easily stay there.
1
Mr. Cohen: I share your feeling for The Goldfinch. What a great and memorable read.
A recommendation: He's not exactly contemporary -- in fact, he is, much to my dismay, recently dead -- but E.L. Doctorow was a writer of the Updike/Roth generation whose work may offer you that oomph you're looking for. You could start anywhere in the Doctorow canon, at the beginning with Ragtime or the Book of Daniel, in the middle with World's Fair or Billy Bathgate, or nearer the end with The March. Happy searching and reading!
A recommendation: He's not exactly contemporary -- in fact, he is, much to my dismay, recently dead -- but E.L. Doctorow was a writer of the Updike/Roth generation whose work may offer you that oomph you're looking for. You could start anywhere in the Doctorow canon, at the beginning with Ragtime or the Book of Daniel, in the middle with World's Fair or Billy Bathgate, or nearer the end with The March. Happy searching and reading!
4
To Madonna K, I recommend books by Zilpha Keatley Snyder. Some of her books, such as "The Egypt Game" and "The Headless Cupid" include characters who range in age from about 4 to 13. "Libby on Wednesday" and "The Changeling" are both great coming of age stories for girls. I also loved the "Emily of New Moon" series by L. M. Montgomery, when I was younger. Since they love animals, you could look into the "Unlikely Friendships" series of books containing true stories (with photos) of different species of animals bonding.
Or, for a treat, take them to a bookstore and let them choose something for themselves!
Or, for a treat, take them to a bookstore and let them choose something for themselves!
2
Madonna- depending on how advanced your readers are- check out the Penderwicks series by Jeanne Birdsall. They are beyond wonderful. My daughter and her friends devoured them. T
1
So lovely to find these little pockets of the internet -- the comments section on a column about book recommendations. I sigh happily and think -- yes, these are my people.
17
when i was a girl i loved the Black Stallion and Red Stallion series and anything by Marguerite Henry.
2
As befits the day after the Pulitzers, I would highly recommend "Imagine Me Gone" by Adam Hassett, one of the finalists for fiction. The writing is itself beautifully wrought and the family story of mental illness spanning generations would probably be pleasing to someone who appreciated the quiet (and not always so quiet) desperation of the suburban and urban families in Updike and Roth.
For the youngsters, anything by Cornelia Funke.
Noah: Go back in time, to a different continent, and try several of Evelyn Waugh's comic novels. Decline and Fall, A Handful of Dust, Scoop, Put Out More Flags. He also wrote short stories. These all pre-dated his blockbuster Brideshead Revisited, which takes him into a different style and different, post-war point of view. HIs '20s and '30s works are sheer, wicked fun.
4
For young adults/kids books check out the "Dear America" series. Fabulous!
As this is National Library Week, I feel compelled to point out that this is essentially a service called Readers' Advisory, something offered for free and on demand at most public libraries. Librarians are trained to ask the right questions and listen to patrons in order to help interested readers find something they might not discover on their own.
6
I enjoyed reading this column and I hope it continues. I've read the good suggestion of conferring with a librarian about books a reader maybe looking for. Many libraries, including my local library, have an email they send out weekly with the new books they have received and for what reader they maybe appropriate for.
Reading is so fundamental for everyday life I can't imagine my life without all of the books I have read.
Reading is so fundamental for everyday life I can't imagine my life without all of the books I have read.
4
Don't forget to talk to your local librarian. You can even asked online.
4
Great column idea! When I went through a period of not reading fiction I broke it by turning to YA books -- specifically the Harry Potter books -- and I still find I go to YA and middle-readers as often as "adult" fiction. And of course pre-teen is a great age to be getting interested in reading, especially with the great books being published now for those ages.
I was pleased to see The Wild Robot as one that the twins had enjoyed; I thought it was wonderful. Quite right that many of these books feature boys as protagonists, but I might nevertheless recommend some like the Mister Max trilogy by Cynthia Voight, and for a lightly scary series Jason Segal's Nightmares books are surprisingly nice. Under the Egg is a great NYC-based one (I didn't believe the comparisons to the classic From the Mixed Up Filed of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler -- until I read it).
A new one that I liked is Amina's Voice, featuring 3 6th-grade girls, one Pakistani-American, one Korean-American, and one Anglo-America. The story is a small one of friendships, but really nicely told. I've just started another new one, Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly -- good so far.
In graphic novels, the Zita the Space Girl books are fun. And Primates, and Laika, two non-fiction graphic novels, are great (Laika is sad).
Perhaps slightly older is Serafina and the Black Cloak and its sequel (with another on the way). Set around Biltmore estate in NC, there's a nice connection to animals. But pretty scary at points.
I was pleased to see The Wild Robot as one that the twins had enjoyed; I thought it was wonderful. Quite right that many of these books feature boys as protagonists, but I might nevertheless recommend some like the Mister Max trilogy by Cynthia Voight, and for a lightly scary series Jason Segal's Nightmares books are surprisingly nice. Under the Egg is a great NYC-based one (I didn't believe the comparisons to the classic From the Mixed Up Filed of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler -- until I read it).
A new one that I liked is Amina's Voice, featuring 3 6th-grade girls, one Pakistani-American, one Korean-American, and one Anglo-America. The story is a small one of friendships, but really nicely told. I've just started another new one, Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly -- good so far.
In graphic novels, the Zita the Space Girl books are fun. And Primates, and Laika, two non-fiction graphic novels, are great (Laika is sad).
Perhaps slightly older is Serafina and the Black Cloak and its sequel (with another on the way). Set around Biltmore estate in NC, there's a nice connection to animals. But pretty scary at points.
For Noah,
I recommend "I am Pilgrim" by Terry Hayes
I recommend "I am Pilgrim" by Terry Hayes
Talk to the school or public librarian! Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede. Anything by E. Nesbit. Greek myths. For picture books (and picture books are incredible) Everything by Graeme Base, Eloise, Everything by Peter Sis. Myths, fairy tales and folk tales. Mercy the Pig series may be too young for them but they are quite funny.
As for the Chabon recommendation, A giant YES to the “Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay."
As for the Chabon recommendation, A giant YES to the “Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay."
8
It seems to me that if you want to read--or if you, like myself, can't imagine a day without reading, you don't need to be instructed in all the ways that's possible. For years before I retired, I had books of essays and "best short fiction" collections, that rode around with me in my car. Stalled in traffic? Waiting for the kids in the orthodontist office? Killing time til soccer practice is over? We raised 5 children. We never stopped reading. Infants take naps and quietly suck on bottles. Older kids do other things--We read.
1
A wonderful column. Just right for my 8yr old granddaughter, and for me, too!
Traveling children would undoubtedly enjoy the Grk books by Joshua Doder/Josh Lacey featuring a boy and his dog and adventures around the world; for strong female characters check out the Judy Moody books. A little more challenging are The Mysterious Benedict Society books.
NY Times, you just solidified my plan to renew my online subscription with this column - thank you!
7
This is a truly useful column, and I hope the New York Times will continue it.
FYI, Amazon used to have a feature called "Listmania" that I always found useful. Customers could post lists of books that they loved on Listmania. Then, if you looked up a book you loved in Amazon, the lists containing that book would pop up. If you could find a list containing two or more books that you loved, there was an excellent chance that you would like other books on that list. Unfortunately, Amazon discontinued this function and I've never found a good substitute.
FYI, Amazon used to have a feature called "Listmania" that I always found useful. Customers could post lists of books that they loved on Listmania. Then, if you looked up a book you loved in Amazon, the lists containing that book would pop up. If you could find a list containing two or more books that you loved, there was an excellent chance that you would like other books on that list. Unfortunately, Amazon discontinued this function and I've never found a good substitute.
14
I loved Listmania, too. The feature has essentially jumped over to Goodreads (owned by Amazon). http://www.goodreads.com/list
1
Noah should jump right in and read Michael Chabon's "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay"-- a guaranteed winner that I promise will not soon be forgotten.
16
I don't normally comment, but I am so pleased to find this new feature. I've been able to relate to books enjoyed by each of the readers featured so far, and I love hearing about the personal circumstances that drive them to turn to the NYT for assistance. Although I continue to buy paper books for the End Times, I devour books on my phone, reading whenever I find a moment. Call me crazy.
8
May I suggest to your intrepid readers getting to know a local librarian. I currently have a limitless supply of books to feast on, but in years past our librarian, Wendy A, would pull new books that she thought I would enjoy and she was generally correct. Librarians are part psychologists in addition to being researchers, managers, fundraisers, clerks and in the 21st century, magicians. None of this is said to disparage your wonderful column, I just want to see people read in any way possible, and the library is free to readers.
52
Scott is 100pc correct.
Go to a library, talk to a librarian and give him a chance :)
William - librarian - Sao Paulo/Brazil.
Go to a library, talk to a librarian and give him a chance :)
William - librarian - Sao Paulo/Brazil.
23
or go to your local independent bookseller and ask for recommendations. the books are not free, but the information is!
Noah, give Amor Towles a try--"Rules of Civility" and "A Gentleman in Moscow."
17
I have many pet-peeves, one is people who co,plain they don't have time to read!
I have a simple suggestion: put your devices down! And turn them off!
Raised four children and read during the evening when they went to bed. There's no excuse, other than you really don't value reading after all!
I have a simple suggestion: put your devices down! And turn them off!
Raised four children and read during the evening when they went to bed. There's no excuse, other than you really don't value reading after all!
5
Maybe we could try being a bit kinder here.
And a lot less judgemental.
And a lot less judgemental.
14
Excuse me Book Match, but good recommendations to Noah are terrible! A guy looking for an engrossing great novel is not interested in poetry. Or short funny stories.
28
Letter writer 1: Laurie Colwin.
Letter writer 2: Maud Hart Lovelace.
Letter writer 2: Maud Hart Lovelace.
9
Maud Hart Lovelace -- I was going to recommend her, too. The Betsy, Tacy and Tib books are windows into another time, but are timeless. If the girls like turn-of -the-last-century Minnesota, they're in a series of treats from a wonderful series.
1
Great column! I also want to remind readers that public librarians are an excellent resource for book recommendations.
40
For Madonna Krekel's granddaughters, I recommend the series by Isabel Allende, beginning with City of the Beasts.
6
For Noah---check out "I Am Pilgrim" by Terry Hayes. It will keep you up til 3am!
6
People - 2 words - public library. Duh.
18
Enid Blyton is my suggestion - I loved the Mallory Towers series at that age.
3
Great idea, NYT! You've got me booked!
21
I am going to love this too. The best about it is what other people are looking for and I am sure many readers will write suggestions. Like dating for readers but satisfaction guaranteed. Fabulous!
13
Is this a new column? I love the idea! The reader's requests are so detailed, which gives me a great insight into how their preferences align with mine, and therefor how the recommendations will help me.
Looking forward to more ...
Looking forward to more ...
20
Love this!
3
My 8-year-old granddaughter has been reading -- and loving -- the Nancy Drew books.
7
I am sure that the granddaughters would love Maryrose Wood's "Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place" series, about three children who were raised by wolves and are left in the care of a plucky young governess who recently graduated from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females. The books are hilarious, exciting, and heartwarming (and will introduce great new vocabulary words!). This series has been one of my daughter's favorites since she was 8. She's almost 12 now and we eagerly await the next installment.
5
The second writer mentioned that her 8-year old granddaughters like animals; if they haven't already, they might like to check out Warriors, an adventure series featuring cats as main characters, by Erin Hunter. I enjoyed it a lot as a younger student! Also, slightly older children's books, such as those by Diana Wynne Jones, hold up very well over time--even if they do not feature globetrotting specifically, they have very fresh perspectives that the girls might enjoy.
4
Noah Cohen, you should try THE ART OF FIELDING by Chad Harbach. Also, I write a blog called Only Good Books that might help in your quest.
5
Yes! This column is what I've been looking for! "If you liked This...then try That"
During this bleak post-inaugural winter, "A Gentleman in Moscow" was an oasis of decency. I'd request recommendations for a similar book about maintaining sanity in the face of insanity, about finding connections with the goodness in other people, about simple needs and simple pleasures.
During this bleak post-inaugural winter, "A Gentleman in Moscow" was an oasis of decency. I'd request recommendations for a similar book about maintaining sanity in the face of insanity, about finding connections with the goodness in other people, about simple needs and simple pleasures.
14
Good column potential...but no mention of Audiobooks? In this age of the Long Commute and the Endless Wait, there's simply nothing like Trollope-on-Tape, or your personal equivalent! I just finished Dr. Thorne on a run SF-Portland and back.
6
For the dad in the first letter I would also recommend Jonathon Tropper's "This is Where I Leave You", which I enjoyed immensely (and which was, as usual, a better book than it was a movie).
1
An avid reader, I am in several book clubs. What are some books that immediately grab the interest of people who aren't avid readers but like the camaraderie of book clubs?
3
You might want to try memoirs by well-known people. They are usually quick reads and might appeal to fans of the writers. I recently read Trevor Noah's book, which was funny and had lots for a book club to discuss. I also recommend books by these folks - Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, the Anderson Cooper/Gloria Vanderbilt book, and, much to my surprise, Rob Lowe.
3
Thank you, those are good suggestions!
Busy Dad: If you like The Goldfinch (I loved it) try Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson. I would describe both as literary but (and?) entertaining. Like The Goldfinch, it's a brick - if you like it, you'll like it for a good long time.
1
I am in love already! *sigh*
4
My son and I devoured the "Secrets of Droon" series by Tony Abbott.
Some fine recommendations here - for anyone who has enjoyed any of Updike's novels, you have a treat awaiting you: his short stories. I believe his best work was in that form. My favorite collections are his first, "Pigeon Feathers", and his last, "My Father's Tears", but you can't go wrong with any of them.
For humor, Julie Schumacher's "Dear Committee Members" is a delight. And I second the mention of Rachman's "The Imperfectionists".
For humor, Julie Schumacher's "Dear Committee Members" is a delight. And I second the mention of Rachman's "The Imperfectionists".
4
Great new series! Thanks.
1
Just as a long novel may soothe jittery feelings that come from reading too many tweets, this column looks to be a temporary oasis from the stomach-churning news that assaults us daily from Washington and elsewhere. I look forward to future installments.
8
What a great idea! We all could use this kind of advice, and not from an algorithm but a literate human. Thank you.
7
Go back, Grandma, to Caroline Haywood. The Eddie books, with his friend Annie Pat, and the Betsy books, will likely speak to your granddaughters. Good luck.
3
This is the first positive column I've seen in a long, long time. There's nothing like a good book to help alleviate the stress of the non-stop obsessive media Trump-a-thon.
24
What a fantastic column! Thanks
5
I am going to love this column!
65
Exactly my thought, too.
3
Agreed! I'm so excited!
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2. Check if your library offers an online book recommendation service, like Brooklyn Public Library's BookMatch: great suggestions by enthusiastic readers, sent to your email address, with links to the catalog for placing holds.
3. See if your public library offers access (usually with your library card) to Novelist, a customizable reader's advisory database that includes suggestions for readers of all ages. I like their "read-alike" suggestions for new, popular books (in case the bestseller you're anxious to read is not immediately available).
4. Be thankful for your public library, the enthusiastic librarians and staff who keep it running, and the freedom to read. Many countries do not have a tradition of "public libraries open to everyone", or free and unfettered access to recreational reading materials and information such as we enjoy here in North America. The Public Library as we know it is truly a treasure in an increasingly difficult and confusing world.