So, I’m going to be taking a Greyhound to Minneapolis in a few weeks, so I’ll be sitting there for a while. Like a day and a half, actually. So, I humbly request that you folks in here tell me which book you liked a lot lately in hopes that I find one I’ll look into.
I tend to like memoirs a lot. Also, epic type stories where the character has to go on a journey of sorts are good. Historical based fiction as well, and even dystopias.
I don’t like science fiction books, or political books too much. Although, a memoir about someone’s experiences with a war or something would be interesting.
Anyway, if you think you know of a book that everyone should read, then tell me, even if it fits in the don’t like category. Also, kinda tell me just a bit about it when listing please.
(Lol, I feel like a friggin’ teacher giving an assignment)
Thanks!
Memoir of someone’s experiences with a war or something: Donald R. Burgett’s 4 books on his experiences as a paratrooper in WWII (Currahee!, The Road to Arnhem, Seven Roads to Hell, Beyond the Rhine).
If you liked the Band of Brothers miniseries, this is a good set of books (and not as oddly worshipful as Ambrose’s own book).
If you haven’t read Grapes of Wrath, well then do it. I realize that if you’ve read any American literature at all, you’ve probably read it (does everybody have to read in in high school?), but it really is an epic journey and great historical fiction.
OK, I guess I’ve getting into books that are super popular, but have you read All Quiet on the Western Front? IMHO his is the greatest anti-war novel of all time. Except for Johnny Got His Gun, which is sort of about war.
How about On the Road? Great beat generation road trip novel.
Catch-22 is a terrific satire about the absurdity of war. Great movie also.
My apologies in advance if you’ve already read all of these. Jesus Christ, I probably just wrote the class syllabus for required summer reading.
Grapes of Wrath would be a terrific choice, I agree.
I recommend Thomas Mann’s first novel, Buddenbrooks. About several generations of an upper-middle class north German family, across the course of the 19th century. If nothing else, you’ll feel what Richard Wagner’s contemporaries thought of him (my favorite parts of the book).
I would highly recommend the Aubrey/Maturin series by Patrick O’Brien (the film Master and Commander was cobbled together from several books in this series).
I love them- I think I am on number 11 out of 20… Action, adventure, music and a bit of melodrama on the high seas!
