Recommend me a great book to read, of any genre. Preferably something a little more modern, preferably something not a part of any series. I'm not a huge fan of fantasy or whatever, but you can recommend it if it's unique and what not. I just need something to kick off my reading for the summer. Sorry if this isn't allowed. Thanks.
The Plague by Albert Camus. One of the most powerful books I've ever read, beautifully written and deeply engaging.
I've had this book on my shelf for a very long time but have never gotten around to reading it. I've loved everything else I've read by Camus, too.
My recommendation is to go to the section of the library that most interests you and, without looking, pull off a random book.
Pick a genre that interests you and look up any big awards for that genre, and have a go at some of the winners. Books of short stories from different authors are also a good place to start.
Not an option. I have fines there I don't want to pay, so I'll just be buying the book - I like doing that, too. I hate my library system anyway. The Plague by Camus...I liked The Stranger, so I'll probably get this too. I know. I just figured I'd get some input from people who loved reading, as it would yield some interesting suggestions. Which it clearly did.
Middlesex...Secret History....1984.....American Psycho....Frog King....Enduring Love...Maus (by Speigelman)....yeah.....anything on my bookcase
State of Fear By Michael Crichton It is modern (2004) and a a good read. It is a science fiction novel with a slight back history on Global warming and how it is a conspiracy in a way.
If you're into short stories, I highly recommend Flannery O'Connor. If you're not, you will be after you read her. XD
I realize this is a bit late, but hey, you'll need some more books to read this summer! I highly recommend Cormac McCarthy's The Road. It's one of my top favorites. Fantastic book!
There's a couple of Indian writers I've been reading recently: Vikram Chandra Tarun J. Tejpal Both brilliant writers.
Alright, picked up The Lovely Bones and am about 100 pages in so far. It's a strange, strange little book. I like the way it captures a whole range of normal human experiences in such a succinct and gritty, un-sappy manner. The characters are very human, very suburban. I find the book's concept of heaven disturbing - I sure as hell don't want a place like that when I die. But that's another thread.
Yeah, I wasn't sold on the novel's vision of the afterlife either. Still, it was an entertaining read, and the human perspectives were well crafted.
Well, the concept works well within the story's boundaries, but it honestly sort of creeps me out a bit. It would be interesting to explore this concept in a story of its own.