Harlow
Harlow asked:

Have not read Chabon before. Start with "Moonglow" or another title?

To answer questions about Moonglow, please sign up.
Matthew Picchietti Telegraph Avenue is really good. Moonglow is on the same level. Kavalier and Clay is so good that it will make you angry at other books you like for not being better. Reading that book is like realizing the Matrix is real. Proceed with caution. And also enjoy.
Priscilla The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier and Klay is one of my favorite books of all time. He won the Pulitzer for it. I've read a lot of his work since, and this one is the first one that's equal to it. I'd say either one, but I'd probably start with AACK because if you don't like it, you won't like Moonglow. Also, I don't mean to denigrate his other work. It's all great; it's just that these two are in classes by themselves. He's a National Treasure.
Doug I think Wonder Boys is a great entry into Chabon. It's shorter and "smaller" in scope but still contains the writing that makes Chabon so special. I believe it's a perfect appetizer to the main courses of AACK or Moonglow.
Steve T I'd suggest starting from the beginning with "Mysteries of Pittsburgh," but it really doesn't matter. Chabon is the best writer working today, bar none.
Woodstock Pickett For fans of magical realism and a good police detective story, I can recommend The Yiddish Policemen's Union.
Jeanne Yiddish Policemen's Union is one of the best books ever written by anyone. Wonder Boys is good as is the movie.
Beth Tovar I would start with Wonder Boys. As an intro to Chabon, it's the best place.
Then Moonglow. K&C is very long and while parts of it are brilliant, it may be a bit much for a first bite.
Faye Absolutely read 'Wonder Boys'. One of my favorite books.
Eddie Presley The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay is a good place to start and from there you'll want to spread out into other works.
Joseph I'd start with "Wonderboys" or "Cavalier & Klay", just to get the flavor of him. I thought this was a great book, but it's on the more challenging end of his ouvre.
Victoria Hess This is one of the best books I have read this year. Fabulous use of language and an engaging story. The story isn't linear, but it really works here
Michael Bicak Start with Telegraph Avenue; then Summerland to relight your love of youth and the possibilities of "what if"; then The Final Solution - a wonderful, quick read that will leave you smiling; then, hmmmm . . .
then The Yiddish Policemen's Union; and finally Kavalier and Clay - as perfectly crafted a book as has ever been.
Somewhere during all this, find time to skip over to John Scalzi's Agent To The Stars, just to clear out and reset your synapses.
Next up after Chabon, Scalzi's Lock In.
Phew! I need to read Moonglow, now.
Shawn Wonderboys, or kavalier and Klay
Kate i love chabon but found this one boring.. Kavalier and Clay or Telegraph Avenue are fantastic!!
Lucydad Skip Moonglow, it is a poor effort, pick up Cavalier and Klay
Scott Herdliska Kavalier and Clay is my favorite but Wonder Boys is the friendliest
Deb Kavalier and Clay is amazing. But I've just started Monglow and was hooked from the first page. It's great and shorter than K&C.
Sylvia My first Michael Chabon read was Gentlemen of the Road, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I tried to read Telegraph Avenue, but got bogged down and never finished. Read Mysteries of Pittsburgh, and it was a good read. Started Moonglow a couple of days ago, and it's very promising.
Elizabeth Moonglow is a great place to start.
Rosy Agree with the comments about Cavalier and Klay and this is on par with that, also one of my all-time favorite books. You can start anywhere but these two are standouts.
Image for Moonglow
Rate this book
Clear rating

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more