Where to start on...

[Terry]

Just thought I would start a topic for people who want to start reading a particular author for the first time, but have no idea which book would be best to start on.

Want to try Murakami but don't know which is the easiest in? Thinking about finally reading Atwood but unsure where to start? Post here and see what people recommend.

Note that this is not about which book is best, but which book is best to *start* with (which may or may not be different).

[Terry]

The idea for this came about because I wanted to know where might be best to start with:

Doris Lessing
William Faulkner

[Jim]

Terry wrote: "The idea for this came about because I wanted to know where might be best to start with:

Doris Lessing
William Faulkner"

The Sound and the Fury is one of Faulkner's most famous, but the Modernist stream-of-consciousness sections of the book can be challenging for a first introduction to his work.

You might try As I Lay Dying or maybe his short stories - Collected Stories or Go Down, Moses.

One of my favorites is Light in August

[Terry]

Thanks Jim... looking at the Goodreads reviews of the ones you mention, 'As I Lay Dying' sounds like a good in. The shorter sentences and chapters appeal in particular...

[Ben]

Faulkner's work can vary significantly in terms of how challenging it is to read. Sound and the Fury is fairly heavy going due to hopping between different narrators, one of whom is learning disabled and different time periods and leaving you with doing some of the working out in terms of what is going on. If at any point you get confused then you can always look on wikipedia or something - it is one of my favorite books and well worth trying out.

As I lay dying has a fair amount of humor in it and is quite straight forward. Many people love this but it just didnt jell for me. I actually think Light in August is a pretty good starting point - I really loved it.

The Collected stories is where I started and I do feel that gives a good scope of his range as well as setting out the world in which most of his stories are written.

To get a Faulkneresque flavor you can also watch the film "The Long Hot Summer" which is inspired by faulkner and uses some of his characters and dialogue. It is very loosely based on "the hamlet" series he wrote.

I also am thinking of giving Lessing a try but not sure where to start. Similarly with Michael Chabon although I am thinking of going with The Yiddish Policemen's Union.

With Philip Roth I started with The Human Stain and plan to go for The Plot Against America next but would be interested to know what people think is the best starting place.

[Ellen]

I would start with Doris Lessing's The Golden Notebook, probably her most famous work. Then I would backtrack and read the rest of the series. Her short stories are also good. I've never really gotten into her science fiction.

[Terry]

Thanks, Ben.

Chabon is also someone I'd be interested to know where to start with.

Ellie, what is it about the rest of her work/The Golden Notebook that makes you say that?

[Casceil]

For Chabon, I would start with The Mysteries of Pittsburgh. This author varies his style considerably from book to book. In The Yiddish Policemen's Union, he was playing with noir mystery as a format, but, as Julia said, it helps to know something about ultraorthodox Judaism and to know some Yiddish. If you don't, you need to check the internet for translations, because there is a lot you would otherwise miss. I would not start there. If you are looking for a quick introduction, The Final Solution is short and very accessible. I have not read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, which may be his masterpiece. (This group read it before I joined.)

[Terry]

I seem to have been crossing paths with a fair bit of stuff that plays with Jewish culture and Mythology (The Flame Alphabet, The Instructions, The Golem, Pi... other stuff I can't think of right now)... I liked all of it. I know a little about orthodox Judaism (but not a lot) from running diversity awareness seminars and by living next door to Stamford Hill...

I see Kavalier and Clay riffs on The Golem, which intrigues me because I loved Meyrink's The Golem... I was kind of thinking of that or TYPU but will check out MOP as an option.

GDM sounds like a good option for Faulkner, too.

[Deborah]

Loved As I Lay Dying.

[LindaJ^]

As to Chabon, I did not like The Mysteries of Pittsburgh or Wonder Boys but absolutely loved The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay and enjoyed both Summerland and The Yiddish Policemen's Union. As a result, I cannot recomment starting from the beginning with Chabon. I would recommend starting with Amazing Adventures because it is my favorite!

Can't help with Faulkner, because I've only read Light in August and was not overwhelmed, nor with Lessing, as I've not ready anthing by her.

[Carl]

I'd be interested in recommendations on Denis Johnson, though I've already read TRAIN DREAMS and ANGELS.

I'd also be interested in knowing which is the most artistic or artful of Atwood's work.

Thanks!

[Terry]

I'm not entirely clear what you mean by artful. The Blind Assassin is the most artfully put together, the most clever in conceit and construction. It is also quite beautiful.

My personal favourite, though, is probably Alias Grace; this is where for me Atwood's art is at its apex (of the four or five I've read of hers). It's one of those books that is extremely simple and straightforward, and so the artistry has to shine through the basics; description and character are simple but almost perfect.

[Lily]

Julia wrote: "The Blind Assassin won the 2000 Booker, and I agree with Terry that it is beautifully written as well as very clever.

However, as a former theater teacher, I was entranced by Atwood's novella in p..."

I'm not an Atwood fan nor am I familiar with her entire oeuvre, but I'm with Julia in The Penelopiad: The Myth of Penelope and Odysseus being a favorite innovative piece.

David Lentz, however, an author himself, does have some pretty fair criticisms to level at the book, if interested in still another perspective, in his Goodreads review.

[Whitney]

I completely agree with the Faulkner recommendations. For a taste of his Yoknapatawpha setting and characters without too much of the literary fireworks, his shorter works like the 'The Bear' and the others found in Go Down Moses are good introductions. For the same, as well as a taste of some of his stream of consciousness style, "As I Lay Dying". If you want to fearlessly dive into (arguably) his best and most complex work, go with "Absalom, Absalom".

I haven't read much Atwood. The Handmaid's Tale, of course, which I appreciated more for the rather on-the-nose but still valid social commentary, and The Robber Bride; which really did nothing for me and is the reason I've never picked up any others. Would Atwood fans still recommend any of her books for someone who disliked The Robber Bride, or is that a pretty good indication that Atwood is just not for me?

[Terry]

My wife loves Atwood but was pretty 'meh' about the robber bride [hence i've not read it]. She loved Alias Grace and The Handmaid's Tale [and Oryx and Crake].

[Julie]

I have not read The Robber Bride, but I have to say that I had a much different reading experience and varying opinions on the three Atwood books I have read (Handmaid's Tale, Oryx & Crake and Alias Grace).

[Pip]

I would also recommend Alias Grace, The Blind Assassin and the Handmaid's Tale - in that order, I think - as a way into Atwood's writing.

I do enjoy well-written dystopian novels on the whole, but I found The Year of the Flood very irritating and am not keen to read the others in the MaddAddam trilogy.

[Whitney]

Terry wrote: "My wife loves Atwood but was pretty 'meh' about the robber bride [hence i've not read it]. She loved Alias Grace and The Handmaid's Tale [and Oryx and Crake]."

Thanks! I shall give Atwood another go. Alias Grace or The Blind Assassin, based on above comments.

And re: Faulkner and film adaptations. The best adaptation I've ever seen of his work is the film version of the short story 'Tomorrow', with a screenplay by Horton Foote and starring Robert Duvall. It is a completely devastating little film.

[Jenny (Reading Envy)]

On Atwood, if post-apocalyptic is at all your thing, I love Oryx and Crake and her following works. Second to that, I'm a huge fan of her poetry.

[[deleted user]]

I loved to read anything, particularly Margaret Atwood's, The Blind Assassin.

[Holly]

I can tell you where not to start with Murakami - Norwegian Wood. This isn't because I hated it (oops, I did), but because everyone I've spoken to about Murakami has told me that it isn't representative of his writing style and creativity at all. It's too bad no one addressed your question, because I'd be curious as to what Murakami I should read as well.

I don't know about artful, but I think (mostly) everyone's first Atwood is The Handmaid's Tale, which is a pretty great starting point. It introduces you to her subtle and distinctive style of world-building. Atwood takes the "show, don't tell" approach, and it's especially prevalent in The Handmaid's Tale. Her Oryx and Crake trilogy is wonderful to listen to on audiobook and would be a good starting point for listeners.

Thanks for the Faulkner recommendations, all. I tried to read him in middle school - alas, I was too immature a reader at the time to appreciate him and quickly aborted my attempt. I've been meaning to pick one of his works back up ever since.

I'd be interested in everyone's suggestions as to where to begin with Virginia Woolf (aborted attempt at To the Lighthouse in high school) and Cormac McCarthy (I read Blood Meridian in undergrad and remember not liking it). Obviously I used to be an impatient reader!

[Casceil]

I am currently reading Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf with the Brain Pain discussion group. Last year, the group read To the Lighthouse. It was the third time I had read To the Lighthouse, but the first time I felt like I understood it. I have concluded that I enjoy Virginia Woolf's writing much more when I am reading it with a group of people who help me understand it. Through the discussions, I get different people's viewpoints, and they see things I have missed. Here is a link to the Brain Pain discussion of To the Lighthouse. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/group...

[James E.]

For Murakami, I'd suggest starting with "After Dark" which is rather short, very readable & deals with themes & atmosphere he returns to in denser works like "Wind Up Bird Chronicle".

[Terry]

After Dark would probably be a good place, although I started with The Wind-up Bird Chronicle and thought it was amazing. It's also far and away his best on every level for me.

[Evelina | AvalinahsBooks]

The first thing of Faulkner's that I read (and so far the only one) was "Absalom, Absalom" and I absolutely loved it (it just dragged me in, what an intricate story as well!). so you can definitely start on that one, I think.

[Whitney]

Holly wrote: "I'd be interested in everyone's suggestions as to where to begin with Virginia Woolf (aborted attempt at To the Lighthouse in high school) and Cormac McCarthy (I read Blood Meridian in undergrad and remember not liking it). Obviously I used to be an impatient reader! ..."

For Cormac McCarthy, I highly recommend reading All the Pretty Horses. It has many of his recurring themes with a minimum of his usual weighty gothic prose (although I love the weighty gothic prose myself. Blood Meridian is one of my favorite books).

[James E.]

oh yes, Terry, I agree about "Wind Up Bird" being far and away Murakami's best. It was also the first novel by him that I read.

[Evelina | AvalinahsBooks]

um, if the wind-up bird would have been the first I'd read of his, I wouldn't have read anything else. it's quite a shocking one. if you're a little sensitive, by no means start on that one (or even read it at all..)

[Terry]

Strange how everyone is different. I've read five more after TWUBC, each time wishing it was a little more like that book, and each time being a little more disappointed to find that it's even less like it than the last. Mind you, as I've commented on other threads, I think the translation is getting less and less good with each of his books. Either that or his writing style is changing for the worse... Other than TWUBC and After Dark, the only other of his I'd unequivocally recommend is Norwegian Wood, and I'd say that would also be a good place to start. It's an easy read and is haunting and beautiful.

[Casceil]

The first Murakami I read was 1Q84, and I thought it was a great place to start. I think it is more accessible than TWUBC.

[Whitney]

I've read around a dozen Murakami books, and I don't think you can go wrong with where you start, although I did find After Dark to be his least interesting. You could always try a few short stories on for size before committing to TWUBC, which I agree is arguably his best. Although I retain a strong personal fondness for Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World

[Peter]

I also started with IQ84, and that worked out well for me. Since then I've read five more of his novels (including TWUBC)and a short story collection. I'm not sure about starting with Norwegian Wood -- Murakami likely wouldn't recommend it! He apparently considers it atypical and rather unsatisfactory. I think Hard Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World would be an excellent starting point -- it's relatively short but throws you right into the deep end of Murakami's mix of SF and Magical Realism.

[Deirdre]

id like to read something by David Foster Wallace. Any advice on what to start with? Infinite Jest or The Pale King?

[[deleted user]]

I also agree with Murakami's 1Q84 as a place to start. His short story collections are also quite good.

[Lily]

Deirdre wrote: "id like to read something by David Foster Wallace. Any advice on what to start with? Infinite Jest or The Pale King?"

Deirdre -- some time ago now, someone on a Goodreads board suggested starting with A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: Essays and Arguments as a good place to start with Wallace. I found it good advice. I haven't "done" those two majors yet, but he did finish Infinite Jest himself, although I understand one chapter alone of The Pale King (8? -- I don't remember for sure) justifies its read.

[Terry]

Infinite Jest is so awesome that it can't help but be a good place, but Brief Interviews with Hideous Men would also work if you like shorts.

[Deirdre]

Thanks for the suggestions, Lily and Terry - sorry for the delay in thanks. Currently working on the craziest deadline in the universe!

[Steve]

Lily wrote: "Deirdre wrote: "id like to read something by David Foster Wallace. Any advice on what to start with? Infinite Jest or The Pale King?"

Deirdre -- some time ago now, someone on a Goodreads board sug..."

DFW is my favorite author, and Infinite Jest my favorite novel of all time. Infinite Jest was my first DFW book and is a great place to start. If you're not sure you want to commit to the 1000+ pages plus footnotes of Infinite Jest, try either The Broom of the System or his last fully completed work, Oblivion. The Broom of the System demonstrates a very bizarre and entertaining sense of humor. Oblivion, a collection of short stories, are cold and chilling and bore right into your brain where you find yourself reflecting on them years after you read them.

Enjoy.

[Stephanie]

Lily wrote: "Deirdre -- some time ago now, someone on a Goodreads board suggested starting with A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: Essays and Arguments as a good place to start with Wallace. I found it good advice."

I'm in the same boat. I love DFW's nonfiction, and I've also have failed to make it through his novels, though I've started Infinite Jest twice. Maybe this year will finally be the year!

[Derrick]

How about Neal Stephenson? I read The Diamond Age, and I thought the prose was gorgeous while -- as with all the best SF lit -- the ideas had me thinking a little bit about the world in which we live and where it's going.

Suggestions on which of his books to tackle next?

I am new to the group. Perhaps he is too "genre"? The language was certainly literary -- no pulp science fiction, this.

[LindaJ^]

Diamond Age is my favorite Stephenson book, but Snow Crash and Reamde are quite good, as well.

[Derrick]

Linda wrote: "Diamond Age is my favorite Stephenson book, but Snow Crash and Reamde are quite good, as well."

I do seem to recall Reamde making the reading club rounds a bit ago, when it was new.

[Lily]

Derrick wrote: "How about Neal Stephenson? I read The Diamond Age, and I thought the prose was gorgeous while -- as with all the best SF lit -- the ideas had me thinking a little bit about the world in ..."

Try nominating it, Derrick?

[Whitney]

This would probably be a better nomination for our "Wild Card" read. There is currently some discussion about when we will be doing the first Wild Card, but coming soon. Here's a link for more information about it:
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Lily]

Whitney wrote: "This would probably be a better nomination for our "Wild Card" read. There is currently some discussion about when we will be doing the first Wild Card, but coming soon. Here's a link for more info..."

I thought The Golem and the Jinni was the first Wild Card selection?

[Whitney]

Oops, you are correct. It was the first, but not the first that was officially voted on as a Wild Card.

[Casceil]

The moderators sort of picked the first wild card book. Actually, there was a tie between two books on the open pick, so we declared one the regular read and the other one the first "wild card" read, and read both. The next wild card is tentatively planned to start July 15th. This time we plan to have open nominations and voting, probably soon. Neal Stephenson would be a good author to nominate. I haven't read any of his work, but my whole family reads and recommends him.

[Lily]

Thanks for the clarifications!

[Casceil]

I have deleted a spam comment. I will also be deleting a response to it, since the response will not serve any purpose without the original message.