Book Recommendation List

[Maryann]

I understand Ohio.

[Teresa]

Tom wrote: "The Rosewood CasketSharyn McCrumb
Sharyn McCrumb has a wonderful feel for Appalachaia and it's people. I especially liked Rosewood Casket and She Walks These Hills. The latter is a ghost story, f..."

The Ballad Novels are some of my favorites. Having lived in the mountains I can "hear" the mountain folks.

[Nick]

I just re-read the "Temple Drake" books of Faulkner (Sanctuary and Requiem for a Nun) and am currently awaiting the opportunity to fit in Donald Ray Pollack's The Devil All the Time into my reading schedule.

But on my queue before that, even though I'm still a few books away, is Daniel Woodrell's The Outlaw Album: Stories.

[Teresa]

Don (The Book Guy) wrote: "Hey y'all, what are you currently reading? What is on your ToRead stack of southern writing?

I am missing Asheville in the Spring, so I am reading Thomas Wolfe -- his novels, poetry, and biographies.

[Josh]

Just finished Larry Brown's - A Miracle of Catfish. GREAT, too bad it was his final.

[Betty]

If you like short stories, I recommend Mary Ward Brown's "It Wasn't All Dancing." She's from my hometown and recently passed away at the age of 95, which has brought her short stories to the forefront again.

[William]

Cory wrote: "I thought that I would start a recommendation topic. Just post a new book that you have read by a southern author or a book with southern qualities that you liked. You can also choose to start by a..."

I read Franklin's Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter and loved it, but I was kind of disappointed in Hell at the Breech.

[Phillip]

The Oxygen Man, Steve Yarborough

[William]

There is a long list of fine Southern authors that few have ever heard of. I'll just mention a few:
Elizabeth Spencer, Peter Taylor, Bryan Woolley, Shirley Ann Grau; Gurney Norman, Mary Hood, Elizabeth Cox, Stephen Goodman, and Joan Williams. I'm sure that there are many, many more. Back in the 80s Avon published a whole series devoted solely to Southern authors. I gobbled them up like a kid in a candy store. Good Reading, everyone!

[William]

I also thoroughly enjoyed Ken Wells Louisiana trilogy.

[William]

Although I flew through many of the postings I didn't see anyone mention T. R. Pearson's A Short History of a Small Place. This book speaks out loud into your ear even if you're hard of hearing. It started me on a journey through his books that has lasted to the present day, but the first was the best.

[Josh]

Just finished One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash. Amazing...

[Laura]

Josh wrote: "Just finished One Foot in Eden by Ron Rash. Amazing..."

I am working on The Cove by Ron Rash. I loved Serena. How does this one compare?

[Josh]

This is actually my first by Ron Rash. A friend loaned me her copy. I plan on reading them all now.

[Laura]

Josh wrote: "This is actually my first by Ron Rash. A friend loaned me her copy. I plan on reading them all now."

Can't imagine you not liking Serena. The movie comes out late Fall so get it read before then. The trailers actually look decent. I'll put One Foot in Eden on my list.

[William]

Nick wrote: "I just re-read the "Temple Drake" books of Faulkner (Sanctuary and Requiem for a Nun) and am currently awaiting the opportunity to fit in Donald Ray Pollack's The Devil All the Time into my reading..."

I think you will enjoy Pollock. He's one of the ones that got me started back on this kick. I don't know whether Frank Bill fits this category, but if you like violence, he'll punch your ticket. Mudbound is pretty good too. Just started Serena at one of your recommendations. Love it so far.

[Josh]

The Long Home by William Gay was very good and I am currently working on The World Made Straight by Ron Rash.

[Cory]

Josh, I am a big fan of some of Gay's work.

[Laura]

If you like Gay and Rash try Tomato Red by Daniel Woodrell or American Rust by Philipp Meyer. Both enjoyable reads!

[Josh]

Cory, what would you recommend next from William Gay? Laura, I will definitely add those to my list to check out. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Josh]

Any Harry Crews fans here? If so, what's your favorite work of his?

[Cory]

Josh, out of his works, I like Provinces of Night the best. If you haven't read her yet, Flannery O'Connor is fantastic and arguably my second favorite author. I also think, if you like short stories, Breece D'J Pancake is great author.

[Cory]

Josh, love Crewes. You can kill two (or three birds) with purchasing "Classic Crewes" which is a reader of sorts or a compilation of works.

[Laura]

Cory wrote: "Josh, out of his works, I like Provinces of Night the best. If you haven't read her yet, Flannery O'Connor is fantastic and arguably my second favorite author. I also think, if you like short stori..."

Provinces of Night is wonderful, just stay away from the movie. It's absolutely a joke. I personally like Twilight the best.

[Jo-Ann]

David wrote: "I'd recommend The Architecture of the Arkansas Ozarks and Lightning Bug by Donald Harington. Also, both Geronimo Rex and Airships by Barry Hannah."

My current fav is At Long Last Happy, by Hannah: A long, short story collection. Loved the mind games, along with the accuracy of Southern-speak.

[Scott]

Josh, A Feast of Snakes is my favorite by Crews.

Also check out Rivers, the new novel by Michael Farris Smith.

[Nick]

Laura wrote: "If you like Gay and Rash try Tomato Red by Daniel Woodrell or American Rust by Philipp Meyer. Both enjoyable reads!"

Planning on trying soon.

[Dayne]

Dear Readers:

I'm Dayne Sherman, and I'm a writer from the Louisiana. I wrote a novel called Welcome to the Fallen Paradise in 2004. It was named one of the best Country Noir books ever--right beside Elmore Leonard and Daniel Woodrell. http://www.booklistonline.com/Hard-Bo... My book is out of print, but I bought the last 425 copies from a warehouse this week (the publisher went bankrupt). My next book is titled Zion: A Novel, and I believe it's my best work. I anticipate an October 15, 2014 release. I look forward to learning more about good Southern books from this group.

My best,

Dayne

[Brian]

Josh wrote: "Any Harry Crews fans here? If so, what's your favorite work of his?"


Josh--"Feast of Snakes."
Another interesting and lesser known voice is Ed McClanahan and his novel "The Natural Man."

[Brian]

Melinda wrote: "Hello Charles,
Have you read other books by Walker Percy? A favorite for me is The Moviegoer."


Melinda--I'm going to jump in here and add that I'd read Percy's "The Last Gentleman," and it's very different to Moviegoer. A fun ride but more depth and journey-oriented. Check it out if you have time.

[William]

Brian wrote: "Melinda wrote: "Hello Charles,
Have you read other books by Walker Percy? A favorite for me is The Moviegoer."


Melinda--I'm going to jump in here and add that I'd read Percy's "The Last Gentlema..."

I enjoyed Lancelot years ago.

[Pam]

How about Scorched Earth by David L. Robbins?

[Paul]

James Wilcox is up there with Clyde Edgerton. Great story teller.

[Diane]

Been away writing my own collection of southern short stories. Have to read to write so I will be back. Right now I have to read for the third time: Codependent No More by Melodie Beatty and The Tao of Peace.
This is to get my mind in tack after allowing a 35 year old drug addict son back into my life. I am done now. No more drama for me unless it’s in the books I write.