In our classes, we often spend the most time discussing novels, plays, and poems from days gone by, but during our “down” time, we often get a chance to read great literature published recently. We are interested in your thoughts about the best book(s) you have read that has been published since 2000. Can you recommend any “must reads”? If so, post it in the comments section below.
Pat Moody said,
February 7, 2008 at 2:31 pm
Slow Man by Cortez. Excellent novel, very compelling.
Scott Ellis said,
February 7, 2008 at 7:18 pm
I think Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead is a book that readers will be talking about for awhile. I’ve posted a brief comment about it on another blog, but the strength of this novel is worth reiterating. Of course, anytime a novel wins a prestigious prize–here, the Pulitzer–one does not risk too much in recommending it, but I think the book is worth every reading moment.
hochmanw1 said,
February 8, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Actually, I’m crashing this blog in a number of ways. I’m going to suggest that the essay form is not only part of 21st C lit, but has eclipsed the genres included. For example, Jonathan Lethem wrote a very cool book about two city boys maturing in _The Fortress of Solitude_ in 2003 that was widely acclaimed. But it’s his _Harper’s_ Essay from a year ago, “The The ecstasy of influence:A plagiarism” that really blows me away.
http://www.harpers.org/archive/2007/02/0081387
Not only do I love the critical play with the king of criticism’s _The Anxiety of Influence: A Theory of Poetry_ in this essay, but I think Lethem has composed the most interesting (hyperlinked) works cited I have ever read.
Nonetheless, I admit to enjoying late 20th C lit in our new century
I’m presently enjoying Philip Roth’s _Exit Ghost_ and think Roth may be under valued. His later work keeps me reading him with wonder at how he is getting better. In comparison, another writer I like, John Updike, seems to have run out of fictional steam…but I’d never count him out and think Updike still pumps out quality criticism beautifully.).
I just think us English folks would be wise to think in inclusive terms that recognize how much non-fiction writing has increased in quality over the last several decades, and how much literature is now available and alive online.
Will Hochman
Pianissimo said,
February 13, 2008 at 2:14 pm
If I’m asked to choose just one, I’m guaranteed to change my mind by next week . . . but today’s take on that question is Ian McEwan’s ATONEMENT. It’s got it all: rich and precise language, compelling plot, acute psychology, a gnawing central ethical question, romance, war . . . and all capped off by a postmodern set of twists that throws your reading of the whole novel into question in meaningful rather than merely postmodernist-gimmicky ways. Don’t be put off by the glitzy Hollywood cover of the new paperback edition. (They’ve just released a movie version of the book–I’m suspicious of an ENGLISH PATIENT-style Hollywood destruction of a great novel.) This novel is the real deal.
Ed Tartaglia Jr. said,
February 14, 2008 at 5:53 pm
If I would have to reccomend one book that “wowed” me recently, I am torn between two–Tipping Point by Malcom Gladwell and I Am America and So Can You by Stephen Colbert. Both offer a brilliant look at our society. While Gladwell’s book deals with social trends and their impact on society, Colbert takes a humorous look at our quirky society (Ex: All Dogs go to Heaven? No my friends, only dogs who’ve accepted Christ in their lives). You cannot go wrong with either.
As far as novel literature, I would have to say Finn by John Cinch. It is an amazing piece that takes place through Pap Finn’s eyes. It offers a completely different and dark twist on the classic Twain novel. Anyone who would like an interpretitive insight on the sleaziest villian in literary history should check it out (Yes Ellis, I’m talking to you! Ha). It’s a quick and depressing read!
These are my opinions,
Ed Tartaglia Jr.
The Chair said,
February 21, 2008 at 12:34 am
I’ve read a bunch of really good books that have been published since 2000, but I think the one I enjoyed most was Christopher Moore’s Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal. Like all of Moore’s books, it’s very funny, though this one was more thought-provoking than his others. It tells the story of the “missing” years of Jesus, walking the line of irreverence, but in my open-minded opinion, never quite fully stepping over it. I’d recommend it to anyone, but if you’ve taken LIT 302, you’ll probably like it even more.
Ilene Crawford said,
February 27, 2008 at 5:47 pm
MIddlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides, hands down.
I’m a sucker for epics–emotionally complex characters charting their course against/within/through the grand sweep of history. . .
And I think Middlesex succeeds in moving a reader and making space for new ideas about identity in ways that non-fiction often cannot.
See the Amazon.com info here:
Middlesex: A Novel
Brian R said,
February 28, 2008 at 5:39 am
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen. It’s a very funny/ painful look at one family trying not to fall apart. I especially like the details of an eavesdropping wife and an accidental, drunken cutting of a hand. It’s widely praised and was temporarily part of Oprah’s book club. His experience with the Oprah book club can be found in his essay collection, How to be Alone.
Patricia Lafayllve said,
March 2, 2008 at 7:24 pm
I have to say, it is incredibly hard to pick one book; it is just as hard to pick one category!
Memoir:
Dale Peck’s What We Lost is fantastic.
Short Story Collection:
I’m admitting a certain level of “geek” here, adn it might not be “high literature,” but Neil Gaiman’s “Fragile Things” is wonderful. I love what he does with fairy tales.
Nonfiction:
I think this one came out in 1999, but Simon Winchester’s “The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary” is on my must-pass-to-others list. Who knew the Oxford English Dictionary could be such a romp to read about?
Fiction:
I imagine this is more properly labelled “historical fiction,” but I just got finished with Phillippa Gregory’s “The Other Boleyn Girl.” As a huge fan of Tudor history, I found it an interesting take on the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of court life. I disagree with Ms. Gregory on some of her finer historical points, but she tells a gripping yarn, and when I am looking to relax and “unthink” for awhile, this kind of fiction is perfect for me – solid characters, complex conflicts, and a racing-toward-inevitability that draws the reader in and lets her forget about her looming thesis for awhile…
And, I have to mention Steve Almond’s book “Candyfreak.” NO idea how to classify it – nonfiction? memoir? travel guide? history? humor? It is all those things, and I just get a big belly-laugh from it, even as it makes me think about how our quirks shape us. Worth reading, if you ask me.
Karen Remedios said,
March 25, 2008 at 5:33 pm
*Arthur and George*, by Julian Barnes (2006)
A must-read for any fan of detective writing/literary thrillers. The “Arthur” of the title is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the plot is based on real-life events.
Katrina said,
March 27, 2008 at 2:14 am
I can’t believe that someone else has read the Corrections. I loved it. I began to dislike some of the family members as if they were my own! But you have to love the ending!
If I had to pick a book to read slowly it would have to be The Memory Keeper’s Daughter. It has sentimental value to me, but it is truly a good read.
If you are short on time, like I usually am, you might want to check out The Three Questions by Jon J Muth. Yes, I know it’s Leo Tolstoy’s story retold for children, but it such a joy to read each time.
I have to agree with Patricia’s recommendations, as well. Sometimes being a sucker is a good thing!
Corinne E. Blackmer said,
March 31, 2008 at 6:08 pm
Like Ilene, I adore Middlesex. Over the past few years, though, I’d have to say that the book that’s most stayed with me and most haunted me is Joan Didion’s “The Year of Magical Thinking.”
Melissa Goldman said,
April 2, 2008 at 2:20 pm
I’m so glad the Department finally has a literary blog – very cool!
Since teaching in Seoul, I’ve become a HUGE fan of Bill Bryson’s books and travelogues in general, particularly the “Traveler’s Tales” series.
I also recently read “This I Believe,” a collection of essays based on the NPR series. I devoured the book within 2 days!
I’m turning back to the classics (especially since “The Other Boleyn Girl” came out) and reading that book as well as Jane Austin’s “Mansfield Park.”
And a book I’m looking forward to ordering from Amazon is called “The Intellectual Devotional” – think of it like Jeopardy or Trivia Pursuit but in book form…I can’t wait to read it!
After a much-needed break from Dos Passos, I actually bought another book of his at one of NYC’s best rare book stores. Of course, I can’t wait to just SEE my thesis in book form – since I was in South Korea when it was FINALLY mailed to my parent’s house!
Of course, my book collection isn’t complete without the occassional “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” except this time, it’s “for the Bride’s Soul”…cause I got engaged in February!!!
Elizabeth said,
August 13, 2008 at 1:54 pm
I can’t believe no one has mentioned this–and I feel like the biggest dork but I’m doing it anyway: The Twilight Saga. It’s riveting. I knocked it plenty of times before I actually went to the bookstore and bought it, but five pages in I was hooked. I’m plowing through the second one now and already have the third ready to go.
I also really liked Stephen King’s The Colorado Kid, which was published in 2005. It’s a lot different from his usual stuff; it’s more like a mystery than a horror story or the slight sci-fi he usually writes. I’ll never stop recommending his Dark Tower series, though. Some of the books were published after 2000.
I really like that SCSU has a literary blog. I’m pretty sure I’m transferring for the spring 2008 semester. I’m interested in the Creative Writing program. It would be nice to know more than one other person when I get there, so if anyone would like to chat send me an email. It’s elizawhat [at] gmail [dot] com.
Anonymous said,
July 6, 2009 at 9:36 am
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