American Literature

[joannemerriam]

One of my New Year's resolutions a few years ago (2005, I think, the first January I lived in the U.S.), was to read more American literature. I hold a degree in English, and am a writer, so it's always a bit embarrassing to have to admit I've not only never read, but never heard of, some Great American Novelist who friends or colleagues are

Comments

[joannemerriam]

Ralph Ellison's on there. I'll look into the other authors you mention; I'm a bit dizzied by the 259 already there so may hold off on adding any more for now. Thanks though!

[amelia_eve]

Wow, you've got a few on there that I've never even heard of, much less read. This is an impressive list

[joannemerriam]

Thanks!

I didn't know Frank O'Hara wrote prose. I like his poetry.

I may not be able to get through both Rand novels. I kind of hate her.

[amelia_eve]

Oh heck, I've got the wrong O'Hara. The novelist is John O'Hara. He comes from the same sort of Pennsylvania coal town as Updike, which makes them a nice combo.

[joannemerriam]

Good to know!

[big_paul]

That's a hell of a list.

My girlfriend got me hooked on Joan Didion, can't say enough good things about her.

Also, if you're going to make it thru John Updyke's 'Rabbit' series, you might as well make it 260 books and throw in 'Rabbit Redux' too. Great book, and tons of stuff that happens in that one is referenced later in 'Rabbit is Rich' and 'Rabbit at Rest'.

[joannemerriam]

Thanks for the suggestion!