John Irving

[skimom2]

Owen Meany
Cider House Rules
A Widow For One Year
Trying To Save Piggy Sneed
The Hotel New Hampshire

I don't love the first 3 books, nor did I much like Until I Find You. I haven't read Avenue of Mysteries yet.

 

[Doc Creed]

I absolutely am. I have said that for years. Steinbeck's writing is amazing, it was just the story I couldn't get on board with it . But, I read it in college and not a lot of hardship or life experiences under my belt to appreciate it. I think now that I've done some growing up and have had more real adult life experience, I will sympathize and empathize with their feelings and struggles better.

Wow, I didn't see that coming. Good for you. I didn't care for it, either, for what it's worth.

 

[Doc Creed]

I haven't read Avenue of Mysteries yet.

I haven't either. I saw the trade pbk is ten bucks on Amazon. I'm thinking about ordering it for Christmas.

 

[Dana Jean]

Wow, I didn't see that coming. Good for you. I didn't care for it, either, for what it's worth.

It's a masterpiece. I know it is. I just loathed these people. I cared less for these people. And I think it was because I just had never experienced any hardship, or loss or anyone taking advantage of me at the point I read it. And their lack of smarts just drove me nuts. Just basic common sense. All pretty snooty thinking on my part.

Fast forward 1 or 2 years () and I get it.

 

[skimom2]

It's a masterpiece. I know it is. I just loathed these people. I cared less for these people. And I think it was because I just had never experienced any hardship, or loss or anyone taking advantage of me at the point I read it. And their lack of smarts just drove me nuts. Just basic common sense. All pretty snooty thinking on my part.

Fast forward 1 or 2 years () and I get it.

Grapes isn't my favorite Steinbeck, and I pretty much think he was a genius. East of Eden is probably my favorite, but he had so many other stellar novels/novellas. I don't know if you do FB, but I follow Letters of Note, and they have posted some truly marvelous letters of his, as well. My favorite: Letters of Note: A book is like a man

 

[Dana Jean]

Grapes isn't my favorite Steinbeck, and I pretty much think he was a genius. East of Eden is probably my favorite, but he had so many other stellar novels/novellas. I don't know if you do FB, but I follow Letters of Note, and they have posted some truly marvelous letters of his, as well. My favorite: Letters of Note: A book is like a man

Don't facebook but will check out that link if it will let me.

 

[Dana Jean]

Grapes isn't my favorite Steinbeck, and I pretty much think he was a genius. East of Eden is probably my favorite, but he had so many other stellar novels/novellas. I don't know if you do FB, but I follow Letters of Note, and they have posted some truly marvelous letters of his, as well. My favorite: Letters of Note: A book is like a man

That was really interesting. A little look into the author. Thanks!

 

[skimom2]

That was really interesting. A little look into the author. Thanks!

If you have a few minutes, I think you would like his other letters. He was a fascinating writer, both of letters and books. My second favorite one is the letter to his son about falling in love.

 

[kingricefan]

Grapes isn't my favorite Steinbeck, and I pretty much think he was a genius. East of Eden is probably my favorite, but he had so many other stellar novels/novellas. I don't know if you do FB, but I follow Letters of Note, and they have posted some truly marvelous letters of his, as well. My favorite: Letters of Note: A book is like a man

East Of Eden will always be my most favorite Steinbeck novel. I've read it three times- 1st time when I was a mere boy of 19, second time in my 30's and the last time just about 10 years ago. Each time I discovered new things and my feelings towards certain characters and/or events shifted because of my own life experiences. I think it's time for another trip to Eden......

 

[Kurben]

Irving......
There are two i like quite a bit....
Prayer for Owen Meany
The World According To Garp
And two i like a little less
Hotel New Hampshire
Cider House Rules

And then i'm sorry to say i havent read anything more by him....... Should I? And what titles in that case??

 

[Doc Creed]

Irving......
There are two i like quite a bit....
Prayer for Owen Meany
The World According To Garp
And two i like a little less
Hotel New Hampshire
Cider House Rules

And then i'm sorry to say i havent read anything more by him....... Should I? And what titles in that case??

This one is my favorite:

A good portion of the middle is set in Amsterdam. I think you will like it since you liked The World According To Garp.