"Back Roads" Tawni O'Dell. She is a PA author and my latest go to author. Story of a young man suddenly thrust into the role of caretaker of his three younger sisters in the depressed coal country of PA. 1st person narrative. Feelings of frustration, despair, and shock.
"Flowers for Algernon" Daniel Keyes. You've probably already have read this novella, but if not, you must! It really grabs your heart and wrings your eyes.
For something that's kindof "out there"... read "Survivor" by Chuck Palaniuk. Story of a "refugee" from a bizarre religious cult and the ensuing tale of chaos, wit, and grundge only [classic] Palaniuk can deliver.
Check out "Blankets"--my favorite graphic novel. Great for snowy days. Perhaps you're hoping for something a bit more "sunny" over Spring Break though?
If you are from the Harrisburg area (or even if you are not), you might want to read "The Blue Orchard" by Jackson Taylor. It is excellent, with or without any knowledge of or background in Harrisburg. It deals, though, with (real) local politics (and politicians) in the Harrisburg area (and travels to Perry County as well), and with racial issues and the topic of abortion in the 1920's through the 50's? (I think I am correct there). It is a pleasure read from front to cover - wonderfully written. I also recently read a collection of short stories by Alice Munro, "Too Much Happiness," another by a Pakistani writer, Daniyal Mueenuddin, called "In Other Rooms, Other Wonders" and a whole slew of novels by Jonathan Franzen - I recommend them all!
"Back Roads" Tawni O'Dell. She is a PA author and my latest go to author. Story of a young man suddenly thrust into the role of caretaker of his three younger sisters in the depressed coal country of PA. 1st person narrative. Feelings of frustration, despair, and shock.
ReplyDelete"Flowers for Algernon" Daniel Keyes. You've probably already have read this novella, but if not, you must! It really grabs your heart and wrings your eyes.
For something that's kindof "out there"... read "Survivor" by Chuck Palaniuk. Story of a "refugee" from a bizarre religious cult and the ensuing tale of chaos, wit, and grundge only [classic] Palaniuk can deliver.
Thanks Brian! I have actually never read "Flowers for Algernon," so maybe I'll try that one!
ReplyDeleteCheck out "Blankets"--my favorite graphic novel. Great for snowy days. Perhaps you're hoping for something a bit more "sunny" over Spring Break though?
ReplyDeleteNicole, if you are interested, i have two copies of Flowers For Algernon, i'll bring one to next class for you.
ReplyDeleteIf you are from the Harrisburg area (or even if you are not), you might want to read "The Blue Orchard" by Jackson Taylor. It is excellent, with or without any knowledge of or background in Harrisburg. It deals, though, with (real) local politics (and politicians) in the Harrisburg area (and travels to Perry County as well), and with racial issues and the topic of abortion in the 1920's through the 50's? (I think I am correct there). It is a pleasure read from front to cover - wonderfully written. I also recently read a collection of short stories by Alice Munro, "Too Much Happiness," another by a Pakistani writer, Daniyal Mueenuddin, called "In Other Rooms, Other Wonders" and a whole slew of novels by Jonathan Franzen - I recommend them all!
ReplyDelete