In the anonymous questions, some kind person asks for good, non-woke book recommendations similar to Franzen’s Crossroads.
Thank you, the person who asked. I love the anonymous questions.
In recent years, the best books I have read in English in the realist tradition (which I’m guessing is what you prefer based on the mention of Franzen) are Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver and Ohio by Stephen Markley. I’m looking very hard, believe me, and the moment there’s anything else of value, I’ll mention it.
Last week, I plowed through the opening pages of at least 15 recent releases. None of them remotely attracted me. But I’ll keep looking, I promise.
Recently, I’ve been getting into Australian literature. It has a flavor all its own among Anglo literatures. Madelaine Lucas, Helen Garner – the writing is so bare, so austere, so absolutely controlled. Unadorned, direct, and somber. You’d think, from that writing, that not a ray of sunshine ever broke through the iron-grey skies. And most importantly, nobody is trying to be funny.
I like books that are the exact opposite of my personality, which is actually well in keeping with the theory of self-presentation. (Which is, briefly, that your biggest strength is the opposite of what you show to the world).
Clarissa's Blog 
15! That’s dedication. Do you purchase these, use the library, or are they sent to you gratis in hope of a review?
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I either download free samples on Kindle or go to the bookstore and study the new arrivals section. Usually, 10 pages are more than enough to decide if I’m going to want to read it.
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aha! I had forgot about free samples. I will have to exercise that option more!
Ok, maybe in a few weeks, in the middle of too many books right now.
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Thank you! It was I who asked this question, btw. This anonymous feature is a much better way to ask questions without having to make unrelated comments on posts.
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And it’s a kindness to me because I love my anonymous questions.
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That is really interesting observation about strengths. I recently spent some time with one of my cousins who I don’t see often. We were talking about my grandparents and an aunt who died a few years back. One thing that that whole part of the family had in common is that they are/were remarkably stubborn people and I had a little flash of insight that that is also true of me. I think I mostly channel that into working not giving up on things when I am really committed to doing them. But I doubt many people who know me would ever come up with that as an adjective to describe me.
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I’ll write more in detail about the theory of self-presentation. It really helps to understand people. And improve one’s own strengths.
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A propos Australian literature, do you know “Seven Types of Ambiguity” by Elliot Perlman? I liked it a lot.
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A propos Australian literature, do you know “Seven types of Ambiguity” by Elliot Perlman? I liked it a lot! (Sorry if that reply posts twice, I don’t know what happend to my last comment)
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I’m currently reading “Is mother dead” by Vigdis Hjorth. So far I like it. Painful mother-daughter relationship with a quite original set-up (daugher stalks mother who is ignoring her).
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Three older writers who are worth having in one’s libraries.
James Herriot, starting with All Things Bright and Beautiful
Giovannino Guareschi: The Little World of Don Camillo
Flannery O’Connor: Any collection of her short stories.
As a general rule, it is wise to read at least two old books for every one new book.
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