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re: If you could pick from these books, which would you pick to read next?
Posted on 9/14/25 at 5:08 pm to Ace Midnight
Posted on 9/14/25 at 5:08 pm to Ace Midnight
Noted! I love Les Mis broadway production but have never read the novel. I do have it on my book shelf!
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Posted on 9/14/25 at 5:33 pm to When in Rome
It was interesting to me because I'm partial to nonfiction anyway. Granted the author probably embellished some things but the Glanton gang was real. Judge Holden may have been real or an amalgamation of two or three real people. There's plenty of speculation online about that. I'd rate it a solid 8 but ymmv
Posted on 9/14/25 at 6:17 pm to Jim Rockford
quote:
Judge Holden may have been real or an amalgamation of two or three real people
There is a book somewhere out there written by a member if the Glanton gang. Haven’t ever read it or seen it, but I did a deep dive into Blood Meridian after I read it and it was mentioned.
Apparently according to that memoir, there was a real Judge Holden who was a larger than life character and did some pretty evil things. So it seems the character was at least loosely based on an actual person.
For those interested, there is a 4-5 hour YouTube video out there that really breaks down the book well.
Think it’s called something like “the best horrible book you’ll ever read”
Posted on 9/14/25 at 9:15 pm to When in Rome
My thoughts:
You have already read the best Steinbeck novel
In no particular order:
Sutree
The Sound and the Fury
Crime and Punishment
The Brothers Karamazov
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Wise Blood
You have already read the best Steinbeck novel
In no particular order:
Sutree
The Sound and the Fury
Crime and Punishment
The Brothers Karamazov
For Whom the Bell Tolls
Wise Blood
Posted on 9/14/25 at 9:19 pm to Jim Rockford
Very interesting. I will add it to my list. Thanks!
Posted on 9/14/25 at 9:20 pm to ecb
Thank you 
Posted on 9/15/25 at 8:30 am to When in Rome
You can’t go wrong with any of those. I love GoW, but my thesis was on Steinbeck. So take my opinion with a grain of salt. I also like delving deep into a single author, reading many works consecutively, so that would be my choice. For Whom the Bell Tolls is also great, imo, but is one of those that is better reading in class or with a book club to discuss while reading. The Road is fantastic but be in a good headspace and mood for it as it’s very grim.
Posted on 9/15/25 at 10:48 am to hogfly
I'm not really a romantic, but the theme about love in war from FWTBT makes the book worth reading and still stands out to me, even after having it read it years ago.
Hemingway explores the same theme in A Farewell to Arms, but I think it's much better done in this story.
Hemingway explores the same theme in A Farewell to Arms, but I think it's much better done in this story.
Posted on 9/15/25 at 10:54 am to Loubacca
I also think that in reading FWTBT, it's important that the reader have some understanding of the historical context and events in which the book is set (the Spanish Civil War and the role of foreign volunteers within the conflict).
Posted on 9/15/25 at 11:40 am to When in Rome
I read For Whom the Bell Tolls earlier this year and didn’t care for it. Thought it was super slow. Was my first foray into Hemingway and I came away unimpressed.
As far as Mcarthy I loved Blood Meridian. Tried to read the border trilogy earlier this year and absolutely LOVED All the Pretty Horses but couldn’t make it through The Crossing. Didn’t read the last one. The Road is pretty polarizing on this board. Some say it’s a masterpiece and some thought it was terribly slow.
As far as Mcarthy I loved Blood Meridian. Tried to read the border trilogy earlier this year and absolutely LOVED All the Pretty Horses but couldn’t make it through The Crossing. Didn’t read the last one. The Road is pretty polarizing on this board. Some say it’s a masterpiece and some thought it was terribly slow.
Posted on 9/15/25 at 1:27 pm to When in Rome
quote:
East of Eden
One of my all time favorites. Truly a masterpiece.
Of the books you mentioned, I'd go Grapes of Wrath to keep the Steinbeck train going. You'll stay in the gut wrenching Steinbeck style and knock off another classic off your checklist.
I love McCarthy as well so can't go wrong there either. The Road was certainly enjoyable. I'd have Grapes of Wrath over The Road though.
Posted on 9/15/25 at 8:47 pm to When in Rome
For Whom the Bell Tolls. And, if you have not read them, The Sun Also Rises and The Old Man and the Sea.
The Road is more than worth reading.
The Road is more than worth reading.
Posted on 9/15/25 at 9:05 pm to Macavity92
quote:I have read them! So good!
The Sun Also Rises and The Old Man and the Sea.
Posted on 9/21/25 at 4:04 pm to When in Rome
All the Pretty Horses is great if you're into cowboy shite. Hell, even if you're not into cowboy shite. Unless you like those superhero movies or Dune. Then, you may not like it.
Posted on 9/21/25 at 5:35 pm to SidetrackSilvera
Oh I loved the border trilogy 
Posted on 9/21/25 at 7:26 pm to cfish140
quote:
The Road is pretty polarizing on this board. Some say it’s a masterpiece and some thought it was terribly slow.
The slowness helps make it a masterpiece in my opinion.
It was very real.
Posted on 9/22/25 at 1:14 pm to When in Rome
Of the books you listed, I'd pick Steinbeck by default. I'm not a fan of Hemingway or McCarthy.
Posted on 9/22/25 at 8:13 pm to When in Rome
I always see people posting about Steinbeck and McCarthy and Hemingway, but rarely if ever does someone post about reading FS Fitzgerald
Posted on 9/22/25 at 8:32 pm to AllbyMyRelf
I’d love to know your favorite Fitzgerald books. I’m sure Gatsby is up there but anything else?
Posted on 9/22/25 at 8:40 pm to When in Rome
My favorites are This Side of Paradise and Tender Is the Night
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