Louis, never apologize about the length of your messages. I always find them engaging, informative and a joy to read.

Interesting what you say about Harrison. I’ve shunned his books because of that label you mentioned, and cast him off soley as one for that genre's masses. Well, shame on me. After reading the passage you quoted along with your comments I’ve added The Finder and The Havana Room to my list, and will definitely get to them within the summer months.

I’ve mentioned in the most recent reading thread that I’m currently reading Bolger’s The Journey Home. A very engaging book so far and I hoping, but confident, that it holds up.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 9:13 am (EST) on May 8, 2008

Louis, I saw your comments about Shadow Country and you answered my question as to whether or not you would lose momentum in the last third of the book. I admit at one point I found myself in the same position but I received a shot of juice at about the point in Book III after Watson is done telling about his childhood and the events that surround Book I are again brought forth. It was like walking right along side Watson all the way to his inevitable death. I agree that it’s a book that is not for everybody, and keeping momentum going for 900 pages of any book presents a challenge not only for the reader but the author as well. I’m glad that for the most part you thought highly of it.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 10:07 am (EST) on May 7, 2008

Louis, thanks for that letter re Bolger’s book. I don’t see how anything that has happened in the last 18 years will have any effect on the reception in the US of The Journey Home. It’s no different than reading something like Clockers, or any piece of good literature written over 20 years ago, i.e., it’s a period piece that stands the test of time. Times change but great writing stands on its own. However, that “gritty, urban Dublin underclass” still exits, and as far as I know never went away. I’ve visited Dublin several times and have no desire to ever go back again. The low-lifes are ubiquitous there, and are always on the lookout to take advantage of tourists or “culchies” from the Irish countryside. It’s a very multi-cultural city now, and the Indians, Nigerians and Middle-Easterners are doing the jobs that the Irish do not wish to do, very similar to the Mexicans in the US.

I’m debating on whether to start Bolger’s book or Stephen Millhauser’s book of short stories, Dangerous Laughter, but it will definitely be one of the two. I haven’t read anything by Millhauser since Martin Dressler and am looking forward to his latest offering.

And oh, thanks for apprising me of The Tin House, as well as Ron Carlson’s Five Skies. I’ve noted both in my Moleskine and will be sure to check them out.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 9:35 am (EST) on May 5, 2008

Louis, I'm on Book III of Shadow Country, and although I haven't finished it, I've already placed it on my Best of 2008. In fact, I'll brazenly toss out those cliches like "masterpiece," "epic," and "tour de force." I'm going to write a review of it when I'm finished, but I will say that it's so Faulknerian in scope that in my opinion it has no trouble standing right along side the great works of American Literature. I think I told you that I've been down to the old Watson place twice on Chatham Bend, the last time taking a tattered copy of "Killing Mr. Watson." I can't totally describe the feeling I had sitting near the original cistern reading the book, but at one point I felt like old E.J. was going to pop out behind me at any moment with the barrel of his shotgun poked in my back.

I don't know what I'm going to read next. I, too, have Interpreter of Maladies sitting here waiting to be picked up, and the new Bolger book you alerted me to is due tomorrow. And on top of that, one of my goals is to do a reread of another one of my all-time favorites, All The King's Men.

By the way, I don't know if you're interested in Joseph Conrad, but there is a new biography out of him, and I was wondering if you have heard anything about it. I'm seriously contemplating ordering it from Amazon.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 12:41 pm (EST) on Apr 27, 2008

Oh good! It's nice to know that I can find you and Sean here.

I don't post often on LT, but lately I'm making a bit more of an effort. It seems like a welcoming community.

Mir

posted by mkunruh at 11:00 pm (EST) on Apr 23, 2008

Louis, a big, big thanks for the heads up about the Bolger book. I have not read it and, in fact, have been meaning to get around to his work for years, so now is the perfect time. I just ordered it and will definitely put it at the top of my reading list when it arrives.

I hate to bail on a book, and can't remember the last time I did so, but I finally had enough of O'Hagan's characters in Be Near Me and gave up on it. The writing was fine enough, no problems there, but the whole story line just annoyed me to no end.

Matthiessen's Shadow Country arrived yesterday and I immediately set forth to reading. It is indeed a very handsome volume and he has condensed the trilogy down to 900 pages from the original manuscript of 1,500. As I said, I've read all three books and this will be my fourth read of the first volume, Killing Mr. Watson. It's definitely at the top of my all-time best reads and this complete volume now goes on my list of "desert island books." Matthiessen does just a remarkable job recreating a wild place and a maverick culture that was special to southwest Florida so long ago. I just can't say enough good things about these books.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:21 am (EST) on Apr 17, 2008

hi;
Just wanted to drop you a note to say thanks for your response on the "What are your reading?" fourm, and to let you know that, only half-way through, "Stoner" is easily my top read so far this year.

posted by STOCeallaigh at 7:06 pm (EST) on Apr 14, 2008

Louis,

I dropped over to drop Nancy a line and I saw that you mentioned that the Modern Library recently published Peter Matthiessen's Watson Trilogy as one volume called Shadow Country. The first volume, Killing Mr. Watson, is one of my all-time favorite books, and the other two were also well done, I thought. A fabulous trilogy that I've just ordered. I've been down to The Ten Thousand Islands twice, and KMW was the impetus for doing so. Thanks for mentioning it.

Sean.

posted by SeanLong at 9:37 am (EST) on Apr 14, 2008

Louis,

I probably won't help you with any new suggestions this week, as I do believe I will start Siri's book on your recommendation. But I am going to NY this week to talk to publishers about the fall, so I am sure I will pick up some unknown gems.

A reviewers copy of Angle of Repose. Are you serious?! You didn't say so specifically, but you have another edition for reading, I assume.

Finally, did you see Sean's post on the 'reading this week' thread? He highly praised the Lahiri. You are certainly in for a treat!

Best,
Nancy

posted by alphaorder at 9:10 pm (EST) on Apr 13, 2008

Louis -

Maybe I will read Siri Hustvedt's book next. It has been sitting on my Mount TBR for sometime. I have read her before and enjoyed it, but haven't picked this new one up yet.

I am glad that you got Sean onto Stegner - you know I am a fan!

posted by alphaorder at 9:50 pm (EST) on Apr 12, 2008

Louis, I finished Larry Woiwode’s A Step From Death rather quickly, and what a wonderful read it was. His writing is so smooth, perfect and poetic despite the wandering, interrupted pace, but that didn’t bother me because that’s exactly the way memory is. What a perfect pitch that book had. Thanks for recommending it.

I mentioned that I finished Clockers, and I just gotta say I wish I would have come to it sooner, or Price’s work for that matter. Although Lush Life was a grand read, I don’t think it was quite on the level as Clockers, and that’s not a bad thing. Clockers is just such a superb book. Price really raised the bar high on that one and that I don’t know if can ever top it.

Yesterday my daughter wanted to take a trip to Borders so despite the egregious gas prices we hopped in the car and took a trip to the nearest store which is about 30 miles away. While wandering the fiction shelves I noticed some attractive Penguin Classics of Wallace Stegner’s Angel of Repose and The Collected Stories, and I immediately remembered that you had read some Stegner recently and thought highly of it. Now I have never read a thing by Stegner, but after reading Jackson J. Benson’s introduction to AOR it immediately went into my basket. Why on earth I haven’t read any Stegner up to this point is beyond me, but I am really looking forward to AOR. I hope it doesn’t disappoint.

That Harrison novel is definitely going on my list, and please do check back in after you’ve read James Meek’s We Are Now Beginning Our Descent and Wurlitzer’s The Drop Edge of Yonder.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:04 am (EST) on Apr 7, 2008

Louis -

I thought I saw on some thread that you liked The Story of Forgetting. I am well into it now and am thrilled with this unexpected find. My Tobias Wolff collection arrived yesterday, so that is up next. Glad to hear you are liking it. Haven't read too many of his stories, although I did read Old School earlier this year.

Hope you are well!

Nancy

posted by alphaorder at 7:40 am (EST) on Apr 1, 2008

Hi Louis.

I see that you are well into the Wolff book of short stories. So glad to hear that you're liking it quite a lot. Life got in the way for the past couple of days so I did not finish Clockers yet, but am getting close and should start the Wolff by mid-week. And by the way, you're glowing review of the Woiwode memoir was the impetus for ordering it today.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 3:07 pm (EST) on Mar 30, 2008

Louis,

When I was entering the new Tobias Wolff collection of short stories in my library yesterday, I noticed that you had also recently added it to yours. I'm close to finishing Clockers and plan to start Wolff's collection next. I have never read anything by him and am looking forward to it. Any insights you can provide about Wolff would be appreciated. The only other work by his that I am familiar with, vaguely, is Old School.

Thanks

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 7:40 am (EST) on Mar 26, 2008

Thanks so much for your note. I am glad that you enjoyed Crossing to Safety. As you know, I am big on the academic novel (Stoner) and also books that deal with relationships, so maybe that is why I love it so. I am sure that part about Madison touched me as well, as I have lived my whole life in Wiscosnin.

I might have misled you about my daughter. I have one. (I think the plural was referring to mine and Tony's - at least that is what I meant.) She is six and such a wonderful kid. She has a great sense of humor and is wise beyond her few years. I could rave about her forever...

Triplets?!? And eight years old too? How do you do it? I can say all these wonderful things about my daughter, but truth be told, sometimes she can be exhausting. I don't know what I would do with three. I hope that having more than one keeps them busy sometimes as they are playing together.

I just learned about David Hadju's book yesterday. Funny how we keep overlapping. Sounds like you are liking it.

I will keep watching your and Sean's conversations, if you don't mind, as I enjoy them. And I love to know what you are both reading, since they often seem to be up my alley. Don't be surprised to hear from me now and again!

How far from Oxford do you live? I love that place and Richard Howarth's store. Did I mention that the man who started the bookstore that I work for, Harry Schwartz, published a short story of Faulkner's - Salmagundi? (http://ursusartbooks.com/item102951.html) Legend has it that he and his partner wrote to Faulkner on a wine stained napkin asking if they could publish him. Anyway, you can see it in the Faulkner exhibit at Ole Miss. Last time I was there it was right at the beginning.

All best,
Nancy

posted by alphaorder at 8:27 am (EST) on Mar 19, 2008

Louis,

I just needed to get in touch with you to say that I enjoy reading your various threads. We haven't talked in a while and I wanted to let you know that what I thought about the various books you have recently read.

Jim the Boy really struck a chord with me when I read it upon publication. So I was so excited to see that The Blue Star was coming out. I loved it too. I was lucky enough to have dinner with and sit next to Tony a few months back. I really enjoyed the conversation and got insight into the books. We also were able to talk about our lovely daugthers - both from China.

Ok, here is the other thing - Crossing to Safety is one of my all time favorites. Please send me a note whe you finish it. And I hope you will say that you loved it too.

Best,
Nancy / alphaorder

posted by alphaorder at 7:23 pm (EST) on Mar 15, 2008

Louis,

You are spot-on about Lush Life. I could not put it down last night and I'm sure that it will be one of my best reads of the year. Additionally, since I have to travel into the city today I'm going to pick up a copy of The Blue Star.

I had to laugh at your comment about Smonk. Every review I've read, as well as the two people I've spoken with who read it, have completely trashed it. Very dissappointing since I loved Franklin's book of short stories as well as Hell at the Breech.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:03 am (EST) on Mar 14, 2008

Louis, a big thanks for the heads-up about the new Tony Earley. I was a big fan of The Boy too, and can't wait to read his latest.

Well, after five books, I'm somewhat bailing on my Faulkner reading project since I feel like there's too many new things passing me by. I came home one day last week and found a package from Amazon and forgot that I had pre-ordered, months ago, Benjamin Black's (pseudonym for John Banville) The Silver Swan. I immediately sat down and started reading and couldn't stop. I'm nearly finished with and it's going on my best of list for 2008. I wouldn't care if Banville stopped writing books under his own name and solely continued this crime/mystery series about the Dublin pathologist, Quirke. It's some really grand stuff and I highly recommend it. But if you want to read Black I recommend starting with his first, Christine Falls.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:56 am (EST) on Mar 8, 2008

Louis, my socialist friend,

You’re story about buying The Reivers at age 15 put a smile on my face. I can’t think of one book I still have that I bought in my teens, and believe me, I purchased quite a few that I would think have quite a high value now (Ragtime, Child of God, Breakfast of Champions...). Shame on me. Anyway, I should finish The Reivers by the weekend and I have to say that I’ve really enjoyed it. Quite a nice change from the complexity of the other novels. I’m not sure what I’m going for next. Have you read The Wild Palms (If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem)? That’s one I haven’t read and am thinking of doing so. And I agree with you about A Fable. I tried it years ago and gave up on it. What in the world was Billy trying to do there?

The Harris book has been duly noted in my notebook as one to read, as is the Sinclair. I was not familiar with Oil until the movie, There Will Be Blood. I read the Jungle for the first time a few years ago when I was somewhat into “muckraking” writers, like Jacob Ris. You know, Sinclair wrote a series about a fictional character by the name of Lanny Budd that’s basically a political history of Europe and America in the early twentieth century. I remember reading a battered copy of one called Dragon’s Teeth (I think that was the title). Some of those books were best sellers at the time but they’ve been long forgotten. Maybe you’ve read about the series in the Sinclair biography. If it’s mentioned please let me know more about it.

Thanks,
Sean

posted by SeanLong at 11:54 am (EST) on Feb 28, 2008

Sean and Louis -

I saw on the What are You Reading thread Louis that you thought The Terror was amazing. So I jumped over here to see what your other favorites of 2008 were. And then I saw Sean's note.

Just thought I would let you know that one of the buyers at our bookstore is a huge fan of both The Terror and William Vollmann.

alphaorder

posted by alphaorder at 11:32 am (EST) on Feb 24, 2008

Hi Louis, sorry to keep dropping by but I had forgot to ask yesterday if you have read the new William Vollmann, "Riding Toward Everywhere." I almost picked it up while browsing yesterday but decided to wait until I heard from others who have read it. Thanks.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 7:36 am (EST) on Feb 19, 2008

Hi Louis, sorry to keep dropping by but I had forgot to ask yesterday if you have read the new William Vollmann, "Riding Toward Everywhere." I almost picked it up while browsing yesterday but decided to wait until I heard from others who have read it. Thanks.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 7:35 am (EST) on Feb 19, 2008

Louis,

I'm glad to have received your message regarding Bock's "Beautiful Children." I read Janet Maslin's review of the book in the NYT last week and she basically ripped it. You're the third person I've heard from that loved the book though. Just another reason why I put more stock in a reader's review than a critic's. I've gone ahead and put a "hold" on it from my local library.

Seems like 2008 is starting off with some good reads for you. I hope to catch up later in the Spring. As you know I'm on a little Faulkner reading project at the moment. Right now I'm in the middle of "Go Down Moses." I got so frustrated trying to figure out who was who in the McCaslin family due to the miscegenation and incest that I broke down and downloaded a copy of a McCaslin Family Genealogy chart on one of the Faulkner websites. I'm not sure, but I think one of the reasons Faulkner wrote about the mixing of the races so much was that one of his ancestors (The ole' Colonel?)had some Black blood. Very interesting.

Slainte!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:24 am (EST) on Feb 18, 2008

Louis,

Nothing could be finer that getting together with you at Rowan Oak. A "Kodak" moment that I hope we can pull off someday. I will be sure to let you know when I'm ready for Oxford.

Although I'm more than knee-deep in Faulkner at the moment, last month I did have a chance to read Roddy Doyle's new book of short stories, "The Deportees." Except for one story, I found it quite pedestrian and the endings in most of the stories flat. This may have to do with Doyle being limited to 800 words since these stories were first written for a multicultural magazine in Dublin. I can't tell you how disappointed I've been in Doyle's writing lately. I loved the Barrytown Trilogy, Paddy Clark Ha Ha Ha and A Star Called Henry, but the follow up to the ASCH, "Oh Play That Thing" which is supposed to be the second book of a trilogy, was such insipid tripe that I almost threw it across the room several times.

Keep those recommendations coming. I'll get to them eventually.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:01 am (EST) on Feb 13, 2008

Saw your comment on the Biographies first lines Talk thread, and it's no surprise you are not familiar with Victor Herman, but not only is his life story fascinating, but his writing is masterful. His biography is out of print, but many public libraries still have copies. I cannot imagine anyone male or female, young or old, not being moved by that book. Here's a link to the Amazon reviews on the book to let you know what it's about: Coming Out of the Ice.

posted by EncompassedRunner at 7:46 pm (EST) on Feb 12, 2008

Louis,

I’ve been checking out what you’ve been reading in the reading thread and writing down your recommendations in my Moleskin. I’m right in the middle of my own little Faulkner reading project at the moment so I’m going to be well behind in reading anything published this year. So far I’ve done rereads of Absalom! Absalom!, As I Lay Dying and am currently in the middle of The Sound and the Fury. After SATF it’s on to Go Down Moses and The Unvanquished. We’ll see after that. If I’m not burnt out on WF I’ll move on to the Snopes trilogy.

Keep those recommendations coming. I’ll get to them eventually!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 7:51 am (EST) on Feb 11, 2008

Louis,
Thanks for the encouragement on the Volkmann, and no, it isn't for everyone. I'll drop a note to you when I finish.
Rebecca

posted by owenre at 11:09 am (EST) on Feb 3, 2008

Louis,

Thanks for your Jim Shepard recommendation...I'll put him on my shortlist (which seems to be getting pretty long). In return, might I recommend Nicola Barker's Behindlings (one of my discoveries of the past year and I thought wonderful.
Cheers, Allan

posted by abealy at 9:28 pm (EST) on Jan 24, 2008

Louis -

Let me know when you have finished Charlie Baxter's new book. I read it too. We have had quite the discussion around our bookshops' office. Unfortunately, I think I read it too quickly - and in the midst of a busy fall. I think every word of the book had meaning, and I suspect I missed a good bit of it.

I might go for the Williams novel in letters. Sounds more to my liking than a Western, even if atypical.

I think I will need to start off the year with Half of a Yellow Sun, since everyone keeps raving about it.

Do keep in touch and let me know what other good things you find!

Best,
Nancy (alphaorder)

posted by alphaorder at 3:06 pm (EST) on Dec 29, 2007

Louis,

Just read your note about Stoner / John Williams on the "Best books" thread. What do you suggest I try next? I heard his other books are very different.

Have you read [The Book of Ebenezer Le Page]? It was also republished by NYRB classics. Friends of mine have raved, so it is up on the top of my TBR pile. As is Half a Yellow Sun, which I cannot believe I haven't read yet.

Noticed that you likes A Free Life as well. That was the first Ha Jin I have read. I own Waiting. Shoud probably give that a try too, but if you look at my profile, you will see how many unread books I own.

Have a great 2008!

alphaorder (Nancy)

posted by alphaorder at 11:08 am (EST) on Dec 28, 2007

Louis, a friend sent me this link to a great article and I thought you might be interested as you are a Crowley fan. Best, Lois http://www.theamericanscholar.org/wi08/crowley-dirda.html

posted by avaland at 10:35 am (EST) on Dec 28, 2007

Louis,

Happy holidays. I hope you're doing well.

I was searching through your libary and see that you have two books by Tom Franklin. I've read Hell at the Breech, and plan on starting Poachers this weekend, followed by Smonk. Just wondering what you thought of Franklin's books. And by the way, I envy your signed edition of Poachers.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 10:17 am (EST) on Dec 13, 2007

Louis, I liked The Abstinence Teacher so much I purchased three copies for family and friends who I know will appreciate the humor. Thanks again for the book.

Yes, I did see the NYT Best of 2007 list but have not read anything on it. I do have Tree of Smoke and The Savage Detectives and look forward to reading both.

Glad you’re enjoying Coward’s letters. That sure is a pretty book and one I’ll be purchasing soon.

Thanks for giving me the “heads up” about the Johnny Cash DVD. If I can’t find it locally this weekend I’ll definitely order it from Amazon. I watched that show every week when I was a kid, and I have to thank my father for it. He didn’t listen to music much, but every week he would make all of us kids sit down and watch the Cash show, and I still remember him playing the Folsom Prison album on our old hi-fi. I can’t wait to see it. I’m sure it will bring back some fond memories for me.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:12 am (EST) on Nov 29, 2007

Louis,

I finished the Perrotta book and enjoyed it immensely. It was just the right book to read after The Gathering.

I see that you're reading Coward's letters. I almost picked that up last week but may have to do so now. By the way, have you read anything from Tennessee Williams' Notebooks? I've been reading bits and pieces here and there and found it quite fascinating.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:28 am (EST) on Nov 28, 2007

Hi Louis

I just added you to my libraries of interest, if that's o.k.?

I suspect that I know you else forum? Is that true? If so, I finally got around to reading Caputo's Acts of Faith which I picked up on your recommendation a couple of years ago.

If not, then it's been a pleasure perusing your library.

Miriam U.

posted by mkunruh at 9:27 am (EST) on Nov 20, 2007

Hi, Louis. Thanks for checking in.

Yes, I finished Enright's book last night and it's one of the best, if not the best pieces of fiction I've read this year. So tightly structured. I found it a very powerful, uncomfortable and even at times, angry book. Very impressive. I had to buy a paperback copy since I didn't want to take a chance on having something dreadful happen to my signed copy. I'm very fortunate to have a friend in Galway who sends me several signed books during the course of the year. Many Irish authors visit there and give readings at the University. Among my treasures, John McGahern, Colm Toibin, Joseph O'Connor, John Banville, Seamus Heaney and Roddy Doyle.

I also finished Leslie Garis's book and have to rate that as one of the best pieces of non-fiction this year. Thanks so much for recommending that one. I never would have picked that up on my own volition. I thought it a great mark of Garis's storytelling ability and deep regard for her family that even in the bleakest moments, I cared deeply about her family, pulled for them and was hoping for a healing miracle. Just a first rate memoir.

I loved the Faulkner interview in the Paris Review Interviews, Vol. II. He must have been in an extremely good mood that day since that interview is peppered with so many great insights. Among the many things that caught my fancy were one, Faulkner stated that he read Simenon becomes he reminded him of Chekhov, and two, one of his favorite characters was Sut Lovingwood from a book written by George Harris about 1840 or 1850 in the Tennessee mountains. I've made a note to read Simenon and to seek out the Harris book.

I'm going to start the Perrotta book today or this weekend that you were so kind to send to me. I'm really looking forward to it.

As always, good reading to ya!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 7:58 am (EST) on Nov 16, 2007

Louis,

I see you're reading The Gathering. I'd really like to hear your comments when you're finished. Last week a friend sent me a copy of the UK edition, personally inscribed to me by Enright. He went to one of her readings in Galway before the Booker was announced. He found her to be very humble and engaging.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 11:19 am (EST) on Nov 7, 2007

Louis, hi!

Thank you for your comment re: The Tenderness of Wolves. I was also really glad to hear from you. It's been a while since I've seen your name posting in the groups that I follow, and I wondered if you had lost interest in LT. I've always enjoyed your insightful comments.

Thanks
Laura

posted by lindsacl at 5:36 pm (EST) on Nov 4, 2007

Louis Hi! I wanted to share my enjoyment and interest in a book I am currently reading, A Magnificent Catastrophe by Edward Larson, it is the story of the election of 1800. about 1/2 half through it but is so good. Perhaps the first major crisis for the new US democracy. I am becoming a big fan of John Adams, he was more important figure in American history then I realize.
Michael

posted by michaelbartley at 2:50 pm (EST) on Nov 3, 2007

Louis,

I received the Abstinence Teacher yesterday. Thanks! I plan on getting to it real soon. I've perused the reviews without taking away too much and it looks like a winner.

I recently finished a UK copy of William Trevor's new collection, Cheating at Canasta, which I've posted a short review. Most of these stories previously appeared in The New Yorker but I enjoyed reading them again. Over the last few weeks I also revisited Dashell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon and Larry Brown's On Fire, and read William Bennett's latest, the novella titled The Uncommon Reader, as well as Benjamin Black's (John Banville) excellent follow up to his 2006 Christine Falls, The Silver Swan. Currently I'm reading Madison Smartt Bell's 1990 short story collection, Barking Man.

I also should be receiving this week the second volume of The Paris Review writer interviews. The first was a treasure so I'm looking forward to volume II.

Thanks for letting me know what you’re reading, and again, for the Perrotta. I'm looking forward to it.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 11:51 am (EST) on Oct 30, 2007

Louis,

I must admit I'm not familiar with most of the NBA nominees, or the Booker List for that matter. However, I do plan on reading Tree of Smoke. I've not read one bad review and not heard of one person who disliked it. Seems like that's the favorite for the NBA.

I posted this in the "What's That You're Reading" thread, but I've just finished William Gay's Provinces of Night and am now starting his collection of short stories,
I Hate To See That Evening Sun Go Down. Gay, although critically acclaimed, for some reason writes in relative obscurity, but he's one of the finest Southern novelists I've ever read. Gay is nothing if not a darkly humorous, supremely engaging storyteller, very much in the same vein as Cormac McCarthy's early work, albeit a unique, distinct voice all his own. Excellent stuff.

posted by SeanLong at 7:44 am (EST) on Oct 16, 2007

Hi Louis, I just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself, my name is Michael. I am impressed with you library.

posted by michaelbartley at 6:35 pm (EST) on Oct 8, 2007

Hi, Louis

Well, I finished Last Train to Memphis and it was, quite simply, the best music biography I’ve ever read. I was surprised to learn of the extent of Elvis's encyclopedic knowledge of multiple music genres, and his openly acknowledging the influence of black artists like Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, Rufus Thomas and B.B. King. Anyway, I’ve ordered Careless Love and plan to get to it before the end of the year.

Right now I’m reading from The Best American Short Stories of 2007, edited by Stephen King, and Mark Zwonitzer and Charles Hirshberg’s Will You Miss Me When I’m Gone?: The Carter Family & Their Legacy in American Music. I’m usually not one for those “best of “ selections, but King had put together a grand bunch of stories. So far I’m liking the selections. The Carter book is also first rate, although I did read the review in the NYTs that was very disingenuous and thought it was totally out of line with what I’ve read so far. Anyway, as always, good reading!

posted by SeanLong at 8:10 am (EST) on Oct 8, 2007

Louis,

You’re right, Guarlnick’s book is outstanding, and I’ve been completely immersed in it since I started. Guarlnick presents a man who is infinitely more complex and compelling than those same old popular stereotypes that have been promulgated by the media over the years. Guralnick's book, along with those memorable Sun sessions, celebrate the Elvis that should be remembered. Sadly, I don’t think that will ever be the case.

I loved McCarthy’s The Road and plan on reading Sharpe’s Jamestown, but was not aware of David Lozell Martin’s Our American King. Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll check it out.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:14 am (EST) on Oct 1, 2007

Louis,
You are never bugging me when you leave a message. Drop me a note as often as you wish.

I have to say you sure are good at spending my money. I’ve ordered Holly George-Warren’s book on Gene Autry based on your recommendation and the stories you told about Johnny Cash and Autry. That sure looks like a fun read. I met Gene Autry way back in 1978 in LaPuente, California when I used to spend my summers while I was out of school there with my uncle. He owned the California Angels at the time, and they played their games in Anaheim. Anyway, long story short, he was looking to buy a ranch that I was working at for the summer and while looking the place over he noticed me and another guy working up a sweat loading up trucks with bales of hay and asked if we came along with the place. Of course, he was only joking and gave us an autographed picture that I still have to this day.

Regarding Ed Jones, I saw him speak at a literary conference a few years ago, and now regret that I didn’t have him sign a book. I became interested in Jones after I read an article whereby he stated that the obscure Irish author, Mary Lavin, was an influence and one of his favorite authors. He considered here the equal to Joyce as far as storytelling. He cared for her work so much that he nodded to her by mentioning one of her volumes of short stories, Tales from Bective Bridge in his short story, Bad Neighbors. AAHC is the first book of his I’ve read, and very much look forward to reading the others.

Can’t wait to read either of Guralnick’s books. I’m just not sure which one yet, but I’m leaning towards Last Train to Memphis. Guralnick is such a fine writer and music historian. In fact, just last week I purchased Marty Stuart’s CD, Soul’s Chapel, and saw that Guralnick wrote the liner notes.

All the best and good reading!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:00 am (EST) on Sep 25, 2007

Louis, thanks for letting me know what you've been reading. Much of my reading material is based on your reviews.

I've heard so much about Tree of Smoke, most of it outstanding, and think I'll have to read it soon.

I'm just about finished with Michael Streissguth’s biography on Johnny Cash. Streissguth doesn’t gush over Cash and debunks a lot of myths and exaggerations that cloaked Cash over the years, and although the tone rings pure, there seems to have been a lot of stories that grew out of proportion to the truth with each telling (and although she’s very protective of her father, it’s Rosanne who often sets the record straight). Although I run hot and cold on the American Recording series, I now want to rediscover some the Cash back catalog.

I'm not sure what I'm going to read next. I might stay in the music biogrpahy genre since I have Peter Guralnick's Dream Boogie: The Triumph of Same Cooke and his Last Train to Memphis: The Rise of Elvis Presley, and I've been wanting to read both for quite some time.

Look forward to hearing from you with your reviews again.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 9:35 am (EST) on Sep 24, 2007

Louis, thanks for checking in with your recent reads. I am always interested not only in what you are reading, but value your opinion. Johnson's novel is very intriguing, and I plan on reading it before the end of the year.

Right now I'm almost finished with Edward P. Jones' All Aunt Hagar's Children, and so far have found it quite remarkable. I saw Jones speak at a literary seminar once by up till now have never read any of his work. Shame on me. I can tell that he was heavily influenced by Joyce's Dubliners in this collection, but unlike the paralysis caused by Dublin in Joyce, Jones' Washington causes a sense of vertigo. They’re long and rigorously developed stories that have a craftsman quality about them and are demanding to read, but it’s all pitch perfect.

I also finished Cormac McCarthy's The Orchard Keeper recently. I almost put it down but I'm glad I persevered. Amazing that this was his first book, and although it drips of Faulkner, McCarthy eventually sheds the Faulkner cloak and you can see him developing his own voice. I've now read The Road, Suttree, Child of God and The Orchard Keeper. I still haven't read The Border Trilogy or No Country for Old Men, but was wondering if you had.

As always, best to you.
Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:38 am (EST) on Sep 12, 2007

Louis, I forgot to add, thanks for the Amy Bloom recommendation. That looks like it has the potential for a stunning novel.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 9:07 am (EST) on Aug 21, 2007

Louis, thanks for keeping me updated on your reading. Many of your recommendations that I’ve read have been winners. In fact, I don’t think there’s been one yet that hasn’t clicked with me, and House of Happy Endings looks like another one. I just ordered that from Amazon.

Currently I’m in the middle of one of your all-time favorites, McCarthy’s Suttree. Just a big, broken, beautiful and ugly book that I should have read years ago. Beyond the straight ahead narrative, it has just the right amount of that thick, gassy language that Faulkner used that is so perfectly placed and sparingly used that if there had been a pinch more and would have been placed anywhere else it would not have worked for me. I’ve just recently come to McCarthy's work, having read Blood Meridian and The Road, and think I’ll stick with his pre-Border Trilogy work for now. Hal Crowther wrote a great essay in his collection, Cathedrals of Kudzu, whereby that although he does not deny the merit of the Border Trilogy, he laments that McCarthy no longer writes books with that beautiful, raw language with the range he showed in Suttree, The Orchard Keeper, Child of God and Outer Dark, and wishes he “would come back home to the South.”

I have no idea what I’m going to read next. I may stick with McCarthy but there are so many others sitting on my shelf that I need to get to, one of which is Last Train to Memphis, which I believe was another one of your favorites. That’s been sitting on my shelf for sometime and I really need to get to it.

As always, all the best to you and your family.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 8:11 am (EST) on Aug 21, 2007

Louis, thanks for recommending George Hagen's Tom Bedlam. I finished in a weekend. Definitely one of my best reads of the year.

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 10:33 am (EST) on Aug 16, 2007

Louis,

You're speaking to the king of the typos here.

Yesterday I forgot to bring Suttree to work with me (I always read during my lunch hour), so I walked over to the library to see if they had a copy I could read from. Unfortunately, they did not, but sitting right on the display shelf in the new fiction section was Hagen's Tom Bedlam. Since you recommended it I immediately picked it up and started reading. By the time I looked at the clock it was well past my lunch hour. Anyway, since I've become so captivated with Tom Bedlam's story, I've had to put Suttree aside for now. Thanks for the great recommendation though!

posted by SeanLong at 7:48 am (EST) on Aug 9, 2007

We miss your comments. Wish we knew what has taken you away from us.

posted by avaland at 10:15 pm (EST) on Jul 2, 2007

Louis, I also miss your comments. I see books entered on June 1, so at least I know your still somewhat active. Hope all is well.

posted by dchaikin at 10:20 pm (EST) on Jun 8, 2007

Louis: I came to your profile today just to check in and see that 4 others have already made the comment that I have been meaning to make for a week or so now. We miss you on the talk forums! Take care ... Laura

posted by lindsacl at 1:44 pm (EST) on Jun 6, 2007

I was just thinking I hadn't seen you around in a while, and now I see that others have already had the same thought. Hope all is well and that you'll reappear soon. Best wishes, Rebecca

posted by rebeccanyc at 9:52 am (EST) on May 23, 2007

Yes, I second Lois's comments. You are missed.
Amanda

posted by amandameale at 8:13 am (EST) on May 19, 2007

Louis, you seem a bit quiet lately (as I see others have noted). Hope all is well with you and yours. We are indeed missing your posts! Best, Lois

posted by avaland at 5:39 am (EST) on May 19, 2007

Hi, Louis--just wanted you to know that you have been a huge impact on my TBR list, and I've been missing your comments on various Talk threads. I hope everything is ok.

posted by cabegley at 8:09 pm (EST) on May 11, 2007

Hi Louis
I'm always watching your comments on the various groups in case I might pick up some good reading tips. I do have The Painted Veil and Ursula, Under - to be read.
Today I bought Cultural Amnesia by Clive James and it looks absolutely sumptuous. I expected literary figures only but found Louis Armstrong (my all-time favourite musician), Charlie Chaplin, Wittgenstein and so on. Clive's book hasn't had a lot of marketing over here and I might not have bought it if you hadn't given't it the thumbs up. So thanks in advance.
Amanda

posted by amandameale at 9:35 am (EST) on Apr 26, 2007

Louis -- to follow up.

I also thought the Alexander Quartet was fantastic. I find myself thinking about the stories (or at least scenes from them) often, even though it's been almost five years since I read them. I never would have read them if I hadn't vowed to read all the books on the Top 100 list.

The eight I have left are Sister Carrie, Wide Sargasso Sea, Light in August, Magnificent Ambersons, The Golden Bowl, Midnight's Children, Adventures of Augie March, and A Farewell to Arms. I absolutely plan to finish them and hope to do so in the next couple of months.

Thanks for the recommendations about the Raj Quartet, etc. Does Staying On come at the end of the quartet? That one is on my shelf already (Booker Prize Winners being one of my lists).

Jim Harrison is my favorite contemporary American author. I've read all his fiction (except the very latest, which is on my shelf), most of it twice, and almost all his prose (none of the poetry). I do not understand why he is so under-appreciated. He never wins one of the big prizes. If you enjoy Dalva, I highly recommend the sequel -- The Road Home. I read that once, then read it out loud to my husband. It is in my top 10 novels of all time. Not that it is earthshaking or changes literature or anything -- I just think it is a great yarn, well told.

posted by ggchickapee at 12:07 pm (EST) on Apr 24, 2007

Well, even though the address keeps getting cut-off, it still works fine.

This is my last post. Really. Honest. I kid you not. Cross my heart.

posted by bookstothesky at 1:14 am (EST) on Apr 16, 2007

Also, the link to the interview should be http://www.bookslut.com/features/2007_03_010886.php

posted by bookstothesky at 1:10 am (EST) on Apr 16, 2007

Hmm, weird. That last post somehow deleted "I'm" before "waiting." Or, maybe, developing some sort of blind spot that not aware of when I write? :)

posted by bookstothesky at 1:09 am (EST) on Apr 16, 2007

Hey, Louis,

Just ran across this Tim Willocks interview and thought you'd be interested: http://www.bookslut.com/features/2007_03_010886.php

I'm waiting for the American edition before I read The Religion, but I'm definitely going to track down his other books.

Take care.

posted by bookstothesky at 1:03 am (EST) on Apr 16, 2007

Hi Louis,
Thought I'd stop by and say 'hello', especially seeing as you're in the neighborhood. Thanks for the heads up on "Jujitsu For Christ" in one of the groups--what a lovely book. Also nice also to see another Boyd fan. Cheers!

posted by gracie68 at 10:14 am (EST) on Apr 7, 2007

Louis, Publishers Weekly gave the new Crowley book a starred review. I posted some of the review on the appropriate Readercon thread. Thought you might be interested. I think you would also very much enjoy By the Sea by Gurnah.... Best, Lois

posted by avaland at 8:02 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2007

Louis: Thanks for the comment on the Burgess bio. I read a few titles by him as a teenager--Napoleon Symphony and End of the World News were the most enjoyable. And I struggled with the Christian epic he wrote before he died--it's still on the bookshelf with a mark halfway through. Any recommendations for other favorite works by him?

posted by wirjones525 at 12:24 pm (EST) on Apr 4, 2007

Louis- i just saw that you were the person to iniate the "What are you reading" group- well done!

posted by berthirsch at 12:31 pm (EST) on Mar 28, 2007

Hi Louis, Just came on to recommend Half of a Yellow Sun to you. I see you've read it. I'm about a third of the way through and enjoying it immensely. The Painted Veil is on my MUST BUY SOON list but I haven't found it yet in my local bookstores, and even those further afield.
Amanda

posted by amandameale at 9:03 am (EST) on Mar 26, 2007

LB- i, too, am not much of a "serious" book collector...if i had to choose the "prize possessio" it would probably be a signed first edition of Howard Fast's [Spartacus].

posted by berthirsch at 12:59 pm (EST) on Mar 22, 2007

Hey Louis- its been awhile...i,too, loved Selby's Last EXit To Brooklyn....I actually work in Bay Ridge Brooklyn now.

posted by berthirsch at 4:27 pm (EST) on Mar 21, 2007

Oh Louis Branning how sad it makes me to see that you have James Jones's biography of Kinsey but not Jonathon Gathorn-Hardy's. I am disturbed to think that you might believe bad Mr. Jones. Sex The Measure Of All Things is really a delightful book, a charming read (at many points he'll step back from his narrative in order to inform his British audience of tidbits of Americana, such as how awful the weather is in the Midwest), and a much more balanced look at a great, great man. If you are at *all* inclined, I so strongly recommend it. He also specifically takes on the Jones biography in places, pointing out the errors in research or interpretation.

Hope all is well for you this bitterly cold January.

janey47

posted by janey47 at 8:21 pm (EST) on Jan 16, 2007

Louis, just wondering if your contemplating reading the new Martin Amis. I've been reading some of the reviews and it's strange, some have high praise, others say it's pedestrian.

posted by SeanLong at 12:44 pm (EST) on Jan 16, 2007

Wow Louis -- you are a popular Library thing guy --

I have just a few pages of Midnight's Children left. I definately liked it, however I am not sure I understood it all. I think you would like a A Fine Balance -- its a similar story to Midnight's Children but not as heavy handed with the allegory and the magical realism.

posted by jhowell at 8:56 am (EST) on Jan 11, 2007

Thanks for those recommendations, Louis. I've heard quite a few good things about The Children's Hospital and have put that on my list, along with his first book, [Gob's Grief], which looks quite intriguing. Have you read this? I may just see if I can pick both of those up today. I was completely unfamiliar with Adrian's books. And that Ferris novel looks like something I would not only like, but could totally relate to. Many thanks. I'll be on the lookout for it March 1.

posted by SeanLong at 9:16 am (EST) on Jan 7, 2007

Hi Louis
Was just reading your message to SeanLong about The Night Watch and given what I know about your preferences I don't think you would like it. It was a satisfactory read - that's all. I was very surprised that it was nominated for anything.
Amanda

posted by amandameale at 7:34 am (EST) on Jan 6, 2007

Louis,

I've been in and out of town so much during the past holidays that I forgot that I wanted to wish you and your family a belated happy holidays. Good reading for the new year!

Sean

posted by SeanLong at 10:23 pm (EST) on Jan 5, 2007

Hi Louis, i read A HANDFUL OF DUST on your rec over the holidays but i was disappointed, but appreciate your rec nonetheless. i had enjoyed SCOOP so much that i may have set my expectations too high. I am now reading THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY which is quite interesting. it is from a sociological perspective.
happy new year. Sig

posted by SigmundFraud at 6:04 pm (EST) on Jan 4, 2007

Hey Louis,

we share some similar tastes...as a younger man I was enraptured by [The Magus], the revise edition...quite magical.

i've yet to read Sutree and some day hope to get to it...as we all know there is so much to read and a finite time to deal with.

good wishes in the new year.

bert

posted by berthirsch at 9:38 am (EST) on Dec 31, 2006

Hi Louis, thanks for your greeting. Christmas must have been lots of fun with your family - I hope you all got plenty of great new reads. Somebody gave our kids some Roald Dahl, and my daughter zoomed through James and the Giant Peach on Christmas Day, and is looking forward to more. Two of our kids have read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a big hit. It's a delight to introduce the kids some of my favourite books that I read and re-read as a child.

posted by tripleblessings at 2:16 am (EST) on Dec 27, 2006

Hi Louis,
thanks for your response to the Gordimer story...it was so short yet so fulfilling.

have a great holiday.

bert

posted by berthirsch at 8:13 pm (EST) on Dec 20, 2006

Louis!! 7year old triplets!!! I don't know how you read ANYTHING!@@#@!
Amanda

posted by amandameale at 7:16 am (EST) on Dec 20, 2006

Dear Louis, Just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas in case I forget later. And a happy reading year to you.
Amanda

posted by amandameale at 7:50 am (EST) on Dec 19, 2006

Glad you liked my list, Louis.

I've been meaning to ask if you have read Sarah Waters' Night Watch. I've been on the fence about reading this for months and would value your thoughts.

Thanks,
Sean

posted by SeanLong at 3:59 pm (EST) on Dec 12, 2006

Hi Louis
I noticed that you liked Black Swan Green. I recommend Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell - it's extraordinary and I liked it very much.
Amanda

posted by amandameale at 8:28 am (EST) on Dec 8, 2006

Thank you Louis for your reply, which confirms my line of thought. I will wait for the next novel. Some novels are better without resolution or tampering.
I didn't immediately think of "Under the Skin" when reading "Never let me go" but I'll reflect upon the connection.
Have you read "The observations" by Jane Harris? It is also set in Victorian England, although not London and has a raucous, rumbustious heroine and a captivating plot line. It is an excellent first novel ... you may be aware of the good reviews it has received. Together with "Arthur and George" by Julian Barnes, it is one of my top books of 2006.
May I also say, how elegant and handsome your catalogue appears.
Bon chance!
L..r

posted by lizzier at 2:28 pm (EST) on Dec 7, 2006

Hello. Just read your comment on "What are you reading this week?" and noted your comment about Michel Faber and "Under the Skin", a stunningly bloody read, which may be single-handedly responsible for the upsurge in vegetable eating in this country.
May I ask if you are drawn to read "The Apple: new Crimson Petal stories"? I'm not sure if I want finite answers and would be interested to know if this is the case.

posted by lizzier at 4:45 pm (EST) on Dec 5, 2006

Thanks for your comments about the new Ford novel, Louis. I downloaded and listened to an NPR interview with him this morning on my ipod that was broadcast last week. After listening to the interview and reading a few passages from the novel in the bookstore this morning, I decided to pass on purchasing it. I'm glad your comments verify my decision. I did, however, purchase a copy of the Fowles Journals, Vol. II, but is it necessary to read Vol. I first?

Irish (Sean)

posted by SeanLong at 10:47 am (EST) on Dec 2, 2006

Louis,

Although it's only been out a couple of weeks, I was wondering if you have read Richard Ford's latest, The Lay of the Land. If so, I'd like to hear what you thought of it. I read Independence Day years ago when it was first published. I am seriously considering purchasing Ford's latest since it's so heavily discounted right now at B&N. For what it's worth, The New York Times named it as one of the 10 best books of 2006.

Thanks,

posted by SeanLong at 8:59 pm (EST) on Dec 1, 2006

Hi Louis, Very interested to read your favourites for 2006. So, I've decided to start a new thread for this on What are Your Reading Now.
Amanda

posted by amandameale at 8:56 pm (EST) on Dec 1, 2006

Hi Louis,
Thx for taking the time to respond. I will move up in priority A HANDFUL OF DUST. My wife loved it as well. I read SCOOP this summer and found it hilarious so i am looking forward to reading your suggestion. I will take a look at your list of books for 2006. I am reading LET IT BE MORNING now and like it a lot. it is written by Arab Israeli, translated from the Hebrew, and it give one another viewpoint on what is going on in the middle east. next in my pile is Angels by Denis Johnson. keep in touch. david (alias SigmundFraud)

posted by SigmundFraud at 4:27 pm (EST) on Dec 1, 2006

i like writing that is sparse, clean, few adjectives as in Alice Munro stories. Can you recommend any that fit this description.

posted by SigmundFraud at 12:01 am (EST) on Nov 27, 2006

Thank you Louis. I have three of these on my list and will investigate the others. I read about one third of Blue Afternoon by William Boyd and found it overloaded with adjectives and verbs that served no good purpose. Still, I've read good reports of him.
Thanks again
Amanda

posted by amandameale at 8:48 pm (EST) on Nov 9, 2006

THOUGHT you might have...

posted by amandameale at 7:51 am (EST) on Nov 9, 2006

Louis, I like your posts on the message boards. I read literary fiction too -no trash allowed. Could you tell me a few of your favourite novels of the last couple of years?? I find Australians are slightly more aware of British fiction than American and though you might have some gems I don't know about.

posted by amandameale at 7:50 am (EST) on Nov 9, 2006

And thanks for the McKinty recs, Louis. I was completley unaware of him. I don't know how he escaped my radar. I'm definitely going to check those out.

posted by SeanLong at 2:29 pm (EST) on Nov 7, 2006

Louis! It's good to hear from you! I was wondering where you went. I, as well as many others in the ville were wondering where you went, and missed your insightful reviews. I haven't been an active member here long but plan to be, and am still in the process of entering my books. I love your library and have put many of your books on my wish list. Looking forward to seeing what books you purchase and reading your reviews. All the best to you, Louis.

posted by SeanLong at 2:23 pm (EST) on Nov 7, 2006

Thanks Louis

posted by amandameale at 7:06 am (EST) on Nov 2, 2006

Louis, yes I phrased it badly but I DO UNDERSTAND. Charles Lindbergh was never President. Today I looked up The Plot Against America in 1001 Books You Must Read...etc to discover how much of the novel is factual. I underestand now that it is an alternative history. Moreover, Roth does include historical facts as a postscript.
Thank you again, I would have been so wrong and so confused.
Amanda

posted by amandameale at 7:17 am (EST) on Nov 1, 2006

Louis..I work at a small independent book shop in Louisiana...but put my second son in college last weekend in Jackson...have to cruise through Lemuria when in Jackson. What a great store. My hats off to them.

posted by bettyjo at 5:24 pm (EST) on Aug 20, 2006

(Perhaps redundant) Read "Heart Earth," Ivan Doig's loving memoir of his mother (who died when he was 6). He develops a portrait of her based on letters she wrote in 1945....letters an uncle finally gives him in 1992. Esta1923

posted by Esta1923 at 2:23 pm (EST) on Aug 4, 2006

You have a first edition copy of Evelyn Waugh's "The Loved One"? You are my new hero. Enjoyed scrolling through your collection. Happy cataloging.

posted by coffeezombie at 6:18 pm (EST) on Jul 21, 2006

Louis: Thanks for your comment about "Empire Made Me". Funny that there are two of us on here with a copy of the book. I had heard nothing about it, but saw it at a book sale and was interested enough to pick it up. I did enjoy it, though I found all the detail about the SMP tough slogging a few times. I think the author did so much detailed research that he didn't want to let any of it go!

posted by John at 2:59 pm (EST) on Jul 5, 2006