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Whether a useful guide for
new writers or just an all-time favorite, these novels and
books here for
you to consider and enjoy.
All descriptions authored by
recommender and/or Editor.
Marilynne Robinson, Home
 
This novel explores all the
refinement, introspection, expectation, and necessary
disappointment in the human race that comes with a
Presbyterian upbringing. If you come from that
background, you will appreciate the novel's voice,
movements, and devastating conclusion, while also better
understanding a few particularly American archetypes.
recommended by Meghan, reader
Miranda
July, No One Belongs Here More Than You
  July
is a genius at exploiting the universal desire to connect
with others through awkward and unexpected interactions.
Despite the gut-wrenching reality of raw emotion, July never
fails to leave readers with a deeper understanding of story
telling and life.
recommended by Leah, reader
John
Irving,
The World
According to Garp
  A
novel length extension of short story weirdness that
follows a plot you never would have thought of but seems
perfectly reasonable in some distorted way. And it
ends just the way Garp would have written it.
Definitely a "don't watch the movie, read the book
instead" experience.
recommended by Alyssa, reader
Carole Maso,
Break Every Rule
 Break
every rule, read every page. Maso's love for language
is profound and moving. Our advice? Don't read
it cover to cover, but instead pick a page and read it over
and over. Then, the next day, pick another page, and
so on until you've read it all. It works. That's
how powerful Maso's words are. Just a page's worth
will leave you in awe.
Recommended by Kristin, Reader &
Matthew, Editor
Norton Juster, The Phantom
Tollbooth
 This
timeless masterpiece is an exploration of a world that can
be appreciated by anyone with an imagination. Juster's
world of fantastical realism is a writer's literary
dictionary come to life. There's Tock, the Ticking
Watchdog; the Island of Conclusions (reached only by
jumping); Dictionopolis, the city of words; and so much
more. This is the kind of book that makes you
appreciate the nuances and subtlety of language and words,
and it will surely leave a smile on your face.
recommended by
Matthew, Editor
Chuck
Palahniuk, Fight Club
  Before
there was the movie, there was the novel. Palahniuk's
foray into the madness of one man is both riveting and
illuminating. Serving as one of the best examples of the no-name
narrator and how to play with POV shifts, Palahniuk's book
is a must-have. He aptly
demonstrates his knowledge of the literary tradition,
while also skillfully defying it—all to tell a story that is
as entertaining as it is artful.
recommended by Matthew, Editor
David Benioff,
When the Nines Roll Over
 This short
story collection is a personal favorite. Each story is
a fine example of craft—every detail matters and every word
of dialogue is essential. David Benioff is
also the author of The 25th Hour and has penned
several films, including Troy and the upcoming X-Men
spinoff Wolverine. But don't let the Hollywood
titles deter you. Benioff is a versatile writer, and
his literary skills are superbly displayed in this
collection.
recommended by Matthew, Editor
Jerome Stern,
Making Shapely Fiction
  Jerome Stern's
"how-to" guide may seem like a terrible suggestion for
creative writing, but this book is a must for the new
writer. It covers the gamut of literary terms and
principles—from clichés to dialogue and point-of-view to the
grotesque, Stern details everything you need to know to avoid
what's already been done and make your own voice resonate.
recommended by
Matthew, Editor
Raymond Carver,
Where I'm Calling From
  No
short story collection is complete without Raymond Carver.
Carver's knack for detail and his unforgettable characters
will make you writhe, cry, and feel humbled. Where
I'm Calling From spans two decades of Carver's stories,
arranged in chronological order, making it a pleasure to
witness one writer's growth, transformation, and enduring
legacy.
recommended by all staff
Amy Hempel,
The Collected Stories of Amy Hempel
Another master of
the minimalist form, Amy Hempel's stories are sheer delight
to read. And if there's one reason to buy this collection,
it's The Cemetery Where Al Jolson Is Buried, a
brilliant, heartbreaking story of friendship, fear, and
forgiveness. You won't remember just the stories;
you'll remember the way the words danced across the page to
an undeniable rhythm.
recommended by Matthew, Editor
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