/lit/ - Literature

Okay; I'm going. I'll be back later and do anybody I've missed.

Fun new game: guess which recommendation belongs to you! OR, guess which three books were listed to result in a particular suggestion!

Enjoy.

>>1418865
Hehehe, this made me chuckle. Are you serious? If so, check out, 'The Family.' It will give you more things to worry and obsess about.

>>1419078
Well, to be fair, you started with 'How To Talk;' it is only natural that one would assume you wanted bragging rights more than story. If you want judgment, mine is that you're probably still approaching things from too modern a standpoint, and you need to engage with some real classics. Hit up some epic poetry; the Illiad, of course, but 'Paradise Lost' and 'Gilgamesh,' as well.

>>1419084
Oooh, I've not read any of the Dresden Files, but they do look very fascinating. What are they like? Good combination of books, here; I like a mix of challenging and enjoyable reading. I think you might enjoy 'Motherless Brooklyn,' from what I know of the Dresden Files. It's an excellent read. There are no supernatural elements but it's a hard-boiled detective story with interesting language and characterisation.

>>1419130
'Spin' looks incredible; I actually haven't read anything that is on your list. I guess it's tempting to judge people that read Hubbard, but I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume it is curiosity. You might enjoy 'Illusions' by Bach; it's a very neat little book with interesting themes.

>>1416682
Hmm; this list is composed entirely of books I genuinely really loved reading. If you're reading through the classics as your goal, I'm going to give you my best advice:
1) Always read the fairytales.
Many readers start with The Big Names in a particular region of literature; you look like you're heading down the Japanese path, which is fine. Start by reading Japanese fairy tales, though. They always give you a good sense of what is valued and what the moral expectations should be of both the author and the characters.
2) If you are reading a specific author, read their debut.
Not that it is their 'best' work, nor that it is their 'autobiographical' novel (not always the case) but because it helps you understand what is important enough to them that made them pick up their pen.

>>1416956
Your list contains good books, but the lack of capitalsation makes me fear that you're a 'poseur.' As a result I shall suggest that you indulge this by reading more decent books that have been Hipster fetishised. These include anything Auster and 'The History of Love.'

>>1417776
Hahhaa, yes, I had to read 'Ceremony' and a Morrison novel as well. Did you enjoy them? While you're American Literature-ing it up, go ahead and read some Walt Whitman. Excellent poetry.

>>1418837
Yeahhhhh... sorry about that.

>>1418855
I haven't read 'The Illustrated Man,' perhaps I should. Your list appeals to me. Did you love 'The Beach'? I found it very good, but I could be biased, because it's the kind of novel that appeals to me. I think you might enjoy Jeanette Winterson; she's remarkable for a combination of hilarious realism and yet completely bizarre absurdism.

>>1416332
So glad you've read 'Hunger,' it's amazing. You may enjoy something by Levi, by the looks of what you're reading.

>>1416429
I've enjoyed the Thomas Covenant books, despite my lack of affection for fantasy. Tom Sawyer never appealed to me, I have to say. If you're comfortable with verbosity, 'Ivanhoe' is fantastic - all the adventure you could possibly want!

>>1416459
Thomas Mann is definitely <3, I hope you enjoyed that novel. I haven't read much about the French revolution (I'm shockingly under-informed) and, although it may seem a bit of a leap, for you I'm recommending the plays of Eugene Ionesco; they're absurdist but very, very clever.

>>1416628
Suit yourself. You could read through and see if any my recommendations are decent before making such a judgement, but if you prefer to base your decisions on my choice in films, by all means do that.

>>1416665
Awesome list. I haven't read Maeterlinck (is he the one with the history of plagiarism?) but I love that you're reading some children's classics. There is, of course, so much to explore here, but I am selfishly going to suggest you read the Moomin books; particularly 'Finn Family Moomintroll' because nobody (in Australia, anyway) ever knows what I mean when I talk about these and they MADE my childhood.

>>1416255
I know I've said before that fantasy/sci fi is not my 'thing.' I guess I have to suggest that you stick with what you love, though; why not? I know that anything I've read fantasy-wise will be something you've already read; I can, however, suggest you read some 'News from Nowhere,' which is an amazing utiopian novel that you may enjoy.

>>1416273
Interesting. I can't say I've read 'Battle Royale,' it looks like a grown-up version of the Hunger Games (although it would have come first.) I like the premise, is it terribly gory? I guess this means you've read a lot of Palahniuk and Easton Ellis. I'm going to recommend 'The Odyssey,' if you haven't read it. It really has it all.


>>1416314
Hey D&E, we've had some pretty great discussions on here before (I don't usually trip) and I find it interesting that you dislike me as soon as I adopt one. What is your reasoning?

>>1416318
I'll totally come at you, bro. 'Let the Right One In' was faaaantastic; I'm reading his 'Harbour' now (not true; I've read three chapters and am now waiting for a sunny day to continue, I'm soft) and it is remarkable, already. Dickens is far from my favourite author but hopefully you'll like his stuff. I love Salinger. I am currently reading 'The Lonely Polygamist,' in lieu of terrifying myself, and I'm really loving it. You may want to look into it.

>>1416324
24, actually.

>>1416154
...did you read them for school? Fitzgerald is one of my favourite writers; it pains me to see his titles without their due capitalisation. I think you should try coming-of-age novels; 'The Colour Purple,' 'Catcher in the Rye' and 'Looking for Alaska' are all good examples.

>>1416160
This is an intersting combination, definitely. I hated 'the Bell Jar,' but Invisible Monsters was okay. I haven't read 'Don Quixote' (I know) so I am afraid I cannot judge. I have to say, 'The Secret History' (Tartt) may work for combining what appeals about those texts. I do love that book.

>>1416224
Genre-mixing ftw; I think you'd enjoy "Important Artifacts and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion, and Jewelry" by Leanne Shapton; it's poignant and beautiful, imo, although it should be cheesy by all rights. The best poetry novels I've ever, ever read have been by Dorothy Porter, who is *brilliant.* (Yes, I am plugging another AUssie.) She was an incredible poet.

>>1416228
This is a really nice list. Have you enjoyed them? I haven't read 'Paradise of the Blind,' but it looks very good. I am a big Miller fan; for some reason, reading T.o.Cancer always leads to me re-reading Therese Raquin (I don't know why; perhaps the sense of excess leads to a desire for a more 'closed' setting?) Also, 'Sons & Lovers,' although the connection is a little more obvious there.

>>1416094
<3 <3 <3 - nothing I like more than finding a poetry lover. For you I suggest Dean Young, omg, there's 'Elegy on Toy Piano' which is <3 and also he's written some prose ON poetry that is beautiful.

>>1416096
Something I really like is that you said you loved them all. This makes me happy. I especially loved Brave New World, I love a good authorial trap for the reader. For you, I suggest Thoreau's 'Walden.'

>>1416115
I'm not really going to comment on this, or suggest you break your pattern. However, try reading the Thousand and One Nights. I'm sure the Ramayana, Rig Veda and Mahabharata are all on your list already?

>>1416147
You're pessimistic, but not unhappy; fatalistic but not resigned. Read 'The Dice Man.' DO IT.

>>1416151
You would really enjoy 'A Confederacy of Dunces' imo. 'Thumbsucker' was good but does ooze the sort of hipsterism that leads to people reading 'the Perks of Being a Wallflower' and 'Bright Lights Big City.' Also good books; 'BLBC' is especially good to bring up in conversation and witter on about how marvelous second-person-persepective is.

>>1416053
Congratulations on being the first to have listed three books I'd never heard of. You may have guessed that sci-fi and fantasy are not my areas. They look like interesting books, though. I can only steer you toward plain lit, I'm afraid. Perhaps you would enjoy Kafka?

>>1416082
This is a very 'classic' list. Have these been set for you, or is it a phase you're in? I actually really liked all of these; going from here, I would suggest anything Hemingway or Faulkner, but only because that was what I read at about the same time as I read those.

>>1416082
It makes me sad that you read 'The God Delusion;' I hope this was not the only Dawkins you've read, and if it isn't, that you dont' let you put it off him. This list suggests that you're curious. I am going to suggest 'Snow' or 'My Name is Red' by Pamuk, because I think he's under-read.

>>1416083
Problem? Are you kidding? I LOVED JPod, AND '...said the shotgun.' I haven't even heard of a Man Named Dave but a quick look on Wikipedia makes it look absolutely traumatic.
If you liked Coupland, you may enjoy 'Transmission' by Hari Kunzru. I make no guarantees, though. Have you read any of Saul WIlliams other stuff?

>>1416089
Awesome choice with the Masuji Ibuse and the Salinger, and let's face it, nobody can dislike Pratchett. I don't even really care for his genre, and I like Pratchett. Have you read any Banana Yoshimoto? Very entertaining stuff; I suggest 'Kitchen' as a fascinating place to start.

>>1416039
I like you. It's always nice to see somebody enjoying Dostoevsky and Vonnegut beyond C&P and S5. I haven't read Vonneguts shorter stuff, actually. You probably have a sly sense of humour. Have you considered a selection of Hunter S. Thompson's gonzo writings? Or, Wallace's 'Consider the Lobster' may be your thing.

>>1416040
Oooh, I haven't read Petersburg; it's on my wishlist. Is it as good as it sounds? I love the appearance of Tom Clancy; I like that you're a) reading fun stuff as well and b) unashamed to admit it. This makes you a non-wanker imo. I don't even know what to suggest for you! Perhaps some Hamsun, or 'Independent People' by Laxness.

>>1416041
Anybody who reads Murakami beyond a couple of texts tends to be an ALice fan, imo. Your reading of my GEB confirms this, that's very Carroll-esque. You're a fan of twisted narratives and weird but beautifully set worlds, perhaps try 'Brasyl.' You would DEFINITELY love 'The Fall of Sleep,' by Jean-Luc Nancy.

>>1416044
Are you serious?
There's no way that you're serious.
Those are the last three books that you've read? Yeah, right. If that is true, you probably have Farenheit 411 next on you list but actually need a break. Read 'The Name of the Wind.'

>>1416049
Technically, judging anybody based on what they've read can be a pretty harsh and senseless action. Also it turns out I lack the ability to be a good judge. I'm much better at suggestions.

I hope some of you recognise yourselves; I lost the the thread and now the quoted posts refer to lost people. :( I am sorry!

If you got missed, please repost.

I'll get to you eventually.

>>1416032
Are you enjoying the vingettes at the moment? I think I'll recommend something in the same vein, becuase they're fun. Consider 'Nocturnes' by Ishiguro; it's very beautiful. However, if you are interested in something a little more classical, consider the Decameron.

>>1416035
Assuming you aren't trolling, my judgement is to avoid taking all of /lit/s advice so seriously. Those are all good books, it's the combination that is intersting. Did you like any of them? All of them? Recommendation for you: read something a little less intense this time. Something enjoyable, perhaps gory. I'm going to go out on a limb and actually *suggest* some Palahuinik. Go with 'Choke.' Irving could also be an option; as could 'John Dies at the End.'

My actual long thread 404'd. :(

I'll repost the ones I did recently; If I missed you, repost. I'll be gone for about eight hours, but when I get back to you, I'll do you again.

To the 'Kitchen' poster: ...it could be where I got my trip, indeed! I actually hate real bananas.

OKAY GUYS, WRITING IN CAPS AND GETTING NAKED, SO YOU WILL ACTUALLY PAY ATTENTION TO THIS IMAGE.

I AM UP TO
>>1419136
AND WILL BE DOING ANYBODY WHO APPEARS BETWEEN THAT POST AND THIS IN A FEW HOURS FROM NOW.

ANYBODY AFTER THAT, SORRY, BUT THIS WILL BE TOO BORING BY THEN. ALSO, AT SOME POINT I WILL RUN OUT OF SUGGESTIONS! I'LL BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS WHAT I'VE WRITTEN WITH ANYBODY, BUT NO NEW RECOMMENDATIONS, I'M JUST TOO LAZY. THAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH BANANAS. LOW G.I.

HAVE A FUN DAY, EVERYBODY!

>>1418837
Yeahhhhh... sorry about that.

>>1418855
I haven't read 'The Illustrated Man,' perhaps I should. Your list appeals to me. Did you love 'The Beach'? I found it very good, but I could be biased, because it's the kind of novel that appeals to me. I think you might enjoy Jeanette Winterson; she's remarkable for a combination of hilarious realism and yet completely bizarre absurdism.

>>1418865
Hehehe, this made me chuckle. Are you serious? If so, check out, 'The Family.' It will give you more things to worry and obsess about.

>>1419078
Well, to be fair, you started with 'How To Talk;' it is only natural that one would assume you wanted bragging rights more than story. If you want judgment, mine is that you're probably still approaching things from too modern a standpoint, and you need to engage with some real classics. Hit up some epic poetry; the Illiad, of course, but 'Paradise Lost' and 'Gilgamesh,' as well.

>>1419084
Oooh, I've not read any of the Dresden Files, but they do look very fascinating. What are they like? Good combination of books, here; I like a mix of challenging and enjoyable reading. I think you might enjoy 'Motherless Brooklyn,' from what I know of the Dresden Files. It's an excellent read. There are no supernatural elements but it's a hard-boiled detective story with interesting language and characterisation.

>>1419130
'Spin' looks incredible; I actually haven't read anything that is on your list. I guess it's tempting to judge people that read Hubbard, but I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume it is curiosity. You might enjoy 'Illusions' by Bach; it's a very neat little book with interesting themes.

>>1416665
Awesome list. I haven't read Maeterlinck (is he the one with the history of plagiarism?) but I love that you're reading some children's classics. There is, of course, so much to explore here, but I am selfishly going to suggest you read the Moomin books; particularly 'Finn Family Moomintroll' because nobody (in Australia, anyway) ever knows what I mean when I talk about these and they MADE my childhood.

>>1416682
Hmm; this list is composed entirely of books I genuinely really loved reading. If you're reading through the classics as your goal, I'm going to give you my best advice:
1) Always read the fairytales.
Many readers start with The Big Names in a particular region of literature; you look like you're heading down the Japanese path, which is fine. Start by reading Japanese fairy tales, though. They always give you a good sense of what is valued and what the moral expectations should be of both the author and the characters.
2) If you are reading a specific author, read their debut.
Not that it is their 'best' work, nor that it is their 'autobiographical' novel (not always the case) but because it helps you understand what is important enough to them that made them pick up their pen.

>>1416956
Your list contains good books, but the lack of capitalsation makes me fear that you're a 'poseur.' As a result I shall suggest that you indulge this by reading more decent books that have been Hipster fetishised. These include anything Auster and 'The History of Love.'

>>1417776
Hahhaa, yes, I had to read 'Ceremony' and a Morrison novel as well. Did you enjoy them? While you're American Literature-ing it up, go ahead and read some Walt Whitman. Excellent poetry.

>>1416318
I'll totally come at you, bro. 'Let the Right One In' was faaaantastic; I'm reading his 'Harbour' now (not true; I've read three chapters and am now waiting for a sunny day to continue, I'm soft) and it is remarkable, already. Dickens is far from my favourite author but hopefully you'll like his stuff. I love Salinger. I am currently reading 'The Lonely Polygamist,' in lieu of terrifying myself, and I'm really loving it. You may want to look into it.

>>1416324
24, actually.

>>1416332
So glad you've read 'Hunger,' it's amazing. You may enjoy something by Levi, by the looks of what you're reading.

>>1416429
I've enjoyed the Thomas Covenant books, despite my lack of affection for fantasy. Tom Sawyer never appealed to me, I have to say. If you're comfortable with verbosity, 'Ivanhoe' is fantastic - all the adventure you could possibly want!

>>1416459
Thomas Mann is definitely <3, I hope you enjoyed that novel. I haven't read much about the French revolution (I'm shockingly under-informed) and, although it may seem a bit of a leap, for you I'm recommending the plays of Eugene Ionesco; they're absurdist but very, very clever.

>>1416628
Suit yourself. You could read through and see if any my recommendations are decent before making such a judgement, but if you prefer to base your decisions on my choice in films, by all means do that.

>>1416224
Genre-mixing ftw; I think you'd enjoy "Important Artifacts and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion, and Jewelry" by Leanne Shapton; it's poignant and beautiful, imo, although it should be cheesy by all rights. The best poetry novels I've ever, ever read have been by Dorothy Porter, who is *brilliant.* (Yes, I am plugging another AUssie.) She was an incredible poet.

>>1416228
This is a really nice list. Have you enjoyed them? I haven't read 'Paradise of the Blind,' but it looks very good. I am a big Miller fan; for some reason, reading T.o.Cancer always leads to me re-reading Therese Raquin (I don't know why; perhaps the sense of excess leads to a desire for a more 'closed' setting?) Also, 'Sons & Lovers,' although the connection is a little more obvious there.

>>1416255
I know I've said before that fantasy/sci fi is not my 'thing.' I guess I have to suggest that you stick with what you love, though; why not? I know that anything I've read fantasy-wise will be something you've already read; I can, however, suggest you read some 'News from Nowhere,' which is an amazing utiopian novel that you may enjoy.

>>1416273
Interesting. I can't say I've read 'Battle Royale,' it looks like a grown-up version of the Hunger Games (although it would have come first.) I like the premise, is it terribly gory? I guess this means you've read a lot of Palahniuk and Easton Ellis. I'm going to recommend 'The Odyssey,' if you haven't read it. It really has it all.

>>1416314
Hey D&E, we've had some pretty great discussions on here before (I don't usually trip) and I find it interesting that you dislike me as soon as I adopt one. What is your reasoning?

>>1416115
I'm not really going to comment on this, or suggest you break your pattern. However, try reading the Thousand and One Nights. I'm sure the Ramayana, Rig Veda and Mahabharata are all on your list already?

>>1416147
You're pessimistic, but not unhappy; fatalistic but not resigned. Read 'The Dice Man.' DO IT.

>>1416151
You would really enjoy 'A Confederacy of Dunces' imo. 'Thumbsucker' was good but does ooze the sort of hipsterism that leads to people reading 'the Perks of Being a Wallflower' and 'Bright Lights Big City.' Also good books; 'BLBC' is especially good to bring up in conversation and witter on about how marvelous second-person-persepective is.

>>1416154
...did you read them for school? Fitzgerald is one of my favourite writers; it pains me to see his titles without their due capitalisation. I think you should try coming-of-age novels; 'The Colour Purple,' 'Catcher in the Rye' and 'Looking for Alaska' are all good examples.

>>1416160
This is an intersting combination, definitely. I hated 'the Bell Jar,' but Invisible Monsters was okay. I haven't read 'Don Quixote' (I know) so I am afraid I cannot judge. I have to say, 'The Secret History' (Tartt) may work for combining what appeals about those texts. I do love that book.

>>1416082
It makes me sad that you read 'The God Delusion;' I hope this was not the only Dawkins you've read, and if it isn't, that you dont' let you put it off him. This list suggests that you're curious. I am going to suggest 'Snow' or 'My Name is Red' by Pamuk, because I think he's under-read.

>>1416083
Problem? Are you kidding? I LOVED JPod, AND '...said the shotgun.' I haven't even heard of a Man Named Dave but a quick look on Wikipedia makes it look absolutely traumatic.
If you liked Coupland, you may enjoy 'Transmission' by Hari Kunzru. I make no guarantees, though. Have you read any of Saul WIlliams other stuff?

>>1416089
Awesome choice with the Masuji Ibuse and the Salinger, and let's face it, nobody can dislike Pratchett. I don't even really care for his genre, and I like Pratchett. Have you read any Banana Yoshimoto? Very entertaining stuff; I suggest 'Kitchen' as a fascinating place to start.

>>1416094
<3 <3 <3 - nothing I like more than finding a poetry lover. For you I suggest Dean Young, omg, there's 'Elegy on Toy Piano' which is <3 and also he's written some prose ON poetry that is beautiful.

>>1416096
Something I really like is that you said you loved them all. This makes me happy. I especially loved Brave New World, I love a good authorial trap for the reader. For you, I suggest Thoreau's 'Walden.'

>>1416041
Anybody who reads Murakami beyond a couple of texts tends to be an ALice fan, imo. Your reading of my GEB confirms this, that's very Carroll-esque. You're a fan of twisted narratives and weird but beautifully set worlds, perhaps try 'Brasyl.' You would DEFINITELY love 'The Fall of Sleep,' by Jean-Luc Nancy.

>>1416044
Are you serious?
There's no way that you're serious.
Those are the last three books that you've read? Yeah, right. If that is true, you probably have Farenheit 411 next on you list but actually need a break. Read 'The Name of the Wind.'

>>1416049
Technically, judging anybody based on what they've read can be a pretty harsh and senseless action. Also it turns out I lack the ability to be a good judge. I'm much better at suggestions.

>>1416053
Congratulations on being the first to have listed three books I'd never heard of. You may have guessed that sci-fi and fantasy are not my areas. They look like interesting books, though. I can only steer you toward plain lit, I'm afraid. Perhaps you would enjoy Kafka?

>>1416082
This is a very 'classic' list. Have these been set for you, or is it a phase you're in? I actually really liked all of these; going from here, I would suggest anything Hemingway or Faulkner, but only because that was what I read at about the same time as I read those.

>>1416032
Are you enjoying the vingettes at the moment? I think I'll recommend something in the same vein, becuase they're fun. Consider 'Nocturnes' by Ishiguro; it's very beautiful. However, if you are interested in something a little more classical, consider the Decameron.

>>1416035
Assuming you aren't trolling, my judgement is to avoid taking all of /lit/s advice so seriously. Those are all good books, it's the combination that is intersting. Did you like any of them? All of them? Recommendation for you: read something a little less intense this time. Something enjoyable, perhaps gory. I'm going to go out on a limb and actually *suggest* some Palahuinik. Go with 'Choke.' Irving could also be an option; as could 'John Dies at the End.'

>>1416039
I like you. It's always nice to see somebody enjoying Dostoevsky and Vonnegut beyond C&P and S5. I haven't read Vonneguts shorter stuff, actually. You probably have a sly sense of humour. Have you considered a selection of Hunter S. Thompson's gonzo writings? Or, Wallace's 'Consider the Lobster' may be your thing.

>>1416040
Oooh, I haven't read Petersburg; it's on my wishlist. Is it as good as it sounds? I love the appearance of Tom Clancy; I like that you're a) reading fun stuff as well and b) unashamed to admit it. This makes you a non-wanker imo. I don't even know what to suggest for you! Perhaps some Hamsun, or 'Independent People' by Laxness.

>>1416027
Was the 'How to Talk About Books You Haven't Read' a gift? Because it looked a bit shite tbh. I haven't read it though, so cannot say. What was it about Werther that you didn't like? If you're looking for accessible classics that will still give you bragging rights, I am going to go with Dickens. I hate him, but for all his faults, he writes interesting characters. If you're looking for something slightly more salacious, D.H. Lawrence is a good option, as well.
AHHHH sorry guys, it's 4am now; I will come back to this tomorrow.

>>1416133
Beauty and the Beast! <3 I love it. I just cried my eyes out because it is late and I am retardedly sentimental.

>>1416138
NO! That is the stuff of nightmares! I want to be able to sleep.

>>1416147
Challenge accepted, will address this later. Must sleep.

>>1416171
'Rohypnol' has sexily tight prose, (I hate superfluous words in novels) and is far, far more clever than most of Chuck's stuff. Carey-wise, <3 'Oscar & Lucinda,' and 'Theft' was good. 'The True History of the Kelly Gang' is pretty incredible, but you may have to be an Aussie to like it. 'Tristan Smith' was fascinating, I loved that, and I will always have a soft spot for 'My Life as a Fake' because I read it after a difficult break-up and it helped immeasurably. He captures voices, Carey.

Also I am way distracted, but this is still fun for me, so I'll keep going, albeit slowly. Watching Disney movies ftw.

>>1415989
Slight pre-occupation with war-related death? I have to say, I always read 'Death of an Adversary' with some Bernhard Schlink as well, 'The Reader' is good but I preferred 'Homecoming.' I enjoy the exploration of the ideas from somebody primary to it and somebody looking back one generation on. Your slim-tome desires could be satisfied with some Knut Hamsen, though.

>>1416002
Are you an Arcade Fire fan? I like Peter Carey, as an Australian, I have read quite a bit of him. I am therefore going to recommend a really FANTASTIC Australian novel, called 'Rohypnol' by Andrew Hutchinson. I recommend this whenever I get the slightest chance. I am an evangelist of his stuff. Anybody who likes Easton Ellis would like him.

>>1416004
Pynchon is nice; McCarthy irritates me (something about his prose.) This is possibly a leap, but for you I suggest Patricia Highsmith, particularly 'Talented Mr. Ripley.' It is very well crafted, depressing, and yet incredibly twisted. If you read and enjoyed 'Gravity's Rainbow,' nearly anything by Umberto Eco is worth reading for you. If, (and it's more likely) you slogged through it for cred, I suggest moving straight to some 'Middlesex' by Eugenides, he is very self-congratulatory in that text. Much more accessible, but very easy to wankify in discussions.

>>1416008
Another one of these 'all one author all at once' people! Subversive literary humour at the reader's expense is fun. This was Nabokov's stock-in-trade, but I can suggest Douglas Coupland for the light-reading version, anything by Derrida for hard-mode, and a modern text I really enjoyed, 'The Raw Shark Texts' for easy mode.

>>1415974
Do you just read through somebody you like? I think you should move onto Graham Greene next; he is accessible enough to be readable, but will give you some punchy themes. Start with 'The Power and the Glory.'

>>1415975
Hmm. Both. I am never very polite to strangers. Poorly brought up.

>>1415978
Hmm, yes, I can see that short stories might well suit you. Rock some Saki, and definitely some Roald Dahl. They will combine enough humour to delight without letting your brain rot.