If my favourite book is

[somefarawaydream]

Stoner by John Williams, what else might I like? Looking for some inspiration!

Thanks in advance!

[MinervaMcG]

Have you read anything by Kent Haruf?

[MinervaMcG]

I love Stoner too.

My favourite novelists are Patrick Gale, Ann Patchett, Michael Cunningham, William Boyd, Paul Auster, Annie Proulx, Elizabeth Taylor, Carol Shields.

[somefarawaydream]

Minerva no I haven't, anything you would recommend in particular? I'll get browsing now

[somefarawaydream]

There's just something about it isn't there, I've read it about 26 times and need something fresh! But the story is just told in such an unremarkable way, you get to the end, and you think the story is unremarkable, but then it really makes you think and leaves you with this odd feeling haha it's hard to explain but I love the novel!

[BlackIsTheNewBlack]

It changes daily but my top 5 at this moment are...
1: Jane Eyre
2: 1984
3: Bird Box
4: Yesterday's gone seasons 1-5 (technically 5 books)
5: Wolf Hall.

Tomorrow my list could be different!

[mmack]

John Updike's Rabbit, Run is similar in that it's a simple story but it really stays with you. I'd second MinervaMcG recommendation of Carol Shields also. I rarely re-read a book but I've read Unless several times. The Human Stain by Philip Roth is set in academia and is very thought provoking as well.

[bumpetybumpbumpbump]

Have you read revolutionary road?

[SatsukiKusakabe]

I was going to suggest Richard Yates also (Rev Road, as above)

[highlandcoo]

OP have a look at Literature Map.

You can type in John Williams - or any author - and it will give you suggestions of other writers you may like.

[highlandcoo]

Oh, and meant to add that Minerva has given some great suggestions. Ann Patchett in particular is one of my favourite authors.

You could also look at Sue Gee - particularly Earth and Heaven - and also Barbara Kingsilver.

[highlandcoo]

Or Kingsolver!!

[MinervaMcG]

Thanks highlandcoo

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett is my absolute favourite
Any Human Heart - William Boyd
The Hours - Michael Cunningham
Patrick Gale - any, but I particularly loved his most recent - A Place Called Winter
Moon Palace or The Book of Illusions by Paul Auster
The Shipping News - Annie Proulx
Angel by Elizabeth Taylor
The Stone Diaries - Carol Shields.

[SatsukiKusakabe]

Disgrace is a good shout. Bleak and spare but stays with you.

[sarahsarah76]

the girl with the dragon tattoo is fantastic but not for the faint hearted

[sonnybeaudelaire]

Try 'The Heart is a Lonely Hunter'. It's understated and wonderful, like Stoner.