If I like reading Annie Proulx, Alice Munro and Barbara Kingsolver, who else might I like?

twobluechickens · 2023-12-28T23:12:52+00:00

Just that really! All ideas welcome.

Original poster

twobluechickens · 23/01/2024 20:12

Thank you! I couldn't remember what it was called.

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Countessofcrisps · 23/01/2024 07:07

twobluechickens · 22/01/2024 17:57

I used to listen to audio books in the car but don't have that capability at the moment - my car and phone can't talk to each other. But yes, I have Sonos so could probably access audio books that way. I think my library offers a subscription too.

Many libraries offer audiobooks through the BorrowBox app. It’s worth investigating as it’s all free.

ReadtheReviews · 22/01/2024 18:30

Also love Alice Munro.

I like Norman MacLean
Cormac McCarthy
Mary Renault
Thomas Mann
Anais Nin

Username123343 · 22/01/2024 18:01

Bernadine Evaristo - particularly Mr Loverman

Original poster

twobluechickens · 22/01/2024 17:57

I used to listen to audio books in the car but don't have that capability at the moment - my car and phone can't talk to each other. But yes, I have Sonos so could probably access audio books that way. I think my library offers a subscription too.

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LittleMonks11 · 22/01/2024 17:57

Anne Tyler

AlwaysFreezing · 22/01/2024 17:55

twobluechickens · 21/01/2024 20:44

Thanks for the additional suggestions - these should keep me going for years! Wish I still had a tube commute: I used to read so much during my commute.

I've recently subscribed to Audible, having never listened to an audio book in my life.

I am really surprised by how much I like it!

Last year I started, but didn't finish dozens of books. Largely because I didn't have the time to read, or I'd read in bed and wouldn't even manage a page before I was fast asleep. Now, when I'm making dinner/tomorrow's lunches, I get an hour of a book in. Marvellous!

Maybe give it a try?

orangelotus · 22/01/2024 11:16

Have you read any colm Toibin?
J Courtney Sullivan, and I also love Elizabeth Berg - very easy reads

HRoosevelt · 22/01/2024 06:41

And second Richard Powers Overstory

HRoosevelt · 22/01/2024 06:39

Kent Haruf ?

Shoppingfiend · 22/01/2024 06:33

I loved Fair and Tender Ladies by Lee Smith as an audiobook set in early 1900s Virginia - follows Ivy Rowe's life through the years. Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver reminded me of it as it also tracked someone's life through good and bad times.
It was narrated in the local accent so I'm not sure reading it would be quite the same though it was a best seller when published in it's day. I'm not sure when that was but it was reprinted in 2011.

MillicentTheMagnificent · 21/01/2024 20:49

Elizabeth Strout?

Original poster

twobluechickens · 21/01/2024 20:44

Thanks for the additional suggestions - these should keep me going for years! Wish I still had a tube commute: I used to read so much during my commute.

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OccasionalHope · 21/01/2024 18:09

Anne Tyler
Ann Patchett
Joshilyn Jackson

exexpat · 21/01/2024 18:05

One more for the list: Ruth Ozeki.

ManchesterGirl2 · 21/01/2024 18:01

Maya Angelou,
Jeanette Winterson

exexpat · 21/01/2024 18:00

I would agree with a lot of the previous suggestions, particularly Ann Patchett, Carol Shields, Margaret Laurence, Jane Gardam and Penelope Lively.

People have mostly been suggesting female authors, but if you like the science-y aspects of some of Kingsolver's books, you might enjoy some books by Richard Powers. The Overstory is his best known one, and if you haven't read it that could be a good one to start, but I would also recommend The Echo Maker, Generosity and Gain.

CountFucula · 21/01/2024 17:52

Another strong recommend for Richard Russo

PangramAddict · 21/01/2024 17:45

Deborah Levy? Hot Milk ticks all your boxes.

Longlist · 21/01/2024 17:40

All the above! I used to enjoy Louise Erdrich, too.

basilpesto · 30/12/2023 17:01

Seconding -
Ann Patchett
Donna Tartt
Helen Dunsmore

And adding -
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Elizabeth Jane Howard

RoyalCorgi · 30/12/2023 16:18

Barbara Trapido
Ann Tyler
Kate Atkinson
Carol Shields
Alison Lurie
Margaret Atwood
Jane Gardam
Sarah Waters

All mentioned already, I think, apart from Trapido.

SheilaFentiman · 30/12/2023 11:30

Elizabeth strout.

Cattymonster · 30/12/2023 11:26

Try Fredrik Backman and Richard Russo. Both wonderful 👍

Original poster

twobluechickens · 30/12/2023 10:15

@AlwaysFreezing yes I have read Prodigal Summer, and loved it. I read a lot of non-fiction nature/environment books (eg James Rebanks, Roger Deakin, Robert MacFarlane, John Lewis-Stempel etc) so PS was a great extension to that. Another reason I like Proulx - landscapes are as important as characters in her books. Easy to get carried away and lost in imagining those places.

I can't remember if I have read any Allende; if I have it was a long time ago!

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