the only writer who comes close for me is
> jane austen, and they have similar strengths.
Finally got back to the Jane Austen again, Patrick. Got through
'Emma' (very good) and 'Northanger Abbey' (the weakest of the lot so
far, imo, very hard to maintain interest in that one). I'm not sure I
agree with you that 'Pride & Prejudice' is her best. A couple of the
others are just as good, I think, if not better. I just started
'Persuasion' last night & so far I think it's up there with the best.
'Beloved' is the only Toni Morrison I've read. As far as I'm
concerned, that book alone puts her amongst the greats. Beautiful,
powerful, amazing book.
E. M. Forster was a great surprise for me when I first read him. His
books aren't the stereotypical stuffy English literature you might
think they are. 'A Room With a View' was better than Merchant/Ivory's
exquisite film, imo.
I too have been a fan of Anne Rice although I think she's putting out
too many books in too short a time these days. I sort of got burned
out on her.
Barbara,
Tolstoy is well worth the time & effort. I actually like 'War &
Peace' better than 'Anna Karenina'.
Lori,
'Six of One' is one of my all-time favorite books. I haven't read any
of Rita Mae's more recent output but 'Six of One' is one of the most
life-affirming books I have ever read. I recommend it to *everybody*.
It's definitely a feel-good type of book. Hilariously funny one
moment & poignant & tragic the next.
Garret,
Glad you're enjoying Tolkien. I've read the entire trilogy several
times and it never fails to enthrall me.
Those are a few. And you know there may be more.
Mark in Seattle
