Book Rec: We Need to Talk About Kevin

[sparrow13]

So I recently finished this book, We Need to Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver. I actually hesitate a bit to recommend it because the subject is just so brutal, and the reading not always easy. But in the end I was really moved by the characters and their pain, and at certain points couldn't put the book down. Shriver's a strong storyteller and a good writer, though at certain times the prose is a little lumpy, and her themes and emotions ring true throughout the book.

I would not recommend this for anyone who wants a light novel to bring on vacation -- but if you are like me and have a hard time finding interesting modern fiction to read, I'd pick this up. Oh and also another one of Shriver's, The Post-Birthday World. Anyway, here's the link:

http://www.amazon.com/We-Need-Talk-...bs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1213112759&sr=8-1

Sparrow

 

[Miss Lee]

I always love your book recommendations. I added this one to my wish list but I don't think I'm ready for such a heavy topic right now. I still haven't brushed off my bit of depression from the god awful winter I had. ;(

 

[lioness]

Sparrow,

Thanks for the recommendation. I have added it to my wish list as well. I have a reputation in my family for reading these types of books.

You might want to check out "Driving with Dead People: A Memoir" by Monica Holloway. The subject matter is depressing but it is told with a touch of humor as well. I read it in a day.

 

[sparrow13]

Jane, thanks for the rec, I've added it to my pile. Let me know how you enjoy WNTTAK when you get around to it.

<<Michele>>. No, I would not recommend this if you are feeling fragile emotionally. I'm going to see if I can come up with some good books for sad times for you.

Sparrow

"The winds of grace are always blowing but it's you who must raise your sail." - Sri Ramakrishna

 

[clothesminded]

I am def. going to pick up a copy of this book. Thanks for the recommendation.

Oh, Driving With Dead People is good!! I've read some excellent memoirs lately, including that one. Also try- Glass Castle, If I Am Missing or Dead, Beautiful Boy, Three Little Words...

If you want to read something VERY, VERY disturbing and graphic check out The End of Alice. (It's not a memoir.) It's the most disturbing book I've ever read. It's so beautifully written though.
Candy is also a good read, but also graphic (not near as bad as The End of Alice graphic though)

I'm currently reading The Bright Forever. It has multiple narrators, which I like. (It's not confusing a la Faulkner, As I Lay Dying) So far, so good.

 

[Miss Lee]

><<Michele>>. No, I would not recommend this if you are
>feeling fragile emotionally. I'm going to see if I can
>come up with some good books for sad times for you.

Oh, thank you! I'm so warmed by your thoughtfulness, I can't tell you. I'm fine, really. We had a rough winter with my niece's accident (she was hit by a car and still not fully recovered), and my brother has had some serious health problems. You know how it is -- it's hard to be up when the people you love are so down.

When I'm feeling emotionally vulnerable I tend to steer away from the heavy stuff.