The 50 Best Contemporary Novels Over 500 Pages

Reacting to another book list and this time it’s LitHub’s article on the 50 best contemporary novels over 500 pages published in the past 50 years. I chat about which I like, don’t like and still want to read. Click ‘Show More’ for info & links.
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The 50 Best Contemporary Novels Over 500 Pages by Emily Temple: lithub.com/the-50-best-contem...
Videos mentioned:
The 50 Best Contemporary Novels Under 200 Pages: • The 50 Best Contempora...
My interview with the author and translators of The Eighth Life: • Live Discussion about ...
My video review of Ducks, Newburyport:
• Ducks, Newburyport by ...
5 Awkward Encounters with Authors:
• Book Chat: 5 Awkward E...
Books on the list discussed & links:
Richard Powers, The Overstory
www.bookdepository.com/Overst...
N. K. Jemisin, The Fifth Season
www.bookdepository.com/Fifth-...
Umberto Eco, The Name of the Rose
www.bookdepository.com/Name-R...
Min Jin Lee, Pachinko
www.bookdepository.com/Pachin...
David Mitchell, Cloud Atlas
www.bookdepository.com/Cloud-...
Tana French, The Witch Elm
www.bookdepository.com/Wych-E...
Margaret Atwood, The Robber Bride
www.bookdepository.com/Robber...
Anthony Doerr, All the Light We Cannot See
www.bookdepository.com/All-Li...
John Crowley, Little, Big
www.bookdepository.com/Little...
Jeffrey Eugenides, Middlesex
www.bookdepository.com/Middle...
Helen DeWitt, The Last Samurai
www.bookdepository.com/Last-S...
A.S.Byatt, Possession
www.bookdepository.com/Posses...
Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall
www.bookdepository.com/Wolf-H...
Alexander Chee, The Queen of the Night
www.bookdepository.com/Queen-...
Donna Tartt, The Secret History
www.bookdepository.com/Secret...
Isabella Hammad, The Parisian
www.bookdepository.com/Parisi...
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Americanah
www.bookdepository.com/Americ...
Sarah Waters, Fingersmith
www.bookdepository.com/Finger...
Haruki Murakami, The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle
www.bookdepository.com/Wind-U...
Denis Johnson, Tree of Smoke
www.bookdepository.com/Tree-S...
Salman Rushdie, Midnight’s Children
www.bookdepository.com/Midnig...
Neil Gaiman, American Gods
www.bookdepository.com/Americ...
Michael Chabon, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay
Ken Liu, The Grace of Kings
Jonathan Franzen, The Corrections
Paul Murray, Skippy Dies
Sergio De La Pava, A Naked Singularity
Ian Pears, An Instance of the Fingerpost
Marlon James, A Brief History of Seven Killings
Kate Atkinson, Life After Life
Tom Wolfe, The Bonfire of the Vanities
Hanya Yanagihara, A Little Life
Mark Helprin, Winter’s Tale
William Gaddis, J R
Leslie Marmon Silko, Almanac of the Dead
Thomas Pynchon, Mason & Dixon
Samuel R. Delany, Dhalgren
Ken Follett, The Pillars of the Earth
Stephen King, The Stand
Don DeLillo, Underworld
Eleanor Catton, The Luminaries
Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove
Roberto Bolaño, 2666
Vikram Chandra, Sacred Games
Lucy Ellmann, Ducks, Newburyport
David Foster Wallace, Infinite Jest
Peter Nadas, tr. Imre Goldstein, Parallel Stories
Joseph McElroy, Women and Men
Vikram Seth, A Suitable Boy
Forthcoming books:
Night. Sleep. Death. The Stars by Joyce Carol Oates
Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell
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Get in touch
Book Blog: lonesomereader.com/
Twitter: / lonesomereader
Instagram: / lonesomereader
Facebook: tinyurl.com/hfkkhus
Goodreads: tinyurl.com/h8uus5t
LetterBoxd: letterboxd.com/lonesomereader/
Email: [e-mail]

[@Ematched]

_Mason & Dixon_ is an absolutely astonishing novel of loss and a friendship that blossoms between coworkers. It's global in scale with fun and quirky little subplots that tie in historical figures, emerging technology, and contemporaneous mythology, all written in 18th Century diction. Of all Pynchon's work, this novel definitely has the most heart.

[@KDbooks]

I recently reviewed A Little Life and when making some notes, I kept going back to this novel exploring men’s mental health. With male suicide on the rise, I thinks it’s a novel we need for our times.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Definitely!

[@hollyc4624]

What a great list and terrific overview. I have several of these on my TBR or I’ve read. I recently got The Eighth Life because of you raving about it. I adore Joyce Carol Oates and can’t wait for this one. She’s amazing. I also love Murakami and have read a few of his. I can see why you showed your signed edition from him! I’ve read the Follett trilogy and I am looking forward to the prequel coming in the fall. My only addition to your description of his work is that although it is historical fiction, it’s really a family saga as well. Throughout the series, we follow the same families (through different generations) and that really makes the story. Thank you for the excellent content! Stay safe and healthy.

[@dylanmcmahon4902]

Hey Eric, I just wanted to thank you for introducing me to Ducks, Newburyport! I'm at about page 720 and it is absolutely incredible. Your whole channel is a great escape and always gives amazing book recommendations. Take care and stay safe out there!!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That makes me so happy to hear! Thank you. And glad we can escape together.

[@snowy9555]

Fantastic video Eric 👍📚 My favourite big book is ‘Crimson Petal and The White’ .

[@wavaleebranch]

Every one of your videos are a JOY! When I see a new one pop here or on Facebook, I know I’m in for a real treat! Thank you so much for all you do! You are a gem!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you! 🤗📚

[@nancykoeppel9587]

Another great presentation Eric! I really appreciate your honesty about books. When I read tomes such as described here I find myself expecting more from the author because I am giving them a big chunk of my time. I am currently reading 2666 by Bolano which I admit I started with a bad attitude ( book group selection - not mine) but I am 350 pages in and get why it is an important book to read. I like you was in the middle of the road with A Little Life - heavy on the pain but some good writing. I also loved A Suitable Boy so get your copy from your parents’ house - they will appreciate the room it gives them when you take it away. Take care.

[@annenilsen2665]

Possession is fantastic!! Loved it!

[@hedgiecc]

Quite an interesting, diverse list. Great video! I was surprised to have ticked off quite a few of these already. Where we overlap I tend to agree with your verdicts, except for ‘Queen of the Night’ which I really didn’t get on with at all. I adored Possession but read it so long ago now. Am sad to have lost my first edition! A Suitable Boy is amazing - the polar opposite of Rushdie: it leans more into rich characterisation and lush narrative. Very much in the style of Middlemarch or War and Peace. I’ve preordered the Goldsboro special edition of the new David Mitchell - soo jealous you have a copy already!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yeah, I know not everyone loves Queen of the Night but I enjoyed it so much. If A Suitable Boy is the opposite of Rushdie I expect I'll really love it! :)

[@karenkoutsoumbaris6308]

Thankyou Eric, just wanted to tell you pillars of the Earth was one of my favorites, you should try it... I love big books ! I look forward to hear about Joyce Carol Oates newest book that you’re reading....

[@heatherc2939]

Eric, I'm so glad you loved The Eighth Life, and what joy it must have been to interview the author and translators! I really must be getting on with Ducks, but this pandemic has destroyed my concentration. Short novel recommendation: Such Small Hands by Spanish writer Andre Barbas, with intro by Edmund White. Spooky and alarming. Cheers!

[@KellieRobinson965]

I adore Donna Tartt and I always remember her characters with the same connection and fondness as I felt when reading, but after much pushing to read The Secret History I can't help but agree! It was amazing but I certainly felt like I was a little oversold. Great video as always thank you :)

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I'm sure if I read The Secret History when I was in college I would have LOVED it. Glad you feel similarly.

[@TheFloMachine]

Regarding A Little Life, I'm one of those who loved it, and consider it one of my all time favourite books, but it is the only book on my list of favourites that I did not give 5 stars haha. It is because while I personally got so into the story and the characters, I completely understand and see the issues people have with it, and I had some issues with it myself, particularly the writing. But, still, it is one of my favourites. I'm going to read Ducks, Newburyport soon because of you, even though the amount of pages intimidate me!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That's really interesting. Don't be intimidated - just give it a try! You'll know soon enough whether you're likely to enjoy the rest of it or not. Hope you do like it though!

[@bearlincs]

I'd definitely recommend novels like 'The Name of the Rose', 'Jonathon Strange and Mr.Norrell'', 'Cloud Atlas', and 'The Stand'. The first three do play literary games with the reader but are still good reads. Three more I would like to read are 'Possession', 'Little, Big' and 'Dhalgren'.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

👍📚

[@LudvigReads]

I'm definitely one of those who really loves both The Secret History and A little life, two of my favorite books of all time. But I do get why people have such different views on them. I'll go ahead and put Ducks, Newburyport on my summer TBR as it is finally available at my local library!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great, I hope you enjoy Ducks as much as I do!

[@Gagging4Lit]

Never heard of about half of these so can't wait to get around to them at some point. Just finished Wolf Hall and loved it (wish I had the other parts of the trilogy now). Have Ducks, Newburyport to read soon so am excited to read that now I know a bit more about it. Thanks for doing this list!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I'm so glad you'll be reading Ducks!

[@jamiebbooks]

Nice list. I've only read 18 of these, and for the most part I liked the ones I've read, so my TBR will be absorbing the rest. :)

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Hope you find some new favourites. 📚

[@justjuanreader]

Please keep us posted on the new Joyce Carol Oates, sounds very interesting!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I definitely will once I finish it. Thanks

[@AuburnAfterglow]

Yay Possession, I love it sooo much!!!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I know I really ought to get to reading Possession! I can attest The Luminaries really is worth the time.

[@annenilsen2665]

Added Ducks to my TBR , based on your review.

[@aditisachdeva1652]

I'm quite interested in reading some of these. Especially want to give Joyce Carol Oates a try, seeing you praise them almost every single time they're mentioned. Pachinko is one I've been wanting to read a long time but let's see when I can get round to it. I have a request Eric, as much as I love your videos, the volume is a bit low. Could you please do something about it?

[@loriroemer1122]

The Name of the Rose is one of my all time favorite books. It is quite stunning. ETA Possession and Fingersmith- so very well done, and such enjoyable reads.

[@eddie_d1233]

I'm surprised at the number of books I've read from this list. The two standouts are The Name of the Rose and An Instance at the Fingerpost, both historical novels and both totally absorbing reads for me.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Then those are two I really ought to get to! Thanks

[@annenilsen2665]

I haven’t seen that jacket on Cloud Atlas! Gorgeous!!

[@haroldniver813]

I really think you’d love Middlesex. I know there are always new things coming out and the TBR is always growing but you’d be well advised to make time for it, I think.

[@kimswhims8435]

So many books there that I need to find time to read! The ones I have read are some of my favourites Cloud Atlas is a stand out.

[@chrisreadingcorner3816]

Ken Liu books are incredible I think the third one is out in March. If your into short story collections I would recommend the Paper Menagerie by him. Also with Neil Gaiman my first book was Fragile Things which is a short story collection that’s where I started and I think that is a good place to start. Be interested to see what you think :). Great videos by the way

[@Thecatladybooknook_PennyD]

I loved A Little Life! It broke my heart and I still think about it often.

[@QM3980]

Oooh, so happy to see The Last Samurai on this list! And don't worry about the Tom Cruise thing: that's how I discovered the book. I turned on the radio on a respected literary show and the presenter was basically giving an errata corrige, reading a message from a listener informing that Dewitt's book had nothing to do with Tom Cruise and that it was instead the story of a single mum raising an autistic child. Now, nowhere in the book it's state that the child is authistic, but I'm mentioning this only because that's what has drawn me to the book. And what I found is a kaleidoscope of inventions as profound as entertaining. Loved it!

[@misselder1]

That was so fun :) I’m definitely going to read the Chabon. So glad to hear I wasn’t the only one who hated the film of Winter’s Tale. I think I was hoping for the Shakespeare play. Weird and disappointing. Other Big-Books on my list: Someday I’ll finally get to Moby Dick and finish Don Quixote, and in a rash moment I promised my friend Kathy that the first book I read after I retire will be her fav. Gone with the Wind. What was I thinking? Totally not up my alley. The things we do for friendship...

[@eleni8475]

I'm currently 200 pages into American Gods and I absolutely adore it. I'm actually verging on obsessed as I'm consuming it in various different mediums - primarily the written book but the audio version is also excellent and I'm dipping into a three-part graphic novel version also. I'm also beyond excited to hear there is an annotated version coming out in June. I just love the premise and the juxtaposition between old mythological stories and placing these gods into a modern-day American setting. It's like one long dream sequence - like Alice in Wonderland for adults with an ex convict instead of a curious little girl. It's all very clever and it's the novel that has finally got me out of my lockdown reading slump. Highly recommended so far! I've wanted to read Possession for years. It sounds like it has all the elements I love in a novel but it has been festering on my shelves for years. I should get to it soon!

[@annenilsen2665]

I love Chabon but I haven’t read the one you’ve described. May need to now.

[@augustinegeorge980]

Hi Eric. I am a David Mitchell fan and was caught off guard when you showed the copy of his new novel in your hands. I didn't even know he had a new work out. Have you read it?Is it good? (You have a signed Murakami! Wow!)

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I've not read it yet. Hoping to soon. Will let you know!

[@Booksandchess]

This is a great list, and I enjoyed your opinions of it. I also read and thoroughly enjoyed Wind Up Bird and I’m currently reading 1Q84, which I’m also enjoying, but I do find Murakami’s portrayal of women to be off and has already made me uncomfortable in 1Q84 already.

[@Booksandchess]

Hi Eric, would you recommend The Eighth Life or Night Sleep Death the Stars first? I’m keen to read both.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

They are both great in different ways, but JCO's novel isn't actually published for another week or two so maybe start with The Eighth Life.

[@TheGoldenflower58]

Surprised and glad to find how many of these big books I have indeed read. I find the medieval age fascinating & so enjoyed reading this book of Eco's & Foucault 's Pendulum, both of which I read twice. I think I enjoyed Midnight's Children because I could identify with places, events, people, emotions that he described, they were so familiar. I have ordered The last Samurai after hearing so much about it. I am re-reading Günter Grass's The Tin Drum(589pages) after 30 years & am appreciating it more.

[@pennygraham3767]

I was amazed to see how many of these books I have read and of course how many I haven’t got to yet. I really enjoy David Mitchell (and a new one soon ..yay) my favourite is the thousand autumns of Jacob de Zoet. The Secret History was a good read but to me The Little Friend is the best of all. Interesting to hear your endorsement of Marlon James as I seem to get to a certain point and stop. But want to read it so much. A Little Life? Left the cutter bleeding on the shower floor and he will probably stay there. But agree that the depiction of friendship is marvellous. Thanks Eric! Ducks next on my list!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I've not read The Little Friend but I should. I meant to say, I think I preferred The Goldfinch to Secret History - even though I didn't feel the end of The Goldfinch quite worked.

[@gwencayad71]

A lot of my favorites are here: The Name of the Rose, WInd-up BIrd Chronicle, An Instance of the Fingerpost among others. I'd like to recommend The Quincunx, Cutting for Stone, and Kafka on the Shore. :)

[@meretgross6517]

As always a great video... I am still a bit scared to start the Ellmann novel. But if you loved it that much I might give it a go...

[@haroldniver813]

Meret Gross Ducks, Newburyport is sooo good. You won’t regret it.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Don't be scared. I think you'll know quite soon after starting Ducks whether you'll like the style or not. But I hope you do enjoy it!

[@meretgross6517]

I ordered it!! Will let you all know. Thanks, Eric for your brilliant content.

[@whatpageareyouon]

I just finished Last Samurai! So much fun and really enjoyed it

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh good! I'm looking forward to it.

[@billmcsteen274]

Eric, what Thomas Pynchon book(s) have you tried to read? V.? The Crying of Lot 49? I read both of those. Since it's pretty short, The Crying of Lot 49 was easier to get through. However, since it's much longer, I didn't make it far at all with Gravity's Rainbow. I think about trying again one day. What do you recall about your experience reading Pynchon? Great job covering a lot of books in this video! I will likely rewatch it several times. I love reading and discussing book lists.

[@tonybennett4159]

Mason and Dixon, while I have some problems with it, is a relatively straight forward historical account, so would be easier for a Pynchon novice to try. I'm not a Pynchon fan (too often wilfully impenetrable imo ), and there are so many other authors out there that I prefer to read.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I only read part of Gravity's Rainbow and found it such a slog I put it aside. And thank you! 📚

[@natalieherd8816]

I would love to see a video on your bad movies club! If they have books written and what your thoughts are regarding the book vs film! 🤓

[@rjxb826452]

'Pachinko' = one of my fav books of the year so far. You should definitely get around to it soon! 'All the Light We Cannot See' = although long it goes by very quickly (chapters are very short and a lot of blank space), nevertheless the epitome of a page turner! 'Middlesex' = a fantastic story (and a real eye opener about intersex people). 'American Gods' = My first Neil Gaiman book and OMG! Just so amazing and smart. I know there is a great TV series based on it but I don't want to watch as I love the story as it is in my mind! 'A Little Life' = I heard her talk about it at the Cheltenham Book Festival and went and purchased it right away. Although I loved it and the characters felt like my own friends by the end there were parts where I had to physically put the book down due to the descriptions of self harm etc. I know others see it as torture porn I just felt it was a realistic depiction of a real issue. Nevertheless one of my all time fav. books! (Sci-Fi: I just read 'Sea of Rust' which is a great not-too-long book you should read!) 'Ducks, Newburyport' = I read based on your review...am now also singing its praises. Only one or two of my friends willing to take up the challenge so far! What I would add...'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. One of the weirdest books I have every read, a story within a story and a book that breaks the rules of what a book should be. It took me ages to read for all the best reasons and I was dreaming about the story and characters for months after. He is one of my favourite authors (having also read 'the Fifty Year Sword', 'Only Revolutions' and 'The Familiar' parts 1-3) mainly for his originality and blurring of the lines between literature and art.

[@sarahwallace2585]

I love A.S. Byatt's work. 'Possession' was a pure delight. I haven't got to 'Cloud Atlas' yet, but I actually really enjoyed 'The Bone Clocks'. 'The Queen of the Night' was an enjoyable read, but hasn't really stayed with me since.

[@amylynnm324]

I tried to read A Secret History earlier this month and expected to like it from the reviews I’ve watched, but gave up about 100 pages in. I didn’t like the characters at all so didn’t care what happened to them. I did snag Blonde (ebook) on sale recently and am looking forward to it!

[@EShields13]

That Murakami edition is beautiful!

[@ursulasandstrom355]

Dhalgren was so good! Super weird and circular but the imagery was an absolute delight to read

[@karakask5488]

I've read a bunch of these and a few, The Secret History, Possession, Cloud Atlas, Lonesome Dove, Kavalier and Clay are among my favorite novels ever! I'm a bit sad that The Mists of Avalon wasn't included though, I adore that book.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Interesting, I've not read that.

[@karakask5488]

@@EricKarlAnderson I guess the short description is King Arthur from the women's point of view. It's got political intrigue, magic, and how to survive as a woman in that age. I loved it.

[@JenniferJennyJen78]

Kara Kask i also love The Mist of Avalon, prefer it to T.H. White’s, The Once and Futur King.

[@judybrown1624]

I'm surprised I've read almost half of these. Many didn't seem that long. I take that a the sign of a good book.

[@mirkovic]

Dear Eric thank you for your recommendations, Marlon James rather long but excellent novel "A Brief History of Seven Killing" is my favorite read of all times. Awesome taste in books BTW.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

That is a brilliant brilliant novel. What do you think of Black Leopard Red Wolf?

[@MichaelRomeoTalksBooks]

Oh Eric. Have you read Lonesome Dove yet? If not, dive in. It is so much more than a "cowboy novel". It is panoramic grandure at its best. It sweeps you along and doesn't let you go. I can't rave about it enough.

[@maureencalder9911]

I cant believe that someone so well read has not read Pillars of the Earth. It has to be one of my all time favorite reads. It of course is a gift that keeps on giving into an entire trilogy. If you loved the Wolf Hall trilogy I think you would love this too.

[@tomasfish4422]

I was hoping I'd see Roberto Bolano on this list! Though I thought they'd maybe go with The Savage Detectives, his other novel that's long but not quite as long as 2666, it's around 600 pages. I recommend that too and if anything I'd start with that, because it's probably the novel that's a good place to start to see whether you'd get on with him. But 2666 is, in my opinion, well worth its 900 pages!

[@SantReads]

Also, Sacred Games has become a TV series on Netflix. It's not quite the book but quite brilliantly done.

[@annenilsen2665]

The Name of the Rose is fascinating. I never noticed the length…which isn’t my norm.

[@SantReads]

I did not know that about Jonathan Franzen. And honestly, I'm shooketh.

[@layab22]

A suitable boy by Vikram Seth is an Indian novel and I heard about it way back in 1993, but could not get my hands on it. Now, I have it in my collection and am planning to read it. Hope to read it soon.

[@douggordy]

Have read 17 of them... 'A Suitable Boy' is definitely one of my faves of all time... am hoping the sequel will arrive before I expire... :-(

[@alanshadastrokeanddiedinho2897]

I listened to the audio portion of All the Light We Cannot See. I recommend the audio. Shogun by James Clavell. Or any of the other novels in the Asian Saga Series. Night Film Neil Gaiman writes magical realism

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh I read Shogun when I was a teenager and loved it so much! I was completely absorbed.

[@orcocan]

Eric, please do read the pillars of the earth, it's a brilliant book, would love to hear your review! I didn't much like american gods nor americanah. I think the beauty about long books is that you get the chance to get really immersed in the story and attached to the characters. What kind of sci-fi were you looking for?

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I will try to get to it. It sounds really good. I'm not sure what sci-fi I'd like since I've not read much before. I just think it'll be an interesting genre to explore so naturally I'm looking to start with some which people agree are the best. In addition to Dhalgren I'm hoping to read Dune this year as well. But I'm also curious about Doris Lessing's sci-fi series.

[@orcocan]

@@EricKarlAnderson i wouldnt normally recommend Dune for someone who's new to sci-fi although you might enjoy it, there's definitely a lot of depth that you don't find in other sci-fi books but it can be tedious to get through. If you're looking for something more modern i really enjoyed Children of Time, very original and well executed

[@yomismo74]

I think the definitive version of The stand is way over 1000 pages. It's Stephen king's longest novel (and he has very very long novels). I read 19 of 50. Not bad

[@barbarascutt792]

Loved named of the rose. Highly recommended Neil Gaiman especially neverwhere. And Good omens with Terry Pratchett

[@jorgem71962]

Roberto Bolano 2666 is actually in five parts, which were intended to be published as separate books. My version has four books. They have a common thread but they stand alone on their own methods. This is about a group of scholars in Europe and Mexico, a mysterious German, journalists, academic meetings, and many other topics that come in and out of the story. The part about Santa Teresa is actually the most difficult to read. It is emotionally draining. My favorite is the last part about the Eastern Front in WWII. This is an exercise in endurance, particularly the section on the crimes.

[@dM-ij1we]

You really need to read Possession and Middlesex. Two of my all time favourite books.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I’m in my 4th attempt to read Pachinko. I’ve made it as far as chapter 16 this time. I loved The Overstory. I read it via audio and can still remember the trees mentioned. Have you seen the tv adaptation of The Dublin Murder Squad ? I got part way through Kavalier & Clay and gave up. The only others I’ve read are The Secret History , Fingersmith, An Instance of the Fingerpost was a great book. A Little Life was torture porn. I gave up halfway.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Oh that's interesting about Pachinko. I've not seen The Dublin Murder Squad. Is it good?

[@deborahsmith-parnaby8146]

If you enjoy audio books, I would recommend the audio version of "Middlesex". I found it very entertaining. I have listened to it twice.

[@KanwarAnand]

Oh wow ok

[@arlissbunny]

Since you love London, I would recommend beginning your Neil Gaiman reading with “Neverwhere.” It will be a quick read and the London insider humor will make it enjoyable even if, for some reason, the book itself does not work for you. Also, there is an annotated version of “American Gods” and if you are thinking of diving into Gods, this version might be of interest to you. Also, “Possession” really is worth the time. Byatt always is.

[@Catstune77]

I highly recommend Lonesome Dove. I'm not into cowboys myself and the novel isn't really a cowboy novel. I'm sure you would enjoy it!

[@celiatambor7205]

Just finished American Gods and it was great. But my favorite Gaiman is Neverwhere. Just such fun with GREAT characters and storytelling.

[@tokyochemist]

Lonesome Dove is the perfect novel. It compares the beauty and cruelty of human nature with the beauty and cruelty of the American west. It's a brutal work wrapped up in humor and friendship. I hosted a group read of it with about 10 people who had never read it before, myself included, and for five of us it landed on our favorite books of all time list with others putting it at their best of the year. It's not a cowboy book but it does involve cowboy characters. It really is a stunning representation of what a novel can be. It would be a shame for you to dismiss it so easily.

[@ksilkey1]

Absolutely. An incredible book and miniseries. I also love Possession. One of my favorite books ever.

[@AikiraBeats]

Something about big books just scare me I just got down reading a book about 560 pages long a psychological murder mystery and this was one of my first big books and it was really good it's called imaginary friend by Stephen chowbsky

[@geronimojones1564]

@Eric Karl Anderson Mason & Dixon is one of my favorite novels. And The Pillars of the Earth is great as well.

[@TheUrbancenter]

I've read 8 of them. Good or bad?

[@bellsbooksnhooks]

I know it does not qualify in here (bc it has 417 pages) but have you tried or ever considered One Hundred Years os Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez? It’s magical realism, a latin classic, the story of the Buendia family in the the town of Macondo since it’s foundation, idk, it gave me the vibe that you might be interested...

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes, I read it when I was a teenager and loved it. It really opened my eyes to great storytelling! Would like to reread at some point.

[@bellsbooksnhooks]

Eric Karl Anderson I would be down for a readalong

[@neotropic]

I love how Hanya played with the melodrama in A Little Life. This woman is a genius.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Good point!

[@annenilsen2665]

I agree with you about The Secret History.

[@duffypratt]

I’m three years late to this. Lonesome Dove is not just a cowboy book. It’s tremendously involving. Infinite Jest is fantastic, but I understand why people are put off by its reputation. Too bad, because you are missing out. I was surprised at the list - I’ve read 12 of them, way more than I would have thought.

[@annenilsen2665]

I really want to read the Rusdie and Gaiman. I would start with Gaiman’s shorter works.

[@locutusdborg126]

The Magus by John Fowles

[@joeisbookedforbooks]

I really loved A Suitable Boy and I am not saying this just from the pressure of having to spend almost a month reading this novel set in post independent India. I read this when I was in college and I couldn't wait to get back to it after classes to find whom the protagonist, Lata, would ultimately pick as her husband though the novel is much more than that. There is also a section on Twelfth Night in the novel which made it all the more relatable as this Shakespeare's comedy drama was a prescribed textbook in college. I think you will get along with it. It is written in short chapters. Maybe you could give it a try by reading a couple of chapters to see if you gel well with it.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Sorry, I didn't mean to suggest that anyone who loves A Suitable Boy is being disingenuous. I was trying to make a more general point about how readers can sometimes feel pressured to praise longer books more because of the time we've invested in them, but I know not everyone does that. I'm sure I will love A Suitable Boy and it's a good idea to try a couple chapters to see if I'm sucked in. Interesting how Vikram Seth's sequel is still in the works! It's going to be such an EVENT when that novel finally comes out.

[@joeisbookedforbooks]

Hi Eric, I did understand what you were trying to convey. No worries. And yes, the release to A Suitable Boy's sequel is going to be a carnival. I guess it is going to be as long as its predecessor.

[@colonelweird]

Sometime in the 90s I read Possession and The Secret History back to back. The latter was a good read, but definitely a letdown after Possession, which I absolutely adored and need to reread.

[@mradcaqbdb]

I’m very happy to see The Stand on this list. It’s a truly great book that fully deserves a spot. I read it eons ago, when it came out. Certain scenes still make my skin crawl just thinking of them. I may read it again someday or I may just enjoy memories of the original experience. But I no longer have the energy for super long books. 500 pages feels like a grind to me. And really, we can only read a certain number of books in a lifetime. I’d rather not spend that time on books whose length alone depresses me. 😕 I’m really loving authors who can do so much in such a small space. I just finished Red At The Bone on Saturday, in one day, and was absolutely floored by what Jacqueline Woodson accomplished in just 196 pages. The Nickel Boys is another brief novel that just killed me. Yeah. I’m just not a fan of long books. 🤷‍♀️ But, I will try Ducks at some point. I figure if it hooks me in 100 pages, maybe I’ll try to get all the way through it.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Did you see the TV adaptation of The Stand? I really liked that as well. I can understand your feelings about longer books but they can also be so rewarding. It's definitely true writing a short powerful novel like The Nickel Boys is such a skill. I still need to get to Red at the Bone. And I think it won't even take you 100 pages to decide whether you'll love or loath Ducks, but obviously I hope you'll love it. :)

[@mradcaqbdb]

Eric Karl Anderson Hmm. I’m not sure I ever saw the tv show of The Stand. If I did, it didn’t leave a lasting impression. I may have skipped it assuming they would ruin it. 😉 The original tv adaptation of Salem’s Lot with David Soul scared the crap out of me. There’s one scene that still scares me just thinking of it.

[@lizardslaw2661]

I felt exactly the same way as you about The Secret History. It was so widely praised but after I read it I was underwhelmed. Well written and interesting story but not a five star for me. A Little Life I read a couple years ago and it is still with me. One of my top reads in last few years.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Glad you felt the same way about Tartt!

[@kirsten0929]

Thank you so much for your A Secret History admission, I was starting to think it was just me! We are definitely in the minority on that one. I dnf'd A Little Life. I thought I was in the tiny minority on this one, too, but it sounds like it may be more mixed than I think, so that makes me feel better.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

It is a challenge feeling like you’re the only voice of dissent when a book is almost universally lauded. Hard to know if certain books are so acclaimed because people feel pressure to agree with popular opinion or if they genuinely admire it.

[@browngirlreading]

The Robber Bride is really good. Definitely you should read Middlesex. So good! I liked The Parisian too. I was disappointed that it wasn't long listed this year for the Women's Prize. Midnight's Children! What a difficult books to understand. Smh... Both Sacred Games and A Suitable Boy have been on my TBR Big Books list. I have infinite Jest and everyday I walk right by it without another glance. I keep it because I know I want to read it but I doubt if it's going to happen. The Count of Monte Cristo is over 1,000 pages and so worth the read. Fantastic! Highly recommend it. There's another big book that's on my TBR that's not on this list and it's calledThose Bones are not My Child by Toni Cade Bamara. It weighs in at 676 pages. Hope to one day get to it but I know it's going to make me sad.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Wow, Bamara book sounds really interesting. I've not come across it before. Thanks

[@deirdre108]

You definitely should read Infinite Jest, despite the hip kids at your college self-aggrandizing preening over it. It has a lot of parallels with Hamlet-the title is taken from Hamlet. Try reading the two works in parallel and report back.

[@Sherlika_Gregori]

The Umberto Eco book is a good detective story, very good. The Pillars of the Earth is a delight.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I look forward to reading them both!

[@annenilsen2665]

Surprised by these omissions: The Quincunx, Atlas Shrugged, and City on Fire.

[@judybrown1624]

Robber Bride and Blind Assassin are my favorite Atwood novels.

[@caleba9648]

I’m an avid Neil Gaiman fan. I actually didn’t enjoy American Gods as much as I expected to. The Ocean at the End of the Lane though, is absolutely fantastic and a great starting point for Neil’s work.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! Thanks for the tip!

[@chrisbookishcauldron6381]

They picked the wrong Sarah Waters. It should have been The Little Stranger. I will die on this hill. Also, in general I’m really surprised that they chose The Grace of Kings as kind of the stand in for genre epic fantasy on the list. Clearly they should have consulted me before publishing this list lol. Loved hearing your thoughts on these. I was tickled yet unsurprised to see the Luminaries on here. Happy reading 😊😊

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Haha, whereas I think the first half of The Paying Guests is probably my favourite of all her writing! And I'd love to see you make a list of your 50 fav genre epic fantasy novels!

[@haroldniver813]

The Overstory is terrific and I understand why it’s received so much attention, but his 2003 novel The Time of our Singing is significantly better. It asks many important questions about race and race-relations without being so heavy-handed. It’s an amazing piece of literature.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great, yes I've been meaning to read more of his books.

[@annenilsen2665]

If you really want to read Gaiman, I thought The Ocean at the End of the Lane was lovely…and a very quick read.

[@yomismo74]

The name of the rose was my first adult novel (well, the first that i chose myself).

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Cool!

[@Europa1749]

Ooh, a new JCO, definitely going to check that one out. The Stand (uncut) is one of my favorite big books, enjoyable to the last page. Pillars of the Earth I didn't expect to like so much, but it really was a good book.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great when a novel surprises like that!

[@judybrown1624]

Read an ARC of Utopia Avenue LOVED it and think you will too.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great! I hope to read it soon.

[@karopi]

I must said that I really enjoy American Gods and that it can be a great beginning to read Neil Gaiman

[@lisasstitchingandsuch]

There's a few of my favourite books (Possession) on this list but many more that I have in my (actual) TBR and therefore unread eek. I was really underwhelmed by Middlesex.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Interesting that you felt underwhelmed by Middlesex.

[@lisasstitchingandsuch]

​@@EricKarlAnderson I felt the same way about The Virgin Suicides. It's the endings, they fall very flat for me.

[@shadesofgray5476]

I loved (loved, loved) The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood. The book is not really about Zenia the mysterious woman. It's about three women who have to live in the storm that wrecks havoc in their lives called Zenia and how they bound together even though they are each very different. It is a funny book and a serious one too. Atwood kind of pokes fun at the archetypes of women while presenting a moving account of their struggles and friendship. Lonesome Dove was made into an excellent miniseries and if that is any indication of the book, its sure to be a great book more about the mores of that place in American history and heavy on characters. I don't think it should be dismissed as a "cowboy story." Another book by Joyce Carol Oates that I really liked was We Were the Mulvaney's which was an Oprah book club selection, don't hold that against it. I had to read Possession by AS Byatt in a college course. The first time I read it, I didn't like it, I was reading the Archivist by Martha Cooley around that time and I thought the Archivist was a better novel.. Possession seemed too draggy and I didn't appreciate the finer aspects. I wasn't sure about the aspect of scholars acting in such unscrupulous ways but I guess that could happen. I thought the novel maybe could have been more focused on the thrill of finding out stuff and not so much about the shenanigans of some of the characters. The second time I read it when I was older and more relaxed, I loved it and could forgive its faults. My dad gave me The Pillars of the Earth and I have to say I loved this one too. My father said it wasn't something he would normally read but he got engrossed in it. There is a miniseries on DVD based on the book and it is pretty good.

[@megpeterson2946]

Absolutely love Middlesex