This is lovely list! Giovanni’s Room became an instant favourite when I read it over 10 years ago - it’s about time I re-read it. I loved The Color Purple and thought In Cold Blood was very good, and I was in awe of White Teeth when I read it a couple of years ago - to think how young Zadie Smith was when she wrote it is astonishing. I also really want to read Homesickness and Empire of Pain but not sure I’ll get to them this year!
If you enjoyed The Corrections, I expect you will enjoy Freedom, and then Purity. Franzen is a little like Donna Tartt; a long time between books but they are all great and worth the wait. The Piano Teacher, at least the title anyway, reminded me of Ian McEwans’s Lessons. Another fine book from an author of consistently fine books.
yes i agree! even though it’s frustrating i do prefer authors who take time between their published works, you just know they’ve taken more care with it
i can't wait for you to read pet–it was an easy 5 star for me! also only now finding out the piano teacher was based off a book so i will have to pick that up soon (the film lives rent free in my brain)
You’re gonna love beloved! Toni Morrison’s writing is so unique and personal. Same with James Baldwin with Giovanni’s room! Ahh I’m so excited for you!
I too loved Say Nothing and need to read Empire of Pain even though I’ve seen both TV shows on the topic, it’s one that is personal. White Teeth was amazing, I have On Beauty for my 2025 TBR! Love this list
Reading A Little Life right now, started it in New York and I’m at 200 pages now, a bit scared of the second half of the book but I’m really enjoying it!
i love that where better place to start it than in new york!! i’ve heard the writing is beautiful, i’m just scared of what she’s going to be writing ABOUT
The writing IS beautiful haha, but yeah that’s a valid point because I’ve just finished The Happy Years section and I’m scared to go on, but I’ve been meaning to read this book for like two years so I’m glad I’m almost done (:
This is lovely list! Giovanni’s Room became an instant favourite when I read it over 10 years ago - it’s about time I re-read it. I loved The Color Purple and thought In Cold Blood was very good, and I was in awe of White Teeth when I read it a couple of years ago - to think how young Zadie Smith was when she wrote it is astonishing. I also really want to read Homesickness and Empire of Pain but not sure I’ll get to them this year!
i definitely think i’m most excited for white teeth, i LOVED on beauty when i read it last year
If you enjoyed The Corrections, I expect you will enjoy Freedom, and then Purity. Franzen is a little like Donna Tartt; a long time between books but they are all great and worth the wait. The Piano Teacher, at least the title anyway, reminded me of Ian McEwans’s Lessons. Another fine book from an author of consistently fine books.
yes i agree! even though it’s frustrating i do prefer authors who take time between their published works, you just know they’ve taken more care with it
A little Life was - I thought - great. It really stayed with me.
But it is grim gruel, but you keep suppin' - oh yes.
White Teeth is a book that you like the more you read it and you realise what a fine writer Smith is.
i’ve heard it’s beautifully written which is why i want to read it, and i definitely want to form my own opinion on all the discourse around it
Some of my favourite books on this list and quite a few on my TBR - I’m reading Martyr! At the moment.
ooh what are you thinking of martyr so far? i’m going to buy it as soon as the paperback is published in the uk
i can't wait for you to read pet–it was an easy 5 star for me! also only now finding out the piano teacher was based off a book so i will have to pick that up soon (the film lives rent free in my brain)
i’m really excited for pet! i haven’t seen many people online talking about it
NO FR. i lowkey need it to blow up a little. i only managed to convince a bestie to read it last year and it was one of her top reads!
Thank you you seem very well read! 👍😊
omg thank you this is my favourite compliment
Love seeing Piano Teacher here! Also going for this classic early this year.
i’ve only heard great things!
You’re gonna love beloved! Toni Morrison’s writing is so unique and personal. Same with James Baldwin with Giovanni’s room! Ahh I’m so excited for you!
definitely excited to read more toni morrison! i read sula last year and it was incredible
i read sula in my undergrad and LOVED it! another wonderful read of hers is passing.
Having attended a single sex grammar school in NZ in 2014 myself, I am super curious to read Pet!
In cold blood is so good
I too loved Say Nothing and need to read Empire of Pain even though I’ve seen both TV shows on the topic, it’s one that is personal. White Teeth was amazing, I have On Beauty for my 2025 TBR! Love this list
ahh i’ve been putting off watching painkillers because i need to read empire of pain first! i’ve heard it’s amazing
I LOVED Empire of Pain, Enter Ghost and Evenings & Weekends. They are some of my favourites I've ever read.
ooh i’m excited
Empire of Pain was easily one of the best books I read last year!
it might have to be my next non-fiction read
Reading A Little Life right now, started it in New York and I’m at 200 pages now, a bit scared of the second half of the book but I’m really enjoying it!
i love that where better place to start it than in new york!! i’ve heard the writing is beautiful, i’m just scared of what she’s going to be writing ABOUT
The writing IS beautiful haha, but yeah that’s a valid point because I’ve just finished The Happy Years section and I’m scared to go on, but I’ve been meaning to read this book for like two years so I’m glad I’m almost done (:
We’ve got quite a few in common! I absolutely adore Giovanni’s Room and Evenings and Weekends and can’t wait to see what you make of them
can’t wait to read them!
such a great range of books! I can’t wait to see your thoughts on them.
🫶🏼