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I like novels written in first-person point of view, think Raymond Chandler's Marlowe, but less chauvinist and dated. Good characterization and an eye for detail is paramount - unfortunately, that excludes lots of contemporary thrillers and crime novels. Authors I like: Jonathan Kellerman, Ben Aaronovitch, Jonathan Gash, John Burdett, Tyler Dilts. Please help: What else might I like? [more inside]
posted by mononoaware on Aug 19, 2017 - 11 answers

I've recently started reading John Muir's My First summer in the Sierra and it is riveting stuff, a love-letter to an entire landscape that resonates with the bedrock of my soul. However, right now my heart belongs to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, rather than the Sierra Nevada of California. What writings, by what authors, are the closest equivalent to John Muir's work, but set in the Whites?
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The on May 12, 2017 - 4 answers

Inspired by the challenges that I've seen other people set for themselves, I'd like to take a break from reading only books written by white guys. [more inside]
posted by komara on Sep 7, 2016 - 34 answers

Please can you recommend books similar to Bruno Schulz's, Isaac Babel's and Bulgakov's Master & Margarita? [more inside]
posted by maiamaia on Sep 2, 2015 - 14 answers

Help me experience the reading I missed out on as a child. [more inside]
posted by xenization on May 20, 2015 - 60 answers

Next week, I am taking the Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland, Oregon. In a previous question about train travel, someone suggested reading books that take place along your train route. This is an idea I love ... and I have at least 47 hours to pass! So: what are your favorite (kindle) books which occur in Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, or Oregon? Bonus for rural themes. I am not a big mystery fan, but if it is particularly excellent, I'll read it. Romance is out. Otherwise, I'm open to anything!
posted by ChuraChura on Jun 20, 2014 - 41 answers

Seeking literary fiction with a transient, often solitary, female hero, please! [more inside]
posted by Isingthebodyelectric on Apr 30, 2014 - 40 answers

[Book filter] Please recommend stories about people who find out (through trail and error) what they really want, and eventually get there (after a bunch of detours). [more inside]
posted by fix on Oct 13, 2013 - 23 answers

Has anyone ever written an Arthurian novel with the Round Table as the bad guys? I am specifically *not* talking about books from the perspective of Mordred or Morgaine (or any of their cognates.) There are lots and lots of those. [more inside]
posted by restless_nomad on Oct 13, 2012 - 7 answers

What recommendations do you have for literature with tones and themes of sadness​/loneliness​/inadequacy​/anxiety​/perfectionism​/depression​/alienation​/dissatisfaction? (Not all in a single book, of course). [more inside]
posted by parjanya on Apr 28, 2011 - 50 answers

Book recommendations for a retired anthropologist? [more inside]
posted by TheGoodBlood on Oct 19, 2010 - 7 answers

Less magical, more realism. Recommend me some great South American fiction. [more inside]
posted by sleepy boy on Aug 10, 2010 - 16 answers

Yet another reading recommendation request. Fellow literature nerds, help me out here. Specific requirements inside. [more inside]
posted by Lobster Garden on Jul 26, 2010 - 45 answers

Summer Reading-Filter: intelligent true crime? Essentially, I want all the gruesome pleasure of the content, without having to cringe through a sensationalistic treatment thereof. [more inside]
posted by Beardman on Jun 9, 2010 - 49 answers

I crave a great novel that's as addictive as a popcorn movie. Please recommend me some literary page-turners. [more inside]
posted by Beardman on Jun 5, 2009 - 105 answers

What are some good books on gangs, gang activities, internal organization and structure? [more inside]
posted by MediaJunkie on Jan 21, 2008 - 22 answers

Any fans of Peter Handke here? I tripped over his wikipedia entry, and he seems like someone I would enjoy reading. Where should I start? [more inside]
posted by hototogisu on Nov 24, 2006 - 7 answers