With the reading of books there is no end. But with the reading of great books there most certainly is an end… and sometimes it feels like I have long ago reached that end.
Search as I might, digging here and there for the next literary treasure, I haven’t found a gem in quite some time. Truth be told, I’m extremely picky. Even snobby, as I seem to be consistently allergic to most works of fiction, especially those written more recently.
But setting aside my woes, perhaps you’re just that someone who is hopelessly wandering around in search of another great read, and you’re here, sniffing the ground, thinking to yourself, “Might there be a glorious book hidden nearby?”
Well, I’m happy to say that there is. Several in fact! Unless of course your tastes differ from mine, which is, of course, wildly probable- I would say a near guarantee if you like Steven King. Or Jack Reacher. Or just about anything involving a shirtless man boldly embracing some sultry woman. In such cases, I would say flee for the exit before I unleash the hell hounds.
So with that warning duly posted, here are some of my favorite fictional books of all time:
Blood Meridian
This book is utterly horrific in its vision of human depravity. But it is so well written. So incredibly poignant and vivid and poetic and altogether genius that it makes my literary heart ache deep within. I know of no other book like it. It is in a class of its own.
In an insightful lecture on the volume (here and here) a student brilliantly described the book, when she said that it “read like a nightmare.” Exactly right.
The audio book is also masterfully read.
The Road
As you will see, I am a huge Cormac McCarthy fan. The Road is a perfect work of post-apocalyptic fiction. Terse. Jarring. Hopeless.
The audio book is excellent.
Suttree
A literary exploration of profligate men living profligate lives.
The audio book is very well read.
No Country For Old Men
The movie is a work of genius. The novel is no less brilliant.
The audio is excellent.
Perelandra
The second book in C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy (yes, do read the first book- which is solid) is unparalleled in its overall genius. This book drips with theology- deep, robust, awe-inspiring theology. It is easily one of the greatest books ever written. Certainly my first or second pick of all-time favorites.
Masterfully read on Audible
Moby Dick
While the book is admittedly long, and harbors biological excursions detailing attributes of whales that could easily (or should) be skipped (though don’t skip “The Whiteness of the Whale”), Melville has written a masterpiece. But be warned. Reading Moby Dick is challenging. If you want the very best experience, listen to the audio version by Frank Muller. It is incredible.
1984
There is a reason this is a classic.
The audio is masterfully read.
For Whom The Bell Tolls
Another classic deserving attention. While it isn’t a work of genius, in my estimation, it is nevertheless a well-crafted work written by a gifted writer.
The audio is solid.
The Things They Carried
There was something about this book that struck a chord in my mind and heart. It felt raw. Emotionally unsettling. Insightful.
The audio is solid.
All Quiet on The Western Front
Easily one of the greatest war stories ever told. If this doesn’t compel you towards contemplating pacifism, it is hard to know what would.
Very well read.
East of Eden
While I wasn’t a huge fan of the ending, and while there were moments that dragged along, East of Eden is still a work of incredible insight and expression. It is worth the effort.
Read well.
Crime and Punishment
What to say about this novel? It is masterfully crafted but rather arduous at times. I wouldn’t encourage one to read this first, or second, or even fifth, but for some it ought to be consumed.
The audio is well rendered.
The Border Trilogy
It is Cormac McCarthy. Need I say more?
Very well read.
Stoner
Entirely sublime in its crushing simplicity of one man’s mundane suffering. A work of genius.
Night
A gut-wrenching exploration of the horrors of the holocaust. A masterclass in writing. Short. Poignant. Horrific.
Very well read.
Ready Player One
It would be wrong of me to not include at least one popcorn novel. This way I clear all charges of complete and utter uppityness. But yeah, anyway, I quite enjoyed this fun sci-fi romp.
I recall the audio being pretty good as well.
The Sound of Doctrine 