In this brilliant collection, the follow-up to her New York Times bestseller Reading Like a Writer, the distinguished novelist, literary critic, and essayist celebrates the pleasures of reading and pays homage to the works and writers she admires above all others, from Jane Austen and Charles Dickens to Jennifer Egan and Roberto Bolaño. In an age defined by hyper-connectivity and constant stimulation, Francine Prose makes a compelling case for the solitary act of reading and the great enjoyment it brings. Inspiring and illuminating, What to Read and Why includes selections culled from Prose’s previous essays, reviews, and introductions, combined with new, never-before-published pieces that focus on her favorite works of fiction and nonfiction, on works by masters of the short story, and even on books by photographers like Diane Arbus. Prose considers why the works of literary masters such as Mary Shelley, Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and Jane Austen have endured, and shares intriguing insights about modern authors whose words stimulate our minds and enlarge our lives, including Roberto Bolaño, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Jennifer Egan, and Mohsin Hamid. Prose implores us to read Mavis Gallant for her marvelously rich and compact sentences, and her meticulously rendered characters who reveal our flawed and complex human nature; Edward St. Aubyn for his elegance and sophisticated humor; and Mark Strand for his gift for depicting unlikely transformations. Here, too, are original pieces in which Prose explores the craft of writing: "On Clarity" and "What Makes a Short Story." Written with her sharp critical analysis, wit, and enthusiasm, What to Read and Why is a celebration of literature that will give readers a new appreciation for the power and beauty of the written word.
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About the author
Francine Prose
Author
Francine Prose is an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and critic. She is a visiting professor of literature at Bard College, and was formerly president of PEN American Center.
What to Read and Why
by Francine Prose
Books Like What to Read and Why
If you're looking for books similar to What to Read and Why, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Pride and Prejudice
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A classic novel exploring social dynamics and romantic relationships in early 19th-century England. Elizabeth Bennet navigates societal expectations and her own prejudices while developing a complex relationship with Mr. Darcy. The book offers sharp social commentary and witty dialogue. Austen's precise prose and keen character observations make this a timeless exploration of human nature and social constraints.
Great Expectations
Charles Dickens
A coming-of-age story following Pip's journey from a poor orphan to a gentleman in Victorian England. The novel explores themes of social class, personal growth, and moral development. Dickens masterfully creates complex characters and vivid social landscapes. The narrative reveals the transformative power of personal experiences and the impact of social expectations.
Middlemarch
George Eliot
A profound exploration of provincial life in early 19th-century England. The novel follows multiple characters, focusing on Dorothea Brooke's intellectual and personal journey. Eliot provides a nuanced examination of social dynamics, personal ambitions, and the limitations faced by women. The book offers deep psychological insights and a rich, complex narrative.
2666
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A complex, multi-layered novel exploring interconnected narratives across different time periods and locations. The book delves into themes of violence, literature, and human complexity. Bolaño creates a sprawling narrative that challenges traditional storytelling conventions. The novel offers a profound meditation on global interconnectedness and the nature of human experience.
Frankenstein
Mary Shelley
A groundbreaking novel exploring the ethical implications of scientific creation and human responsibility. Victor Frankenstein creates a sentient being, challenging the boundaries of scientific knowledge and moral judgment. The story delves into themes of isolation, rejection, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Shelley's work is a profound meditation on humanity, identity, and the nature of creation.
Selected Stories
Mavis Gallant
A collection of short stories exploring complex human relationships and social dynamics. Gallant's precise prose offers nuanced character studies across various settings. Each story provides a deep, compact exploration of human nature. The collection reveals the complexity of personal interactions and social constraints.
The House of Mirth
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A critical examination of New York high society in the late 19th century. Lily Bart struggles to navigate social expectations and economic pressures as a young woman. The novel offers a sharp critique of social conventions and the limited options available to women. Wharton's precise prose reveals the complex social mechanisms that constrain individual freedom.
The Patrick Melrose Novels
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A series of novels following Patrick Melrose's journey through trauma, addiction, and personal transformation. St. Aubyn offers a brutally honest exploration of family dynamics and personal recovery. The novels blend dark humor with profound psychological insight. Each book provides a deep examination of personal growth and the lasting impact of childhood experiences.
My Struggle
Karl Ove Knausgaard
An autobiographical novel series exploring personal experiences with extraordinary detail. Knausgaard provides an intimate, unfiltered look at everyday life and personal memories. The narrative challenges traditional boundaries between fiction and autobiography. Each volume offers a profound exploration of personal identity and human experience.
A Visit from the Goon Squad
Jennifer Egan
An innovative novel exploring the interconnected lives of various characters across different time periods. Egan uses experimental narrative techniques to examine themes of time, music, and personal transformation. The book offers a fragmented yet deeply human look at how lives intersect and change. Each chapter provides a unique perspective on personal growth and societal shifts.
Collected Poems
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A collection of poetry exploring themes of transformation, identity, and human experience. Strand's work offers profound meditations on existence and personal change. The poems use precise language to reveal unexpected perspectives. Each piece invites readers to explore the subtle transformations of human consciousness.
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A novel set in 1990s Pakistan, exploring social dynamics and personal moral choices. The story follows Daru, a young man navigating economic and social challenges in Lahore. Hamid provides a nuanced examination of class, desire, and personal integrity. The narrative offers a compelling look at individual struggles within a complex social landscape.
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