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The other day, I was texting with an old friend, who told me he reads only non-fiction but wants to read more fiction. So, I encouraged him to tell me three things he likes, generally, so I could give him a rec\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cI like something dramatic that makes me laugh rather than something made to make me laugh,\u201d he told me. \u201cI\u2019m not above being on the edge of my seat. And people doing the right\/selfless thing goes a long way with me.\u201d<\/p>\n
After thinking it over, my recommendation for him was James<\/a> by Percival Everett \u2014\u00a0the 2024 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that retells the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved man who runs away with Huck. Have you read it? You\u2019ll devour it in one big gulp; it\u2019s funny at times but also serious and sad and thrilling; and there\u2019s lots of morality\/immorality baked in. (Plus, a runner up? An American Marriage<\/a>.)<\/p>\n This book challenge was compelling, so I asked friends and family to give me their three things, so I could suggest a book for them, too.<\/p>\n My mom: \u201cPeople\u2019s inner lives, listening carefully, poetry.\u201d Heating and Cooling<\/a>. How About Now<\/a>. The Correspondent<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n My dad: \u201cFocus on family; sailing and all that therein is; exploring new places.\u201d A Marriage at Sea<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n My friend Brooke: \u201cGardening, birding, nature, introspection. A career aptitude test I took in sixth grade said I should be a farmer.\u201d The Vaster Wilds<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n My friend Rob: \u201cFlawed protagonists, huge plot twists, the teenage years.\u201d Demon Copperhead<\/a>. Educated<\/a>. Shuggie Bain<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n My friend Pri: \u201c1990s sitcoms, relationship drama, books that pull you right in.\u201d Sorrow and Bliss<\/a>. Really Good, Actually<\/a>. This American Woman<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n What do you think? Now tell us: What are three things you like? Let\u2019s recommend books for each other!<\/strong><\/p>\n P.S. A darkly funny book I can\u2019t stop thinking about<\/a>, and what are your three favorite books<\/a>?<\/p>\n