Reading/read/about to read

Fitzgerald's Tender is The Night. I was handed a well-notated copy of this title by a friend with whom it was discussed and decided upon that we swap recommendations that would draw us out of our respective literary safety zones. She insisted that I read it, make notes, and return it for scrutiny. Done. When I finished I asked for her next recommendation. I was given a choice between Nabokov's Lolita and Gibran's The Prophet. I chose the latter. Done.

I enjoyed both books immensely. Both were a refreshing departure from the escape provided by raucous contemporary fiction and creative non-fiction that is my habit. However, it remains to be seen if I continue to be interested. It's been a great start nonetheless.

Yann Martel's Life of Pi: Richard Parker and I need to get reacquainted. I loved this book deeply when I read it the first time. I chose to read it again to form a more stable foundation to stand on when discussing it with my friend (see above) to whom I recommended it and hope she will read. I can't wait to get swept up in this story again.

The Complete Flannery O'Connor: I really know nothing about O'Connor's works. I have been given recommendations in the past but never put forth the effort. I recently heard a discussion about a new biography of Flannery O'Connor on Slate.com's Audio Book Club podcast. I was intrigued, so I'm going to dive right in. On that same podcast was a discussion about a new biography of John Cheever. Another author of whom I know nothing. I shall add him to my list.

I am happy to consider any recommendations forthcoming.