Naturally there is too much to say in response to both the list and your post, but here are a few thoughts in no particular order.
First, also in the NYT, you can read the top 10 lists of several authors, many of them part of whatever mystic cabal made the top 100 list. I found that these more personal lists contained many of the books I thought belonged on the list: Tinkers (one of the top five books ever written, imho), Milkman, The Orphan Master's Son.
I read through the Top 10 selections from a number of authors, too. I think some or most of them were on the selection committee. I found those list fascinating, and they covered some of the gaps from the Top 100, plus introduced new titles. That's here: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/authors-top-books-21st-century.html
Finally, David, go back and try Goon Squad and Oscar Wao again. Both of those books absolutely blew me away. I think Egan was breaking fiction and reassembling it in Goon Squad, and Diaz' writing really sings.
Sometimes it gets more interesting off the beaten path. Some on my lists are a bit eccentric, but you'll find some good stuff. I should read more NF . . . Thanks for the note.
I would agree about Mr. Pip by Lloyd Jones (2006) and Winter’s Bone by Daniel Woodrell (also 2006). I found several books from 2006 on my own list, which didn't include these two and should have.
Cate Kennedy told me to read MR. PIP (a tough read but seriously good). And WINTER'S BONE was one of those you just start reading and know how good it is immediately--the intelligence of the writing. [IRONWEED would be another of those.]
Reminds me to read IRONWEED again, a desire that arises every few years but which has yet to trigger the actions required to fulfill it. What a book that was. I confess to never having heard of Mister Pip.
Naturally there is too much to say in response to both the list and your post, but here are a few thoughts in no particular order.
First, also in the NYT, you can read the top 10 lists of several authors, many of them part of whatever mystic cabal made the top 100 list. I found that these more personal lists contained many of the books I thought belonged on the list: Tinkers (one of the top five books ever written, imho), Milkman, The Orphan Master's Son.
I read through the Top 10 selections from a number of authors, too. I think some or most of them were on the selection committee. I found those list fascinating, and they covered some of the gaps from the Top 100, plus introduced new titles. That's here: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/books/authors-top-books-21st-century.html
Finally, David, go back and try Goon Squad and Oscar Wao again. Both of those books absolutely blew me away. I think Egan was breaking fiction and reassembling it in Goon Squad, and Diaz' writing really sings.
I’ve read 22 of those listed. Of your two favorite lists I’ve read 6. So you’ve given me a new list of fiction. Non fiction is my go to.
Sometimes it gets more interesting off the beaten path. Some on my lists are a bit eccentric, but you'll find some good stuff. I should read more NF . . . Thanks for the note.
I just added more books to my TBR. Thanks for your take on these!
I would agree about Mr. Pip by Lloyd Jones (2006) and Winter’s Bone by Daniel Woodrell (also 2006). I found several books from 2006 on my own list, which didn't include these two and should have.
Cate Kennedy told me to read MR. PIP (a tough read but seriously good). And WINTER'S BONE was one of those you just start reading and know how good it is immediately--the intelligence of the writing. [IRONWEED would be another of those.]
Reminds me to read IRONWEED again, a desire that arises every few years but which has yet to trigger the actions required to fulfill it. What a book that was. I confess to never having heard of Mister Pip.
I hadn't heard of it either. Do re-read IRONWEED (and BILLY PHELAN'S GREATEST GAME).
I taught Mr. Pip for a time. Yes, the escalation of violence is tough, but then so Is Winter's Bone.
And all I recall of Veronica is that I didn't like it.