Re: RARA-AVIS: Reading suggestions

Anthony Smith (ansmith@netdoor.com)
Sat, 28 Mar 1998 11:29:01 -0600 > Finally, with all the Ellroy fans on the list, why not include one of
his?
> Many of us are interested, but have not yet taken the plunge. The title
> should probably be left to those who know his work--maybe it's a question
> of which title you Ellroy fans would be willing to reread.

My favorite novel of all time is an Ellroy, _White Jazz_, which I think
pushed the limits of language in a style I had never seen before. It's
also in first person, which makes it a very personal story. After that, I
think _American Tabloid_ was also one of the best books I've ever read.
The style is still pushing it, but it definitely has a different spin. The
earlier stuff was very good, but Ellroy broke all the rules and limits with
_LA Con._ and on. Everything since then has been a feast.

As far as putting them on the reading list, it takes me a LOOOONG time to
get through an Ellroy book. I've read most of them and remember, though.

On another writer: Has George Pelecanos been on the list yet? If _King
Suckerman_ or _The Big Blowdown_ hasn't been on there yet, it strongly
suggest them. Amazing books. I think George P. will be a very important
writer, but he needs a few more books under his belt.

#
# To unsubscribe, say "unsubscribe rara-avis" to majordomo@icomm.ca.
# The web pages for the list are at http://www.vex.net/~buff/rara-avis/.