The book recommendation thread

[EvilShoe]

In which we ask for recommendations, or perhaps offer them.

Had the feeling questions might get lost in the big thread, so decided to make this seperate one. Mainly because of the following (straight copy from book discussion thread, sry):

I was wondering if you guys had any recommendations when it comes to John Updike. I loved the Rabbit series, and am looking for other stuff.
Are the Bech short stories (novels?) any good?

Also, after reading 2666, I'd like to read more Bolano. Problem is: I don't know where to start. Any recs?

[Milky Joe]

Also, after reading 2666, I'd like to read more Bolano. Problem is: I don't know where to start. Any recs?

I read By Night in Chile, and then The Savage Detectives, after reading 2666. They're both excellent.

[EvilShoe]

Thanks! Savage Detectives was the name I heard mentioned the most.

[Benny Profane]

Thanks! Savage Detectives was the name I heard mentioned the most.

It's not nearly as good as 2666, but I thought it was still pretty good. I think a lot of its problems are structural, moreso than plot, characters, themes, or overall writing.

I really should read more Updike myself considering how much I love the Rabbit series. So I'll keep checking back for recs on that.

[kuehnepips]

Updike besides Rabbit:

Well, you've seen The Witches of Eastwick.

I do not recommend Gertrude and Claudius to people younger than 40.