It started as a simple conversation among library staff members. Are there still books being written that can be considered A or The Great American Novel?
The responses ranged from the idea that some books, like On the Road by Jack Kerouac, though not recent, still fit the bill because it remains applicable to modern society.
Someone else, a published author, said that because society and its reading cohort are far too divided – fans of specific genres – to be touched or interested by a single book. Readers of horror will not be cracking the covers of an adventure tale of personal growth, challenge and eventual success. Fantasy romance fans will not see the draw of an historic fiction tome based on the life of Martha Washington, and so on.
We would like to know what you think about this. Do you have an idea of a book that you read recently that might qualify as A Great American Novel or what books did you read in the past that you thought really embodied the spirit of America, where we are at present or where we might go.
Please send your thoughts, recommendations and comments to Brian at ctlreads@ctlibrary.org and we will publish them in the near future.
Me? While not an American book, I’m sticking with The World of Pooh. A life-changer, five stars!
