Just yesterday I picked up this book on reserve from the library. Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson was recommended to me by one of my classmates from my novel writing class in response to my workshop submission last week. I'm investigating the link she made between my writing and that of Per Petterson. I've barely begun the story, but am enjoying the rhythm of the language. It is spare and melancholy, very meditative. Perhaps the connection is that Petterson's book is about memories, coming of age, and family. It is not a traditional narrative.
Most of my reading lately is twenty page chunks of novels in progress for workshop discussion. Lucky me to be in a class of such fine writers. I'm also exporing young adult and middle grade novels recommended by these classmates as well as our instructor.
7 comments:
This sounds interesting, Christy. I love finding out what other writers are reading and adding titles to my own reading list.
I read this years ago, but so long ago I don't even remember it...I think that's so cool you are taking a novel class. I wish I lived where I had opportunities like that.
Stephanie,
You can do on-line classes (guess you would know that from Gotham). What I love though is the on-site workshop community. Stanford writing classes are pricey but so worth it because of the caliber of students they draw.
I am not familiar with this title, but love language and its rhythms. Will keep my eyes open for it.
Have there been any recommended YA or middle grade novels that you particularly enjoyed?
Hi David,
YA author Jandy Nelson might be visiting our class, so I read her book, The Sky is Everywhere. It was very engaging, a fast read. For class we are required to read Holes by Louise Sachar and Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson, both were rereads for me. I particurlarly admire the structure and layering of stories in Holes. We've read openers as well as prologues from many, many books. From these snippets I'm building a list of books I want to read.
This sounds like such a great class Christy! I wish I could take it with you. I hope you will share your list of books to read with us as it grows. I read "Out Stealing Horses" several years ago, when everyone around me loved it. It was good, but did not send me over the moon the way it did for so many. It would be interesting to read it with a search in mind.
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