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Haley Holcomb's avatar

Love seeing the fall list from Lit Hub! I’ve never read Joyce Carol Oates but this sounds so good! Do you think I should start with this latest novel of hers? Or what of her backlist would you recommend?

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

This is a tough question because she's published somewhere around 50 books, and I've only read three of them! I think WE WERE THE MULVANEYS is one of her classics, and I remember thinking it was excellent. I do think FOX would be a perfectly good place to start--it's long and dark and feels very true to her voice. I think you probably couldn't go wrong just reading the synopses of her books and choosing the one that sounds best to you.

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Abigail's avatar

A particularly phenomenal newsletter from you!! The two books you reviewed are high on my tbr, and am very eager to check out quite a few of your link recs as well!

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

Thanks, Abigail! I'll be curious to hear what you think of these books!

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Alisha Ramos's avatar

I was just reading the NYT review of Culpability, and now your mention of it has convinced me to grab a copy. Thanks for sharing!

I'm ashamed to admit that I've never read Oates, but this book sounds compelling too.

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

And now it's an Oprah book! Definitely worth reading...it's quick and gives you a lot to think about. I haven't read much Oates. She is incredibly prolific!! I've heard readers who are more versed on her work say that FOX would be a good place to start. It's dark but definitely compelling.

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Melanie (@bookscatsandtreats)'s avatar

I recently read The English Understand Wool, and it's funny how Helen Dewitt now seems to be popping up everywhere.

I loved listening to that long podcast episode on ice dancing! I've never been a figure skater, but I am a teenager of the 90s, and I spent many a Saturday watching whatever figure skating I could find on TV. I am really looking forward to episodes on women's and pairs lore!

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

Yes! DeWitt seems to be everywhere now...so funny! I really want to read that novella after I finish THE LAST SAMURAI! Did you enjoy it?

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Melanie (@bookscatsandtreats)'s avatar

I did enjoy The English Understand Wool. It was fun!

Usually I really enjoy reading author interviews and professional book reviews, once I’ve jotted down my initial thoughts, but this is one of the rare instances in which those things dampened the reading experience. There is a lot to glean from the short text, but many of the reviews took themselves so seriously that they sucked all the joy from the book…and some of the them were almost as long as the novella itself! Also, I don’t think I’d like Dewitt much as a person; she came off as elitist and disdainful (granted that’s my take via just a couple of interviews, I’m happy to be wrong).

I think you’d really enjoy it @Sara Hildreth, and I’d be curious as to what you think about some of the discussion/analysis around the book.

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

Oh this is so interesting! I usually avoid author interviews so I'll be sure to do the same this time around!

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Magda T.'s avatar

I’m looking forward to reading Fox. I had never read a book from a predator’s/sociopath’s perspective until I read Fire by John Boyne. It makes for an incredibly uncomfortable and visceral experience. It sounds like Fox is worth it though.

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

Oh that Boyne book is on my list too. You're right that those kind of reading experiences are uncomfortable but also unforgettable.

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Natalie McGlocklin's avatar

Fox just bumped up the list….

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

I'll be very curious to hear what you think!

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MJ's avatar

Oh! I'm so excited! Traci just gave me Culpability and I'm taking it with me on my trip!

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

Fun! Let me know what you think!

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Sydney Bollinger's avatar

I immediately added The Last Samurai to my TBR after seeing your reading report on Wednesday! I am on hold for JCO book at the library, but feeling a tad apprehensive - but we shall see!

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

Ooo yay! Enjoy! And let me know what you think when you get to them!

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Natalie's avatar

The ice dance lore episode was a treat! My jaw dropped multiple times.

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Sara Hildreth's avatar

Such a treat! Can't wait for part two tomorrow!

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