I fell in love with Anne Tylers'novels in college. Our American Lit professor was an eccentric Jesuit priest-in-training. "Mr. P" was the kinda guy that got so enthusiastic during lectures, everyone would avoid the first row of seats due to random spittle flying about. Despite the fact that he used to call me "cupcake" & wore ill-fitting polyester clothing, I am very grateful to have taken his class. "Mr. P" turned me on to Flannery O'Connor, William Faulkner, Sherwood Anderson and, yes, Anne Tyler.
The Tyler novel that we read in his class was the Accidental Tourist. It is a wonderful, bittersweet book about a couple that moves through the aftermath of their 12-year-old son's senseless murder. My favorite character was Muriel Pritchett, a batty dog trainer that leads the main character, Macon Leary, back to living his life. There are so many details about that novel that I loved. Little, quirky, heart-tugging, special details about the very human characters.
This is why I think of Anne Tyler as an old friend. She's touched me. I couldn't be more excited to start her latest book - Digging to America. Because it is about families brought together through Korean adoption. Because it touches upon cultural identity issues. Because it is guaranteed to have a few nutty characters. And, because it is Anne Tyler.
Anyone else read this? Anyone else share my love of Ms. Tyler?
8 comments:
I have never read one of her novels before. I may have to pick this one up. She sounds like a great author.
Oooo, ooo, that book sounds awesome! If you finish it before our lunch can I borrow it? (Wait, are you a book lender? If not, I totally understand and I won't even mention it again, so no worries.)
Like Stacy, I have yet to read any of her books! My mother gave me a copy of Digging to America - I'll have to give it a try!
I haven't read anything of hers since Accidental Tourist. Like you, I loved it. This book looks great - thanks for the recommendation. Happily, my library branch has it "in stock." The library is right in tune with the adoption/Paris budget. That, and it saves on having to build bookshelves...
It's a good book, but it's not "really" about Chinese adoption, like I thought it was going to be.....that's just one part of it.....
I haven't read that one yet but I just finished "The Mermaid Chair"...loved it! Such a great woman's novel. It would be great to chat about that one. So, now I'm ready for something new. Perhaps I'll pick this one up since M3 got first dibs Ha! :) Sounds intriguing...
I read Digging to America over the summer and LOVED it. I could not put it down. The interesting characters, unlikely friendships and International Adoption made this a really great book.
I will definitely be reading more Anne Tyler books in the future.
BTW, didn't you just love Jin-Ho's (sp?) grandmother? LOVED her!
I like her too. I haven't read this one yet, but with everyone saying how good it is I will have to read it soon.
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