GrogHeads Forum

IRL (In Real Life) => Books & Reading => Topic started by: z1812 on March 30, 2021, 08:26:48 AM

Title: Stoner by John Williams
Post by: z1812 on March 30, 2021, 08:26:48 AM
By the sound of the title I presumed this book would be about drugs and/or alcohol. Actually it is the last name of the main Character in the Novel. Stoner is a teenager whose parents own a very poor farm in rural Missouri. The book begins during the first decade of the last century. Through circumstance Stoner ends up attending University. His academic career forms the background to his personal life.

I loved the book. The odd thing is that I am not sure why. The writing is excellent. However excellent writing does not always equal a book being compelling. If anyone else has read this book I would be interested in what they thought about it.
Title: Re: Stoner by John Williams
Post by: al_infierno on April 01, 2021, 04:42:59 PM
I haven't read this yet, but I have it and Butcher's Crossing on my to-read list.  I do know that Williams is a fantastic writer, so it's not at all surprising that he can make a "book about work" engaging all the way through a full novel. 

I'd recommend checking out Butcher's Crossing if it's not already on your list, for some late 19th century American frontier goodness.

I'll have to bump him up to the top of my list, so thanks for the rec O0
Title: Re: Stoner by John Williams
Post by: z1812 on April 01, 2021, 05:52:56 PM
Quote from: al_infierno on April 01, 2021, 04:42:59 PM

I'd recommend checking out Butcher's Crossing if it's not already on your list, for some late 19th century American frontier goodness.


Thanks for the recommendation. It sounds quite interesting.
Title: Re: Stoner by John Williams
Post by: Staggerwing on April 01, 2021, 09:08:07 PM
I clicked on this thread thinking it would be about a guy named Eugene...