Stoner by John Williams

[z1812]

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.

[al_infierno]

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

[z1812]

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.

[Staggerwing]

I clicked on this thread thinking it would be about a guy named Eugene...