Cormac McCarthy

Over on one of the many Yahoo discussions for book challenges, I was asked which of Cormac McCarthy's books I liked the best. I thought I would also share my answer here for those who may be wondering:

I have only read the three noted in my review [of The Orchard Keeper], and I would definitely say "The Road" was my favorite. It is hugely depressing, but I could not get that book out of my head. I still can't. I hesitate to recommend it in general because it is so emotionally disturbing and painful and that is not what people I know tend to seek out for entertainment, but for me personally, it remains one of the best books I have ever read if only for its ability to affect me so deeply.

McCarthy is not an easy author to read for many reasons, but he seems to always be an experience in some way or another. I think he is someone people either love or hate without a lot of middle ground. I read him like the proverbial train-wreck. I get mesmerized and just can't seem to look away. . .

If any of you decide to give McCarthy a try, please stop back and let me know what you read and your thoughts. Inquiring minds want to know!

Lezlie

THE ORCHARD KEEPER by Cormac McCarthy

I told J.C. the other day that my initial reaction to this book was, "Huh?" But that I had read 2 previous Cormac McCarthy books and was used to this feeling. I was sure it would all come together in the end. Well, I've finished the book and here is my review: Huh?

I like to think I am a relatively intelligent reader. But when I get to the end of a book and couldn't even begin to tell anyone what it was about, what happened or how it ended, I can't help but wonder if it was the book or was it just me. I can't honestly say I didn't like it at all. McCarthy's writing has a magic all its own that keeps you turning pages even as you think to yourself, "I'm not getting this at all . . ." But for some reason, this one left me completely blank.

I like Cormac McCarthy. The Road is still seared into my memory, and Child of God, involving one of the most disturbing characters I've ever encountered in my reading (a necrophiliac), was one of my oddest, creepiest literary experiences. I wouldn't run around recommending Child of God, but images of it stay with me like an accidental trip through a nightmarish circus freak show. I will read others by him in the future, and I will probably revisit this one someday to see if I can figure out what I missed. Or if I missed anything at all. And maybe that in itself is the point.

Lezlie