Oooh, doorstoppers are one of my favorite things! This is so great — thanks for inspiring me to think about these, Jeremy!
'Plain Bad Heroines' by Emily M. Danforth - All the Gothic fun!
'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova - Researchers and archivists as action heroes on a big adventure in Europe.
'Jane Eyre' and 'Villette' by Charlotte Brontë
'The Book Thief' by Marcus Zusak - Heartbreak has never been so sweet.
'The Overstory' by Richard Powers - Multi-generational saga set in a special forest.
And my #1 reason for jumping on here to reply: 'Cryptonomicon' by Neal Stephenson, weighing in at 1152 (fantastic) pages. This thing is epic, and I loved it so much. It weaves two timelines — one in WWII, the other in 1990s Silicon Valley — to tell a story of adventure, intrigue, the Enigma code, technology, and the search for lost gold. There are intrigue and double-crosses; bracing battle scenes; the tenderness and frustration of life-long friends; computer science and cryptography and mathematics; jungle adventure; tenderly and humorously wrought romance; and a whiz-bang ending. It's a treat to spend so much time with these characters.
The audiobook is FANTASTIC, in case you want to reread through your ears. The narrator’s voice is slinky and wry… perfect match to the tone of the book.
Of course it has to be the classic Lord of the Rings. While I enjoyed the films, the images in my head were much better, and they missed out most of the 'quiet' moments, that gave the story balance. I am in awe of how J.R.R Tolkien conjured up that world.
There is an expression used for old time radio: “the theater of the mind.” I feel the same way as you do with reading. The characters come to life in my mind, unrestricted by the images on a screen (be it movie or television).
I am sure there are others, yet the first one that came to mind is “Cloud Cuckoo Land”. Comes in somewhere between 650-700 pages if I remember correctly. A novel about an Ancient Greek manuscript, present day Oregon, and a child in a spaceship. A wondrous read.
Also, “East of Eden” at around 600 pages. Our current book reading group read.
Two books I could read several times and find the same joy and new meanings each time.
East of Eden is one of my all-time favorites, and currently reading (and adoring) Lonesome Dove, which might soon join those ranks. 11/22/63 was also great (if a little too long).
One of my favorite traditions is to start each year with a doorstopper. I start reading it just before New Year's Eve and it takes me into the new year.
That's such a great idea! I might steal that! I just got the audiobook of Middlemarch because I've never read it. This article in the LARB - https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/listening-to-george-eliots-middlemarch/ - convinced me to read it for the first time on audio because it's narrated by Juliet Stevenson (who is one of my favorites).
I don’t know why but this comment got to me - something poetic in starting the new year, cold wrapped in blankets, with a giant new world to escape into. 🖤
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry is my choice, though I would never use this tome as a doorstop. This story never leaves you. It’s a gritty tale of the challenges living in a cruel, inequitable caste system in 1975 in India. While you are abhorrent over the living conditions of the untouchables and the street people, you are drawn into the plight and even the pleasures of the characters’ fateful lives.
Okay, I have to be honest. I have read War & Peace twice. Actually I skipped the war bits, so I have only read Peace twice because I just could not cope with the war bits.
The first time I was a bored teenager in the wilds of Scotland, no car, 50 miles from the nearest town. The second time I read it was after watching a BBC TV series in 1972, with Anthony Hopkins. I was 22, and with my friends we fancied ourselves swirling around the dance floor in empire gowns & sparkling jewels, making eyes at dashingly handsome men in tight trousers (I still get a flutter 50 years later!).
Magister Ludi: The Glass Bead Game by Herman Hesse
Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany
It by Stephen King
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
(Yet, I will now make a point of never reading another epic fantasy series until it has finished being written, because I find it really rude of him to not get his last book out there. In that respect, I'm glad I never started Martin's series. These are brilliant fantasies and I hope Rothfuss doesn't leave us hanging forever.)
2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson & his Mars Trilogy
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Imajica, The Great and Secret Show, Weaveworld by Clive Barker
Yes, LOTR by Tolkien would be in there too, and every so often I just have to re-read King's The Dark Tower series. It's a definite fave. Dune, as well.
I guess I should stop there. Don't want my comment to be a doorstopper.
Yeah, I could have put the Stand on there, or a number of other King tomes... but IT is really a favorite because of the magical evocation of childhood in a small town.
Hey Justin, gonna have to respectfully disagree on this. A song of ice and fire is totally worth it even as an incomplete series. It’s 5 large books and each one has fulfilling character development and deep commentary on human nature and motivation. You get so much from it and it’s such a rich experience in 5 books that while of course we all wish for another book, the ones we have are worth the journey.
I understand your hesitation of course, but I am happy to have the experience I had. The rest of the books will just be icing if they ever come out.
Hey no, problem. I understand. Martin must have his fans for a reason! & I'm totally happy with respectful disagreements. We need more of that in our culture.
I guess part of where this comes from is I had so many friends totally invested in the Wheel of Time...
That said, I may crack the ice on the Song of Ice and Fire one of these days.
I'm not sure what happened with WoT other than Jordan couldn't finish it and Sanderson had to step in and complete the series, which may have not been to every fans liking. I'm sure there's more to it than that.
I adore big books because I can totally immerse myself in them. They seem to stay with me and leave an impact on me for much longer than shorter novels. I always start one the week after Christmas as a part of my holiday traditions, but any time of year is great for doorstoppers!
The Count of Monte Cristo, Gone with the Wind, David Copperfield, Anna Karenina, Les Miserables, East of Eden, Middlemarch! All of these are so memorable & every page fed my senses.
"Dune" tops my list (as it always does). I also thoroughly enjoyed "Shogun" by James Clavell, which clocks in at 1100+ pages. I think most of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" books also top 500 pages.
This year I read Roberto Bolaño's "2666" (over 900 pages but could've been ~500); Bret Easton Ellis' "The Shards" (594) and Fintan O'Toole's "We Don't Know Ourselves" (570). and I'm currently working through Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man" (586).
I picked up a couple doorstoppers from Little Free Libraries and book sales around town that I plan to read either this year or next:
Great list! Shogun has long been on my TBR, as has 2666. I'm saving Infinite Jest . . . for no other reason than I know I'll really enjoy it and want to look forward to it as long as I can. :) haha
Shogun doesn't feel like 1100 pages, but 2666 feels every bit it's length. It's interesting, but it definitely could've been tighter. I read by "By Night in Chile" and started "The Savage Detectives" and I think Bolaño might just not be for me.
Oooh, doorstoppers are one of my favorite things! This is so great — thanks for inspiring me to think about these, Jeremy!
'Plain Bad Heroines' by Emily M. Danforth - All the Gothic fun!
'The Historian' by Elizabeth Kostova - Researchers and archivists as action heroes on a big adventure in Europe.
'Jane Eyre' and 'Villette' by Charlotte Brontë
'The Book Thief' by Marcus Zusak - Heartbreak has never been so sweet.
'The Overstory' by Richard Powers - Multi-generational saga set in a special forest.
And my #1 reason for jumping on here to reply: 'Cryptonomicon' by Neal Stephenson, weighing in at 1152 (fantastic) pages. This thing is epic, and I loved it so much. It weaves two timelines — one in WWII, the other in 1990s Silicon Valley — to tell a story of adventure, intrigue, the Enigma code, technology, and the search for lost gold. There are intrigue and double-crosses; bracing battle scenes; the tenderness and frustration of life-long friends; computer science and cryptography and mathematics; jungle adventure; tenderly and humorously wrought romance; and a whiz-bang ending. It's a treat to spend so much time with these characters.
I've read most of these . . . except Cryptonomicon. Might have to prioritize it for next year. :)
It's a monster, but it's such a good ride!
The Historian was SO good.
Right? I've read it (and listened to it) an embarrassing number of times! (Six, seven?)
I’ve never heard of Cryptonomicron before, but I just put a hold on it based on this review and the comment thread, so, thank you in advance!
Oh, awesome! I hope you enjoy it!
Ooooh, I was coming here to say Cryptonomicon too!! It’s got everything!
Almost literally everything, right?! Such a big, fun, epic story.
Plain Bad Heroines was SO good. Was just thinking about rereading it the other day. I’m taking this as a sign to do so!
The audiobook is FANTASTIC, in case you want to reread through your ears. The narrator’s voice is slinky and wry… perfect match to the tone of the book.
Ohh, will have to pick that up! Thanks for the rec!
Of course it has to be the classic Lord of the Rings. While I enjoyed the films, the images in my head were much better, and they missed out most of the 'quiet' moments, that gave the story balance. I am in awe of how J.R.R Tolkien conjured up that world.
Ah, yes! It's been almost 10 years since I last read it. Definitely due for a re-read.
There is an expression used for old time radio: “the theater of the mind.” I feel the same way as you do with reading. The characters come to life in my mind, unrestricted by the images on a screen (be it movie or television).
Yes! I am reading it again right now. I think it may be worth my time for a yearly read.
Yes yes yes!
Just about 500 pages: "Pachinko", Min Jin Lee.
So good!
Loved that book!
Denis Johnson, Tree of Smoke.
Donna Tartt, The Secret History
Stephen King, The Stand
I've only read The Stand from this group - thanks Sherman!
The Stand was amazing.
I am sure there are others, yet the first one that came to mind is “Cloud Cuckoo Land”. Comes in somewhere between 650-700 pages if I remember correctly. A novel about an Ancient Greek manuscript, present day Oregon, and a child in a spaceship. A wondrous read.
Also, “East of Eden” at around 600 pages. Our current book reading group read.
Two books I could read several times and find the same joy and new meanings each time.
I just started Cloud Cuckoo Land. Quite entralling..
Ah, Cloud Cuckoo Land. Amazing book. Due for a re-read.
East of Eden is one of my all-time favorites, and currently reading (and adoring) Lonesome Dove, which might soon join those ranks. 11/22/63 was also great (if a little too long).
3 of my favorite books.
Oof, all soooo good!
One of my favorite traditions is to start each year with a doorstopper. I start reading it just before New Year's Eve and it takes me into the new year.
Favorites have been:
Les Miserables
Middlemarch
The Priory of the Orange Tree
Love it — thanks for sharing! Those are all great books. :)
That's such a great idea! I might steal that! I just got the audiobook of Middlemarch because I've never read it. This article in the LARB - https://lareviewofbooks.org/article/listening-to-george-eliots-middlemarch/ - convinced me to read it for the first time on audio because it's narrated by Juliet Stevenson (who is one of my favorites).
My favorite book is David Copperfield! Very much enjoyed Demon Copperhead this year too. And Middlemarch is another favorite.
I don’t know why but this comment got to me - something poetic in starting the new year, cold wrapped in blankets, with a giant new world to escape into. 🖤
That’s a beautiful tradition!
Anna Karenina
All the Light We Cannot See
The Goldfinch
Book Thief (well, fewer words per page, really)
East of Eden
Middlemarch
To read a long book is to live another life.
This list includes 5 of my top ten books! I liked Book Thief but didn't Love it.
GREAT list.
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry is my choice, though I would never use this tome as a doorstop. This story never leaves you. It’s a gritty tale of the challenges living in a cruel, inequitable caste system in 1975 in India. While you are abhorrent over the living conditions of the untouchables and the street people, you are drawn into the plight and even the pleasures of the characters’ fateful lives.
Oh yes. The most powerful read if one needs to know anything about India. It is all true. I visited there.
I was coming on to list this book! I have read it three times and recommend it so much. A story that changed my thoughts on so many topics.
Hi Julie! Ditto. Everyone I know was heavily affected by this book. We know so little about the realities of third world countries.
Never heard of it! Thanks Liz!
Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie and Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell! both around 600 pages.
Haven't read either of 'em!
I second these!
Many books come to mind, but I do have a soft spot for David Copperfield.
Haven't read it yet! I'm halfway through Great Expectations right now though. :)
I’ve never read it. Supposedly his greatest work. Hope you provide us with a review!
Definitely! I'm really enjoying it so far.
Thinking of David Copperfield makes me feel like I’m thinking of friends I haven’t seen in a while. Maybe it’s time for a reread, I read it in 2016!
My favorite book!!
War and Peace.
Okay, I have to be honest. I have read War & Peace twice. Actually I skipped the war bits, so I have only read Peace twice because I just could not cope with the war bits.
Impressive!
The first time I was a bored teenager in the wilds of Scotland, no car, 50 miles from the nearest town. The second time I read it was after watching a BBC TV series in 1972, with Anthony Hopkins. I was 22, and with my friends we fancied ourselves swirling around the dance floor in empire gowns & sparkling jewels, making eyes at dashingly handsome men in tight trousers (I still get a flutter 50 years later!).
Amazing, thanks so much for sharing!
Love War and Peace. Tolstoy was a genius.
Indeed he was. I haven't read Karenina yet though! High on my 2024 list.
Agree! I've read it twice and will definitely do so again in my lifetime.
Magister Ludi: The Glass Bead Game by Herman Hesse
Dhalgren by Samuel R. Delany
It by Stephen King
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
The Name of the Wind and The Wise Man's Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
(Yet, I will now make a point of never reading another epic fantasy series until it has finished being written, because I find it really rude of him to not get his last book out there. In that respect, I'm glad I never started Martin's series. These are brilliant fantasies and I hope Rothfuss doesn't leave us hanging forever.)
2312 by Kim Stanley Robinson & his Mars Trilogy
Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Imajica, The Great and Secret Show, Weaveworld by Clive Barker
Yes, LOTR by Tolkien would be in there too, and every so often I just have to re-read King's The Dark Tower series. It's a definite fave. Dune, as well.
I guess I should stop there. Don't want my comment to be a doorstopper.
Speaking of Stephen King and doorstoppers...I have never read The Stand,
and I don’t really know why, with that being said I think I’ll add it to my reading list for next year.
Great list, Justin.
It's sooo good. Even better on my second reading last year.
Yeah, I could have put the Stand on there, or a number of other King tomes... but IT is really a favorite because of the magical evocation of childhood in a small town.
Totally, there's nothing like it.
What a wonderful list! I've read most of these - but not Rothfuss. I've heard even just the two books are worth it. :)
They really are good. Despite my comment, I would read them again, and am really rooting for him to finish the third one!
I'll add two more that just now came to mind: The Name of the Rose and Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco.
I've not read Eco! Will have to soon.
Hey Justin, gonna have to respectfully disagree on this. A song of ice and fire is totally worth it even as an incomplete series. It’s 5 large books and each one has fulfilling character development and deep commentary on human nature and motivation. You get so much from it and it’s such a rich experience in 5 books that while of course we all wish for another book, the ones we have are worth the journey.
I understand your hesitation of course, but I am happy to have the experience I had. The rest of the books will just be icing if they ever come out.
Hey no, problem. I understand. Martin must have his fans for a reason! & I'm totally happy with respectful disagreements. We need more of that in our culture.
I guess part of where this comes from is I had so many friends totally invested in the Wheel of Time...
That said, I may crack the ice on the Song of Ice and Fire one of these days.
I see what ya did there!
I'm not sure what happened with WoT other than Jordan couldn't finish it and Sanderson had to step in and complete the series, which may have not been to every fans liking. I'm sure there's more to it than that.
More than anything else I'm just happy to be conversing about books! I hope you have a good day, and happy reading.
I adore big books because I can totally immerse myself in them. They seem to stay with me and leave an impact on me for much longer than shorter novels. I always start one the week after Christmas as a part of my holiday traditions, but any time of year is great for doorstoppers!
War and Peace, Tolstoy
The Name of the Rose, Umberto Eco
Shantaram, Gregory David Roberts
Barkskins, Annie Proulx
The Historian, Elizabeth Kostova
The Secret History and The Goldfinch, Donna Tartt
1Q84, Haruki Murakami
Shadow Country, Peter Matthiessen
Tale of the Genji, Murasaki Shikibu
The Magic Mountain, Thomas Mann
Love this list, thank you for sharing!
How could I forget “Shadow Country”. Great book. Based on a true story, the same story told from 3 different viewpoints.
The Count of Monte Cristo, Gone with the Wind, David Copperfield, Anna Karenina, Les Miserables, East of Eden, Middlemarch! All of these are so memorable & every page fed my senses.
The Count of Monte Cristo is definitely a favorite!
"Dune" tops my list (as it always does). I also thoroughly enjoyed "Shogun" by James Clavell, which clocks in at 1100+ pages. I think most of the "A Song of Ice and Fire" books also top 500 pages.
This year I read Roberto Bolaño's "2666" (over 900 pages but could've been ~500); Bret Easton Ellis' "The Shards" (594) and Fintan O'Toole's "We Don't Know Ourselves" (570). and I'm currently working through Ralph Ellison's "Invisible Man" (586).
I picked up a couple doorstoppers from Little Free Libraries and book sales around town that I plan to read either this year or next:
"Underworld" by Don DeLillo
"The Goldfinch" by Donna Tartt
"Infinite Jest" by David Foster Wallace
Great list! Shogun has long been on my TBR, as has 2666. I'm saving Infinite Jest . . . for no other reason than I know I'll really enjoy it and want to look forward to it as long as I can. :) haha
Shogun doesn't feel like 1100 pages, but 2666 feels every bit it's length. It's interesting, but it definitely could've been tighter. I read by "By Night in Chile" and started "The Savage Detectives" and I think Bolaño might just not be for me.
The Goldfinch was quite good! I thought the film was also a decent adaptation!