My wife and I are going to take our first vacation without kids since 2019. We have 5- and 2-year old boys, and ever since the second was born I’ve basically become a goldfish.
Previously, I read Joyce, DFW, Pynchon, continental philosophy.. I really love the classics and challenging myself.
Now I can’t make it two pages into a serious tome without losing interest. I hate it, but it is what it is right now.
My latest significant foray is Blood Meridian, and it’s sitting with a bookmark halfway through on my nightstand, where it has slept these past six months.
We leave in a few days for FOUR days on the beach with no kids.
What do I bring?
I’m thinking short stories would be perfect, because I can reach a stopping point in between bike rides, meals, whatever we end up doing. And I don’t risk not finishing a novel by the end… which means I’d likely never finish it.
Short story authors I enjoy: Ted Chiang, Borges, DFW…
Other genres I enjoy: modernist, postmodern, classics, poetry.
I have enjoyed sci-fi, if it’s cerebral and quick (neuromancer, hyperion, snow crash, forever war… not GRRM, Rothfuss, etc.)
I’m open to anything… but I’d really love for the book to move me. Something joyous, scary, and – if it’s tragic or challenging – then interesting enough to keep my attention.
Anyway, I’ve said enough.
What can you recommend me?
by pyrrhicvictorylap
1 Comment
Out There by Kate Folk is a quirky set of speculative fiction/sci fi short stories.
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson is a quick short read I’d say leans into magical realism. It’s about found family and kids who spontaneously set on fire. It’s funny while still being heartfelt.