I need a recommendation of a book with a male protagonist. I read A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara and absolutely LOVED it. It’s an amazing book, and I guess that shows the type of vibe I’m going for. Another gut wrenching book or something similar. Male protagonists always seem too keep me hooked more for some reason? I’m open to any suggestions though.
by Fearless-Sea-1977
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A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Perhaps *Shuggie Bain* (Douglas Stewart, 2020).
It’s set in 1980s Glasgow, and follows a boy whose mother is descending rapidly into alcoholism.
It’s a really stark view of addiction and poverty, where the children are kind of forced to care for themselves and leave, but Shuggie remains.
It goes from early childhood to him being around 15/16, I believe. Gut wrenching sums it up perfectly, I would say it’s a *make sure you’re having a solid mental health day* experience because it doesn’t relent.
Let me know if you’re thinking older protagonist and I’ll try to recommend something else.
The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher
Warrior’s Apprentice by Lois Bujold
Stoner by John Williams. It’s a beautfiul but sad book
I’m currently reading Wally Lambs The River is Waiting and it follows a man’s journey in prison. I haven’t finished it yet but I got to part four and it felt like it punched me right in my stomach where I had to stop and put it down and process what happened and come back later. I hope the ending doesn’t leave me feeling less desirable but so far it’s been a great book.
The heart’s invisible furies should work for what you’re looking for
Norwegian Wood, by Haruki Murakami
Flowers for Algernon
Confessions of a Mask – Yukio Mishima
The Sorrows of Young Werther – Goethe
Crime and Punishment – Dostoievski
Sparrow by James Hynes
Back in the Day by Oliver Lovrenski
*One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest* by Ken Kesey. There is a reason it’s one of the all time classics at the center of books about men and for men.
*Lonesome Dove* by Larry McMurtry wonderfully and beautifully hits on just about every type of relationship a man can have.
Both will have you crying at certain parts.