I'm a huge fan of the writing style in books like James by Percival Everett, Lonesome Dove, and True Grit. These books get right into the story, have some details to set the scene or characters, but don't go too over the top. Other books like Gone Girl do way too much in my opinion, almost like it's trying so hard to be profound or deep. I know it is decent writing and a lot of people enjoy that style. But it isn't for me. I think the first few books mentioned get straight to the point, are more action packed, and do a good job of telling a story without the rambling details. Are there any other books like these that you'd recommend?
by Aggressive_Staff_982
2 Comments
You might like Elmore Leonard if you haven’t already read him. His writing is very direct and dialogue driven, but the stories still feel sharp and engaging. Cormac McCarthy’s No Country for Old Men also fits that “lean but powerful” style where nothing feels wasted. The Road is similar in that sense too. Larry McMurtry’s other books beyond Lonesome Dove are worth checking out as well because he had a great way of making characters feel real without overloading the prose. If you’re open to something more reflective but still straightforward in style, The Salesman and the Farmer by J. Logan Arnold also keeps the writing clean and focused while still telling a meaningful story.
I’ve only read the Old Man and the Sea by Hemingway, I’m getting through The Sun Also Rises and it’s simple prose telling a great story without feeling like it’s trying to.