In the quiet of January, a month often dedicated to reflection and new beginnings, writers and avid readers have been delving into a diverse array of literary works. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, the shared experiences of reading foster a vibrant community of book lovers. Here, we explore the titles that have captivated minds this month, inviting you to join the conversation and perhaps discover your next favourite read.
George Saunders: Revisiting Classics for Creative Inspiration
George Saunders, the acclaimed author, has embarked on a journey back to classic works he previously missed, driven by a desire to unlock new creative frequencies in his writing. He reflects on Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, noting their whimsical yet politically resonant narratives. Moving on to Vladimir Nabokov's Speak, Memory, Saunders is reminded of the sheer power of dense, beautiful language to propel a reader forward. Looking ahead, he anticipates Robert A. Caro's The Power Broker, inspired by its ambitious scale and daring approach. Saunders' own work, Vigil, continues to engage readers, published by Bloomsbury.
Guardian Readers Share Their January Reads
The Guardian's community of readers has contributed insightful reflections on their recent literary adventures, highlighting the personal and transformative impact of books.
Matt on Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections
Matt describes The Corrections as a rare novel that masterfully blends a state-of-the-nation epic with an exquisitely painful family drama. The characters are so meticulously observed that the story feels less like fiction and more like overhearing a neighbour's argument through a thin wall. Franzen's ability to infuse misery with humour, without letting it off the hook, creates a deeply humane narrative. Readers may start with a sense of superiority but often end up recognising uncomfortable fragments of themselves, making this a brilliant and bracing read that understands everything while correcting nothing.
Ti on JL Carr's A Month in the Country
In a world saturated with daily horrors and digital distractions, Ti finds solace in JL Carr's A Month in the Country. This short tale of a man restoring a medieval painting in a rural English town offers a witty, thoughtful, and contemplative respite. It encourages readers to immerse themselves in the narrator's craft and a summer in Yorkshire, even prompting a look-up of words like "chancel" and "corbel." For those yearning for an analogue escape, this book serves as a perfect balm.
Erin Somers: Sharing Classics with Family
Erin Somers shares the joy of reading classic books with her 10-year-old daughter, sparking an Edith Wharton mania in their household. After reading Ethan Frome, a favourite of her husband's, they explored Wharton's The New York Stories, particularly recommending "Roman Fever." For contemporary picks, Somers suggests Gwendoline Riley's works, such as First Love and My Phantoms, ahead of her new book The Palm House in April. Somers' own novel, The Ten Year Affair, is published by Canongate.
Elle on Impulse Reads and Sensory Experiences
Elle, committed to reading more this year, has already reached book number five. An impulse purchase led her to Jacqueline Susann's Valley of the Dolls, which she found both glamorous and grotesque, reminiscent of early scenes in The Bell Jar. Currently, she is engrossed in Asako Yuzuki's Butter, translated by Polly Barton, noting how it uniquely heightens awareness of hunger and body consciousness, even influencing her cooking with an extra pat of butter.
Finn on Rachel Ingalls' Mrs Caliban
Finn highlights Rachel Ingalls' Mrs Caliban, a quick read at around 120 pages that follows Dorothy, a lonely housewife in America, and her surreal love affair with a frog-man named Larry. The novel blends absurdity and surrealism with deep sadness, exploring feminist themes like the subversion of domesticity and critiques of marriage, making it a unique and thought-provoking experience.
Federico on Laila Lalami's The Dream Hotel
Federico is currently reading Laila Lalami's The Dream Hotel, a dystopian tale focused on state surveillance and invasive technology. He finds its portrayal of totalitarian threats bloodcurdling and plans to use it with his ESL students to spark fascinating debates on contemporary issues.
This collection of readings showcases the enduring power of books to inspire, comfort, and challenge us. Whether revisiting classics or discovering new voices, January's literary picks offer something for every reader to explore and discuss.
