PenguinReaders' Group
 

Author Book Choices

Ross Raisin

We asked our Featured Author, Ross Raisin, author of God's Own Country, to recommend 3 books to our readers.

Northline

Northline by Willy Vlautin

A book that quietly builds a poignant and raw portrayal of a young woman down on her luck and down on herself. By doing so with uncomplicated and unflashy prose, it is one of the most honest books about America you will read, and, what's more, some editions have a CD of Willy's music in the back, that he wrote to go with the book, each track matching a chapter.

Revolutionary Road

Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates

If Northline is an honest portrayal of modern America, then this book is as unflinching an account of the 50s as you could hope for. Not a lot of hope in this novel though. It is amazing though, and well worth reading before you go and see the film.

Submarine

Submarine by Joe Dunthorne

I saw him read from this the other night, and it reminded me what a good book it is. Very funny, and to make such a believable and comic character as he has, and in large part using perfect similes that never seem show-offy but instead just right for the character's voice, is a great achievement.