Thank you so much George and everyone for your kind words on the novel list. I'm not going to be able to reply to each individual comment, but I truly appreciate knowing it's going to be a useful document. To be honest, it did not take all that long to put together and I've always enjoyed making lists and bibliographies--so it really didn't feel like work. Again, I tried to include everything that was suggested up to about 1 a.m. ET on October 10th; apologies if I missed anything that came in after that time, or along the way for that matter. I noticed someone was asking about a list of short stories, and I know others may also be wondering. Here is a link to a wonderful short story list that was compiled last year from SC members' suggestions by SC Member, Mary G. Thanks again to her!
Thank you for putting this list together, Annemarie! It was so interesting to be able to look at it chronologically. I'm saving this email for future reference. :)
Thanks sooooo much Annemarie. This looks like a ton of work, supported by a ton of generosity and patience. I also really enjoyed your Memo to George and the SC'ers about your method, the reasoning etc. That took it to the professional level and made it all the more awesome and intriguing. More than a list, it's a well considered offering with guideposts.
Thank you. This was a one-time endeavor, so there isn't an opportunity for additions to an ongoing list, but I hope everyone will keep their own list and add to it as they wish. There are several suggestions from SCers in this current discussion for additional works. As David Bookbinder points out below, the PDF can be converted to a DOCX file with recent versions of Word, and then the list can be worked on individually at will.
George, your decision to write fewer (free) Office Hours posts makes sense to me and, I imagine, to all of us here. You've been so incredibly generous with your time, wisdom, and kindness.
Annmarie, wow! Alas, at 73 it's unlikely I'll live long enough to make a substantial dent in this list, but wow! Thanks you.
NOTE: For those who want to edit and rearrange, as Annmarie suggests, recent versions of Word can read the PDF and convert it to a DOCX file.
I decided, after my comment, to apply myself assiduously to this task. As a result of my unstinting labor to this end, I am delighted to report I am on the third line!
So I guess you'll be looking forward to making your best shot at making a hugely rewarding insubstantial dent in what will, I'm suddenly finding myself inclining to think, become known as 'The Annemarie List' 😅
Thanks also for the update on the affordances of recent versions of Word David. Males me think that still running my PC on pressed carbon pseudo coal nuggets is a situation in dire need of review: 🚂 "Choo, Choo!",
Time to consider an upgrade to wind or solar -- or, if you wish to follow Microsoft's example, consider installing a small reactor to handle your data-processing needs.
Yes! Wow, Yikes, and Holy Cow! I’m so grateful for your support, George…and for your amazing research, Annemarie! I just love 💕 this group and feel bad if I’m unable to engage from time to time. We learn so much from you, George, and from each other! ❤️🥰😍❤️
A vast incomprehensible ocean of literature in these pages. I was overwhelmed thinking about it in the beginning, and now I'm speechless. I'm a pretty lowbrow reader, getting satisfaction from The Police Report in The Port Townsend Leader, which, alas, didn't make the list. Mostly I'm curious about George's new book, and wish him well in that work.
You've brought E Annie Proulx's, Newfoundland set, 'The Shipping News'to mind Tod.
Who's going to be humdrum lowbrow protagonist that 'The Police Report' turns and twists around? You've got me discounting likelihood of any relationship to Coyle but wondering whether the name could be just a morph along Harriet?
A new found ocean of literature this latest list is for sure but the fun is knowing that it's just one such ocean in a much bigger sea of stories: who knows what prose stories we'll come to clinging to as the River of Story Club flows on. Boule de Soif has opened to my reading eye amazingly, reading this time around.
Ha! That will be suggested move that'll give George food for thought. Not least because of the challenges of negotiating publishing of stories by those who are not out of copyright "Still Writing Fully Paid-Up Subscribers and Practising Members of The Living Short Fictioneers Fraternity".
More seriously I really do think that George has been truly ingenious, fair and transparent in consistently providing us with fine short form reading fare.
Of course I noticed early on, and since consistently, that I tend to seek out print or e-book editions of stories we've been invited to 'work on' with George. Maybe some contemporary notables, published in collections rather than in spots accessible online (sometimes without, other times with subscription). What's more I've sometimes acquired, where we've read works in translation, more than one of the notable translations. I'm no linguist (thanks to a fine English education) but boy do I find delight in comparing the way word choices and phrasings and sentences are strung together by those who've laboured to apply their talent to render an English Language version that excites and rewards my reading 👀.
With his own back stories George has been a most generous supplier of ready, instantly clickable links. It's not just a benefit to me as a Story Club Subscriber but, looking to the stack of print copies of his books on or about my bookshelves, a benefit to George in terms of books bought (which is generally really is to do and efficiently delivered here in my part of Middle England.)
"Let's Unleash Living Writers!" I can see you Tod, leading the campaign, even as I sit - probably mistyping as much as typing this now... 😂
Have I mentioned some of my ancestors were from Middle England, or nearby, as I think East Anglia is. Anyway, I often buy books used or mentioned on Story Club. I'd not be opposed to buying books if that's the only way. But I'm not a campaigner Rob. I hang around in the back of the room and on the edges. But now that you mention it, wouldn't Story Club folks be ones inclined to support living writers by buying their books. Maybe that's too commercial.
I know, full well, that you are by nature shay of being in the van of any kind of campaign Tod. So, I know full, am I. Neither are, I think either of us prone to play "Devil's Advocate" or to be "Agent Provocateur". No, my sense is that, not always - in my case - successfully - we aim to simply say what we mean and to mean what we say (in full knowledge that no one is, ever, 'honour' bound to agree, disagree or give two hoots of worry for feeling they are missing the gist.
You know Tod here's the next banner slogan I know you be brandishing "Support Living Writers ✒: You Know It Makes Sense📚!" I say, even as I know, that should the book fit you'll like me go buy it.
My Middle England is more 'Mercia' than 'Anglia' but, hey, we could be ancestrally, close cousins... though my antecedents on both Father's and Mother's hailed, in their generations, out of Ireland.
Right. How else would we know about the shots fired Tuesday at 0100, or the latest coyote sighting on Main Street, or the owner of the spotted dog running off leash through Safeway.
You still sport Safeway Stateside? Morphed into Morrison's years ago here; but since, and relatively latterly, been 'acquired', local 'brand name' retained by an American Venture Capital Crew.
1993. San Fransico. Friday evening, late showings. Took in a double bill at a cinema close by Japan Town (?). Clint Eastwood 'In the Line of Fire'; John Doe or Other in 'Jurassic Park'. Hanging in the dark night sky above the multiplex; rich red, neon, unmissable lettering; 'Safeway'. Thankfully no shots fired; no coyotes careering down Main Street; no spotted dog spotted hi-tailing it, unleashed, through Safeway. Or were we, being blinkered Anglaise, too blind-sided by our fly-drive, to see?
That’s incredible! Thanks, Annemarie! Also, about this time I start worry that Story Club will end, so I’m happy to hear we’ll carry on.
It’s been a weird year for me, so I haven’t been as active in the comments, but I have been keeping up with the stories (and a little voyeurism in the comments section because y’all are all so brilliant!h
I plan to jump back in more this year.
Anyway, thank you so much, George, for keeping this going even with your busy schedule. I don’t know how you do it, but I’m grateful that you do.
Bloody hell, what a list! What a woman to compile such a thing, what a club! What a leader, who deserves to spend more time on his work snd s little less here. Phenomenal all round people 😊
George— I’m grateful for today’s post. Relieved to know that even you experience limits of time and focus! And much as I relish being an early and “sustaining” member of Story Club, I’m especially glad to know you’re looking out for the fiction you write—— that we so need in this zany world.
Wow. Annemarie, thanks so much for all the work that went into compiling this version of a lifetime reading plan.
The only problem is that now I can look at almost any decade for the last five centuries or so and be immediately reminded of how ignorant I am and how many amazing books I will never get to read!
Thank you and Annemarie for the list. And I'm glad you're adjusting to have more energy in the book direction. You do a lot here and we're grateful, but we want you to be able to also do your writing work.
George, I’m still trying to catch up on your earlier posts so thanks for cutting back! Gives me more time for writing too. Annemarie, thank you for the list. So impressive. But where was “Valley of the Dolls”? 😉
Thank you so much George and everyone for your kind words on the novel list. I'm not going to be able to reply to each individual comment, but I truly appreciate knowing it's going to be a useful document. To be honest, it did not take all that long to put together and I've always enjoyed making lists and bibliographies--so it really didn't feel like work. Again, I tried to include everything that was suggested up to about 1 a.m. ET on October 10th; apologies if I missed anything that came in after that time, or along the way for that matter. I noticed someone was asking about a list of short stories, and I know others may also be wondering. Here is a link to a wonderful short story list that was compiled last year from SC members' suggestions by SC Member, Mary G. Thanks again to her!
https://georgesaunders.substack.com/p/office-hours-fd4?utm_source=publication-search
Thank you, and Mary G., and George Saunders!
Thank you for the mention, Annemarie. And thank you for this newest list. Much appreciated!
So now it's definite: Story Club is graced by the presence and active contribution of two astonishing literary listers... 👍👍🙏
Thank you for putting this list together, Annemarie! It was so interesting to be able to look at it chronologically. I'm saving this email for future reference. :)
Thanks sooooo much Annemarie. This looks like a ton of work, supported by a ton of generosity and patience. I also really enjoyed your Memo to George and the SC'ers about your method, the reasoning etc. That took it to the professional level and made it all the more awesome and intriguing. More than a list, it's a well considered offering with guideposts.
Thank you!
Great work, Annemarie!
If you get the chance, could you add Arthur Koestler's Darkness At Noon? Published in 1940, I believe.
Thank you. This was a one-time endeavor, so there isn't an opportunity for additions to an ongoing list, but I hope everyone will keep their own list and add to it as they wish. There are several suggestions from SCers in this current discussion for additional works. As David Bookbinder points out below, the PDF can be converted to a DOCX file with recent versions of Word, and then the list can be worked on individually at will.
Thanks Annemarie
You better go off Annemarie... lmk if u need help sometime : )
George, your decision to write fewer (free) Office Hours posts makes sense to me and, I imagine, to all of us here. You've been so incredibly generous with your time, wisdom, and kindness.
Annmarie, wow! Alas, at 73 it's unlikely I'll live long enough to make a substantial dent in this list, but wow! Thanks you.
NOTE: For those who want to edit and rearrange, as Annmarie suggests, recent versions of Word can read the PDF and convert it to a DOCX file.
I wonder how long it would take to read the list, David?
I decided, after my comment, to apply myself assiduously to this task. As a result of my unstinting labor to this end, I am delighted to report I am on the third line!
Third line of first book? Or third line of list?
I've thought about applying myself to this task too.
I'm 75. I'm afraid it might make me feel life is too short.
Why, the list, of course!
So I guess you'll be looking forward to making your best shot at making a hugely rewarding insubstantial dent in what will, I'm suddenly finding myself inclining to think, become known as 'The Annemarie List' 😅
Thanks also for the update on the affordances of recent versions of Word David. Males me think that still running my PC on pressed carbon pseudo coal nuggets is a situation in dire need of review: 🚂 "Choo, Choo!",
Time to consider an upgrade to wind or solar -- or, if you wish to follow Microsoft's example, consider installing a small reactor to handle your data-processing needs.
I like the scurrilous querying notion that crosses, wild and unbidden, my mind David: "Time to put a bomb under your writing?"
Yikes!, and Wow!, and Holy Cow! Thanks a million, Annemarie, for this amazing list. What a great idea you had, and what a gift!
Yes! Wow, Yikes, and Holy Cow! I’m so grateful for your support, George…and for your amazing research, Annemarie! I just love 💕 this group and feel bad if I’m unable to engage from time to time. We learn so much from you, George, and from each other! ❤️🥰😍❤️
A vast incomprehensible ocean of literature in these pages. I was overwhelmed thinking about it in the beginning, and now I'm speechless. I'm a pretty lowbrow reader, getting satisfaction from The Police Report in The Port Townsend Leader, which, alas, didn't make the list. Mostly I'm curious about George's new book, and wish him well in that work.
You've brought E Annie Proulx's, Newfoundland set, 'The Shipping News'to mind Tod.
Who's going to be humdrum lowbrow protagonist that 'The Police Report' turns and twists around? You've got me discounting likelihood of any relationship to Coyle but wondering whether the name could be just a morph along Harriet?
A new found ocean of literature this latest list is for sure but the fun is knowing that it's just one such ocean in a much bigger sea of stories: who knows what prose stories we'll come to clinging to as the River of Story Club flows on. Boule de Soif has opened to my reading eye amazingly, reading this time around.
Interesting thoughts as usual Rob.
I agree about Boule. I'd also be interested in exploring stories of living writers.
Ha! That will be suggested move that'll give George food for thought. Not least because of the challenges of negotiating publishing of stories by those who are not out of copyright "Still Writing Fully Paid-Up Subscribers and Practising Members of The Living Short Fictioneers Fraternity".
More seriously I really do think that George has been truly ingenious, fair and transparent in consistently providing us with fine short form reading fare.
Of course I noticed early on, and since consistently, that I tend to seek out print or e-book editions of stories we've been invited to 'work on' with George. Maybe some contemporary notables, published in collections rather than in spots accessible online (sometimes without, other times with subscription). What's more I've sometimes acquired, where we've read works in translation, more than one of the notable translations. I'm no linguist (thanks to a fine English education) but boy do I find delight in comparing the way word choices and phrasings and sentences are strung together by those who've laboured to apply their talent to render an English Language version that excites and rewards my reading 👀.
With his own back stories George has been a most generous supplier of ready, instantly clickable links. It's not just a benefit to me as a Story Club Subscriber but, looking to the stack of print copies of his books on or about my bookshelves, a benefit to George in terms of books bought (which is generally really is to do and efficiently delivered here in my part of Middle England.)
"Let's Unleash Living Writers!" I can see you Tod, leading the campaign, even as I sit - probably mistyping as much as typing this now... 😂
Have I mentioned some of my ancestors were from Middle England, or nearby, as I think East Anglia is. Anyway, I often buy books used or mentioned on Story Club. I'd not be opposed to buying books if that's the only way. But I'm not a campaigner Rob. I hang around in the back of the room and on the edges. But now that you mention it, wouldn't Story Club folks be ones inclined to support living writers by buying their books. Maybe that's too commercial.
I know, full well, that you are by nature shay of being in the van of any kind of campaign Tod. So, I know full, am I. Neither are, I think either of us prone to play "Devil's Advocate" or to be "Agent Provocateur". No, my sense is that, not always - in my case - successfully - we aim to simply say what we mean and to mean what we say (in full knowledge that no one is, ever, 'honour' bound to agree, disagree or give two hoots of worry for feeling they are missing the gist.
You know Tod here's the next banner slogan I know you be brandishing "Support Living Writers ✒: You Know It Makes Sense📚!" I say, even as I know, that should the book fit you'll like me go buy it.
My Middle England is more 'Mercia' than 'Anglia' but, hey, we could be ancestrally, close cousins... though my antecedents on both Father's and Mother's hailed, in their generations, out of Ireland.
They still have a police report? How cool!
Right. How else would we know about the shots fired Tuesday at 0100, or the latest coyote sighting on Main Street, or the owner of the spotted dog running off leash through Safeway.
Here it's all DUI's and possession of controlled substances, with the occasional groping of a minor.
You still sport Safeway Stateside? Morphed into Morrison's years ago here; but since, and relatively latterly, been 'acquired', local 'brand name' retained by an American Venture Capital Crew.
1993. San Fransico. Friday evening, late showings. Took in a double bill at a cinema close by Japan Town (?). Clint Eastwood 'In the Line of Fire'; John Doe or Other in 'Jurassic Park'. Hanging in the dark night sky above the multiplex; rich red, neon, unmissable lettering; 'Safeway'. Thankfully no shots fired; no coyotes careering down Main Street; no spotted dog spotted hi-tailing it, unleashed, through Safeway. Or were we, being blinkered Anglaise, too blind-sided by our fly-drive, to see?
That’s incredible! Thanks, Annemarie! Also, about this time I start worry that Story Club will end, so I’m happy to hear we’ll carry on.
It’s been a weird year for me, so I haven’t been as active in the comments, but I have been keeping up with the stories (and a little voyeurism in the comments section because y’all are all so brilliant!h
I plan to jump back in more this year.
Anyway, thank you so much, George, for keeping this going even with your busy schedule. I don’t know how you do it, but I’m grateful that you do.
Bloody hell, what a list! What a woman to compile such a thing, what a club! What a leader, who deserves to spend more time on his work snd s little less here. Phenomenal all round people 😊
Yes, Justine, Story Club has restored my faith in humankind. A huge "thank you!" to Annemarie.
Annemarie!! You are a rock star!
George— I’m grateful for today’s post. Relieved to know that even you experience limits of time and focus! And much as I relish being an early and “sustaining” member of Story Club, I’m especially glad to know you’re looking out for the fiction you write—— that we so need in this zany world.
Wow. Annemarie, thanks so much for all the work that went into compiling this version of a lifetime reading plan.
The only problem is that now I can look at almost any decade for the last five centuries or so and be immediately reminded of how ignorant I am and how many amazing books I will never get to read!
Thank you, George. Thank you Annemarie. I'm already a paid sub to George, but I added a paid sub to Annemarie as thanks. Now to start reading!!!
You deserve a step back, George. Thank you very much for all the energies you pour into this. Very much appreicated.
And thank you very much to Annemarie for this list. Speechless.
Thank you and Annemarie for the list. And I'm glad you're adjusting to have more energy in the book direction. You do a lot here and we're grateful, but we want you to be able to also do your writing work.
Annemarie, my goodness! Thank you so much, this was so much work. Guess we've all got some reading to do now.
More time for George's writing? Good!
And doesn't every person need to know how to say no?
The reading list? Supercool. I imagine everyone has the experience of seeing a book listed and thinking, "I am happy that is there."
George, I’m still trying to catch up on your earlier posts so thanks for cutting back! Gives me more time for writing too. Annemarie, thank you for the list. So impressive. But where was “Valley of the Dolls”? 😉
You had me at "new book." :)
Thanks for putting this together, Annemarie!
Re: The Odyssey. I highly recommend the 1996 Robert Fagles translation.