Anyone read "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy?

[AllegroRondo]

I just finished it, and wow, is it good.

Its a post-apocolyptic story of a father and son trying to survive. He never gets into the specifics of how or why, or even puts names to the characters. Just a stunning look at the most evil and good in humanity.

[Orrex]

1. Loved it

I'm a huge McCarthy fan, and this was quite a striking departure from his usual subject matter.

Some utterly ghastly images, combined with McCarthy's always-excellent writing.

Not the most uplifting tale, that's for sure, but I recommend it highly.

[AllegroRondo]

2. How is his other stuff?

This is the first I've read of him, but I love the style of this one. Especially the way he doesnt need to explain everything.

[Orrex]

3. Read "Blood Meridian" next

Intensely violent but remarkably well written.

After that, I'd suggest "Suttree," though it's about 500 pages or so.

He always does a great job of focusing his (and the reader's) attention on what is necessary and/or significant to the plot. Some of his work is stuffed full of imagery, but almost always it pertains to the scene or setting in a way that makes it essential, rather than serving as window-dressing.

Good stuff.

[JitterbugPerfume]

4. I read it and

it was fascinating

and I agree, Blood Meridian is excellent I am currently re reading it.

I think McCarthy is one of the best living authors

[AllegroRondo]

5. I see it just won the Pulitzer.

a deserving book.

[NewHampshireDem]

6. And it is nominated by Locus for best Sci-Fi novel

How often do you think that happens? I'm definitely adding it to my reading list.

[NewHampshireDem]

7. I happened to be out this afternoon and picked up a copy

Just finished it-it's a quick (though definitely not light) read. Utterly horrifying, deeply moving, and profoundly thought-provoking. It made me cry, something only two other books have ever accomplished: Of Mice and Men and King Lear. Like both, it makes you think about how precious life, hope, and compassion really are.

[mike_c]

8. it's excellent-- very McCarthy-like but a completely different topic...

...than he usually writes about.

[gatorboy]

9. I loved the book. It was a very quick read.

The only trouble I had was with the ending. It seemed way too convenient given the circumstances. And I probably would've sit on the food stash they had found earlier a bit longer. Just to fatten the boy up for the journey.

Otherwise, it was a great book.