The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, Carson McCullers. Was perusing a local neighborhood little free library box, saw this book, vaguely recognized the title, decided to give it a shot.
So what do you think so far? Do you think you'll become a McCullers fan? I have friends who rabidly debate who's the better southern woman writer (so specific, I know!)--McCullers vs Welty. For humanness, I'd go for McCullers. For craft, I'd go for Welty. I love both, though.
It's curious. Very simple language. Very basic. Kinda... if the writing's this plain, why would I continue reading? And then three chapters later I found I was still reading, walking in a world that felt so human and alive, characters I cared about, a town that felt so real and raw. It's very strange how the book twists, wraps its way in the mind, it sneaks up on you, takes you by surprise, the sum is infinitely greater than its parts. I would recommend it as a good read. Not one of my favorites, but it is Quality Literature, and Quality Storytelling.