Reading the 20th Century discussion

I've nearly finished The Trees, my second book by Percival Everett. The first was James which was very clever and a great read.


It might be premature to call him a favourite but I got a lot out of both books which are very different from each other.

Are his other books of the same calibre?

Let's talk Percival Everett

I'm a fan, for sure. Besides the two you mentioned I have read Erasure, I Am Not Sidney Poitier, Telephone, Watershed, and American Desert. They were all 4 star reads. I especially liked and remember details of the last two. American Desert was over the top in such a good way.

I have Assumption marked as one star, with a rude comment, but I have no idea why - I don't remember it, and I don't often finish books I'm hating enough to give one star. Makes me tempted to revisit it.

I am starting to be a fan. I watched the movie American Fiction based on Erasure, and I have just read I Am Not Sidney Poitier. Enjoying the biting satire. Hope to read several more of his books

I liked James although I didn't think the ending was quite as good as the rest of the book, so am interested to hear which titles others recommend. The reader on the audible version, Dominic Hoffman, was great - I would definitely listen to more of his narrations.

Thanks all - that all sounds very positive


American Fiction is indeed a very funny and perceptive film

I’m now keen to read more of his work

I've finished The Trees



Another Percival Everett masterclass (see also James). I'm even more resolved to read the rest of his books.....


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4/5

Nigeyb wrote: "I've finished The Trees



Another Percival Everett masterclass (see also James). I'm even more resolved to read the rest of his books....."

This is the only Everett I've read to date and agree that the plotting is a bit sluggish in places. He's outrageous though in what he says and how he says it which I liked a lot.

Excellent reviews, Nigey. I agree that Everett could have done without some repetitive parts in The Trees and I also felt ambivalent about the ending. Otherwise, a remarkable and memorable novel. I had no reservations about his James and loved everything about it. For my next Everett, I keep an eye on I Am Not Sidney Poitier - who can resist such a title? He makes me laugh while at the same time seamlessly and powerfully raising some serious issues about the race and society.

Thanks Vesna


Yes, that novel sounds fab

So Much Blue is a bit different than the author's satirical books and also worth reading as a counterpoint to them.

I keep track of books I've read by my favorite authors, and Percival Everett is surely one of them. Here are my reviews for those I've read:

- So Much Blue - 5* - My Review
- James - 4.5* - My Review
- The Trees - 4* - My Review
- Erasure - 4* - My Review
- Dr. No - 3* - My Review
- Walk Me to the Distance - 3* - My Review

Splendid. Very helpful


Thanks