Reading with Style discussion

10.4 – One Hit Wonders
One-hit Wonder Day is September 25th. Read a book that was the only book of its type by the author (a foray into science fiction by a mystery writer, an adult book by someone who normally writes children's books, a fiction book by someone whose other books are nonfiction, etc.), or the only book the author has published to date. For a list of well-known "One Hit Wonders," see One Book Authors. Explain how the author is a One Hit Wonder when claiming points.

So would P.D. James's science fiction/dystopian novel The Children of Men fit the bill here as all her other novels have been mysteries?

Jane from BC wrote: "So would P.D. James's science fiction/dystopian novel The Children of Men fit the bill here as all her other novels have been mysteries?"

Yes, that's a good example.

John Kennedy Toole's book "A Confederacy of Dunces" is listed on the link that you provided Sam, so I'm assuming it's okay even though Toole's other book, "The Neon Bible" was also published?

Dan wrote: "John Kennedy Toole's book "A Confederacy of Dunces" is listed on the link that you provided Sam, so I'm assuming it's okay even though Toole's other book, "The Neon Bible" was also published?"

He fits the definition of one-hit wonder because his other work was published posthumously.

Incidentally, both of his works were published posthumously.

Of the 3 works published exclusively under her own name, The Namesake is her only novel. I plan on reading something else for this task, but Lahiri is extraordinary.

I'm looking at The Passage by Justin Cronin. He's written a couple of other novels, but this looks like his first foray into post-apocalyptic science fiction. Would this qualify?

Christy wrote: "I'm looking at The Passage by Justin Cronin. He's written a couple of other novels, but this looks like his first foray into post-apocalyptic science fiction. Would ..."

That'll be fine.

Could I use Memoirs of A Geisha for this task?

Jayme(the ghost reader) wrote: "Could I use Memoirs of A Geisha for this task?"

Memoirs of a Geisha appears to be Arthur Golden's only novel.

This book is approved for the task.

Yes! Thanks!

Sam - Thanks for the quick response on The Passage. Unfortunately, 100 pages in, I've already realized there's no way I'm slogging through the rest. Life's too short. :-)