Donna Tartt (born December 23, 1963) is an American novelist and essayist. who is known for her novels The Goldfinch and The Little Friend. She has a third novel, The Secret History, which is also excellent.
Tartt won the WH Smith Literary Award for The Little Friend in 2003 and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for The Goldfinch in 2014. Her novels are all very different from one another, but they are all very well-written and enjoyable to read.
Here are some books that Donna Tartt has recommended.
Bad News by Edward St. Aubyn
In his novel, “Bad News,” Edward St. Aubyn offers a dark and often hilarious portrait of a privileged man’s descent into addiction and despair.
The narrator, Patrick Melrose, is a wealthy aristocrat with a seemingly perfect life. But beneath the surface lurks a deep well of pain and trauma, which Patrick numbs with drugs and alcohol.
As he careens from one self-destructive episode to the next, we see Patrick grapple with his demons and the effect that his choices have on those around him.
“Bad News” is a searing examination of addiction and mental illness, told with wit and insight by one of our finest writers.
Doctor Sleep by Stephen King
Stephen King’s Doctor Sleep is a horror novel that was published in 2013.
Doctor Sleep follows the life of Danny Torrance, the main character from The Shining, as he tries to grapple with the Shining and its associated trauma.
He becomes a doctor and works in a hospice where he helps patients die peacefully. However, his life is turned upside down when he meets a young girl who also has the Shining.
Danny must face his fears and use his power to save the girl from the clutches of an evil force that wants to exploit her abilities for nefarious purposes. Doctor Sleep is a gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Horse, Flower, Bird by Kate Bernheimer
Kate Bernheimer’s Horse, Flower, Bird is a delightful children’s book that tells the story of a horse, a flower, and a bird who become friends.
The illustrations are beautiful and the story is heartwarming. This is a perfect book for young readers who will enjoy the simple but touching tale.
Long Story Short by Alicia Albu
Alicia Albu’s “Long Story Short” is a collection of intimate and introspective essays that chronicle the author’s life and journey toward self-discovery.
Albu bares her soul in these pages, sharing her most personal thoughts and experiences with candor and vulnerability. She writes openly about her struggles with mental health, body image, and relationships, offering a rare and intimate glimpse into her inner world.
Through her writing, Albu ultimately comes to terms with her past and learns to embrace herself for who she is. “Long Story Short” is an inspiring read for anyone who has ever felt lost or unsure of themselves.
Lord Rochester’s Monkey by Graham Greene
In his book, “Lord Rochester’s Monkey,” Graham Greene tells the story of a monkey who is brought to England from Africa and becomes the pet of the Earl of Rochester.
Rochester, a famous poet, and libertine take the monkey with him everywhere, even to his mistress’s bedchamber. But when the monkey bites Rochester’s mistress, she demands that he get rid of it.
Rochester tries to find a new home for the monkey, but it is rejected by everyone because of its bad reputation. Finally, Rochester decides to release the monkey into the wild.
The story of “Lord Rochester’s Monkey” is a fascinating look at human-animal relations in the 17th century. It is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of keeping wild animals as pets.
Never Mind by Edward St. Aubyn
Edward St. Aubyn’s Never Mind is a darkly comic novel that follows the life of Patrick Melrose, a wealthy but dysfunctional Englishman.
The novel is set against the backdrop of the privileged world of the British aristocracy and deals with themes of child abuse, addiction, mental illness, and class privilege.
Never Mind is the first book in St. Aubyn’s acclaimed Patrick Melrose series, and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. It has been adapted for television by Showtime, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Patrick Melrose.
Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum
Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum is one of the most beloved books in the Oz series. The story follows Dorothy Gale as she is transported to the land of Ev, where she meets Ozma, the rightful ruler of Oz.
Together, they embark on a quest to stop the evil Nome King from conquering Oz. Along the way, they are joined by such delightful characters as the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. This timeless classic is sure to enchant readers of all ages.
Poets in a Landscape by Gilbert Highet
In his book Poets in a Landscape, Gilbert Highet explores the lives and works of some of the most important poets in history. He looks at how these poets were influenced by their surroundings, and how their work has shaped our understanding of the world around us.
Highet examines the work of poets such as Catullus, Vergil, Propertius, Horace, Tibullus, Ovid, and Juvenal. who were all deeply influenced by the natural world around them. He also looks at how the industrial revolution changed the landscapes that these poets lived in, and how this affected their work.
Highet’s book is an important exploration of how poetry can help us to understand our world, and how it can shape our view of the world around us.
Rifleman by Victor Gregg
Victor Gregg, was paratrooper and decorated war hero, tells his harrowing story of survival during WWII in his memoir, Rifleman. From the Battle of Britain to being captured and imprisoned by the Gestapo, Gregg shares his experiences with brutal honesty and candid detail.
As one of the few survivors of the notorious German prison camp, Buchenwald, Gregg’s story is a remarkable tale of courage and hope. His account gives readers a rare glimpse into the horror and atrocity of war, as well as the strength of the human spirit.
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray
Paul Murray’s Skippy Dies is a smart, darkly comic novel about teenage angst, mortality, and quantum physics.
Skippy dies at the age of 14, but his death is just the beginning of this hilarious and heart-wrenching book. Told from the perspectives of Skippy’s friends, teachers, and family, Skippy Dies is a moving and often funny portrait of adolescence.
Paul Murray has written a touching and funny novel about mortality, friendship, and growing up.
Some Hope by Edward St. Aubyn
In “Some Hope”, author Edward St. Aubyn chronicles the lives of the British aristocratic Melrose family. The novel follows Patrick Melrose, the protagonist, through his childhood abuse at the hands of his father, David, and his struggles with addiction as he tries to make sense of his past.
While “Some Hope” is a work of fiction, it is based on St. Aubyn’s own life experiences. The novel sheds light on the dark reality of child abuse and addiction and offers some hope to those who have experienced similar traumas.
Telex from Cuba by Rachel Kushner
Rachel Kushner’s Telex from Cuba is a novel that tells the story of America’s involvement in Cuba during the late 1950s and early 1960s. Kushner weaves together the stories of several characters, including a wealthy American family, Cuban exiles, and revolutionary leaders.
Kushner’s novel is based on extensive research and her own family’s experiences in Cuba. The result is a rich and compelling story that offers insights into a turbulent period in American history.
The Mark and the Void by Paul Murray
Paul Murray’s The Mark and the Void is a darkly comic novel about the global financial crisis.
Set in Dublin and New York, the novel follows the misadventures of Claude Martingale, a failed investment banker who is hired by a shadowy organization to do “something” to the world’s financial system.
As Claude sets out to destroy the world’s economy, he finds himself caught up in a web of conspiracy, intrigue, and danger.
The Mark and the Void is a fast-paced, witty, and satirical look at the world of finance and those who inhabit it.
Byron, The Last Journey, April 1823 April 1824 by Harold Nicolson
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