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Daniel Puzzo's avatar

Helluva list, a few I've read, a few I'm eager to read. Colin Woodard is an underappreciated writer, happy to hear he has a new book. American Character is a terrific book as well.

I think I've read just about all of Graham Greene's works.

A couple of authors I might add to the list - VS Naipaul and Ryszard Kapuściński

(though let me check your India list, he might be on there)

Scott Monaco's avatar

Ryszard Kapuściński's The Shadow of the Sun was one that was in consideration but ultimately was left off, and it is a great one! I'm not sure I have read any of VS Naipaul's work? Is there one you'd recommend?

Daniel Puzzo's avatar

I’ve read all of Kapuściński’s books, The Soccer War is also another good one.

I’d start with Naipaul’s fiction - his masterpieces are A House for Biswas and A Bend in the River - I’d personally start with A Bend in the River.

He’s a controversial figure and his non-fiction has ruffled plenty of feathers. The Enigma of Arrival is wonderful, and Beyond Belief and An Area of Darkness are interesting places to start. There are still some of his India books I’ve yet to read.

Scott Monaco's avatar

Adding these to my list! Many thanks for the suggestions and hope others see them down here in the comments. Sad to have missed some of these on my India list, but I can also edit once I have read them —the benefit of this medium.

Catriona Knapman's avatar

What a great list Scott and some of my favourite books on here, which I recommend over and over again (behind the beautiful forevers and poisonwood bible, especially). Going to check out some of the ones I haven't read now.

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thanks, hope you enjoy some of the others!

Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Some really great ones and a lot of new ones to delve into, thanks!

Richard Philion's avatar

A very solid list! Definitely adding some of these to my endless "to read" list.

Michael Jensen's avatar

I'm not a great non-fiction reader, but I'm going to use your list as a guide for when I have more time to read!

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thanks, Michael. I’m glad the list might be helpful when you’ve got a bit more reading time!

Laura McVeigh's avatar

Fab list - quite a few on here I’ve enjoyed. And several that are new!

Scott Monaco's avatar

Thanks, and glad you’ve already enjoyed a few of them!