I’ve been reading John Cheever since the 1960s. In brilliant stories like “The Swimmer,” “The Enormous Radio,” and “Goodbye, My Brother” Cheever revealed himself to be a master story-teller. True, Cheever had plenty of demons. But he managed to keep the demons at bay long enough to produce some of the best short stories of the 20th Century. I’ve read Cheever’s novels, too. While they don’t reach the heights of Cheever’s short stories, his novels are witty, sly, and underrated. Celebrate what would have been Cheever’s 100th Birthday today by reading something Cheever wrote!
I was just going to send you the 100th birthday reminder. I’m reading the top book now! (Well, not this second but I’m reading it.) Thanks for pushing me to get back to reading his stuff. Before this I’d just read the odd story and BULLET PARK.
John Cheever should go down in U.S. literary history as one of the best short story writers ever, Jeff. And, as you know, I’m fond of Cheever’s novels, too. He’s a great writer, but quickly becoming forgotten.
One of the greats for sure.
The Library of America volumes hopefully will preserve Cheever’s greatness, Patti.
THE WAPSHOT CHRONICLE is my favorite. It was one of the first “literary” books I ever read (I was about 12 at the time–I found it in a bag of paperbacks someone had given my mother) and even if I couldn’t really process at the time what was different about book, I knew I had stumbled upon something completely new to me. I can’t claim I’ve read all of Cheever, but I’ve read quite a lot of the short stories and some of the other novels, but TWC remains a sentimental favorite.
I’m a fan of THE WAPSHOT CHRONICLE, too, Deb. Even at the age of 12, you had superb literary taste: THE WAPSHOT CHRONICLE won the National Book Award for Best Novel of 1958.
All of the great mid-century writers named “John” seem to be fading from memory: John P. Marquand, John O’Hara, John Updike, John Cheever. But perhaps that’s true of most writers who pass on, eventually very few people read them anymore.
/And, of course, John was a far more popular name back in the day.
Yes, Deb, you’re right about names. Now, newborns are stuck with the names of the characters in the TWILIGHT novels.
Don’t forget John Steinbeck…
I like Cheever’s writing but have not read as much as I’s like to have, or should have.
The Cheever LIBRARY OF AMERICA volumes go on sale from time to time, Rick. They’re the best collections I’ve seen.
I just posted the Cheever collection I have. Comments welcome!
O’Hara may be my favorite short story writer, along with Chekhov. Also Hemingway. When I finish the Cheever I’ll see where he ranks with me.
John O’Hara is a favorite writer of mine, too, Jeff. I have a set of the complete Chekhov that I’m slowly working my way through. Hemingway was a brilliant short story writer, too.
LOA has its little joke…”Oh What a Paradise It Seems” isn’t even a proper novella, much less a novel…but good to see it’s in print.
I’m a fan of the LIBRARY OF AMERICA editions, Todd. They’re keeping plenty of great books in-print. But, who knows what they’re going to do with ebook versions.
Jeff, what about John O’Hara? GREAT short story writer.
John O’Hara could write great novels and short stories, Rick. Yet, he’s almost completely forgotten.
Check my comment, Rick. I cited O’Hara as (probably) my favorite short story writer.
One of my children has to read (and write essays on) Steinbeck’s THE PEARL over the summer vacation that must be turned in on the first day of English class in August. I think because of books like THE PEARL and OF MICE AND MEN, Steinbeck is still being read (unlike the other writers I cited above)–if only by disgruntled high school students who would much rather read the TWILIGHT or HUNGER GAMES books (or, in the case of my daughter, Agatha Christie).
John Steinbeck (unlike the other Johns you mention, Deb) continues to be read in the schools. You might want to check out THE PEARL on DVD (http://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Lukas-Haas/dp/B0009PW4CI/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1338215950&sr=1-1). I haven’t seen it, but it might be worth a look. Your daughter has excellent taste. When I was 12 or 13, I spent a whole summer reading Agatha Christie, too. It was one of my best summers ever!
My favorite summer book when I was a kid (can’t remember exactly how old) was THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO. Now that was exciting!