RE: top writers of 2nd half of century


Subject: RE: top writers of 2nd half of century
From: Malcolm Lawrence (Malcolm@wolfenet.com)
Date: Mon Jun 02 1997 - 15:00:37 GMT


>Since I was the one who wanted your opinion of who the top five writers of
>the 2nd half of the century were, and started this debate, here are some
of
>my picks. I must warn you that I have a terrible cold, and I am under the
>manipulation of codine.

>This is in no particular order:

>Flannery O'Conner

I'm glad someone finally mentioned her. Come on, let's get some sistahs on
this list! I can't believe what a white boys club this shortlist has
evolved into (this comment coming from someone who is always ready to
defend dead white males, too). I'd also nominate Zora Neale Hurston
(specifically Their Eyes Were Watching God), Toni Morrison and Jean Toomer.

>John Updike

Oh, I've never seen the appeal in him. Sure, I read the Rabbit series in
high school and I daresay they made me become a Beat, but...but...he's just
a suburban white guy. I'd trade ya three John Updikes for one Joseph Heller
any day of the week.

>Faulkner, Salinger(Of Course), and a dark horse who many of you are going
>to toast me on is John Irving. I really enjoy his novels especially A
Prayer for >Owen Meany. Have any of you read it?

I've heard from many people that it's very powerful, but have yet to read
it myself. Kind of like a secret that's passed around.

Malcs

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