Donna Tartt's Book Choices from "The Writer's Library"
This is one of the 759 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.
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Peter And Wendy by J. M. Barrie
The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up
"Peter And Wendy" by JM Barrie is a beloved children's classic that tells the enchanting story of a young girl named Wendy Darling who, along with her two brothers, embarks on a magical adventure to the whimsical world of Neverland. There, they encounter the mischievous and eternal boy, Peter Pan, and his fairy companion, Tinker Bell. Together, they face thrilling escapades, battles with the villainous Captain Hook, and discover the importance of imagination, friendship, and the power of never growing up.
The 303rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Great Granny Webster by Caroline Blackwood
A darkly comic, unsparing portrait of an elderly matriarch whose decline and eccentricities lay bare the brittle hypocrisies and long-buried resentments of her privileged family; as relatives jockey for position, try to manage or manipulate her, and old wounds resurface, the story sharpens into an observation of isolation, shifting power, and the corrosive effects of inherited wealth and social pretension.
The 10219th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Bleak House by Charles Dickens
"Bleak House" is a complex narrative that critiques the British judiciary system through a long-running legal case known as Jarndyce and Jarndyce. The story follows the lives of numerous characters, including the kind-hearted Esther Summerson, her friends Richard and Ada, and their guardian, Mr. Jarndyce, who are all caught in the web of a legal dispute over an inheritance. The novel is known for its detailed depiction of the legal system, its vivid characters, and its exploration of social issues of the time.
The 121st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Little Dorrit by Charles Dickens
Nobody's Fault
"Little Dorrit" is a classic novel that revolves around the life of Amy Dorrit, a young woman who was born and raised in Marshalsea Prison where her father is incarcerated due to debt. The narrative explores themes of imprisonment and freedom, wealth and poverty, as well as social criticism of Victorian England. As Amy navigates her life in and out of the prison, her journey intertwines with that of Arthur Clennam, a man who returns to England after his father's death and becomes determined to solve a family mystery that involves the Dorrits.
The 1464th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
The Adventures of Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
The Parish Boy's Progress
This classic novel follows the life of a young orphan named Oliver Twist, who endures a miserable existence in a workhouse and then is placed with an undertaker. He escapes and travels to London where he meets the Artful Dodger, a member of a gang of juvenile pickpockets led by the elderly criminal, Fagin. Despite numerous adversities, Oliver remains pure at heart and is eventually saved from a life of crime, revealing his true identity and claiming his rightful inheritance.
The 339th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Beautiful People by Simon Doonan
A witty, confessional memoir that traces the author’s upbringing in postwar England to his flamboyant rise in the world of fashion and retail, blending sharp pop-culture critique, backstage anecdotes from high-fashion and celebrity circles, and candid reflections on sexuality, ambition and taste. With mordant humor and affectionate satire, it catalogs obsessions, humiliations and triumphs as he reinvents himself across cities and decades, offering lively portraits of style, fame and the rituals of modern life.
The 12250th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
"The Wind in the Willows" is a charming tale about the adventures of four anthropomorphic animal friends - Mole, Rat, Badger, and the rebellious and extravagant Toad. The story is set in the idyllic English countryside and explores themes of friendship, exploration, and respect for nature. The narrative is marked by Toad's reckless behavior, his obsession with motor cars, and his eventual redemption. The other characters, with their contrasting personalities, bring balance and depth to the story.
The 136th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
Twenty Thousand Streets Under The Sky by Patrick Hamilton
A London Trilogy
Set in the bustling streets of 1920s London, this poignant narrative intricately weaves the lives of three individuals whose paths intersect in a small pub. Bob, a barman with dreams of a better life, falls hopelessly in love with Jenny, a young prostitute struggling to escape her circumstances. Meanwhile, Ella, a barmaid with her own unrequited feelings for Bob, watches their ill-fated romance unfold. Through vivid character portrayals and a keen eye for the nuances of human emotion, the story explores themes of love, ambition, and the harsh realities of life in the city, capturing the essence of a bygone era with both humor and melancholy.
The 9857th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov
or, The Confession of a White Widowed Male
The novel tells the story of Humbert Humbert, a man with a disturbing obsession for young girls, or "nymphets" as he calls them. His obsession leads him to engage in a manipulative and destructive relationship with his 12-year-old stepdaughter, Lolita. The narrative is a controversial exploration of manipulation, obsession, and unreliable narration, as Humbert attempts to justify his actions and feelings throughout the story.
The 14th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
The Writer's Library: The Authors You Love on the Books That Changed Their Lives (Book), 9 Books
These are Donna Tartt's book choices from the interview with him in the book "The Writer's Library: The Authors You Love on the Books That Changed Their Lives" by Nancy Pearl and Jeff Schwager
This list was originally published in 2020 and was added to this site 8 days ago.
This list has a weight of 15%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.
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