Quote:
Originally Posted by Paloma
Vonnegut is more consistent, I definitely agree, but I feel that maybe John Irving could have a bigger impact if more people read him  After all, he's written several novels with controversial aspects, like abortion (Cider House Rules, which is such a pro choice book I get a feminist boner when I read it), homosexuality (several of his books actually, and they're never condescending and hardly ever ascribe to stereotypes which is so progressive) and he even has a trans person in his novels, and no one acts like there's something wrong with her, she's a great character. Vonnegut does write great stories but I think in a more lasting impact, Irving would get the crown. |
I would think your argument that John Irving addresses more topical issues would actually make him
less likely to be well known a thousand years from now. I'd imagine people in the next millennium will be so far past debates about abortion and LGBT rights that they would have a hard time even understanding the topic.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Conan
Poll shall include:
Tolkien
Vonnegut
Stephen King (he was nominated twice)
Irving
Murakami
Dr. Seuss (it could happen)
Toni Morrison
John Updike
James Baldwin
Mark Twain
William Faulkner
James Joyce
Asimov
I wanted to add Melville but I guess he doesn't qualify since it's been a little over a hundred years since his passing. I'll add any other suggestions.
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Mark Twain doesn't qualify either.
Quote:
Originally Posted by FRED HALE SR.
Toni Morrison really? I can think of one book Beloved.
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How many books can you name by Chaucer?