Public reader discussion about Manhattan Transfer in the WeRead Catalog by John Dos Passos.
By Couplet-Yarn39
I’m trying to read *Manhattan Transfer*, but I’m having a hard time keeping track of everything. The characters keep switching and it feels like I’m constantly re-orienting, and I’m only around page 60 out of 300. I don’t really feel like I understand what’s going on yet, and I honestly don’t feel like I know the characters at all. If you’ve read it, do you have any tips? Does it get easier as you go? I’m starting to feel kind of discouraged.
By fuzzy_cougar
Has anyone here read these and actually enjoyed them? I read *42nd Parallel* a long time ago and it really hit me, but I only made it through about a quarter of *1919* before I stopped for some reason. I’m thinking of picking *1919* back up, but I’m not sure if I should reread *42nd Parallel* first. I know characters show up across the series, but would I be missing important context if I just jump into *1919* without refreshing myself on the first one?
By FolioComet1987
Pretty much what the title says—what novels do you think actually get the real day-to-day vibe of life in New York City? I don’t really want the overly romantic version of the city, and it’d be great if the authors have lived there themselves (or do now). Appreciate any suggestions!
By rainy_apron8
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith was really good—one of those coming-of-age stories that hits.
By OldThread40
I just finished *The Summer Book* by Tove Jansson, and I honestly got sucked in mostly because not much really happens. The story feels like it’s going nowhere—just a simple, short, cozy thing about a girl and her grandmother on an island. But the writing is so absorbing that I kept catching myself wanting to turn the page faster, even though there wasn’t much “plot” to chase. I had the same reaction to Tolstoy’s “The Death of Ivan Ilych,” too. It’s basically just a story about a man who’s dying. That’s the surface level, at least. Anyway, I’d really like more recommendations for books that are kind of plot-light but still have really great writing. I’m not even sure what you’d call that kind of thing, so it feels like it’s not really a genre, but if anyone has ideas, I’d love to hear them.
By LooseStamp1983
Did anyone figure out what the title was?
By Coin_Story70
I’m reading John Dos Passos’s U.S.A. right now and I honestly can’t believe I’m only running into it now. It feels really good, but it also seems like not many people talk about it. I’ve been looking at a couple shorter bios online and it kind of sounds like he lost a lot of fans after he started getting more conservative—does that seem accurate? Or was his later stuff just kind of not as good? Also, did you like U.S.A.? I’d love to hear any other thoughts you have on Dos Passos or the book. Thanks!