Stoner
Dear Eugene, Have you read John Williams' " Stoner "? Do it now if you haven't; you will love it--and I won't apologize for its inevitable rustling of your pastoral heart. No, it is not about potheads; it is more "stoned" than that. It is one of my favorite novels, thanks to the Burnaby Public Library years ago for dusting it off and showcasing on a high shelf where it deserves. The cover looks boring --and of course I will read it! Even now I'd take it off my shelf and read a random page from time to time. Any page in it is a great page. Any passage is a great passage. It's like reading the Bible, every verse opens up a window to a much bigger view, its strength firmly anchored on the controlling, overarching narrative that has over the years worked its way to permeate this reader's imagination. My heart would ache over a word. "Stoner" is called " The Greatest American Novel You've Never Heard of. " ...