Books Like...
'Wait Until Spring, Bandini' by John Fante is a coming of age story that follows the struggles of Arturo Bandini, a young Italian-American boy torn between his fiery, rebellious nature and his desire to do the right thing, influenced by his Catholic beliefs. Set in a small Colorado town, the novel delves into the lives of an immigrant family, particularly focusing on the dynamics between the father, Svevo, a struggling bricklayer with vices, and the rest of the family. The story revolves around themes of poverty, family conflict, Catholicism, and the aspirations of young Arturo, who dreams of becoming a baseball player.
Fante's writing style in 'Wait Until Spring, Bandini' is praised for its beautiful prose, evocative descriptions, and brutal honesty. The novel is noted for its ability to candidly portray immigrant life in the early 1930s, exploring themes such as Catholicism, racism, pride, and love through alternating points of view. The narrative is said to be richly detailed, emotionally honest, and offers a glimpse into the struggles and passions of the Bandini family, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
If you liked Wait Until Spring, Bandini, here are the top 29 books to read next:
- #1
Save:He came along, kicking the deep snow. Here was a disgusted man. His name was Svevo Bandini, and he lived three blocks down that street. He was cold and there were holes in his shoes. That morning he h...Possessing a style of deceptive simplicity, emotional immediacy and tremendous psychological point, among the novels, short stories and screenplays that complete his career, Fante's crowning accomplishment is the Arturo Bandini tetralogy.
This quarte
... - #2
Save:"The Brotherhood of the Grape" by John Fante is a poignant and humorous exploration of family dynamics, particularly focusing on the relationship between fathers and sons. The story follows Henry Molise, a 50-year-old writer who returns to his childhood home in San Elmo upon hearing that his parents are considering divorce after decades of marital discord. Through Henry's journey, readers are taken back to his youth, filled with struggles, humor, and moments of unexpected poignancy as he navigates his difficult relationship with his irascible father, Nick Molise. Fante's writing style is described as lovely, moving fluidly from humor to emotional depth without veering into sentimentality, creating a touching and relatable character journey.
Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters & Seymour: An Introduction by J.D. Salinger is a collection of two long pieces that delve into the lives of the Glass family. The first piece, Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters, follows narrator Buddy Glass as he navigates a chaotic wedding day for his brother Seymour. The second piece, Seymour: An Introduction, provides a stream of consciousness narrative where Buddy attempts to describe his enigmatic brother Seymour to the reader, reflecting on his character and the impact of his suicide on the family.
ONE night some twenty years ago, during a siege of mumps in our enormous family, my youngest sister, Franny, was moved, crib and all, into the ostensibly germ-free room I shared with my eldest brother...- #4
Save:'The Tortilla Curtain' by T.C. Boyle explores the immigration experience in California in the late 90s through the parallel lives of a wealthy white couple and a destitute Mexican couple. It delves into themes of diversity, immigration, and humanity, showcasing the struggles and aspirations of both couples as they navigate through societal prejudices and personal challenges. The writing style is characterized by deep characterizations, highlighting the ill-perceptions and hypocrisies surrounding the topics of diversity and immigration, while also portraying the harsh realities faced by undocumented immigrants trying to survive in a foreign land.
The novel presents two perspectives, one of a successful upper-middle-class couple and the other of a poorer-than-poor illegal immigrant couple, touching upon issues of homelessness, poverty, racism, and violence. Through the intertwining stories of these families, the book not only serves as a morality tale about the haves and have nots but also delves into the resilience of human beings and their ability to retain their humanity amidst adversity, making readers question their own values and perceptions.
AFTERWARD, HE TRIED TO REDUCE IT TO ABSTRACT terms, an accident in a world of accidents, the collision of opposing forces—the bumper of his car and the frail scrambling hunched-over form of a dark lit... - #5
Save:In "Main Street," Carol Kenicott, a college-educated woman from the big city, marries a doctor and moves to the small town of Gopher Prairie. Carol, with grandiose ideas of transforming the town into an artistic community, faces resentment and opposition from the townspeople as she tries to bring her big city lifestyle to the rural community. The novel explores Carol's struggles with social conformity and her aspirations for change amidst the small-minded attitudes of the townspeople.
The story follows Carol's journey as she navigates the challenges of small-town life, her marriage, and her desire to bring progress and culture to Gopher Prairie. Through Carol's character, the book delves into themes of social reform, personal freedom, and the clash between traditional values and progressive ideals in early 20th-century America.
On a hill by the Mississippi where Chippewas camped two generations ago, a girl stood in relief against the cornflower blue of Northern sky. She saw no Indians now; she saw flour mills and the blinkin... - #6
Save:'Weetzie Bat' by Francesca Lia Block is a modern-day fairy tale set in Los Angeles, following the whimsical adventures of Weetzie and her friends as they navigate love, unconventional family dynamics, and serious issues such as AIDS and nontraditional relationships. The book is described as a fantasy-colored, glittering tale with heavy and important topics woven into the narrative, creating a unique blend of magical realism and gritty realism. The characters, including Weetzie and her best friend Dirk, form their own family through love and acceptance, facing challenges with a positive outlook and belief in the power of love.
The writing style of 'Weetzie Bat' is often likened to a beautiful, sad, and gritty fairy tale, with elements of magical realism and poetic hipster language that add depth to the story. The book touches on serious and controversial issues like homosexuality, AIDS, and nontraditional family structures in a matter-of-fact tone, shedding light on these topics in a thought-provoking manner while maintaining a bright and magical setting in Los Angeles.
- #7
Save:In 'Red Harvest' by Dashiell Hammett, the Continental Op is summoned to Personville, a town overrun by corruption and violence. Upon arrival, he finds his client murdered and embarks on a mission to clean up the town by manipulating the various criminal factions to turn against each other. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with brutal action, double-crosses, and a high body count, all set in a gritty and corrupt environment. The writing style is hard-boiled and direct, with sharp language and a focus on the relentless pursuit of justice amidst a morally bankrupt society.
I first heard Personville called Poisonville by a red-haired mucker named Hickey Dewey in the Big Ship in Butte. He also called his shirt a shoit. I didn’t think anything of what he had done to the ci... - #8
Save:"Winesburg, Ohio" by Sherwood Anderson is a collection of linked short stories that paint a vivid portrait of small-town life in the early 20th century America. The book delves into the psychological struggles and intimate lives of the town's inhabitants, focusing on characters like George Willard, the local journalist. Each story provides a glimpse into the complexities and loneliness of the individuals living in Winesburg, showcasing their fears, desires, and shameful passions. Anderson's writing style is described as restrained, finely crafted, and genuine, offering a modern approach to storytelling that bridges the gap between 19th-century realism and 20th-century modernism.
The interconnected stories in "Winesburg, Ohio" are like a mosaic, building up a picture of the town's residents through distinct character sketches. Anderson's portrayal of the 'grotesques,' or the outliers of small-town America, offers a poignant exploration of human nature, capturing the struggles of individuals trapped by their past experiences or beliefs. The book is lauded for its melancholic tone, vivid characterizations, and its ability to delve beneath surface impressions, providing insights into the inner lives of the townsfolk and the fragile bonds that tie them together.
THE WRITER, an old man with a white mustache, had some difficulty in getting into bed. The windows of the house in which he lived were high and he wanted to look at the trees when he awoke in the morn... - #9
Save:Set in 1950's French Indochina, 'The Quiet American' by Graham Greene follows the story of Thomas Fowler, a British journalist, and Alden Pyle, a young American idealist. The novel delves into the complexities of love, betrayal, and the clash of East and West ideologies amidst the backdrop of war-torn Vietnam. Through the characters of Fowler, Pyle, and Phuong, Greene explores the themes of foreign meddling, political intrigue, and the consequences of idealism in a foreign land.
The narrative skillfully weaves together a tale of personal relationships and political turmoil, offering a prescient commentary on America's involvement in Vietnam. Greene's writing style is praised for its sharp insight, rich character development, and political undertones. The novel cleverly portrays the moral ambiguity of foreign interventions and the impact on both the individuals involved and the larger geopolitical landscape.
I have asked permission to dedicate this book to you not only in memory of the happy evenings I have spent with you in Saigon over the last five years, but also because I have quite shamelessly borrow... - #10
Save:'The Sellout' by Paul Beatty is a satirical novel that challenges societal norms and explores themes of race, belonging, and identity through the lens of a protagonist seeking to reinstitute segregation and slavery in his community. Set in an agrarian community in Los Angeles, the book delves into African American politics, using humor and irreverence to confront uncomfortable truths about racism in America. The novel features a unique writing style that blends biting satire, clever imagery, and provocative language to deliver a thought-provoking narrative that pushes readers to question societal conventions.
I suppose that’s exactly the problem—I wasn’t raised to know any better. My father was (Carl Jung, rest his soul) a social scientist of some renown. As the founder and, to my knowledge, sole practitio...
