Books Like...
'Dogs of God' by Pinckney Benedict is a 354-page novel filled with literary artistry, revolving around the lives of twenty disparate characters drawn together in a vortex of evil related to the illicit drug trade in an old mountain resort called El Dorado. The plot is intricate, leading the young bare-knuckle boxer, Goody, through events that take him into an Appalachian heart of darkness, with a final pronouncement that leaves readers questioning the nature of the Earth and the reality of the ending.
The writing style of 'Dogs of God' is described as a blend of traditional storytelling and attempts to reach a deeper level, with a lyrical and muscular type of prose that can act like a punch in the nose. The book is likened to the works of Cormac McCarthy, Frank Bill, and Donald Ray Pollock, with a flavor similar to 'No Country for Old Men,' keeping readers engaged and up late at night, although the central plot and theme may be deep and challenging to fully grasp by some readers.
If you liked Dogs of God, here are the top 3 books to read next:
- #1
Save:The Devil All the Time by Donald Ray Pollock is a dark and gritty novel set in southern Ohio and West Virginia, spanning the years after WWII through the 60s. The story follows a cast of disturbing and unsavory characters, including traveling serial killers, crooked sheriffs, traumatized veterans, and religious fanatics. As their paths intersect, the narrative delves into themes of violence, depravity, redemption, and the dark underbelly of rural life. The writing style is described as captivating, brutal, beautifully written, and with a folksy tone that adds depth to the characters and plot.
IT WAS A WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON in the fall of 1945, not long after the war had ended. The Greyhound made its regular stop in Meade, Ohio, a little paper-mill town an hour south of Columbus that smelled ... - #2
Save:Child of God by Cormac McCarthy is a chilling and disturbing exploration of the descent of Lester Ballard, a man isolated from society who spirals into murder and necrophilia. McCarthy's writing style is sparse yet powerful, capturing the bleak setting and the dark depths of human behavior with precision. The book delves into themes of evil, loneliness, and the fragility of humanity, painting a haunting portrait of a man's degradation.
THEY CAME LIKE A CARAVAN of carnival folk up through the swales of broomstraw and across the hill in the morning sun, the truck rocking and pitching in the ruts and the musicians on chairs in the truc... - #3
Save:Llewelyn Moss stumbles upon a fortune in drug money near the Texas-Mexico border, setting off a deadly chase involving a drug cartel, a ruthless killer, and the aging Sheriff Bell. The narrative delves into the decay of modern society through Bell's eyes, showcasing McCarthy's unique writing style that mirrors spoken language with a thick Southern accent. The story unfolds with a sense of inevitability, exploring themes of death, violence, and the loss of nature in a brutal, unforgiving landscape.
McCarthy's novel is a gripping tale of survival, morality, and the relentless pursuit of power and money. The characters, including the larger-than-life antagonist Chigurh, are sharply drawn and engage in a battle of wits as they navigate a world where death looms large and the rules of storytelling are upended. The narrative propels forward with sparse, haunting prose that captures the harsh beauty of the West Texas landscape, leaving readers on edge as they witness the characters' fates unfold.
I sent one boy to the gaschamber at Huntsville. One and only one. My arrest and my testimony. I went up there and visited with him two or three times. Three times. The last time was the day of his exe...
