Books Like...
Empire Falls by Richard Russo is a novel set in a small town in Maine, focusing on the intertwined lives of the residents. The story follows Miles Roby, a middle-aged man running a diner in a decaying town, and his relationships with family, customers, and neighbors. The book expertly captures the essence of small town life, including the impact of economic changes and the secrets that bind the characters together. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing layers of relational dynamics and past histories, leading to a surprising climax that changes the characters' lives.
The writing style of Empire Falls is praised for its vivid depiction of small town USA, with well-drawn characters and a deep sense of place and history. Richard Russo's storytelling is described as compelling and masterful, with a focus on character development and human foibles. The novel is known for its humor, insight into small town dynamics, and its ability to draw readers into the lives of the characters, making it a memorable and engaging read.
If you liked Empire Falls, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'Nobody's Fool' by Richard Russo is a character-driven novel set in a small, declining resort town in upstate New York. The story revolves around Donald Sullivan, known as Sully, a down-on-his-luck construction worker with a penchant for making poor decisions. The book delves into the day-to-day struggles of Sully and other vividly portrayed characters as they navigate life in a town that has seen better days. Despite its lack of a complex plot, the book is praised for its realistic and interesting character studies, as well as Russo's ability to capture the essence of small-town life through his writing.
Upper Main Street in the village of North Bath, just above the town’s two-block-long business district, was quietly residential for three more blocks, then became even more quietly rural along old Rou... - #2
Save:'Olive Kitteridge' by Elizabeth Strout is a novel in stories that delves into the life of the title character, Olive Kitteridge, through the eyes of various community members who interact with her in a small town in Maine. The book explores themes of loneliness, loss, hope, and human relationships, portraying Olive as a complex, strong, and honest character who faces hard realizations about herself with trademark honesty.
The interconnected stories in the book provide a deep exploration of Olive's character and her interactions with the people around her. Set in Crosby, Maine, the narrative weaves together Olive's presence in different characters' lives, showcasing her multifaceted personality that is both mean and loving, bitter and grateful. Through Olive's journey and the glimpses into the lives of other town residents, the book offers a poignant reflection on the human condition and the complexities of relationships.
For many years Henry Kitteridge was a pharmacist in the next town over, driving every morning on snowy roads, or rainy roads, or summertime roads, when the wild raspberries shot their new growth in br... - #3
Save:The Shipping News by Annie Proulx is a novel set in Newfoundland, following the story of Quoyle, a man who relocates to his ancestral home after a series of personal tragedies. The book delves into Quoyle's journey of self-discovery and redemption, as he navigates through the challenges of life in a small Newfoundland community. The writing style of the book has been described as atmospheric, with vivid descriptions of the harsh landscape and realistic dialogues that immerse readers into the setting.
Hive-spangled, gut roaring with gas and cramp, he survived childhood; at the state university, hand clapped over his chin, he camouflaged torment with smiles and silence. Stumbled through his twenties... - #4
Save:'Straight Man' by Richard Russo is a humorous and insightful novel set in the world of academia, specifically focusing on the life of William Henry Devereaux, Jr., an English professor at a mediocre college in Pennsylvania. The book delves into the absurdities and challenges of academic life, showcasing the petty backstabbing, administrative idiocy, and personal struggles faced by the characters. Through witty narration and hilarious characterizations, Russo provides a satirical yet touching portrayal of midlife crises, academic politics, and the complexities of human relationships.
The plot of 'Straight Man' revolves around William Henry Devereaux, Jr., who finds himself embroiled in a week of crises as the acting chairman of the English department. The novel blends humor and pathos, offering a mix of laugh-out-loud moments and quiet insights into the characters' lives. Russo's writing style is praised for its clever observations, sharp wit, and engaging storytelling, making the book a compelling exploration of academia, relationships, and personal growth.
When my nose finally stops bleeding and I’ve disposed of the bloody paper towels, Teddy Barnes insists on driving me home in his ancient Honda Civic, a car that refuses to die and that Teddy, cheap as... - #5
Save:The Cider House Rules by John Irving is a rich and complex novel that delves into themes of abortion, orphanages, migrant workers, and incestuous rape. Set in rural Maine in the early 20th century, the story follows Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and abortionist, and his favorite orphan, Homer Wells, who is torn between different perspectives on abortion. The book explores the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they navigate through challenging situations, all while dealing with everyday tedium in a compelling narrative style that absorbs the reader into the setting.
A child of Maine, Wilbur Larch was born in Portland in 186_—the son of a sullen, tidy woman who was among the staff of cooks and housekeepers for a man named Neal Dow, the mayor of Portland and the so... - #6
Save:'The Risk Pool' by Richard Russo is a coming-of-age story set in a small town in upstate New York. It follows Ned Hall as he navigates his tumultuous family dynamics, primarily with his flawed father, Sam Hall. The novel captures the essence of life in a town past its prime, depicting the struggles and relationships of its inhabitants. Russo's writing style intricately weaves together humor and sadness, offering a poignant portrayal of human experiences and the complexities of family relationships.
My father, unlike so many of the men he served with, knew just what he wanted to do when the war was over. He wanted to drink and whore and play the horses. “He’ll get tired of it,” my mother said con... - #7
Save:'Crossroads' by Jonathan Franzen is a family drama set just before Christmas 1971, focusing on the Hildebrandt family. The novel explores the lives of the patriarch Russ, his wife Marion, and their four children - Clem, Becky, Perry, and Judson. Each family member is dealing with their own struggles and desires, leading to a complex web of relationships and personal dilemmas. The narrative delves into themes of religion, morality, faith, love, addiction, betrayal, and existential philosophy. The writing style is described as beautifully written, compelling, and immersive, with a strong focus on character development and domestic dynamics.
The plot of 'Crossroads' revolves around the Hildebrandt family, their individual journeys at personal crossroads, and the interconnected dynamics within the family and the church community. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of family relationships, spirituality, and the challenges of navigating life in the 1970s, creating a rich tapestry of characters and events. The author, Jonathan Franzen, presents a nuanced exploration of human behavior, morality, and the complexities of personal growth and self-discovery through the lens of the Hildebrandt family's experiences.
The sky broken by the bare oaks and elms of New Prospect was full of moist promise, a pair of frontal systems grayly colluding to deliver a white Christmas, when Russ Hildebrandt made his morning roun... - #8
Save:'The Corrections' by Jonathan Franzen is a darkly funny novel that delves into the lives of the Lambert family, portraying their struggles and dynamics in a dysfunctional American family setting. The book follows the aging couple, Enid and Alfred, as they try to bring their three adult children together for a last Christmas, unraveling the failures, secrets, and buried hurts that haunt them. Through brilliant writing and vivid character portrayals, Franzen captures the essence of family life and suburbia, exploring themes of guilt, longing, and the complexities of relationships.
The madness of an autumn prairie cold front coming through. You could feel it: something terrible was going to happen. The sun low in the sky, a minor light, a cooling star. Gust after gust of disorde... - #9
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... - #10
Save:Set in the small town of Cold Sassy, Georgia, in 1906, "Cold Sassy Tree" follows the life of 14-year-old Will Tweedy as he navigates family dynamics, scandal, and the complexities of Southern small-town life. The story revolves around Will's close relationship with his grandfather, E. Rucker Blakeslee, who shocks the town by marrying a much younger woman soon after his wife's death. Through Will's eyes, readers witness the gossip, prejudices, and humorous antics that unfold in this tight-knit community.
The book captures the essence of Southern life with its spot-on Appalachian dialect, spirited characters, and insights into family dynamics, love, and forgiveness. As the tale progresses, readers are drawn into a world filled with homespun humor, dark family secrets, and lessons in mercy and humanity, culminating in a poignant exploration of life in a Southern small town during the early 1900s.
THREE WEEKS after Granny Blakeslee died, Grandpa came to our house for his early morning snort of whiskey, as usual, and said to me, "Will Tweedy? Go find yore mama, then run up to yore Aunt Loma's an...
