Sometimes A Great Notion (1963) Ken Kesey. I’ve read it 6 times. The same paperback. One of the best ever character studies ever written. As true today as when it was written.
Here’s a review I wrote for my Goodreads bookshelf: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8014925
My opening:
This is the sixth time I’ve read this novel. The first was in 1971 when I was twenty-one. Looking back now, I see how much it influenced me—in my writing and life. “Looking back a guy can always pick him out some top-notch reasons to explain what happened. … he can look back and say there was the why of it …” (p.450)
An Update
Yes, it is on this shelf in my apartment. Furthermore, I stocked it in my bookstore. My brother, Jack, bought it and now he’s a copy on his bookshelf. (Have you read it, bro?)
The influence the author, Ken Kesey, had on me was substantial. Both with his writing and his life.
I can’t recommend the book and the movie enough. If you want to understand the making of America, and the people who made it – this is a good place to start.
I’d love to hear from you if you’ve read the book or seen the movie.