ReadingGroupGuides.com

Author Interview

David C. Major & John S. Major

This month ReadingGroupGuides.com talks to David C. Major & John S. Major, the authors of 100 One-Night Reads: A Book Lover's Guide. This book is exactly what its title says --- a guide to 100 titles that can be read in one night. Read on to find out how our authors made their selections and get a snapshot of what you'll find between these covers.

RGG: What did you set out to do in 100 One-Night Reads?

100 One-Night Reads: We've tried to share our lifelong love of reading by recommending 100 books that we have read with pleasure, each of which can be read in a single evening (or, if the reader chooses, over the course of several sessions).

RGG: How did you go about selecting the titles?

100 One-Night Reads: All of the 100 books are both very good books and a pleasure to read.   For each of the 100 books, we describe the book, write about the author, and, most important, say why the book is special and why you might wish to read it. We also add literary anecdotes, and reflections on our own experiences with the book and the author.   We've tried to chose books that will add a permanent new dimension, in some way, to the reader's life.

RGG: How many books did you reread to choose your 100 recommendations?

100 One-Night Reads: We went back to hundreds of books that we have read, or in some cases read new works of familiar authors. Our aim was to provide our readers with a balanced group of recommendations --- fiction, memoirs, mysteries, and other categories ---that would give reading pleasure over many years. One of the main reasons for not including a work was that the book, which we may have remembered as an easy read, was too long for 100 One-Night Reads. This happened surprisingly often. Over the years we had enjoyed some books so much that, in retrospective memory, they seemed short.

RGG: Did you both contribute equally to the book?

100 One-Night Reads: Yes. Each of us provided the initial drafts of about half of the essays, but by the time the essays had gone through several revisions it would be impossible to tell which of us had written the first draft. We've read and provided suggestions on each other's books for many years, and have a very good sense of our shared style.

RGG: Any differences of opinion on the selections?

100 One-Night Reads: Really very few. We have broadly similar tastes and literary sensibilities. The main difference was one of emphasis --- John provided more of the initial impetus for mystery selections, and David for public affairs and the environment; and we probably provided equal numbers of recommendations in mainstream fiction. And, where one of us knew or had known the author of a recommended book, then he would draft the initial essay.

RGG: How should people use the book?

100 One-Night Reads: To enjoy reading. We provide both alphabetical and topical tables of contents. The topical table includes fiction, memoirs, mystery and crime, public affairs and the environment, and other topics. We invite readers to browse for things that interest them. Most readers will find new books that they will treasure, and old favorites as well.

RGG: What are some examples of better-known books you recommend?

100 One-Night Reads: Some of the books that are fairly well-known, and that many readers will wish to re-read are Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, Willa Cather's Death Comes for the Archbishop, and Kingsley Amis's Lucky Jim.   Among books in science, we recommend Jim Watson's The Double Helix, and in fantasy and saga the great new translation of Beowulf by Seamus Heaney.   In politics, we suggest Solzhenitsyn's brave and indelible One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.

RGG: And how about some hidden treasures?

100 One-Night Reads: A truly wonderful book is Sarah Orne Jewett's The Country of the Pointed Firs, about people in coastal Maine in the last century. David was in Vermont two weeks ago, and a local librarian there said it was one of her 25 all-time favorites. We think that many readers who turn to it will agree with this. Jill Ker Conway's The Road from Coorain will be new to many readers. It is an account of her growing up in rural Australia, and then coming to Harvard for graduate work; unforgettable. For those interested in the writing life, Mary Bringle's Hacks at Lunch is a must.

RGG: Now for a really tough one. Among all of these 100 fine authors, who is the best writer?

100 One-Night Reads: We can hear our readers sharpening their knives now! There are many possibilities. All of the authors are good, and some are truly fine --- James Joyce (Dubliners), Hemingway (The Sun Also Rises), Edith Wharton (Madame de Treymes).   But we think it would be hard not to choose Thomas Mann, represented here by Death in Venice. He is not only an exceptional writer; his knowledge of European culture and tradition is simply astounding.

RGG: Any particular recommendations for spring and summer reading?

100 One-Night Reads: Now that the first part of The Lord of the Rings is in the theaters, everyone should pick up The Hobbit, which provides a fine introduction to Tolkien's world. Janet Flanner's Paris was Yesterday: 1925-1939 recreates a whole era for summer dreaming. Summer sailors will like Patrick O'Brien's The Unknown Shore. And movie lovers should revisit Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's ---Audrey Hepburn, for many people, is Holly Golightly.

RGG: Any surprises?

100 One-Night Reads: Yes: we wrote this for the general adult reader, including those many who share their love of books in reading groups. But we have found from readers' responses that it is also an excellent choice for bright teenagers. Nothing makes us prouder than to have a part in creating a new generation of readers.

RGG: Will we see another book like this from you?

100 One-Night Reads: We are exploring a sequel focusing on longer books.

RGG: If readers want to comment on your selections, or make suggestions of their own, where can they write?

100 One-NightReads: We'd be delighted to get e-mail feedback at Hundredreads@aol.com. Also please visit our website at www.100OneNightReads.com. And thanks very much --- it's been a pleasure talking with you.

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David C. Major and John S. Major are brothers. Each is the author of numerous books: David mainly in natural resources and the environment, John mainly on East Asian history and culture. John is also co-editor of two poetry anthologies and coauthor of The New Lifetime Reading Plan.

The Majors are currently collaborating on works of history and biography, and on a guide to creating a satisfying lifestyle in New York City. They both live in Manhattan with their families.