If you haven’t read Cormac McCarthy, that needs to change. His prose simply has no equal. The man was an actual, honest-to-god, national treasure. He was so formative for me as an author, and I’m just gutted by his death.
Be warned: if you’re going to attempt to read one of his books, you need to make sure that you have the time and space to give it proper attention. His work is heavy, like a slab of lead, and you need to be sure to give yourself extra time to digest things. But it’s so, so rewarding.
Thank you so much for this guide! Hearing of his passing hurts and I hope his fans, friends, and family alike can find solace in the great works he has made. God knows this has finally convinced me to give Blood Meridian a try.
Blood Meridian is stunning, but seriously–if you’re not in a good mental place, absolutely do not read it. It’s…well, ‘dark’ really doesn’t even begin to describe it.
I was reading it on an island in Thailand and I had to put it down for another time. It was bumming me out. Read it twice since, back in America.
Thank you for this caveat. Depression is trying to kick me in the arse right now, so I’ll save it on a To Read list for another time.
Yeah, this one has a lot of existential dread about death and the human condition. It’s BLEAK. So if you’re struggling with depression, strong avoid.
Get better, friend. I’m sorry you’re having a tough time with things. FWIW, I struggle as well with the same thing.