Books that transend genre?

[fluffy bunny]

As we all know, a really good book is hard to come by. There are some books that stand out within their respective genres and are a joy to read for nearly everyone.

In your opinion, what are the books that you would recommend to anyone whether they're your best friend or a total stranger?

 

[juzzza]

I think Michael Crichton writes brilliant Mainstream books that often have elements of spec fic (Timeline, Jurassic Park, Lost World) or fantasy (Eaters of the dead).

Timeline was a great read and a less than average movie, Jurassic Park was incredible at its release for special effects and the books are great reads that incorporate spec fic and elements of horror.

For those who can stomach gratuitous violence and the perverse, I think Clive Barker does Fantasy/Horror superbly.

Stephen King I believe, has transcended the Horror genre and is simply a brilliant writer, whether it's Dark Tower for fantasy, Fried Green Tomatoes for mainstream or good old fashioned Horror such as, well... The list is endless.

Oops sorry FB, I mis-read your post, you want transcending genres rather than blending them!!!!


Um...

I like Matthew Reilly, he writes incredibly paced action/adventures like TEMPLE and ICE STATION... But there is nothing deep or earth shattering to them. I also thought Perdido Street Station was pretty spectacular, but probably too fantasy-ish for most.

Ooh I know!!!

Billy... Written by Pamela Stephenson was amazing.

 

[AuntiePam]

A few of my all-time favorite non-genre books --

Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison -- this is Morrison's most accessible book IMHO, and if you only read one book about race in America, this is the one

The Dollmaker by Harriett Simpson Arnow -- the story of Gertie Nevels, a poor Appalachian woman who moves her family to Detroit in the 40's

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry -- four people struggling to survive in India in the 70's, enlightening and heartbreaking

 

[Mugwump]

Stanislaw Lem once paradoxically said that a Great SF novel ceases to be SF and instead becomes Great Literature. The best evidence to back up his argument is George Orwell's 1984

 

[AuntiePam]

I misunderstood the OP. You're asking about genre books that non-genre readers would like?

In that case, I've had good responses from friends who read The Stand, Fevre Dream (GRR Martin), Boy's Life (R. McCammon), and Something Wicked This Way Comes.

 

[Sammie]

I would recommend most of Sharon Penman's books to just about anyone. If you like History, well that's what they are, if you like Action, well that's what they are, if you like Adventure, well that's what they are, if you like Romance, well that's what they are. Similarly if you like to read about war, racial hatred, political intrigue, religious conflict, espionage....well that's what they are. And if you like a tale to be well-written and well-researched.............guess what! They are!

 

[Cicero]

As we all know, a really good book is hard to come by. There are some books that stand out within their respective genres and are a joy to read for nearly everyone.

In your opinion, what are the books that you would recommend to anyone whether they're your best friend or a total stranger?

By Felix J. Palma the following Trilogy
1. Map of Time
2. Map of The Sky
3. Map of Chaos

Morlock Night by K W Jeter

The Arabella Trilogy by David Levine
1. Arabella of Mars
2. Arabella and The Battle of Venus
3. Arabella The Traitor of Mars