Originally Posted by
jungle
A couple of Cormac McCarthy titles:
Blood Meridian-In the top 50 of all time. Set in the old west and I don't like westerns but this book is more of a philosophical statement. The writing is fantastic and has been compared to Melville, but this isn't for the squeamish and it may not please those with romantic notions about life.
No Country for Old Men-Set in the new west, a lot of reflection on the current human condition. Good and evil, and how we make our way despite the challenges. As much philosophy and the study of human qualities as it is a story. Not for the for those upset by blood or moral dilemma.
I agree, "Blood Meridian" is a must read. Judge Holden has to be one of the greatest literary characters of all time. Much of the the novel is based on actual events.
V., Gravity's Rainbow, and Mason & Dixon by Thomas Pynchon. Probably the best American author for the last half of the 20th century. Hard reads though.