This is just a quick post to help me decide on a book.
I became aware of Willa Cather only in the last few months. In fact, I came across her name on Girlebooks.com and wondered who she was. A little google check on her and I was astonished to find that she was a leading American literary writer. As I’ve mentioned time and again, I never took any interest in American Literature when I was in college, and I’ve been learning (and glad to be learning) a great deal about it in the past year.
I’ve decided to give Willa Cather a try. However, I’m not sure which one of her books to buy. From what I have noticed (correct me if I’m wrong) My Antonia and O! Pioneers! are her best works?… I’m just wondering which of these two books it would be advisable for me to begin with…
I’ve yet to read her, but also was curious when I saw her on GirleBooks awhile back. I was thinking of starting with Song of the Lark.
Love your new blog layout by the way.
Any special reason why you’d begin with Song of the Lark?
And thank you!
My Antonia and O Pioneers! are probably her best known. I’ve read both, although I unfortunately don’t remember either that well, but I know I enjoyed them at the time. I’ve also heard good things about Death Comes for the Archbishop. I’m sorry that I can’t be more help in saying which to read, although if I were deciding, I’d probably go with O Pioneers! (which is the earliest of the three).
Thank you, Amanda.
With all the suggestions pouring in I think I’ll ease in with her short stories and then plunge in to either the one or the other. 
Of the two books, I read only My Antonia, and loved it.
Ah! I’m beginning to understand that it doesn’t matter what I read as long as I try a Willa Cather, right?
….thank you so much for the input! I think I’m going to enjoy reading her!
I read My Antonia recently and I did enjoy it: my review is here: http://tinylibrary.blogspot.com/2011/11/my-antonia-by-willa-cather.html
I haven’t read O Pioneers, but in the comments section of the My Antonia post, you’ll see that a few readers recommend it over My Antonia, so I’m sure either book would be a good read.
Oh! I’m off to read your review and the comments!
My Antonia is the only one that I’ve read. I think you’ll enjoy it!
Thank you, Grace! I just might make that my first novel of hers since it seems to be the one most have read.
…But then, one can never tell. I just might veer off in a different direction and try something completely different! :-/
I started with My Mortal Enemy, which is very short and then moved on to Song of the Lark, and those are still my two favourites. But my general principle is “if in doubt read chronologically” and that would mean starting with Alexander’s Bridge and then seeing who her writing evolves.
It sounds like I might enjoy Cather quite a bit! Then I suppose I’ll begin with her short stories. I’m beginning to realise that sometimes short stoires are the easiest way to get to know if you would like to read more from an author or no. Thank you for the suggestions, Fleur!
Cather’s short stories are a great place to start and “Paul’s Case” is one of her best. As for novels I love The Song of the Lark and think it’s a great place to start (as far as her novels go) because it’s about a young girl finding her voice and growing into a strong artist. I’m doing a Willa Cather Novel Reading Challenge in 2012 if you’re interested, http://wildmoobooks.blogspot.com/2011/12/take-willa-cather-novel-challenge-2012.html
Thanks for the tip, Chris! And I did notice your Willa Cather Challenge. I’m still contemplating it as I have much on my reading plate next year. I’ll definitely look in and see if I can’t join at least one or two readings.
I have a personal challenge to read her works chronologically, because I’ve just loved what I have read. I’d recommend starting with O Pioneers! ..it isn’t long, and is a great example of her work. She has some great short stories too. Enjoy!
Hmmm…short stories or O Pioneers!… I’ll have to see between these two it seems… I’ll be hopping over to check out any reviews you might’ve written to finally decide.
I’ve read one short story by Cather, but that is all. I love her style and do intend to read her major novels eventually.
I glimpsed the first few lines of O Pinoneers! and really liked what I saw. Her style seems easy and yet aesthetic. I could be wrong…but I’m encouraged.