As a long-time member of the Lofty Readers (the book club Debbie actively participated in, along with her husband Maurie), I will say that Coetzee's "Disgrace" prompted the most interesting discussion we have ever had. Depth of his characters; their relationships and motives. Very provocative.

If you begin with A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius as I did, you may also end with A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. Highly overrated. That said, I like to read first novels by young authors and will give him another chance someday (maybe).

This author was introduced to me by Debbie (yes, that Debbie). Our book club read The Puttermesser Papers. "This book, with its waves of rapturous invention, presents a saddened vision of the world that yet leaves the reader in a trance of happiness. And with the lingering thought: if only I could write a book this good." - Carol Shields, The Guardian

I agree with your comments on Hemingway. Many readers I've recommended EH to seem more familiar with his public persona than his works. I love the Nick Adams stories, the Spain stories and "Cat in the Rain".