This is my first foray into Marilynne Robinson's fiction and I put it off in the same way I put off Joan Didion -- because I knew reading Marilynne Robinson's fiction would mean a multi-volume commitment, and I fully expect to read her four major novels within a relatively short span. Housekeeping was her first novel and is very distinct from the following three, which together make up the Gilead trilogy. It was also nominated for a Pulitzer Prize -- yes, her FIRST novel was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

I often struggle with writing about books because I hate the way most people talk about books -- "What are you reading? Is it any good?" etc. A book's value has nothing to do with whether or not the average reader thinks it's "good," and to say I've enjoyed reading Housekeeping or even that I admire Robinson's prose seems completely pointless. No one should care what I think -- she's one of the most decorate authors in America today, and writing about her is just a reminder of how humbling this experience can be. I was very anxious to read her work and write about it, but when it actually comes down to putting down my thoughts, everything I want to say seems incredibly dumb and insufficient.

Just read her books. This literary blogging identity crisis will probably pass.