Little Big Man - by Thomas Berger - my primer book

After any of the parties at my parents' house and now that they've passed away, after any of the parties at any of my sisters' houses, guests always start asking us to point out books for them to read. Having heard some impassioned discussion over why Hemingway was not a schmuck, or how Faulkner fought racism or why "The Last of the Just" will make you cry tears of blood, people who aren't as well-read feel a little out of the loop. And the passion in the arguments makes them realize how MUCH the books can GIVE us, them, the world. Almost everyone in my family is going to point them to "The Last of the Just," by Andre Schwarzbart. Not I. No. The first book on my list is always "Little Big Man," by Thomas Berger. I use this book because it is so much FUN to read. Anyone who's reached the age of 30 without reading any of the books or authors mentioned above needs a book that will inspire them to read MORE, and Little Big Man is sure to do that. And, you know what? People always come back to me and ask for the second book on my list.