I have written about four chapters of a new novel, but now I’m stuck. I want to have a different kind of structure – you know like Fried Green Tomatoes, where it’s a story inside a story, or Water for Elephants where there are two stories at the same time: the old man’s current life in the nursing home and his past life in the circus before he got old – but neither of those structures are right for the novel I’m working on. So I am turning to any of you who love to read. If you could guide me to any books that have something different from the usual straight chronological structure, I’d appreciate it. My cousin, Lee, told me about a book called The 19th Wife, which tells a current murder mystery while chronicling Joseph Smith’s trek to Utah with a 19th wife who was unhappy. (Isn’t that the gist, Lee?). I will be looking at that book. But if you have one that plays with the usual “this happen, then that” for 350 pages, then please let me know. I could use some guidance.
One of my favorite novels is Snow Falling on Cedars, which tells of the Japanese Internment camps while exploring a modern-day mystery (in 1954), which involves the Japanese childhood girlfriend of a reporter who has returned crippled from combat in World War II. I love that book because it’s a great “who dun it,” but also teaches you something about history. I also love novels that flip back and forth between then and now from one chapter to the other just because they hold my interest more effectively than a straight chronology sometimes does. But I also love that straight storyline as long as it has enough twists and turns to make it interesting.
So, help me if you can. Just tell me any books that you love and why. Maybe that’s all I need. More books to look at that people genuinely love. They will have something special that will help me as I plan this novel of mine.
Just add the title of your book(s) in the Comments section. I would really appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks so much. I’ll look forward to hearing from you!
20 Minutes a Day 
I recommend History of Love by Nicole Krauss. The point of view changes and about halfway through, I had some difficulty following or adjusting to the shifts, but it was so beautifully written that I kept on until the end and I was glad I did. All the loose threads are woven together at the end.
Oops, I just meant to insert a link to the book on Amazon. I had no idea it would insert such a large image of the book. I deleted the link. Don’t approve that last comment. Here’s what I wrote:
I recommend History of Love by Nicole Krauss. The point of view changes and about halfway through, I had some difficulty following or adjusting to the shifts, but it was so beautifully written that I kept on until the end and I was glad I did. All the loose threads are woven together at the end.
Thanks so much. This sounds extremely interesting!
Have you read “The Time Traveler’s Wife?” It certainly plays with the normal time chronology.
Thanks, Elaine, I’ll check that one out.
One of my favorite books is The Prince of Tides, by Pat Conroy. The main storyline is about a brother who has to go tend to his sister who has just been committed into a mental hospital. He shares stories of their childhood with his sister’s shrink, so there are a lot of flashbacks that correlate to something in the present, in hopes of explaining why his sister is so sick.
Thanks so much. That sounds great. I’ll look into that one!
Wish I could but I know the ones you’ve already mentioned above. Must make time to stop and think properly. Hope you share what you do find though.
Thanks, Tess. I will share as I look through the recommended books.