A Long and Happy Life

Reynolds Price's classic novel is an expertly told piece of Southern literature set in small-town North Carolina. Rosacoke Mustian is a poetic, deep-feeling soul who has been pining for Wesley Beavers ever since he shook some pecans down for her when they were children. Wesley, a motorcycle-riding ladies' man, remains aloof and always skitters around Rosacoke's questions about their relationship. Originally published in 1962, "A Long and Happy Life" won the favor of famed Southern authors like Eudora Welty, and for good reason. If you like the writing of Carson McCullers, Flannery O'Connor, and Eudora Welty, you'll love this book.