shantaram

Recommended by J Gutz

in response to Hillary Kelly

What absolute doorstopper of a novel do you read all summer long? Looking for something so engrossing I'll start to miss vital work meetings but not really care.

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I had wanted to read this epic since for years and when I finally found it at a local coffee shops free library - I watched someone beat me to it, pick it up, and take it. She told me she’d bring it back here when she finished it. It’s 900+ pages. I hope she brought it back.

I got my own copy and loved it. Fantastic settings and compelling characters - some of it’s even true! warning - it’s a very white boy in Indian coded. But still a good immersive doorstop.

5 months ago

Comments

Babuji

@babujiMay 30, 2026

I also always recommend this book to young men ages 15-25 who don’t generally like reading

leela cyd

@leelacydMay 31, 2026

I worship at the altar of the first half of this book

Across Rec League

Shantaram

Liz

“I read Shantaram nearly 20 years ago, and it still randomly pops into my brain. I loved how it made me want to travel, take risks, meet strangers, and experience more of the world. It’s messy, adventurous, philosophical, and completely immersive—the kind of book that stays with you.”