I must admit I have never heard of this book until recently and I thought John Williams was the man responsible for the Star Wars soundtracks. Fortunately since then I decided to give Stoner a go after hearing some great reviews of it. It did not let me down either. It's a slow burning but perfectly paced novel that shows how any unremarkable life is worthy of sincerity. It's perhaps notable between the parrallels of the character of Stoner and the eventual career of the author whose works were somewhat forgotten until Vintage Classics brought this back into the limelight recently. And it's a good job they did too. It's a novel that deserves far more attention and it's nice to see it finally get some.

As a person at University who is struggling in these precarious times in higher education there were parts of Stoner that were so close to the bone as I could see well observed parallels, that were at times uncomfortable. Recommended this book through this website I am so very glad that I picked it up. Compellingly observed and well-written. Viewing this from a higher education perspective I can understand, but I do not view the events in Stoner as mundane; even the little 1 line comment about guests reaction to University food carries weight for me and rather made me chuckle. People are right a sadness does dominate the book, certainly not regret. I would perhaps rate this as 4 and a 1/2 out of 5. I enjoyed reading Stoner and probably will return to read about him again.

Months back I walked past a display of vintage published books, amongst the sign "2013 Book of the Year." Picking one up I read the the back cover and knew instantly there was something special within. John William's 'Stoner' - a simplistic novel regarding the account of one man's journey through life - is one of the most fascinating things you will ever behold. Throughout the perfectly established prose we learn about hardships, temptation, friendship, rivalry and passion. The story resonates the emotions felt by every human being at one time or another, capturing it which such pure awe that you cannot hold yourself from becoming attached to William Stoner. His triumphs and pain become our own and throughout we understand the importance of a single life, a life that experiences victories and defeats that go unrecorded in history - yet is so significant that it is worth living. This is a powerful novel and it is one, if you are a lover of literature or even just a great story, that I cannot urge you enough to read. Thank you John Williams.

I was intrigued by this one - a drugs book written by the composer of Star Wars? Of course, it's neither, just a beautiful and very sad account of one lonely academic's slow decline into obsolescence as the university that he serves for decades all but rejects him. It's incredibly tense in places, features some superbly drawn characters and is a genuinely wonderful read.

It was described as the greatest book you’ve never read. There was lot hype around it and all justified. Stoner is simply beautiful. The touching story of one ordinary man, Stoner didn’t have many high hopes, extravagant dreams or extraordinary talent. What he did have was a love of the written word and a willingness to survive. From beginning to end, Stoner is an exquisitely told journey from rebirth to death.