"The Amateur Marriage," by Anne Tyler

Novel, 2004

Excellent novel following a Baltimore marriage's ups and downs and the intervening tales of the three children. The focus is on the couple itself and it both critical yet supportive of each side, with the narrative sympathetic to each. Similarly, the plot is eventful, yet has a pace and is written in a non-sensationalist way which moves the story along and pulls the reader into Tyler's world. A treat of a story which unfolds gently and comments plenty on the twentieth century as it does so, with the hang-ups shot through the Anton family narrative. 

"The Accidental Tourist" by Anne Tyler

Novel, 1985

Account of what happens after domestic disasters befall a man hooked on routines and constantly updating his world guides on travelling on business in such a way as to encounter as few surprises as possible. While the lively plot largely turns on fairly predictable events and developments, it's a good read all the same, with characters' pathos and sadness nicely and possibly at times over balanced with comedy. This is certainly a good page turner and aims and tugs the heart. Could perhaps have done with a few more unpredictable plot twists, but excellent all the same.