I discovered James Salter’s “A Sport and a Pastime” last year, thanks to my writing critique partner’s recommendation. I don’t know how I missed such a beautiful novel all these years, but better late than never.
The small book (200 pages) about an American expatriate and his French lover is as intimate as a whisper in my ear. It’s erotic but unromantic, with a simple story told in rich prose. It’s a testament to Salter’s enormous gift as a writer.
The author died on June 19, 2015, at the age of 90. The New York Times described him as a “writer’s writer.” I couldn’t agree more. If you write fiction, you have to read Salter. It’s one of the best descriptive writing you’ll ever find.
Here’s my review of Salter’s 1967 novel:
James Salter’s “A Sport and a Pastime”: Languid, Rich, and Memorable
Read a related story about the use of the present tense in Salter’s book and other works:
In Praise of the Here and Now: Top 10 Present-Tense Novels
To read the New York Times article about Salter’s death and career, click here.
Cindy Fazzi 
waitingforgeorge
/ June 22, 2015I hadn’t heard he’d died. That’s sad news. I hope that with time he becomes the household name he deserves to be. In addition to being a fantastic author of books, he also wrote screenplays. He was a wonderfully talented man. http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/letter-from-the-archive-james-salters-days-in-film
cindyfazzi
/ June 22, 2015Hi Beth. Thanks again for suggesting the book. I’d like to read his other works one of these days.
stanalei15
/ June 22, 2015Sounds like I needs to find some time to check out Salter. Thanks, Cindy!
cindyfazzi
/ June 22, 2015Hi Stanalei. Salter’s book is almost the opposite of a romance novel; it’s quite refreshing after reading so many romance books(: