Studs Lonigan vs The first time: Which Should You Read?
Both live on shelves: Illinois, Chicago, Fiction
Studs Lonigan
[William V. Lipton][1] from Ann Arbor, MI says: "This is both a coming-of-age novel and a social history. Set during the 1920s and 1930s, it follows Studs as he grows through his teen years in Chicago. It shows the…
1 film adaptation
vs
The first time
After sixteen years of marriage, Mattie Hart discovers that her husband, Jake—a high-profile Chicago attorney—is involved in yet another love affair. But a far greater crisis descends upon the Hart family after Jake…
The verdict
- Ratings are close across the board — any is a safe pick by score.
- The first time is the quickest read — about 6 hours vs 20 for Studs Lonigan.
- The first time has the widest readership — 3242 ratings behind its score.
- The first time runs the darker storyline; Studs Lonigan stays the lighter read.
How to choose
Want a one-evening read?
The first time
≈ 6h vs 20h for Studs Lonigan
New to the genre?
The first time
Moderate vs Challenging for Studs Lonigan
In the mood for something dark?
The first time
a darker storyline than Studs Lonigan
Want something lighter?
Studs Lonigan
an easier tone than The first time
Scores by source
| Studs Lonigan | The first time | |
|---|---|---|
| Goodreads | 3.8 (2363) | 3.9 (3242) |
| Hardcover | 3.0 (2) | 5.0 (1) |
| Apple Books | 4.0 (8) | — |
Reception
| Studs Lonigan | The first time | |
|---|---|---|
| Ratings | 2363 | 3242 |
| Editions | 54 | 26 |
| Film adaptations | 1 | 1 |
| Want to read | 5510 | 1920 |
| Reading it now | 122 | 34 |
| Written reviews | 144 | 297 |
| Wikipedia attention | 1058 | — |
| Pages | 1113 | 373 |