7 Current Writers I’m In Love With

Melissa Says:

January 31st, 2008, 20:50 pm

I’m shocked that you didn’t include Stephen King. His writing sometimes strays into the gory, yes, but he is the only writer who can truly scare me. King does something with his characters that makes you believe that it’s possible aliens are carrying around scissors to cut the ribbons of our lives, or that there IS another dimension of life that co-exists on this planet.

McPanse Says:

January 31st, 2008, 20:55 pm

Check out Lethem’s dystopian “Amnesia Moon”. A very good read, but “Motherless Brooklyn” and “Gun with Occasional Music” are definitely my favorites. Along the same vein, you might enjoy Jonathan Franzen’s “Strange Motion”: unexplained Boston earthquakes, corporate malfeasance, anti-abortionists, and a compelling love story all wrapped into one.

If you haven’t read Michael Chabon, you should. “The Adventures of Kavalier and Clay” is fantastic, as is “The Yiddish Policemen’s Union.”

A little more off the beaten path, Jess Walter’s “Citizen Vince” is also a great read. It’s about a low-level wiseguy in witness protection in Spokane trying to outrun his past while wrestling with who to vote for in the 1980 Reagan-Carter election.

Zed Says:

January 31st, 2008, 20:56 pm

I suggest “Dresden Files”, and “Codex Alera” both by Jim Butcher. I enjoyed them immensely, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next books from both series.

Jasi Says:

January 31st, 2008, 20:59 pm

love love love love love love Gibson.

A minimalist, I only hold onto 10 books. Most are his.

Saw him in Philly during his Spook Country tour. He’s just fantastic. Mona Lisa Overdrive my favorite recently topped by Pattern Recognition. It’s brilliant.

I also read Tom Robbins and anything else that strikes me as interesting.

Poppy Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:02 pm

You should try Diana Wynne Jones - she’s been around a lot longer than J. K. Rowling and is MILES better (in my opinion.) In particular, try Howl’s Moving Castle (which was adapated into a Japanese film) and the Chrestomanci series - they’re suitable for youngish readers. Her books are marketed towards children, but the subtleties and complexities of them appeal to older readers as well. She’s the person who inspired me to want to become a children’s author.

Dylan Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:04 pm

If you like William Gibson you should check out Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson.

Charles Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:09 pm

Definitely check out Neal Stephenson. He’s great. I’ve liked all of his books that I’ve read so far. Also read Perdido Street Station by China Melville. King Rat and The Scar are also very good, but PSS is excellent, although starts of slow. It’s a new style of science fiction I’d say. I just love the world he’s created.

Sassmifrass Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:10 pm

I was just going to recommend Neal Stephenson, but I see I’ve just been beaten to the punch! He is a brilliant writer.

Neil Gaiman is another writer I absolutely adore. Sheri S Tepper, too. And Robert Rankin! He has the best book titles (like “Nostradamus Ate My Hamster”). And the Death Gate cycle and other series Margarett Weiss and Tracy Hickman have written.

I’ve only read one Kurt Vonnegut book (Cat’s Cradle). But it has made me want to read more!

There are many more. I love reading!

Jeremy Latham Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:25 pm

Have you read Philip Pullman’s “His Dark Materials”?

Cory Huff Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:26 pm

I’d have to recommend Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth novels. For those who are familiar with Ayn Rand, it’s fascinating to see her philosophies incorporated into a medieval world filled with magic. Absolutely intellectually engaging in the argument about free will and capitalism. good stuff!

Leo Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:26 pm

Love the recommendations! Thanks guys.

Stephen King almost made this list. I love him too, but haven’t been reading him for awhile, so I can’t claim to be having a current love affair with him.

Neal Stephenson is going on my to-read list!

Julie Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:30 pm

I second (or would that be third? or fourth?) the recommendation for Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. I also liked The Diamond Age, also written by Stephenson.

If you’re a Terry Pratchett fan, have you checked out Good Omens? It’s co-authored by Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, one of my favourite authors of all time. (I believe someone mentioned him above.)

Bruno Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:35 pm

I would have to add Haruki Murakami’s “The Hard-boiled Wonderland and the End of the World”.

unstuffed Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:36 pm

Oh, I love this topic! Books are a great joy and a great education, when they’re done right.

Of your list, I love Pratchett to death: his gift for poignant insight and social commentary are as great as his gift for wit. I’ve been evangelising his books to all my friends for years/decades (well, at least one). Just a minor correction: the name is Moist von Lipwig, not Lip von Moistwig!

I also like Hornby and Gibson, although I’ve not read anything of theirs for years. I’ve recently had a good friend recommend Tom Robbins, so that’s next on my list.

I second the recommendation for Neal Stephenson if you like Gibson, and maybe Neil Gaiman as well (he co-wrote Good Omens with Pratchett).

Other recommendations: Margaret Atwood would be first. She’s a sublime writer, actually a poet, and her prose spins a captivating web that you’ll emerge from hours later. Start with The Handmaid’s Tale (science fiction) or The Robber Bride (ordinary fiction). I’d also recommend C J Cherryh in the science fiction arena (start with Downbelow Station) and Sherri S Tepper (start with Grass, the first of a loose trilogy), although she can begin to sound preachy over time (she’s passionate about some social issues). Cherryh is one that I return to over and over again, particularly her Foreigner series: she’s talented in conveying alien ways of thinking, as expressed in language in that series and habits in others, but the aliens aren’t always non-human. She’s quite brilliant, and she’s written a couple of other novels, based on Russian legends.

If you like gripping crime fiction, you must read Out by Natsuo Kirino, a Japanese author. It’s the most intense and rivetting crime book I’ve read, ever. Another good Japanese author, in a dreamy vein, is Murakami Haruki, who wrote The Wild Sheep Chase, Hard-boiled Wonderland And The End Of The World, and Underground (a non-fiction about the sarin gas attacks on the Tokyo subway). But don’t confuse him with Murakami Ryu, another great author: Ryu wrote Coin Locker Babies, which is great but gruelling, where Haruki is soft and dreamy.

GraceAnne LadyHawk Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:39 pm

Terry Pratchett’s Wee Free Men and its sequels are wonderful, especially for reading aloud with the young ones.

NEVER (sorry for shouting) say “I know they are kids’ books” in a way that sounds so deprecating. Rowling is a wondrous find storyteller, and so is Wynne Jones. I think some of the best writing happening today happens in books for young people.

Bobbi Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:40 pm

Found your blog about 3 weeks ago and love it. You have a funny, gentle style. Can you please remove the extra blue column that showed up, I think, this week? I can’t read the words on the blue background. Is it just me? Glad to read the new writer’s blog too. I’ve recently got back into my own writing after a 4 year drought of work-related writing. So you showed up at a great time. Thanks.

Mario Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:44 pm

Thanks for including Terry Pratchett, my all time favourite. I hope you don´t mind me to share the name this young genius with all your german speaking readers (unfortunately not translated yet):

Oliver Uschmann
Die “Hartmut”-Trilogie ist das grösste Lesevergnügen aller Zeiten.

Kristen Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:47 pm

Adding on the Margaret Atwood recommendation — The Blind Assassin is sublime…

I also love Michael Ondaatje — Divisidero was excellent…

Nice to see a plug for the classics, too!

Brian Clark Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:48 pm

Gibson is the reason I likely write anything, and you can see how badly he shames me.

Kristen Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:48 pm

Adding on the Margaret Atwood recommendation — The Blind Assassin is sublime…

Divisidero by Michael Ondaatje was excellent…

Nice to see a plug for the classics, too!

Alex Says:

January 31st, 2008, 21:51 pm

I’d have to say that I agree with everyone above - all of these authors are absolutely brilliant, and a joy to read.

I would, however, like to recommend one more: Matthew Stover. Especially his Acts of Caine series (Heroes Die and Blade of Tyshalle). These two books are my favorite out of an *immense* list of science fiction and fantasy that I have read over the years (Stover also ties with Douglas Hofstadter - the author of Gödel, Escher, Bach - for favorite author).

Kim Says:

January 31st, 2008, 22:00 pm

May I recommend Connie Willis “To Say Nothing of the Dog” and “Doomsday Book” and also everything by Jasper Fforde (but start with The Eyre Affair). Then consider Inkheart by Cordelia Funke. All of these books are great for people who like to read. They are all about literature and the love of reading.

Zack Says:

January 31st, 2008, 22:07 pm

This blog is really amazing. Wonderful work.

I love hearing other people’s opinions on authors and books. I agree with everyone above. Great post.

“Zack

Lorra Says:

January 31st, 2008, 22:11 pm

+ Storm Constantine - beautiful, interesting fantasy novels
+ Philip Pullman - wrote the best trilogy ever (in my opinion) - His Dark Materials
+ Diane Ackerman - writes about nature like no one else

unstuffed Says:

January 31st, 2008, 22:12 pm

Kim, I’ve not yet read To Say Nothing Of The Dog, but Doomsday Book was great. Another dog-titled recommendation would be The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night, but I can’t remember the author. It’s written from the point of view of an Asperger’s syndrome boy, and is really touching.

Another writer that I love (and have interviewed on radio, lucky me!) is Max Barry. So far he’s written 3 books: Syrup, Jennifer Government, and Company, all witty and incisive looks at various aspects of the corporate world. My favourite is Jennifer Government, but that may be because I read it first.

Barry is the perfect interview subject: funny, talkative, and absolutely enthralling. Editing that interview was a nightmare, because he was so good, and the gems came so rapidly, that I was loath to cut anything and was reduced to snipping fractions of seconds of pauses to get it down to size. I love funny articulate people, and it was great to find that he’s as good in person as he is on the page.

Nez Says:

January 31st, 2008, 23:10 pm

Hi Leo,

Thanks for providing a great list — I’ve read a number of them, and will be checking out the others you mentioned.

I’m also pleasantly surprised to hear you still read to your 14-year old. Perhaps in a future post, you can relate the experience of reading Harry Potter to an “older” child.

My oldest is 10, and while he makes his way through the book(s) at a slow pace, it appears to me he gets into them. Sometimes he stays up a bit too late, and we have to admonish him to get him to stop and go to bed.

Anyway, thanks so much for sharing.

Israel Says:

January 31st, 2008, 23:16 pm

you missed some good ones, but i guess you’re human

Jono Says:

January 31st, 2008, 23:23 pm

I made my new year’s resolution this year to read 1 book per month each by a different author, and I was stuck coming up with some, so this list will work great!!!

As for recommendations, have you read any Tom Robbins? He definitely has an off-beat style, but like these writers for you, he gets me wrapped up in the characters so much that I HATE to put it down. My favorite of his is ‘Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates.’
I feel weird suggesting books to a writer, but if you haven’t read it, give it a go…

Raphael Sisa Says:

January 31st, 2008, 23:25 pm

Read almost anything by Haruki Murakami.

mbear Says:

January 31st, 2008, 23:28 pm

Some guilty pleasures: Jasper Fforde, I’ve all the Tuesday Next books and loved them. The perfect set of books for the former English major who isn’t has a sense of humor and isn’t
a snob. I’ve been a Stephan King fan since I was very young, though I haven’t read much of him lately.

As for authors you don’t have to feel any guilt about reading. I’m currently in love with (in no particular order) Dave Eggers
“What is the What” is absolutely vital reading. Also look up Paul Auster, he is intense and will blow you away. I was hooked on him after reading “Travels in the Scriptorium” I was amazed after I read more of his book and realized that “Travels” references and is heavily in some ways about himself and the characters in his other books.

One last one. Jonathan Safran Foer’s book : “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” is the book about 9/11 that we didn’t know we needed. A tender and moving story about that day through a remarkable 9 year olds eye’s:Osker Schell.

ben Says:

January 31st, 2008, 23:31 pm

George R. R. Martin if you like fantasy…

Terry Goodkind as mentioned above; the series is masterfully done, and makes Atlas Shrugged not-so-dry. He only bludgeons you about the face with the philosophy in one book, but even that one was done well.

Neil Gaiman if you like to read. He’s my favorite currently-living author.

Emily Says:

February 1st, 2008, 0:08 am

Anything by Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, We the Living, Anthem), Daniel Quinn (Ishmael, The Story of B, My Ishmael), James Redfield (The Celestine Prophecy), Pat Conroy (Beach Music, The Prince of Tides) and of course, who can forget George Orwell?

Mianthrope Says:

February 1st, 2008, 0:13 am

I very much agree with many of the choices above, notably Gibson, Gaiman, Stephenson, Mieville, and Pullman.

To that list I would add Tim Powers, who is probably the best author you’ve never heard of. All his books are great, but I have special regard for “Last Call” and “Declare.”

Mianthrope Says:

February 1st, 2008, 0:16 am

Oh, and how I could I forget to mention Gene Wolfe? Another great and underappreciated genius.

swhale Says:

February 1st, 2008, 0:19 am

For me, the best Neal Stephenson is Cryptonomicon. Easily the best in my opinion.
Tom Robbins is a lot of fun. I love David Foster Wallace’s work. I fell into Infinite Jest and was never the same since. See also Nabakov (Pale Fire, Invitation to a Beheading) and John Barth (Lost in the Funhouse).
Douglas Coupland! Jpod and especially Shampoo Planet — much heavier and affecting than I was expecting.
Joyce Carol Oates…makes me want to hide under my bed at night. …writes some scary, way too real stuff.

VeeBee Says:

February 1st, 2008, 0:48 am

A few of my favorite fiction books are:
The Magus by John Fowles (this guy happens to be my favorite author)
The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood (awesome awesome book)
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
These are just a ‘few’ of my favorites.
In Non-fiction, you’ve got to got to read Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, its brilliant. So is his other book Working with Emotional Intelligence (I take them as one entity, somehow)

Kristy Says:

February 1st, 2008, 0:51 am

Books are my greatest weakness! I read such a variety of topics that my favorites list would be hard to create.

It’s cool that you are reading Harry Potter with your children! I did that, too and very much enjoyed it, but I don’t think I could read the entire series twice. Now, Shel Silverstein on my coffee table, I could read those all day long.

Thanks for opening up this conversation; I like all the suggestions. Thank goodness I’m now in library-card-training vs weekly bookstore visits. :)

Kristin Says:

February 1st, 2008, 1:10 am

Once again encouraging me to do something I’ve been putting off….

Will definitely start making leisure reading more of a priority!!!

Mary Says:

February 1st, 2008, 1:12 am

I haven’t read through all the comments, but Richard Powers should be on the list. Galatea 2.2 and The Time of Our Singing are two books I’ve grabbed both times I’ve done the wildfire evacuation packing. Oh, and David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas was brilliant!

As for what to read after HP, if you still want magic and fantasy, try Eva Ibbotson or Diana Wynne Jones. I’m a children’s librarian, so I’ll restrain myself and stop there:) Oh wait, I can’t–all the boys at my school love Emily Rodda’s Deltora books, and so do I. There, I’m done.

erin Says:

February 1st, 2008, 1:31 am

My all time favorite author is Charles de Lint. He write “urban fairy tales”. “Dreams Underfoot” is a book of short stories that is a nice way to introduce you to his characters and style. I always feel very inspired when I read his stories. They are very uplifting and make me want to create (write, paint, sing, dance). If you don’t like short stories, I would try “Moonheart.” Happy reading!

Warren from Zen Problog Says:

February 1st, 2008, 1:49 am

I’ve been on a James Patterson binge lately. The Alex Cross series is amazing!

Wil Perforce Says:

February 1st, 2008, 2:11 am

Frankly I haven’t read anything by him in a while so I don’t remember what I thought of his prose, but I was taken with Bruce Sterling about the same time I fell into Gibson. My personal favorite Sterling is Heavy Weather. None, however, hold a candle to Philip K. Dick. He is the young master (to Ray Bradbury, the old master) of melancholia. Many don’t know Dick or, rather, only know the movies made from his books and short stories. Blade Runner and Total Recall, for example. I once saw Ray Bradbury speak about writing fiction. He was honestly a little peeved about being referred to as a science fiction author … not that he thought that there was anything wrong with that … he just felt that all authors were illustrating the human condition. Labeling an author, by definition, limits their appeal as some readers have decided they don’t like this or that genre. Anyhow … if you really dig the cyber in cyberpunk, try Sterling. If you like bleak, find something by Dick. (There is a huge, three or four volume collection of his shorts, by the way. Don’t read them all at once, especially if that’s where you start! Break it up with a novel. That sounds funny, but they really are huge.)

shiroh Says:

February 1st, 2008, 2:13 am

I really do love Oscar Wilde. His way with words is unique and i believe he is the greatest writer ever lived.

TeeBee Says:

February 1st, 2008, 3:10 am

I love the books written by James Michener, he is a master in the way he describes places and people. In every list i’ve ever made (concerning books), he is in the top 3.

unstuffed Says:

February 1st, 2008, 3:15 am

I’ll second the Philip K Dick recommendation: he’s bizarre and tragic and inimitable. Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep, which was the starting point for Bladerunner, is a great book, and both book and film are favourites of mine, despite the fact that the film bears little resemblance to the book (something I often get cranky about).

Daisy Says:

February 1st, 2008, 3:37 am

Great list of suggestions, especially Terry Pratchett and William Gibson.

A nice one to read with your daughter (or just by yourself) is the Bartimaeus Trilogy by Jonathan Stroud (The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem’s Eye and Ptolemy’s Gate).

A very witty fantasy story about a young boy who wants to be a magician. It’s set in modern London, but the whole world is different than we know it. It’s a very exciting story with lots of magic, action and tons of humor.

jetobe Says:

February 1st, 2008, 3:44 am

That’s a great list of favourites, and agree with the Jasper Fforde recommendation too. As a post-literature student, Fforde helped put the magic back in ‘Jane Eyre’ after I’d studied it too long and hard.

I’ve just discovered ‘History of Love’ by Nicole Krauss, an incredibly layered story that weaves in first-person narrative through several characters, times and places to unravel the central mystery. It’s the most elegant story I’ve read in a long time and reminds me of TS Eliot’s poetry. Can’t wait to read more from her.

Other lyrical authors I like are Milan Kundera (”The Unbearable Lightness of Being”) and A.S. Byatt (especially her short stories).

Kelly Rigby Says:

February 1st, 2008, 3:45 am

Ah Leo, a post after my own heart. Where or where would we be without books? My recent favorite discovery is a memoir; EAT PRAY LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert. I wrote a post about this today actually. I LOVE this book. It came to me at just the perfect time in my life - don’t you love it when that happens?

Looking through my book shelf I see I have quite eclectic taste in books. Generally I would say I don’t read “important” literary work - a lot of it bores me to tears because there is too much focus on pretty writing rather than a strong story structure. I like great dialogue, short, evocative narrative, simple but beautiful language.

I have many books (over a hundred at least in my house and then there’s my dad’s garage and my mother-in-law’s garage and oh, crap I forgot about the attic…)

But the authors who make my living room shelf are special, loved with an intensity that can bring me to tears. they are:

George Orwell, Ernest Hemmingway, Michael Chabon, Paullina Simons, Ben Elton, Patricia Cornwell, James Paterson, Marian Keyes, Leigh Redhead (great Aussie crime writer), Dr. Seuss (my excuse is I have a young son, but he’s my camouflage) and the master of terror, Stephen King

:) Kelly

Eugene (Editor, Varsity Blah) Says:

February 1st, 2008, 4:07 am

I first discovered Terry Pratchett back in high school and really love his work! Just looking at the cover makes you laugh!

I recently decided to stop reading non-fiction (which can sometimes be a yawn) and instead take the time to read the 100 greatest books of all time. The plan is to do it over the next 100 months, which will take me right up to my 30th birthday! Sounds like a great goal to me!

sean Says:

February 1st, 2008, 4:11 am

Flannery O’Connor is fantastic. Her stories have the ability to make you smile and cringe - all at the same time. Check out the collection ‘A Good Man is Hard to Find’.

I would also recommend Joyce Carol Oates. Her story ‘Where are you going, where have you been?’ must have one of the scariest characters that I have ever read (Arnold Friend). You can read this story online here - http://jco.usfca.edu/works/wgoing/text.html

Scramblejam Says:

February 1st, 2008, 4:21 am

What a great topic!

I wish there was a book recommendation service available which works the same way as Last.fm, would be awesome!

I have to back up all those who mentioned Jasper Fforde - excellent offbeat literature.

For really good sci-fi, read “Altered Carbon” by Richard Morgan - world-class fiction.

I also recommend Oliver VII by Antal Szerb - He’s a Hungarian author, translated into English and it’s a marvelous book.

Loy Okezie Says:

February 1st, 2008, 5:13 am

I love reading fiction…it’s food for my mind. And I wouldn’t recommend any better author than John Grisham - he’s just a master of thrilling fiction. Like Leo, I’ve read most of his books and planning to grab The Appeal off the bookstore this weekend.

Jimmy Says:

February 1st, 2008, 5:19 am

Just recently got into Gibson, Neuromancer, myself after having visited a excibition at a local museum and I am facinated. Word of note for the non-english; Neuromancer (or Gibson entirely?) is not the easiest of reads if English is not ones mothers tounge.

I also noted that you are seemingly into the Fantasy genre. I’d recomend Ian Irvine and his Well of Echoes-series. Got the tip from an old time mate and now I can’t stop reading. Three times already I’ve nearly missed getting of the underground to work cause I’ve been to into the book. Let us know if you decide to try him out–first volume is Geomancer.

CK Says:

February 1st, 2008, 6:00 am

Philip K. Dick. One of the best SciFi-Writers ever. He’s the author of Blade Runner, Minority Report and several other books of which films were made, but the books are far better and often describe strange people in a strange world (it’s not classic Star-Trek-SciFi). His books always has one of his key questions:”What is Reality?” and “What makes a human being human?”. Very cool.

John Says:

February 1st, 2008, 6:12 am

Good post.

William Gibson and Bruce Sterling collaborated on the excellent “Difference Engine” (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Difference_Engine). if you haven’t read it - go for it.

Like a few others here, I love Phillip K. Dick - there’s a sort of uneasy edginess about his writing.

My favourites have to be German writer Herman Hesse and Greek writer Nikos Kazantzakis, both responsible for beautiful, thoughtful work.

amypalko Says:

February 1st, 2008, 6:47 am

I’m going through a phase where I can’t get enough of short stories particularly by Modernist female authors such as Virginia Woolf, Katherine Mansfield, Jean Rhys and Katherine Anne Porter. Beautiful words used in surprising ways.

Greg Says:

February 1st, 2008, 6:49 am

I know my comment probably won’t even get read, buty I recommend The Time Traveler’s Wife. loved it.

Lee Ann Says:

February 1st, 2008, 7:08 am

This post makes me feel a bit guilty because I haven’t been reading for leisure enough lately. Thanks to you guys, I have a huge list to check out. Two of my favorites are Chuck Palahniuk and Paulo Coelho.

Hannes Says:

February 1st, 2008, 7:10 am

John Steinbeck is my favorite writer of beautiful novels. He uses such a nice language.

Will Says:

February 1st, 2008, 7:11 am

Great topic and responses. I was interested that you found Douglas Adams funnier than Pratchett but didn’t include his work. I found both delightful, but there is a bitter and cynical tinge to Adams where Pratchett is informed by an enthusiasm and empathy for our foibles.

Con’t possibly give a rounded response, but here are a few I didn’t see above…

For full on Science Fiction being written today, I’d go for Charlie Strosser. Who could resist Accelerando, a heartwarming tale of family breakup, dirty deeds and reconciliation set across a galactic scale and with a very special role for a tribe of Russian lobsters? (Halting State just out).

Russell Hoban. He has written a dizzying variety of stuff, often for children, often challenging but always speking clearly and directly to something deep, important and true. The Mouse and His Child, (I think his first) is a good place to start. La Corona and the Tin Frog is a great collection of short children’s stories, each beautifully weighted and targeted.

And still for children, Kipling’s Just So Stories are perfect jewels.

PG Wodehouse.

And Greg, I read your post: thank you.

Lily Says:

February 1st, 2008, 7:25 am

If I stick to the contemporary,
• Joyce Carol Oates yes!
• Ruth Rendell for her realistic and fun thrillers
• Jonathan Coe a unique blend of melancholy and irony
• Stephen King because he’s SK :)
• Ian McEwan sharp and heartfelt
• A.M. Homes a provoking or just plain good narrator
• Kazuo Ishiguro especially for “Never let me go”, the weirdest sci-fi novel
• Dennis Lehane fab thrillers, not only “Mystic River”

Rando Says:

February 1st, 2008, 7:49 am

I used to love to read MARY HIGGINS CLARK. When she first hit the scene, her books were page-turners. I couldn’t wait to get the next one. Now, her books are all alike. Change the characters and change the setting and you’ve got the same old book… over and over and over. I stopped reading her work several years ago and recently read one of her newer books. Yep! Same old thing. Same way with Stephen King. I do plan to read Duma Key, but his older works: Salem’s Lot, Cujo, The Shining … oh, man! Those were page turners. Some of his more recent work, I just never got. I can’t remember which book it was, but it was so far out there, I finally put the book down. I’m a very eclectic reader going from Yeats to Frost to Grisham to Koontz. If it catches my attention, I’ll read it!

Henrik Says:

February 1st, 2008, 8:16 am

I must join the chorus of voices that recommend Stephenson and Gaiman, both are examples of intelligent speculative fiction and a very good read.

Gabor Says:

February 1st, 2008, 8:28 am

Since you seem to like sci-fi/fantasy, so I’d like to recommend Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series (warning : start at the beginning, The Eye of The World). Couldn’t stop reading it since I picked up the first book. It’s storytelling on a scale I haven’t seen before.
The last book in the series was half finished when he passed away last autumn, but I’ve read it’ll be finished by a young and talented writer (can’t recall name right now), based on the extensive guidelines and notes he left behind.

Keith Says:

February 1st, 2008, 8:31 am

Steve Jobs recently said nobody reads anymore. Bull. I read at least two books a month. Some fiction some non-fiction. My wife reads probably about the same. My 19 yr. old son reads a lot and writes. My 15 yr. old daughter always has a book going. Thank God for a good library system. I have to go back through the posts and make a library list. So many good suggestions.

Recently got hooked on Terry Pratchett and have read about 10 of his books. Adams is great, but I like Pratchett more.

I also like to read about the Napoleonic period. I have read every Sharpe novel by Cornwell, most Aubry novels by O’Brien and every Hornblower book by Forester.

Walter Mosley, Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett are the greats of detective genre. My guiltiest pleasure is the Spenser series by Robert Parker. I can read one in 3 hours. Try Nelson deMille for thrillers.

Have not read much science fiction lately. Heinlein’s Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Herbert’s Dune series, Niven’s Ringworld and the fun Stainless Steel Rat stories by Harrison have to have been my favorites

I still go back to Joseph Conrad for description. Heart of Darkness is a masterpiece. Also Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. I take lot of writing style inspiration from Hemingway.

Samantha Says:

February 1st, 2008, 9:01 am

I’ve only read Monstrous Regiment by Terry Pratchett and it was hilarious! This was several months ago but I still find myself recalling parts of the story; such an amazing book. I can’t wait to read more of his works.

Jeniffer Says:

February 1st, 2008, 9:12 am

I just love Stephen King’s older books, like Cujo and Salem’s Lot. Scarey! Love it! He has such a great gift, for immersing you so totally in the story. You can actually feel and see and smell everything that is going on. Awesome writing!

UKSam Says:

February 1st, 2008, 9:19 am

If you like JK Rowling, try Philip Pullman and His Dark Materials trilogy (first book filmed as The Golden Compass). More sophisticated than the Potter books, but just as enjoyable - although persevere with the first one as it takes a while to get going….,

Christi Says:

February 1st, 2008, 9:24 am

When I think of my favorite books, two pop into my head: ‘Jitterbug Perfume’ by Tom Robbins and ‘Lamb: The Gospel According To Biff’ by Christopher Moore.

The first author weaves a story about beets, love, and immortality. Robbins knows how to turn a phrase and leave you to stare off into the distance, trying to wrap your head around the last sentence.

The second is a hysterical, thought-provoking expose on, well, the life between the birth and 33rd year of Christ. Moore did a fantastic job of reaching out beyond the norm - and had me laughing out loud.

Guilty pleasures: Harlan Coben, Robin Cook, and Stephen King. Everyone must have a vice, so thank goodness mine is reading.

Chris Says:

February 1st, 2008, 9:40 am

I have to second (third?) the recommendation for China Mieville. His typical style is an engrossing fantasy/steampunk blend (for steampunk, check out [Wikipedia|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk] for a more complete definition, but think what writers would have considered science fiction back when steam-powered locomotives were new exciting technology.) He’s won multiple awards for his writing, but what really draws me in is the fascinating imagery that leaps out of his prose. He makes every location and every scene interesting and vivid. His takes on old fantasy standards are unique and imaginitive, too.

Ok, I know it’s time to stop writing if I can’t say what I mean without resorting to a thesaurus for every other word. :) As mentioned above, Perdido Street Station is a great place to start, or Looking for Jake if you prefer short stories.

Dave Says:

February 1st, 2008, 9:41 am

I like Dean Koonz and recently have been reading Ted Dekker who is awesome. They just know how to spin a tale without bogging it down with too much detail-King. A must read by everyone is Dale Carnegie-How to Win Friends and Influence People.

Beth Says:

February 1st, 2008, 10:04 am

I’m reading Deathly Hallows at the moment too! For me it’s the third or fourth time I’ve read it, though. Great series.

I also love Anne McCaffrey, Norah Jones, and Tamora Pierce. If your kids like the Harry Potter books, you should tell them to try a Tamora Pierce book if they can get one. :)

Susan Says:

February 1st, 2008, 10:05 am

I like John Irving, A. Huxley, Ha Jin. Everything Jin writes is pretty phenomenal in both style and structure, I could read him all day.

http://www.theinnovativetraveler.com

Bruce Says:

February 1st, 2008, 10:35 am

Reading this is like meeting a room full of people and discovering that you all have old friends in common.

I’d like to add Annie Dillard to the roll: Her novel _The Living_ is one I return to every few years (along with Robertson Davies’) to experience the bittersweetness of the passage of time and the aching wonder of life.

Also, John Irving (who has been “current” for a long time now). Garp, Owen Meany, and Cider House Rules are classics of a sort, and all are terrific reads, to boot.

Cleo Says:

February 1st, 2008, 10:36 am

Haruki Murakami. I get so involved in his novels hours will slip by and I won’t notice. My favorite is still Wind-up Bird Chronicles.

Sable Says:

February 1st, 2008, 10:39 am

I love to read John Irving. My favorite is a Prayer for Owen Meany. He is an imaginative writer who makes the reader become part of his world. I can’t put his books down until they are done, and once they are I wish I hadn’t read so fast.

Becky Says:

February 1st, 2008, 10:49 am

Check out Vikram Seth’s “A Suitable Boy.” It’s wonderful!

racketboy Says:

February 1st, 2008, 11:01 am

I’m all about Seth Godin.
http://www.sethgodin.com/sg/books.asp

I’ve read all of his books at least once (except for the brand new one that I haven’t got to yet.

His blog is top-notch as well.

--Deb Says:

February 1st, 2008, 11:27 am

I noticed you left out the one book of Ann Patchett’s that I have no taste for, either–LOVE her.

Ooh, yes to Diana Wynne Jones, Connie Willis, Jasper Fforde, PG Wodehouse… Then, how about Sean Russell, also, who’s sadly overlooked, I think. Carol Berg writes great, layered fantasy. Ioin Doig is a new favorite. And Dorothy Dunnett is fantastic for amazing historical fiction. Martin Davies’ Conjurer’s Bird was wonderful….

Wade Says:

February 1st, 2008, 11:32 am

I recently finished Terry Pratchett’s Going Postal and plan on reading more of his work. I too enjoy the Harry Potter series, I listen to a lot of books on tape and Jim Dale does an excellent job with the Harry Potter books. I’m surprised no one mentioned Orson Scott Card - I like everything I’ve read of his.

May Says:

February 1st, 2008, 11:39 am

God, I LOVE Lethem! I just bought Wall of the Sky, Wall of the Eye and can’t wait to start it.

Pratchett, though I just can’t stand reading because he tries so hard to be funny that I just don’t find him amusing most of the time. Which is sad, because he totally could have been the next Douglas Adams.

Anyway, I also love Margaret Atwood, Peter Carey and Salman Rushdie.

jlea Says:

February 1st, 2008, 11:42 am

Ian McEwan. I liked Atonement . . . and loved Saturday and Amsterdam. Superb writing. (Bel Canto is also one of my favorite novels.)

Mike Says:

February 1st, 2008, 12:05 pm

I am always pleased to see others who like Jonathan Lethem. I didn’t love the latest one, but ever since I read Gun (many moons ago) I have considered him to be my favorite author. I saw them listed here already but I want to make a second for Niel Gaiman and Orson Scott Card. OSC’s best known for Ender’s Game, but I always like to reccomend - Past Watch. And Jasper Fforde too. I know I didn’t really add any new recommendations, but I felt the need to add my own gush about some great authors.

Nymue Says:

February 1st, 2008, 12:22 pm

Christi beat me to it. I want to recommend Christopher Moore also. His books WILL make you laugh! I just finishe reading “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal.” Another of his I would definitely recommend is “A Dirty Job.”

Terry Goodkind’s Sword of Truth series is wonderful!

I’ll second the rec. for George R. R. Martin, though I’m only on my second book of his.

And I almost forgot! My Favorite Series! The Fionavar Tapestry Trilogy by Guy Gavriel Kay (I’ve read just about everything else of his too).

I also love Oscar Wilde. I read a lot of his stories and poetry as a teenager.

It’s great to know that so many others are avid readers!!

Journey Says:

February 1st, 2008, 12:32 pm

Holy crap. I NEVER comment on blogs and this is my second comment here in as many weeks. Scramblejam mentioned wishing for a good book recommendation site - check out http://www.goodreads.com/

Jo

Kevin Says:

February 1st, 2008, 13:03 pm

If you’re looking for another “ripping good read”, pick up “Magician” by Raymond Feist. It’s in the “Dangerous Book for Boys” as one of the 25 books every boy should read. I heartily agree.

Chuck Says:

February 1st, 2008, 13:12 pm

A great list and a great topic. I’ve got several new authors to look for at the library.

A couple I didn’t see in the recommendations list that I had to add.

In the humorous but twisted category - Christopher Moore - all his books are fantastic one of my favorites is Fluke.

Science Fiction - Iain Banks Culture series.

Horror - Joe Hill’s Heart Shaped Box - really reminded me of early Stephen King. Came to find out Joe is Stephen’s younger son and begin his writing career using his middle name as a pseudonym so as to be considered for his writing not his father.

john chandler Says:

February 1st, 2008, 13:15 pm

Thanks for this list. My only resolution this year was to include more fiction in my reading, so I’ve been on the hunt for some authors to explore.

I’m halfway through the second Harry Potter, and I agree with your thoughts. They may be children’s books, but she does an outstanding job of creating rich characters who I feel like I know personally.

Justin Says:

February 1st, 2008, 13:40 pm

Lethem is genius.

Try Good Omens, by Pratchett & Gaiman, also brilliant and funny.

Richard K Morgan is a favorite as well, in the Gibson line.

Jack McDevitt’s books are always a good read.

And, of course, Douglas Adams. Probably my favorite favorite favorite.

Nymue Says:

February 1st, 2008, 13:48 pm

When I read the description of Terry Pratchett’s works, all I could think of was, “You have to read Christopher Moore!” I just finished reading “Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal”, which Christi recommended. Another one of Moore’s that is a must read is “A Dirty Job”. It will definitely make you laugh out loud!

As a couple of others mentioned, Terry Goodkind’s “Sword of Truth” series is GREAT fantasy.
George R.R. Martin is very good as well, as someone else recommended. I’m currently on the 2nd book in his “Song of Fire and Ice” trilogy.

For fantasy lovers (and also just for lovers of fantastic fiction), Guy Gavriel Kay’s “Fionavar Tapestry Trilogy”. These three books are absolutely wonderful!! These will be read and re-read throughout my life. Many of his other books are also great reads.

I also second Oscar Wilde - I read a lot of his stories and poems when I was a teenager. Incredibly witty!

@ Bruce - loved your comment about how this is like meeting a room full of people, etc. Wonderfully put.

Now I’ve got to go back through all of the comments and do some author research on Amazon for new book prospects! (That’s one for the “Things to do when you’re bored at work” list!) I love book recommendations.

Matthew Artz Says:

February 1st, 2008, 14:06 pm

I’d agree with most of your recommendations.

Here’s what I think you’re missing.

First, the sci-fi:

Neil Gaiman (start with American Gods, or as someone else recommended, crossover with Terry Pratchett and Good Omens.)

Neil Stephenson (in the vein of Gibson - start with Snow Crash)

Garth Nix (the Abhorsen trilogy: Lireal is the first)

Clive Barker’s Abarat series (only two books out yet - nothing like his usual style)

A bit more literary, but still somewhat comedic (which is not to say that sci-fi can’t be, or isn’t, literary):

Patrick Neate (truly fantastic). Start with Twelve Bar Blues or the London Pigeon Wars.

Michael Chabon (start with Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay or for something lighter, Summerland)

Peter Carey (start with Theft as its the most accessible, then go to True History of the Kelly Gang)

If you want something really similar to Hornby, try Phil Hogan (Hitting the Groove and The Freedom Thing).

After all of the comments, I’d say you’ve got a reading list for several years. (And thank you to the other commenters - some good ideas for me as well.)

Robbin Says:

February 1st, 2008, 14:22 pm

Oh, noooo! You’ve hit on my favorite addiction. Seriously, if I pick up a good book, all willpower goes out the window. I will finish it even if I stay up all night. Heaven help me if it’s a series! :-) I’ve been consciously not picking up any new books just so I can keep simplifying and organizing while the cold weather howls! But I look forward to referring back to this list when I get some more leisure time and reading some of the authors I haven’t yet sampled.

Nez: As someone who used to get routinely busted by my mother for reading into the wee hours with a flashlight under my covers, and by teachers in school for tucking novels into the text books that bored me, I can empathize with your 10 year old :-)

One of my all time favorite summer reads is the Travis McGee series by John D. MacDonald. I have collected the series and every once in a while I get the urge to sit under a tree and read them again. Wonderful writing! (http://home.earthlink.net/~rufener/ calls it “classy trash” :-)

Trish Says:

February 1st, 2008, 14:28 pm

Mary Doria Russell is the best. She hasn’t written a lot of books, but The Sparrow has been loved by all of the many people I’ve recommended it to. Thread of Grace moved me more than any book in decades.

Colin Says:

February 1st, 2008, 14:55 pm

No mention of Chuck Klosterman in this review. Although he is a relatively new writer, his insight in the world of sports and pop-culture makes his books impossible to put down. i would recommend sex drugs and cocoa puffs.
He also writes for GQ and ESPN.com

Pat Says:

February 1st, 2008, 15:57 pm

Two words: Cormac McCarthy.

Naomi Says:

February 1st, 2008, 16:06 pm

If you like losing yourself in a new world, go for kelley armstrong. My lord she’s good!

Lana Says:

February 1st, 2008, 17:58 pm

Great post. I tend to stick to the classics, but I love to read, so this is a great place to start branching out.

Camilla Says:

February 1st, 2008, 18:00 pm

Try Tom Holt, as a natural progression from Terry Pratchett. I find Holt more entertaining, and funnier, these days. And if you enjoy Holt, Matthew Thomas has written two books you’d enjoy too (i don’t mean you’d only enjoy two of his, i mean he’s literally only written two books!).

Heather Says:

February 1st, 2008, 18:19 pm

Gabriel Garcia Marquez

The line between fantasy and reality is very blurry, which makes this author’s novels even more enjoyable to read. Reading his work truly stretches your imagination.

Paige4Cats Says:

February 1st, 2008, 18:23 pm

John Irving!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tina Su - Think Simple Now Says:

February 1st, 2008, 18:28 pm

I love Eckhart Tolle. I also have a soft spot for J.K. Rowling :)

Tara Says:

February 1st, 2008, 18:33 pm

My two hands-down faves are Tom Robbins (a witty, satirical, simultaneously reverent and irreverent, colorful, daring novelist) and Pam Houston (a deeply affecting, personal, bold and brilliant novelist and short fiction author with total command of language).
Tom makes me laugh. Pam makes me cry. Both are worth exploring.

Steve McIntosh Says:

February 1st, 2008, 18:43 pm

Philip Pullman - Dark Materials Trilogy.

Ignore the movie - The Golden Compass - read the books. Wonderful, deep, thought provoking.

Lily Says:

February 1st, 2008, 18:48 pm

I always have to have a book on the go. I love to read before I sleep. As someone else said, I also love Stephen King. I know the literary club often bash him but he is a fabulous storyteller - I recommend The Dark Tower series. Imagiica by Clive Barker is one of the most beautifully imaginative books I’ve ever read.
Mark Hadden’s ‘Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’ is touching and hilarious.
Philip Pullmans Dark Materials trilogy is a must!
You’ve got a great list there. Everything tells me I should like Harry Potter but I just can’t get in to them. I really admire her success though.

Lissa Says:

February 1st, 2008, 18:52 pm

If I knew I was going to be banished to a desert island and knew I could take only one book, hands-down it would be Callings by Gregg Levoy.

So beautifully written it makes me sigh.

I must admit I don’t read fiction much anymore - all work, all play - but when I do I do a ‘Calgon’ and read Nicholas Sparks, mostly because (and please - don’t shoot) I find it so wonderfully heartening that a man can write from the heart about love, life and relationships better than most women do.

I’d miss Nick on that island, but Gregg’s still number one in my books (corney pun not intended but it works, n’est pas?).

Ed Says:

February 1st, 2008, 18:55 pm

- I agree with many on Neil Stephenson (Cryptonomicon & the Baroque Cycle), John Irving (Son of the Circus), Gabriel Garcia Marquez (Love in the time of Cholera), Orson Scott Card (Enders Game).

Some others that weren’t mentioned:

- Robin Hobb (Farseer Trilogy and Tawny Man trilogy)

- Steven Erikson (Malazan Book of the Fallen series)

- R. Scott Bakker (The Prince of Nothing series)

- Isaac Asimov (Where to start? — Foundation series)

Miranda Says:

February 1st, 2008, 19:07 pm

If you are into the horror/fantasy/romance mix then Laurell K. Hamilton is the best. She manages to make a world with legal vampires, zombie raisings, and real fairies so believable you would not be surprised to stumble into one at any moment.

John Says:

February 1st, 2008, 19:08 pm

I like authors that take black words on white paper and put me in a colorful and real world of their making. Some of the best are Cormac McCarthy, Alan Furst and Isabelle Allende.

K Stone Says:

February 1st, 2008, 19:14 pm

My fav is Carl Hiaasen. Best book so far: “Skinny Dip.” It’s just so quirky and funny. Characters are so well defined and interesting. Can’t put it down.

lee Says:

February 1st, 2008, 19:26 pm

Stephen King — superb at conveying the lives and thoughts and activities of just ordinary living — I believe his characters because I know people just like them. That’s what makes his horror so effective.

Elmore Leonard — for his unerring ability to render dialog.

Philip K. Dick — he makes the reader think about uncomfortable topics. I’m convinced if Dick never wrote, Gibson would be a totally different writer.

Carl Hiaasen — for his ability to convey his outrage at what’s happening to Florida without being preachy and for his damned funny tales.

Oh so many more …

brothajohn Says:

February 1st, 2008, 19:26 pm

I must highly highly agree with the Neal Stephenson suggestions. Snow Crash is great, Cryptonomicon will blow your mind, and the trilogy he completed after that…. well, it is hard to believe it was all written by one human, by hand, with a pen (God bless secretaries).

and thanks for the Hornby nod. Fever Pitch is awesome and the film version of it was a disgrace.

Have a great day and a great book everyone!

Janice C. Cartier Says:

February 1st, 2008, 20:00 pm

What are welcome post!

If you haven’t read Barry Eisler’s John Rain series, you are missing out. Start with the first one and work your way through. John Rain is half Japanese half American-Ronin or Samuri, that is the question. Seriously good, intelligent contemporary, relevant read.

Ace Atkin’s, The White Shadow. Pulls you right into time and place , Floridan noir based on his Pulitzer nominated investigative story at the Tampa Tribune. Ace’s first series of books are Nick Travers chasing the Robert Johnson legend.

Steinbeck-especially Cannery Row
Murakami- especially The Wind Up Bird Chronicles
Saramago- especially Blindness
Marquez-Love In the Time of Cholera
Walker Percy- The Movie Goer

If you want seriously weird and totally whacky, Tim Dorsey, and his Serge Storms as our favorite serial killer, because they just needed to die…and he is incredibly ingenious at it…

And Small Island by Andrea Levy a new comer but lyrical.

Thanks for the post,
All best,
Jan

Kat Says:

February 1st, 2008, 20:13 pm

Seeing this post has made me so happy. I love books so much. In fact, I have going around bothering everyone I know with Alice in Wonderland quotes all day. Thank you for posting on this topic.

I now have added Terry Pratchett to my extremely long to read list. My friend has been telling me to read them for awhile so she will be very thankful.

My top recommendation is Philip Pullman and his His Dark Materials trilogy. Absolutely fantastic books. Written as children’s books they capture your heart with the journey of Lyra and Will as they grow up throughout the amazing adventure. I remember reading them years ago and enjoying them, but reading them again last November, I realized how complex it really is. There are so many details and small things, even just a few words at some points really make the book amazing. It is a book that can easily be read on different levels.

I cannot possibly write this without mentioning Elizabeth Haydon’s Rhapsody Saga or all of the amazing books by Sara Douglass. If I get into those though, I could go on forever. Oh my books!

Happy Reading!

Alison Says:

February 1st, 2008, 20:40 pm

First post on a blog for me too. Glad I saw Orson Scott Card and Robert Jordan on the list above. I also like well-written brain candy and one of my favorites is Lee Child - start at the beginning with The Killing Floor. His hero is just plain fun — manly where he needs to be and vulnerable in an endearing way. And the action just doesn’t stop. Great brain candy.

Also, try Laurie King’s series that begins with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice. Also very fun series that takes a seemingly preposterous storyline and makes it work oh so well.

Mich Mash Says:

February 1st, 2008, 21:22 pm

I’d definitely say that Gibson and Terry Pratchett are two of mine. Also Neil Gaiman, Chuck Palahniuk, Christopher Moore, and Warren Ellis

Lisa (aka RussianMafiaBabe) Says:

February 1st, 2008, 21:49 pm

Oh, I loved Bel Canto. What an excellent read. You should check out Louise Erdrich (Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse especially) and Ken Follett (Pillars of the Earth was great before Oprah) and Barbara Kingsolver (Poisonwood Bible). And of course my novel when it gets released (but of course I have to write it first!)

Ryan Downie Says:

February 1st, 2008, 22:03 pm

I am surprised that none has mentioned J.R.R Tolkien. The world and the back story he tells and describes in Middle Earth series (Simalrion, Hobbit and Lord of The Rings) is second to none.

unstuffed Says:

February 1st, 2008, 22:35 pm

I’m reading the recommendations and going “Yes! Yes! Oh, that one too!” ;-) Gabriel Garcia Marquez is great, and Isabel Allende, and Arturo Perez Reverte has some great mysteries. I think one of his was made into a film starring Johnny Depp, which is always a recommendation in itself, since Depp works in such interesting stuff.

One that hasn’t been recommended yet, and which I think you might like, Leo, is Ellis Peters. She (writer’s name is Edith Pargeter, she’s written some stuff under her own name) has written a couple of series of short murder mysteries, very simple, but with characters that charm and prose that evokes a gentler world.

Her most famous series is the books chronicling mysteries solved by Brother Cadfael, a Welsh monk in Shewsbury Abbey in the mid-12th century. Her evocation of the monastic life is simply beautiful, and very zen.

Jessica Says:

February 1st, 2008, 22:44 pm

Paullina Simons is without a doubt one of the most moving and inspirational writers I have had the pleasure of reading. Her books are like poetry and I find i can’t put them down. My partner buys me her latest book every christmas, and the entire boxing day is spent devouring the book! Anyone who wants to read an amazing novel should try “Tully”.

Ash Says:

February 2nd, 2008, 0:20 am

Kazuo Ishiguro! Haruki Murakami!

can either of them be recommended enough? the answer is no.

Frank Jones Says:

February 2nd, 2008, 0:57 am

I would recommend Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History”, Don Delillo’s “Underworld”, Colson Whitehead’s “The Intuitionist”, Gunter Grass’, “The Flounder”, Kurt Vonnegut’s “Slaughterhouse Five”, Haruki Murakami’s “Dance Dance Dance”.

Of all the posted selections so far, I would definitely scratch anything by Ayn Rand. She was a colossal dope with a penchant for extended blather. If you like Gibson, you’ll despise Rand.

Sol Says:

February 2nd, 2008, 12:01 pm

I dig postings about authors and reading. For whatever reason, I could never get into Grisham. Right now I’m really into Hesse and Bradbury. I made a post on my site giving a few book recommendations.

Wil Perforce Says:

February 2nd, 2008, 18:38 pm

Frank: Secret History! Yes. Yes. YES. Top notch. I was underwhelmed by her subsequent book, however. My wife liked it (but not us much as Secret History.)

Mbear Says:

February 2nd, 2008, 20:09 pm

Wow! Can’t believe so many people have posted, in the last two days, or so, since I first posted.

Here’s some non-fiction I liked.

” The Sex Lives of Cannibals” by J.Maarten Troost. Don’t be put off by the, you have nothing to worry about if your squeamish or prudish; as far as I can recall there isn’t anything particularly sex related in this book. It’s a travelogue about what happens when the author moves to a (very) remote pacific island called Tarawa in the Republic of Kiribati and leaves such staples of modern civilization as: coffee and regular showers behind.A very funny recounting of the author’s misadventures and will make you cherish your toaster and cable T.V.

Also have to highly reccommend three books by the sensational Jon Krakaur:

“Into the Wild”

” Into Thin Air ” and

“Under the Banner of Heaven” which is a book you have to read if you have asked yourself, What’s the deal with Mormonism? After reading this book you will understand very well.

chiara Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 3:14 am

I love James Patterson!

unstuffed Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 3:25 am

One more book, then: A Canticle For Leibowitz, by (I think) Walter M Miller Jr. One of the most moving science fiction books ever written, although the belated sequel was very disappointing.

And since I’m here, try John Varley’s short stories, particularly, if you can get it, the collection entitled In The Hall Of The Martian Kings. There’s a story in there called Air Raid, which is gruelling but great: that was extended into a novel, Millennium, which was good, and then made into a movie called Millennium, which was crap.

Stonerose Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 7:15 am

try also Jonathan Carroll, Sean Steward, Steven Hall and Octavia B. Butler.

Lisa Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 10:07 am

I love Nick Hornby too!! High Fidelity is a classic and laughing out loud whilst reading A Long Way Down surprised me so much!!
I’ve not read much by Stephen King but he is a great storyteller and I would REALLY recommend any budding writers to read his memoir “On Writing”, it’s also a page turner and he is very generous with his experience.
This is a great post Leo!

Mr. Crash Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 10:14 am

I feel *very* proud to be able to say my parents and my Aunt helped me grow up enjoying reading…

I’m going to add +1 to the Neal Stephenson suggestion. The man is a genuis. His writing is incredibly dense but so sprawling and epic still…

I’m also going to say Sergei Lukyanenko. The man wrote a trilogy (Night/Day/Twilight Watch) which is of a fairly standard fantasy theme, but there’s just something beautiful about it. Was made into movies also - though the movies are incredibly different.

If you’re interested in learning Russian - i’d imagine it would be a great way to develop your vocab. That’s what it’s originally written in. There are english versions available which are still remarkably good, and definitely read as though a 2nd human poured their soul back onto the page to write it… Rather than just a machine blurting out literal translations.

Lissa Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 12:54 pm

Okay: my certainty in the ‘one book to a deserted island’ decision was shaken when in a quandry moment I reached for Kahlil Gibran’s the Prophet.

So incredibly accurate and achingly beautiful, I think I’d have to resort to trying to sneak it through tucked into the pages of Callings…

And I had the wealth and wonder of Tolkein taken care of: Lord of the Rings I, II & III were coming with me via DVD. As much as I love the man’s story-telling genius, the books themselves drove me nuts.

Just occured: there’s something about the investing of one’s life in the process of bringing a perfect work to life that just gets me right here, you know…?

Mardee Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 17:19 pm

I love anything by Anne Lamott. Her writing is honest and funny and a joy to read. I also like both Thomas Perry and John Sandford - two excellent writers who write suspense novels, If you like John Grisham, you’ll love them. Dennis Lehane is also excellent in that genre (someone above recommended him, also).

Rory Marinich Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 18:25 pm

I wasn’t able to read through every comment before I wrote, so I won’t focus on the authors I figure get brought up every single time. No Beckett, King, Koontz, Vonnegut, Murakami or Pynchon. Here’re a few authors that I think represent the best out there that nobody else ever seems to read.

Mark Z Danielewski writes these over-the-top amazing books that are just completely engrossing. He’s either the easier literature writer I know, or the smartest pop writer. House of Leaves is this amazing book that’s literally unparalleled: nothing’s quite like it.

Daniel Handler’s most known for his children’s Series of Unfortunate Events, which is sad, because though it’s my second-favorite kid’s series after Harry Potter, his adult work is much better. His first two are choppy (The Basic Eight and Watch Your Mouth) but Adverbs is, bar none, the most brilliant book I have ever read. I’m fairly sure you’ve never heard of it either. It’s difficult if you try and read it too quickly, but it’s the one book I’ve read that rewards you more with every reread. Unbelievably brilliant.

Because I’m pretty sure that nobody online likes her enough to mention her: Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged is deeply controversial but certainly worth a read, whether or not you end up agreeing with her. She writes a good philosophical mystery story, in my opinion.

Finally, the complete Calvin and Hobbes, by Bill Watterson, is perhaps the greatest comic collection published to date. It’s a medium that gets overlooked, sadly. But it’s definitely worth reading through, again and again.

Archangel Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 21:40 pm

The master is Thomas Pynchon whose “Gravitiy’s Rainbow” enthralled students and literary buffs in the 70’s and more currently his “Against the Day” is a thousand- page masterpiece.
Richard Ford (”The Sportswriter” and “Fourth of July”) is one of the finest novelists alive.
Denis Johnson’s “Tree of Smoke” is a page-turner set during the Viet Nam Conflict.
These are all serious writers, so if you do not want to be challenged, forget them now.

Michael Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 21:42 pm

Clive Cussler: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clive_Cussler, Lee Child: http://www.leechild.com/, Jim Brown: http://www.jimbrownbooks.com/ and Peter Moore: http://www.petermoore.net/

get my votes!!!

BTW…Just L.O.V.E your blog Leo!

kt Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 21:55 pm

I agree with you that Jonathan Lethem is a brilliant writer. You should definitely read Fortress of Solitude. It is amazing.

Frank Jones Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 22:06 pm

Read Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” if you must, but be aware of its nasty solipsism and rationalization of selfishness.

A good editorial piece related to Rand can be found at . . .

Culture of corruption: the legacy of Ayn Rand

http://onlinejournal.com/artman/publish/article_448.shtml

Sarah Davis Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 22:17 pm

Those are all wonderful authors! My favorite of all time would have to be Jane Austen although JK Rowling comes in a close second.

Oh, and once you’re done with Deathly Hallows, check out some of the Wizard Rock. I think they’re over 400 bands now with several being made up of children. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Child-Safe:

Harry and the Potters
http://www.eskimolabs.com/hp/

Draco and the Malfoys
http://www.evilwizardrock.com/

The Remus Lupins
http://www.myspace.com/theremuslupins

The Butterbeer Experience
http://www.myspace.com/thebutterbeerexperience

The Hungarian Horntails (kids band)
http://www.myspace.com/thehungarianhorntails

The Nifflers (kids band)
http://www.myspace.com/thenifflers
More Adult-ish:

The Whomping Willows
http://www.myspace.com/thewhompingwillows

Gred and Forge
http://www.myspace.com/gredandforgerock
(actually, I think “Ginny Gets Around” is the only suggestive one I know of)

Lots and lots of others can be found at:
http://wizrocklopedia.com/

Cat Laine Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 22:44 pm

At the moment, I’m getting into Neal Stephenson and Christopher Moore.

Jadielady Says:

February 3rd, 2008, 22:45 pm

I love Cherie Priest http://www.cheriepriest.com/
Fun times

Tri Girl Says:

February 4th, 2008, 1:34 am

Thanks for all these awesome recommendations everyone! I’m going to get Joyce Carol Oates to read next. I am currently reading Murakami’s Wind Up Bird Chronicles. It is really, really mesmorizing!

I recommend Hunting and Gathering by Anna Gavalda.

I’m going to be busy for a long time reading all of your recommendations!

Hannelie Coetzee Says:

February 4th, 2008, 2:40 am

I know my husband always raves about Dune. Have’nt read it myself. He always highly recommends it as one of the books that I must read one day.

Will Says:

February 4th, 2008, 4:35 am

For non-fiction, I remember being totally immersed in Robert K Massie’s Dreadnought.

It unravels the web of cause and effect that led from Trafalgar to the first world war. It reads like a novel, with each (substantial) chapter telling the story of one of the key players until the beginning of the last century. The characters and their motivations are beautifully drawn, and the whole knits together like a classical tragedy.

Will Says:

February 4th, 2008, 4:42 am

And I haven’t seen Lionel Davidson mentioned here yet. He is an absolute master of the escape story.

Kolymski Heights has the longest chase sequence I can recall, starting with a device that must have been pinched from Johnny Cash and then sweeping you off through Siberia as our hero is chased down by the Soviet state.

David Bradley Says:

February 4th, 2008, 7:44 am

Over here, the first book was called Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Apparently, the marketing people thought that word would be too opaque to the US audience (don’t ask me why) and opted for Sorcerer instead. I cannot help but picture Mickey Mouse with a load of mops and buckets when I read that version of the title though. ;-)

db

parkerqueen Says:

February 4th, 2008, 8:29 am

I recommend you this piece of piano music composed by J.S Bach. It’s very sedate. Wish you all have a pleasant morning and enjoying the challenge of cultivating good habits.

And if you are interested in learning Chinese. I would like to invite you to visit http://www.olachinese.com . It’s a language academy which offers professional online Mandarin Chinese course. We offer face to face tutorial with teachers in Shanghai China. Thank you!

Molly Says:

February 4th, 2008, 13:11 pm

I love Jodi Picoult - she writes amazing touching novels that although on the surface are thrilling/suspenseful, are truly centered around the relationships between the characters. I once read an interview with her that asked how she got ideas for her novels. Her comment was that she thinks “what would happen if….(a loved one that had cancer asked you to help them commit suicide, or a honest teacher was accused of sexual abuse)” and then she develops a story around that idea.
Another one of my favorites is Greg Iles. He has the same southern background and charm as Grisham, but with better narrative!

Dot Says:

February 4th, 2008, 16:48 pm

Great topic for generating reader response! Seems everyone has a different favorite. I read constantly and have too many favorites to list. I definitely feel in the minority in that I don’t find Terry Pratchett funny, I can’t get more than a few pages into J. K. Rowlings’ books, I thought Cryptonomicon by Stephenson was boring and way too long, and I loved Neuromancer but haven’t found another Gibson book I liked.

William Wharton wrote a bunch of books I enjoyed. Dad, Birdy and Midnight Clear were made into movies. I loved Mystic River but found the rest of Lehane’s books too gory for my taste. I’m eagerly awaiting the next Michael Connelly book in the Harry Bosch series — a hard-boiled, relentless cop with some interesting baggage. Right now I’m liking Dana Stabenow’s Kate Shugak mysteries — an Aleut cop working in Alaska. Great descriptive writing about a place I’ve never been.

darkgarage Says:

February 4th, 2008, 17:10 pm

I do a lot of reading, primarily in the SF/Fantasy Genre.

I will add my recommendation of Terry Goodkind, his characters are great, and his style is easy to read.

Some of my other favorites, in no particular order, are:
Steven R. Donaldson - The Gap Crisis series
Tad Williams - The Otherworld series, War of the Roses (very good)
Niel Stevenson - Cryptonomicon
Steven R. Green - Nightside and Deathstalker series’

That should do it for me, there are many others, but I don’t have their names in front of me at the moment. The above authors are ones whom I have read the most (with notable exception of Stevenson).

I look forward to using this list of authors to further expand my reading list.

–DG

Robin Noelle Says:

February 5th, 2008, 0:42 am

I second Jodi Picoult - she writes incredible stories that dig deep into human issues and morality in an engaging way.

I like old school authors - Dorothy Parker, Eudora Welty, JD Salinger (9 stories by Salinger is my favorite).

I have a whole list on Goodreads.com of to-read books that I print off and take to the used bookstore once a month. Now I have a ton more to add!

Ricardo Rosado Says:

February 5th, 2008, 12:21 pm

Love Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman also…Here’s a few that have one way or the other changed my life:
Luís Sepúlveda, Paul Auster and Boris Vian, though he’s not current anymore…

canadada Says:

February 5th, 2008, 21:53 pm

o gee. SO MANY GOOD AUTHORS, so little time …
Love to hear names I DON”T know … gets me all fired up to GET to know them … Trouble is I get waylaid by other interesting stuff … like books on current economics, nanoscience, neuroscience. brain stuff, art books … o my …
SO MUCH. Please add Alice Munro to your ‘to read’ list. She is a brilliant short story writer, few can touch her for those AHA shivering synaptic leaps across hemispheres … no guff. Great post. Best, C

janehatesdick Says:

February 10th, 2008, 14:19 pm

Rohinton Mistry is my current favorite.

maxrael Says:

February 19th, 2008, 5:31 am

i’d like to recommend Greg Egan. i read Diaspora which was fantastic, and am now reading Permuation City. Mind-blowingly good stuff.

Chris Walton Says:

February 21st, 2008, 7:41 am

If you like Gibson you could try Iain M. Banks. Gibson rates him very highly.

Mark Lancaster Says:

February 25th, 2008, 12:52 pm

All great recommendations here.

I’d like to add Michael Marshall Smith whose Only Forward zapped me to a truly magical future (cat zones and colour reactive walls that email you to thank you for walking past them!).

His second novel Spares addresses the impending cloning questions but also has the most horrific scene I’ve ever read in a novel.

The style is qwirky, dreamy, amusing with stimulating ideas imo.

Ruth Says:

April 27th, 2008, 23:58 pm

Great list. I have to say John Grisham is one of my favorites as well. Along with Terry Goodkind, Robin Hobb, Bernard Cornwell, and Jack Whyte.

Lately though I’ve been on a new-to-me author binge, trying to expand my horizons. One really good one I’ve just discovered is James Ross. His Lifetime Loser reads like a Grisham novel, so I was really pleased to find it.

Mel Says:

May 31st, 2008, 22:04 pm

Great post, and great comments! My must-read list just grew much longer.

Gotta second the rec for Mary Doria Russell. The Sparrow and its sequel, Children of God, are sublime. I haven’t read her other two books yet; I’m saving them for later.

Connie Willis: Doomsday Book made me lose sleep because I couldn’t put it down. Another good one of hers is Passage, but keep Kleenex/a hanky handy. (It’s not mawkish, but it’s quite moving.).

James Tiptree’s (aka Alice Sheldon) sci-fi stories/novellas are amazing in every sense of the word.

Happy reading to all.

Dawnie Says:

March 31st, 2009, 10:06 am

Oh, my! What an impressive list of authors!!! I didn’t see my favorites here, tho, so just had to share: I devour John Sandford. I have read every single Davenport book in sequence. I often wait for him to have a few releases before picking him up again because I go thru them so quickly and am hungry for the next… Dennis LeHane KNOCKS my socks off! Cannot believe Shutter Island is just now being made into a movie and don’t believe for one second they will capture it properly. That book made me a die-hard LeHane fan. I can only read him in small doses, tho, because his stories are quite depressing, but truly, he rocks! Am putting Karin Slaughter on this list but have to admit, I’m a little more than over her vicious doom & gloom. Reminds me of a more gruesome “Murder, She Wrote” entity - I mean, c’mon, how many horrific, gory, ghastly crimes can be committed in one tiny little town??? Lastly, I bow my head to Jennifer Haigh. A relatively newbie (just 3 novels, I believe), she tells quite the poignant nitty gritty real life tale. I admire her voice and wish I could echo it.

Tim Says:

March 31st, 2009, 16:02 pm

Absolutely correct regarding William Gibson, who remains a true visionary writer and a personal fave to this day. What people often miss with his newest works is that “the future truly is NOW.” This era IS the science fiction age of which we always dreamed as children, complete with personal communicators (iPhone?), high-tech weaponry (”Don’t tase me, Bro!”) and a fulltime International Space Station (Beam me UP!). Gibson is simply brilliant in his insight that recognizes the fact that we are currently living inside the “sci-fi” idiom, and every one of our lives tells of a fantastic journey.

Noble Says:

April 1st, 2009, 1:45 am

Bonjour! The babes are here! This is my best site to visit. I make sure I am alone in case I get too hot. Post your favorite link here.

Emily Says:

June 17th, 2009, 21:10 pm

It may not be your type, but I love Barbara Kingsolver, especially her essays. She writes a lot about nature and she says some stuff that will really make you thing.
And also, you should never apologize for Harry Potter, it IS amazing!

Faye Butler Says:

June 28th, 2009, 23:52 pm

Why do you not like John Irving? To be honest, he is so excellent! Also, I am fond of Nick Hornby.