Writers gotta read!So here's my list, a mix of fiction and nonfiction. It's all stuff I really enjoyed. 
I mean if you're going to read something, you should have fun doing it, right? So every book on this list is something that I genuinely liked and plan to re-read if I haven’t already. I mean it. I really do re-read books if I think they're great. The first time I read it just for the pleasure of it.  After that I re-read it to understand why I liked it so much. I’ll be updating the list as good books come up.
I’m also considering adding a list of books I don’t like.  Or would I get in too much trouble with that? Books About Writing On Writing by Stephen King
This book is broken into 2 general sections. First is a memoir on being a writer leading up to his first big sale, Carrie. The second part has some tips on writing craft. I personally would’ve preffered a bit more on craft, but his voice and writing style is such a pleasure to read that I could barely put the book down. And I’m the type that rarely reads nonfiction. Bird by Bird by Anne Lammott
If I saw the title alone it’s not something I ever would’ve picked on my own, but it was recommended and I did actually find it a good book. I liked her self-effacing humour and her discussion about the very emotional side of writing, which I found uplifting. Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers by Christopher Vogler (NEW)
This was recommended by a fellow student in a writing class I took (thanks, Olga!). I found it easy to read and useful. It's actually meant for screenplays, but it applies for writing stories as well. Science Fiction The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester
I loved all of the characters, the plot, and the concept of jaunting (teleportation but to the nth degree). I wish jaunting was for real because I don't enjoy driving all that much. Bester is one of my all time favourite SF writers. Oh, and did I mention his great short story, Fondly Fareinheit? Pscyhotic android! The Sparrow, and the sequel, Children of God by Mary Doria Russell
The characters are so moving and the philosophical questions raised are intensly thought provoking. In essence it’s about a trip made by a select group to an alien world and how their values conflict with ours. The first one is also a a good selection for a book club. I recommended it for mine! Cat Psion series by Joan Vinge
I love Cat’s character. From the wrong side of the tracks but with a great heart. Cat is half human and half Hydran and has inherited telepathic abilities. Neuromancer by William Gibson
This was the first book I ever read by William Gibson and from then on I was hooked. It was my introduction to cyberpunk and I discovered that I loved it. Not to mention, it won several SF awards. This is where things like the movie, Matrix, got its start. AIR by Geoff Ryman
The characters in this fictitious little village were so well developed and engaging.  A new technology has finally hit their small town and has a profound impact on them. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
The kids in this book are way too smart and scary. But they gotta be if they have to save the world from the buggers. I must admit the name for the aliens is a bit funny if you live in Europe as long as I have and if you work with a lot of Brits.
Fantasy
Farseer series, Soldier Son series, Liveship Trader series by Robin Hobb
Yep, I’ve gone through every one of these hefty books. But I love long books since I feel like I’m getting good value for money! ;OP What’s interesting is that the Farseer and Soldier Son series are both entirely told as flashbacks. It works in that she is able to add more information and perspective to the scenes. My only disappointment is that the voice of Fitz (Farseer) and of Nevare (Soldier Son) are too similar. You could’ve put them in each other's stories and it wouldn’t have made much of a difference. But luckily I liked the voice of these characters very much. I also consider Hobb a master of description. I wish I could do that. A Red Heart of Memories by Nina Kiriki Hoffman
This is about a witch who is able to ‘talk’ to objects by touching them. The idea sounded silly to me initially but it was so well done. Very moving. It won a Stoker prize for best novel. The sequel, Past the Size of Dreaming, is also very good. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
Okay, everyone knows these books. You either love ‘em or you hate ‘em.  But I must say her little Tales of the Beadlebard book was somewhat disappointing. Cute, but disappointing. I tried to read Tales to my daughter, and she told me to stop. Rai-Kirah trilogy by Carol Berg
Of what I’ve read of this author, I enjoyed this series the most. I love stories where the main character has fallen in status and has to re-discover and prove himself/herself. I revelled in the main character’s suffering and ultimately him overcoming his own self-imposed limitations. The Book of the New Sun series by Gene Wolfe
The protagonist reminds me to some degree of Fitz in Robin Hobb’s Assassin series. That strong, silent, tough guy type. But this guy has a lot more darkness. The fantasy in this book is also more bizarre and surreal than the Hobb books. Outremer series by Chaz Brenchley
Sorry it’s been ages since I read these but the impression this series left me was one of adventure and a fascinating world of magic. The Tale of Despereaux, by Kate DiCamillo
Lovely (children's) fantasy story about a mouse (Despeareux), a princess who he loves (Pea), a rat and a serving girl. Mainstream fiction The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
This was the first book I ever read that had multiple point of views.  At first, I thought, whoa, how the heck am I going to keep up with this. But it worked so wonderfully and it brought such a richness to the story to see the same events from totally different perspectives;  resulted in some real aha moments. The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga
Books about India seem to be all the rage lately, but I particularly enjoyed this one. And it won the Man Booker Prize. It’s a look into the fast-paced culture of India’s emerging economy. The energy and immediacy in this book is great. I liked this story better than Slumdog Millionaire. Red Sky at Morning by Richard Bradford
I haven’t read this in a while, but I loved the voice. Warm, dry humour. It’s a coming of age book set in the South-West. I believe it's been compared to Catcher in the Rye, which I also enjoyed. The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
I consider this is Fantasy genre, but bookstores put it under mainstream. This is another great coming of age story. Magical, very uplifting and heart-warming. I loved the theme of believing in yourself and going for your dreams. If you feel lousy, read this. Non-Fiction I rarely read non-fiction books, other than those about writing. I'm sorry, but most are just too friggin' boring! But there are some that keep my attention. The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir
Okay, I had my Renaissance period obsession, and who isn’t fascinated by this guy who also happens to be father to Elizabeth I. I loved reading all of the sordid details around his marriages. I have read other books by Alison Weir as well. Children's Books Okay, I don't read these for myself, but for my son (I-An) and daughter (Mi-Ah) at bedtime. Books before sleeping is a favorite time for all of us. Here are some that I don't mind reading over and over with them. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
This is a classic picture book but the story just works. It's funny, when I was a kid I remember being really turned off to the illustrations. But as an adult, I got over that and read the story and found I really loved it. It really holds the children's attention too. They can relate to naughty Max and the monsters. Princess Poppy books by Janey Louise Jones
Okay, I admit that I make these books into a parady by making really ridiculous voices for the characters and we refer to Princess Poppy as Zit-popper (even Mi-Ah has started calling her by this name! LOL) but I still get a kick out of these sappy little stories. They're a bit too mushy and sweet for my taste and even for Mi-Ah's, but we spice it up with a lot of saracasm and silliness. And there is a nice lesson to be learned in each of the stories, although it has a tendency to come off a bit overdone in my opinion. Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd
I don't know what it is about this book but it's addictive. The illustrations are cute with so many interesting little things to see. The story is so simple but it's engaging. My son loves to point out the rabbit and of course, I make a point to make a comparison between our children and the rabbit. "See, the baby rabbit is going to sleep. So now Mi-Ah an I-An are going to sleep! And alone!" As if real life with our two little ones was that easy.... Goodnight, Gorilla by Peggy Rathmann
In the beginning I wasn't crazy about this book. There were no bloody words, I cried out as the tired parent after a long day at work and having fed and bathed my children. So here I was, children in lap, book open, only to see pictures. Yes, lovely and humorous pictures. But nothing more. So the first time, I struggled with coming up with a story. After a few tries I became a pro at it. It did grow on me, hence my putting it here on the list. The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler
I'm not usually a fan of verse, but this one is great. The story is fun and the monster being tricked by the little mouse is great fun. Lots of animals which children also love. They write a lot of books, also in verse. They're kind of hit or miss. This one is their best, in my opinion. Goodnight, Dora!: A lift-the-flap story by Christine Ricci
Yes, our kids adore Dora. Well, Mi-Ah has outgrown her a bit but I-An still loves her. He's a very tactile-oriented little kid so he's drawn to anything with flaps or buttons. This book is also fun cuz you can throw in some Spanish language in there. Since I live in Holland, I sometimes make the alternative language Dutch though. Again, lots of animals so also very appealing for kids. |
