It is hard to commit to a list of all-time favorite books. As soon as I think of one, another pops into my head, and no doubt as soon as I publish this post, I’ll recall books that I forgot. Since this is a somewhat stream-of-consciousness blog, I’ll simply jot down the first ten that come to mind in no particular order.
I should note that these are not intended as examples of the best or most powerful books of all time. None of the classics from literary history are included. This is simply a list of very enjoyable reads that demonstrate a variety of innovative plots, characters, and styles of writing that had me longing for more. If you’re looking to get lost in a good book, try one of these:
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Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett: This is a hysterical tale about an angel and a demon secretly working together in a rebellious effort to prevent Armageddon. Almost anything by Neil Gaiman would fall into my list. This book is co-written by Terry Pratchett, author of the hilarious Discworld series.
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The Secret History by Donna Tartt: Though intriguing, it was not so much the plot that captured me as Donna Tartt’s writing style and choice of words. Her voice is so strong that I found it influenced my own writing, particularly when I first read this book.
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The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger: Audrey Niffenegger has suggested that the writing of this novel was a diversion from the production of her stories told through aquatint etchings, perhaps her true form of artistic expression. I am certainly glad that she made the time for this wonderful side track about a man who suffers from a genetic disorder that causes him to travel through time, involuntarily drawn to his true love at different stages throughout her life. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Niffenegger will continue to write more full length novels.
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The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley: I wouldn’t say that Marion Zimmer Bradley’s writing style is always an inspiring example of where I want my own writing to go, but I do so love her ideas, her female characters, and the depth of her historical research into legends and myths, such as is the case in this epic novel about the women surrounding King Arthur’s court.
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The Ender’s Game series by Orson Scott Card: After Ray Bradbury, Orson Scott Card was probably the author who directed my attention towards the genre of science fiction and fantasy. The worlds he creates are profound, while his characters are so full of human flaws and triumphs. I am drawn in by the almost sociological perspective of what life would be like in these alternate universes.
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The Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison: This dark urban fantasy sets itself apart from the crowd in that it is not only decently written but also laugh-out-loud funny with characters that include a kick ass heroine, a pixie with a chip on his shoulder, and soulfully sexy vampires. I recommend that you get past the corny book titles and dig right into these fantastic adventures.
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Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden: I threw this one in there because, now that I have traveled to Japan a few times, I find myself picturing the scenery and complex social customs as if Golden were narrating them. His vividly descriptive writing style left an impression.
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The Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling: What’s not to love about these magical tales that helped to instill or renew a love of reading for so many youth and adults alike? If you haven’t already read these books, you are really missing out on something special!
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Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire: This is not my favorite of Maguire’s creative collection of books, but it is the most recognizable example of his ability to take a familiar fairy tale and put his own unusual twist on it. I am intrigued by his ability to shine light on the often grey areas that cause someone to be perceived as good or evil.
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The Color Purple by Alice Walker: I haven’t read this for many years, but it has stayed with me. Walker is able to develop characters through the simple letters or diary entries of her main character, Celie, in a way that makes you cry, laugh, and cheer for the women in this moving story.
What are some of your favorite books?
