A few weeks ago my local bookstore’s newsletter popped into my inbox, sharing the news that Liane Moriarty is coming to town, just two days after her new book Nine Perfect Strangers hits shelves.
I didn’t have to think about it. I checked my calendar, clicked the link, and bought tickets. The whole process took 90 seconds. (Can’t wait!)
There aren’t many authors I would do that for. But Liane Moriarty is one of my dozen or so favorites. When she writes a new book, I read it. When she comes to town (or anywhere close!), I show up. No questions asked, no internal debate, no mulling it over.
This isn’t true for all the authors I read, not even close. But it’s true for my favorites.
Reading is personal; that’s one of its charms, and one of its perils. My favorites list may not resemble yours at all.
Some of my favorites died a long time ago; some are cranking out a novel a year today. Some write books that speak to my soul; some write books that entertain and inspire. The timing and tone are different, but one thing binds them together: I will read (or at least try) everything they write, because the record shows their work is likely to be worth my reading time.
I read Jane Austen and Wallace Stegner and Wendell Berry, over and over. I count down the days to the next installment in a great series from authors like Louise Penny. I’m eagerly anticipating this fall’s new books from Liane Moriarty, J. T. Ellison, Leif Enger, Anne Lamott, Barbara Kingsolver.
I’ll hit up google every once in a while to see if publication dates are set for Angie Thomas, Emily St John Mandel, Laura Vanderkam, Sarah Addison Allen, Joshilyn Jackson. I would never actually tell Tayari Jones or Amor Towles to write faster … but I wish they’d write faster.
That’s not even my whole list, but it’s a tantalizing beginning.
Your favorites will differ from mine, that’s what makes the reading life so interesting.
So reader, tell me about your favorite authors. Whose works do you always read, even if the premise sounds weird or the reviews are mixed. Which authors do you actually show up for, to meet in real life? Whose books can you absolutely not wait to read?
The comments section is open. I can’t wait to hear all about it.
P.S. This month’s category for the 2018 Reading Challenge is “a book by a favorite author.” Readers, you can do this. Click here for more info. (It’s not too late to get the challenge goodies available there.)
337 comments
Ooh, this is tricky!
19th-century favourites: Elizabeth Gaskell (I did my PhD on her), Jane Austen, the Brontës, Tolstoy, Eça de Queiroz (the Portuguese don’t get enough love!), George Eliot, Thomas Hardy, Emile Zola
20th-century favourites: Hemingway, Nan Shepherd, Daphne du Maurier, Lewis Grassic Gibbon, Nancy Mitford, L.M. Montgomery, Evelyn Waugh, Agatha Christie
Contemporary favourites: Philip Pullman, Ian Rankin, Samantha Hunt, Margaret Atwood, Ian McEwan, A.S. Byatt, Neil Gaiman, Carlos Ruiz Zafón, José Saramago, J.K. Rowling
Slightly unrelated, but have your read The Victorian and The Romantic by Nell Stevens? I’m not far enough along to vouch for it, but it’s about a woman who is also writing her PhD on Elizabeth Gaskell.
Ooh, I’ve not read it yet! I believe it’s called Mrs Gaskell and Me in the UK and doesn’t come out until early September here, so it’s on my list. I hope it’s good! Thanks for the tip!
Every summer, I read the new installment in the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva, and every fall, I am IN for the new Jack Reacher by Lee Child. It’s weird, because those books are so testosterone-y and different from a lot of the other stuff I read, but those series have got me. I am in forever. I also love Louise Penny (Inspector Gamache) and Elizabeth George (Inspector Lynley)—and just got hooked on Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell books. All of these authors’ books will be pre-ordered as soon as their new titles are available.
Since I fell so hard for Less by Andrew Sean Greer this year, I suspect I’ll be pre-ordering whatever he’s doing next, and I get very excited by the idea of a new novel from Michael Chabon or Neal Stephenson.
I also love the Gabrile Allon series by Daniel Silva. I affectionately call them my “old man” series because the only other people in my circle that I know that read them are my 62 year old dad and his 68 year old brother!!
Thank you for mentioning these books! I love crossing over to stuff written for guys. In this vein, Kevin Hearne’s Hounded series is a favorite of mine that is just a lot of fun. Blake Crouch’s Dark Matter was great, and Michael Crichton is another of my favs–he twists things in ways that are scary because they are plausible!
Deanna Raybourn’s books are always a surefire bet for me 🙂
Agree! I also like C.S. Harris
Deanna Raybourn is a favorite of mine also.
I’m so glad I didn’t have to dig very far into the ~200 comments to see someone else mention Chabon :). I would read his shopping list.
Daniel Silva is my favorite!
I have really really loved both of Celeste Ng’s novels. Maybe it’s just because they are both so recent that she’s still fresh on the brain, but I can’t wait for another of hers!
I loved both of her books also.
I love to read books from Susan Elia MacNeal, Mary Kay Andrews, Joshilyn Jackson, Karen White, Laura Dave, Barbara Delinsky, Beatriz Williams, who are some of my favorite authors! I devour their work! Emily Giffin, Beth Harbison, Stephanie Evanovich certainly keep me reading happily, too! Dorothea Benton Frank, Emilie Richards and Susan Elizabeth Phillips are definite favorites as well.
Yes, I love Joshilyn Jackson. She is my new favorite.
I just started my first Joshilyn Jackson book this week. Gods in Alabama. Jackson may well be a new favorite!
Gina I love some of these authors too. Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Emilie Richards, Barbara D, Karen White and JJ all for sure. Happy to see you love them too.
I have loved literature from the Augustan, Romantic, and Victorian periods since I was a teenager and specialised in Jane Austen at university. From these times I also love Elizabeth Gaskell, Anne Bronte, Charlotte Bronte, Wilkie Collins, and (some) Charles Dickens. I love crime and I will read anything by Louise Penny, Tana French, Elly Griffiths, and C.J. Sansom (they all have written a great series too and nothing makes me happier than a series to follow). Other authors that I look for out are Amy Tan, Kate Morton, Kate Atkinson, Maggie O’Farrell, and Alice Hoffman. My all time favourite book has to be Anne of Green Gables, which I regularly reread. I do enjoy a good reread, there is nothing more comforting than curling up with a favourite book, a duvet, and a hot chocolate. Talking of rereading, a great book which talks about looking back at our books and appreciating what we have is Howards End is on the Landing by Susan Hill. I have recommended it to so many people and even had it as a book group choice. x
I love C. J. Sansom too! I keep cruising by the new releases shelf at the library in hopes that there will be a new Matthew Shardlake novel.
Agree!!
“Tombland” April 9, 2019! I saw it yesterday on Amazon and immediately added it to my wants list.
Next year!
I love CJ Sansom’s Matthew Shardlake books. This is the first time I’ve seen/heard him mentioned on MMD/WSIRN. Fans of historical fiction and mysteries + Anglophiles should check them out.
I will read anything and everything by Karen White, Mary Kay Andrews, Kathleen Grissom, Jenny Colgan, Kate Morton, Susan Meissner, Patti Callahan Henry. I love southern fiction, British contemporary fiction, and historical fiction.
I have read all of Kent Haruf’s books and am sad he is no longer with us. I am always happy when Anne Tyler, Ron Rash, or Andre Dubus III have a new book. And I would love another one by David Wroblewski, author of “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle.”
I too am dying for David Wroblewski to write another novel. I loved “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” so much!
That was a great book! I’m waiting for his next too!
Apart from the usual suspects in 19th century literature I have a great fondness for Mrs Oliphant. In the 20th century I love Virginia Woolf, Margery Allingham, Elizabeth Goudge, Dorothy Dunnett, Leonardo Padura and the late great Carol Shields. Of more contemporary writers I love Louise Penny, Ellie Griffiths and Jim Kelly for crime though now I’ve read the Booker longlisted Snap by Belinda Bauer I obviously have to read all her back catalogue, in contemporary writers I love Sarah Moss, Robert Macfarlane, Michael Cunningham, Michael Ondaatje, Siri Hustvedt and I will definitely be reading anything else by Daisy Johnson ( the Booker longlist is so good this year.)
I rarely read all of one author, but I have read everything by Jane Austen. I have read 3 Wendell Berry books, and I plan to continue reading all about the citizens of Port William! I have read all of Pat Conroy’s books (even his cookbook — which was sort of a memoir cookbook), but I started reading those in high school, so his writing always brings a nostalgic feel. His work is very autobiographical, so you feel like you know him.
I am also a Pat Conroy completist! I think of him every time a see a recipe for pickled shrimp 🙂 And he’s the only author I reread. Much love.
I’ve read just about everything Terry Pratchett wrote, which is saying something – around 35 novels, not including another dozen or so he collaborated on. Also Louise Penney. Also Carl Hiaasen. I have a soft spot for R.F. Delderfield novels (he wrote To Serve Them All My Days), but I haven’t revisited them in quite a while.
I also enjoy RFD’s books. Did you ever see the PBS production of “To Serve Them All My Days”? It was very good.
Yes! I remember watching it on Masterpiece Theatre when I was little, and it stuck with me so I thought I should read the book. I read it every few years, as well as God Is An Englishman. His characters are so well written, and the countryside is as important as the people. I love that.
I love Terry Pratchett also and am so sorry there will be no more.
I am in love with these contemporary authors: Frederik Bachman, Liane Moriarty, and Eowyn Ivey. I will read everything they write, no questions asked!
This is another reminder to me to read The Snow Child. We like the same authors!
Favorites authors? Ack! I have so many but I really enjoy Jesse Ball’s work. Also Margaret Atwood! I will read everything by her!
I only follow authors on social media just so I can make sure I don’t miss their new releases or recommendations. My must-reads are (in no particular order): Jennifer Haigh, Curtis Sittenfeld, Ann Patchett, J. Courtney Sullivan, Jennifer Weiner, Adriana Trigiani, Emily Giffin.
I just got an email yesterday that Barbara Kingsolver would be in town and I bought those tickets (for me, my parents, and a friend) really quickly!
Jealous!
I will not hesitate to order (and am always looking for their next book) by Jodi Picoult, Sarah Addison Allen, Lisa Genova, Kate Morton, Louise Penny, Deborah Harkness, Liane Moriarty, Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and Frederick Backman.
Fredrik Backman, Fredrik Backman, Fredrik Backman! Can’t get enough of his books. I rarely read all of one author’s books and never reread a book (I always think there are too many good books out there to reread something) but I have done both things in the case of Mr Backman! (And now I understand why you might want to reread books! )
Favorite contemporary authors are Susan Meissner, Diane Chamberlain, Kate Morton, Jodi Piccoult, Kristin Hannah Martha Hall Kelly, Christina Baker Kline, Pam Jenoff, and Harlan Coben.
Colleen Hoover is my absolute favorite. Also never miss Kasie West, Julie Buxbaum, Rainbow Rowell, Brigid Kemmerer, Jenn Bennett, Liane Moriarty, and Jessica Park.
There are so many excellent authors that I just adore – Louisa May Alcott, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sue Monk Kidd, Susan Meissner, Adriana Trigiani, Silas House, Barbara Kingsolver, Louise Penny, Marissa Meyer, Gretchen Rubin, Ariel Lawhon, Kristin Hannah, Lauren Graham, Charlie Lovett, and Anne Bogel.
I will (and have in the past) drive up to 100 miles to see Chris Bojhalian, Jodi Picoult, Kristie Woodson Harvey and Barbara Claypole White.
My favorite authors are N.D. Wilson, Sarah Clarkson, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Andrew Peterson, Jeffrey Overstreet, L.M. Montgomery, Robin McKinley, Jane Austen, Elizabeth George Speare, S.D. Smith, Sarah Mackenzie, Jonathan Rogers, Douglas McKelvey, George MacDonald… too many to name!
My Must Read authors are:
Harlan Coben, Sue Grafton (R.I.P.), Diana Galbaldon, Kate Morton, Louise Penny (I am woefully behind on these), Jane Austen, Fredrik Backman…just to name a few. 🙂
So many great authors mentioned in your post, Anne, and in the comments. My long-time favorites, authors I’ve liked for many years and many books, are Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, Kate Morton, Jack Finney (who got me totally hooked on the time travel genre!), Ivan Doig, Mark Helprin, Fannie Flagg, Liane Moriarty, Anita Shreve, Arthur Conan Doyle, Jan Karon, and Agatha Christie. Recent new favorites include Fredrick Backman, Tana French, Louise Penny, Jane Harper, and Alan Bradley. I’m laughing at this list, which makes it seem that my current reading is almost exclusively mysteries, but the truth is there are so many great contemporary authors I’ve read lately, but as I have only read one or two of their books to date, it’s hard to call them “favorites”. Time will tell.
Yay to Susanna Kearsley!
I also read anything and everything by Susanna Kearsley! I’m on hold for her newest and not waiting very patiently.
I’ve read everything she’s ever written and just finished, Bellewether, her newest. Loved it!
I just discovered Susanna Kearsley early this year and have been working through her entire backlist ever since! The Winter Sea and A Desperate Fortune are my favorites so far. Currently working on Bellewether — she’s incredible!
I’ve read all her books and read her newest a little bit ago. She’s definitely one of my favorite authors! I wish she had even longer of a backlist. Winter Sea and Firebird are my favorites.
I love anything by Wendell Berry, Barbara Kingsolver, Silas House (have you interviewed him yet? I could listen to him for days), have a particular soft spot for Elizabeth Berg, and of course Marilynn Robinson.
OH! I forgot Marilynne Robinson in my answer! Her too!
Elizabeth Berg! Yes!!
Many mentioned above are favorites of mine. Love Louise Penny, Tana French, Kate Atkinson, and one I hardly ever see mentioned, Ellen Gilchrist, for her quirky Southern eccentrics and unique voice.
I love Ellen Gilchrist too
There are so many!! A sampling of those I regularly stalk, request my library to purchase, and slap holds on asap though:
Jodi Picoult hands down number one—timely topics, well researched, make me think, make me laugh and cry, and fall in love with the characters.
Juliet Marillier because who doesn’t love old school fairy tale magical beautifully written long sagas
Sonya Sones has converted me to a lover of the free verse YA story–just a few words and she can tell a whole novel’s worth of material
Lisa Genova although, lots of tears
Liane Moriarty, Kristin Hannah, and some others for great women’s relatable realistic novels
Jordan Sonnenblick–terrific male perspective YA
Also I’ve loved Terry Pratchett, Hunger Games, Pretties/Uglies/etc, Narnia, LotR, Harry Potter, Prydain, Pern, and so many more.
I love and will read anything by Margaret Atwood???, Louise Erdrich, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Toni Morrison, Jasper Fforde, AS Byatt, Zadie Smith, Ann Patchett, and others that I’m forgetting at the moment. 🙂
Hmmm. This is tricky because I don’t tend to to read a lot by one author especially if they have written many books. I like to branch out. Some exceptions would be Marilynne Robinson, Cormac McCarthy and Malcolm Gladwell. I am fairly obsessed with Marilynne Robinson although I have only read three of her books so far. I would also swear an oath to read any book written by Laura Hillenbrand, but that only happens about once a decade. 🙂
My all-time favorite author (currently) is Khaled Hosseini. I will read anything he writes without knowing the premise. I’m so excited that he has a new book coming out this fall (Sea Prayer). I can’t wait to get my hands on it! Other favorites include Anna Quindlen, Celeste Ng, and John Green.
I didn’t know about Hosseini’s new book. YAY!!
Oh I should have added Celeste Ng to my list!
This is going to be a female author focused answer. Well I love Jane Austen. I don’t think I need to explain to you why. “Pride and Prejudice” is my favorite, but it is closely followed by “Persuasion.” I have loved Agatha Christie since a teacher introduced her to me in 8th grade. No one sets up a scene with such animated characters the way that Agatha Christie does. Also, I just found Dan Steven’s narrations of “And Then There Were None” and “Murder on the Orient Express.” I loved his narrations so much. They are now my favorite audiobooks that I recommend constantly. My bestie introduced me to Sarah Vowell, and I just wish I could have read her when I was in school getting a degree in History. Her ability to combine humor with interesting historical events is so unique. I have learned so much about the history of our country from her…more than I think I learned in school…and enjoyed every moment. Finally, for the last two years, I have been telling everyone I know to read Angie Thomas’ “The Hate U Give.” That book just moved me so much. It was such a powerful story with all the feels. I have been impatiently waiting for her next book to come out.
I agree on the Dan Stevens recordings! I recommend them to everyone especially if they’ve never tried audible.com
I finished the Dan Stephen’s narration of “Murder on the Orient Express” two days ago and I haven’t been able to fully communicate how amazing his narration was. The differentiation between voices of at least 15 characters was just phenomenal.
I also absolutely loved Dan Stevens’s narrations. I wish he’d do more!
I absolutely loved Dan Stevens’s narrations of those Christie books too! His recording of Orient Express was my first Agatha Christie read ever and it really whetted my appetite for more by her. Just as good was David Suchet’s recording of Death on the Nile by Christie — since he IS Hercule Poirot for many people, he understandably conquered the narration masterfully. I wish both he and Dan Stevens would narrate all of her books!
Jane Austen, obviously 🙂 Also Charlotte Bronte, Edith Wharton, Agatha Christie, LM Montgomery.
Modern day – I’m all about Louise Penny right now!
It’s no secret that I live and breathe all things William Shakespeare. I also adore poetry by John Keats and generally all of the romantic. I’m a fan of the dark, moody fiction of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Edgar Allen Poe. My favorite 20th century authors are C.S.Lewis and Ray Bradbury. As far as contemporary fiction goes, I love Sue Grafton (RIP), Alice Hoffman, Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Most recently, Kristin Hannah and Frederick Bachman have made it to the top of my list.
Katherine Center, Nick Hornby, Monica McInerney, Jill Mansell, Chuck Klosterman…
I think I’ve read everything Barbara Kingsolver has ever written (except her upcoming one!). I have read most but not quite all of Jodi Picoult’s books. I also love Anna Quindlen and Anne Tyler. I will almost always grab a book by then in hard copy when I see it, even though most of my books are sale and library books. I just read Joshilyn Jackson for the first time recently, but I can see her joining this crowd. I don’t read her much anymore, but I used to read all of Marsha Mueller’s Sharon McCone mysteries.
Of course Jane Austen. Of course. Kate Morton (I preorder all her books, which says a lot). Roald Dahl, Mo Willems, Shannon Hale, John Green, Rainbow Rowell.
I love that you included Mo Willems! I didn’t even think of all the picture book authors I love. Two author/illustrators I would pick up any time are Kevin Henkes (for warmth, wonder, and compassion) and Mini Grey (for joyful stories packed with quirky British humor).
I’m thrilled about this question! There’s a difference for me in who I’d pay to go see in person and the ones who I read everything they write. I’ll always go see Shauna Niequist, Lauren Winner, Scott Cairns, Sarah Bessey, Frances Mayes, Dani Shapiro when they’re in town. I’ll read everything by this list and also John Grisham, Kate DiCamillo, Scot McKnight, Philip Yancey, Rachel Held Evans, Jen Hatmaker, Jamie Blaine, Tessa Afshar and Michelle Moran.
My favorite author is Jane Austen but I am more wide ranging in my current reading. I tend to go for lighter choices. Terry Pratchett is a favorite. I love Donna Andrew’s mysteries (just read the new one so she is fresh on my mind.) Another mystery series I snap up is the Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton. I also love Kate Morton.
I love looking at this list and seeing new authors to try. The posts have reminded me of other favorites. I snap up Elizabeth Cadell as she is re-released. I enjoy all of Anne Lamott. And I did order Anne Bogel’s newest as soon as it was released on Kindle, so she should be on my list too, lol.
I have enjoyed Alan Dean Foster since his first book in the Flinx & Pip series (15 and counting) plus his other standalone Commonwealth novels. More recently, I look forward to Jim Butcher’s next installment to the Dresden Files series (15 novels of a planned 20 book arc, 2 short story anthologies). I enjoyed Robert B. Parker’s (RIP) Spenser novels (48 and counting) now written by Ace Atkins, and his Cole & Hitch western novels (7 and counting) now written by Robert Knott.
I know that these genres are not usually on the Modern Mrs Darcy blog or the What Should I Read Next podcast, but I really enjoy them. I guess that I tend to like long series much more than standalone books.
I love the Spenser series as well! I treasure my set of (mostly) well-worn paperbacks, some gleaned by scouring used bookstores. While newer books languish in a precarious stack, this set holds a place of honour on my bookshelf. High praise!
Do you like the newer books by Ace Adkins?
I did the exact same thing when I found out Liane is coming to my town this tour. (Yes, I’ve decided we’re on a first name basis now.) I drove 3 hours to see her last time and I’m beyond excited to see her again. Other favorites are Fredrick Backman,
Sorry for the partial post. Ugh, didn’t even know it posted until I was reading other comments.
Michelle Moran is a genius with historical fiction. I also love and read all of Philippa Gregory and Allison Weir’s historical fiction. All 3 ladies aim to be historically accurate at the same time that they are writing really intriguing stories about women over time .
I just bought a copy of Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran from my library. It looks really good!
At this point I only have two autobuy authors:
Rainbow Rowell – I’m always in the mood for character driven, coming of age with a romantic element and that is exactly her wheel house.
Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling (Lethal White is out in 25 days!).
I wish I could say Stephen King, because I adore his writing style and story telling, but Horror intimidates me so I’ve only read three of his books.
Cheryl Strayed! She should be paid per word in blocks of gold. Shilpi Somaya Gowda and Kelly Corrigan have been doing it for me lately too.
I did the same thing when I found out that Liane was coming to my town. (Yes, I’ve decided we’re on a first name basis now.) I drove 3 hours to see her last time. Can’t wait! Other favorites are Fredrick Backman, Lisa Genova, Gabrielle Zavin and I’m adding Gail Honeyman, even though she’s only written Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. I trust I’ll love her next book, too.
I loved Eleanor SO MUCH!
Meghan above was so intelligent to divide her favourite author’s in 3 categories. I share a lot of her favourites in the different ages.
The 19th centuary favourites are, of course Jane Austen, Anthony Trollope, Tolstoy, E Gaskell, Selma Lagerlöf, Wilkie Collins, Oscar Wilde
20th Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, John Galsworthy, James Michener, Herman Wouk, James Clavell
21th Anne Perry, Peter Trewmayne, Susanna George, M Jecks, Paul Doherty, Adrian Plass, Rebecka Shaw, Joanna Hickson, Alison Weir, Jenny Colgan
These are just a few, the 21th i for first 5 collect 1 Editions so i will a collection of these one day.
I also read biogrofies
I love Adrian Plass as well! Did not think of him for my comment but am smiling just remembering his books
Two of my favorite authors are C.S. Lewis and Madeline L’Engle, but of the ones who are still living, here’s who I’d buy tickets to see and/or read anything they write:
*Sandra Cisneros
*Marilynne Robinson
*Brene Brown
*Kate DiCamillo
*Dr Leonard Sax (NF)
*Anne Lamott
*Mary Roach
Robin Sloan, Cathleen Schine, Karl Ove Knausgaard, Brene Brown, Fredrik Backman, Elena Ferrante, Louise Penny, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Aldous Huxley, John Dunning, and more than I can think of. It’d probably be easier to tell you the authors I don’t enjoy.
Ooh, tough question! It’s fun seeing all the responses. My favorite 19th century author is Louisa May Alcott, with L.M Montgomery close behind. Favorite mystery authors: Agatha Christie, Deborah Crombie, Jacqueline Winspear, Carola Dunn and Janet Evanovich. Nonfiction: Anne Lamott, Kate Braestrup, David McCullough, and Bill Bryson. Favorite 20th century authors (other than mystery authors) J.K. Rowling, Rosamunde Pitcher, Maeve Binchey, Lorna Landvik and Fannie Flagg.
Rosamunde Pilcher writes wonderful books but I think this is the first time I’ve seen her name mentioned. Yes her books are quite light, but they are such feel good books. Shell Seekers and September are my favourites.
This is a hard one! I eagerly anticipate and will read anything written by Jane Green, Curtis Sittenfeld (I recently reviewed her short stories on my blog!), Wendy Webb, Emily Giffin, and Tracy Chevalier. As far as the “classics” go, Jane Austen is a fave, as is poet William Butler Yeats.
I also love Sarah Addison Allen! Her Waverely Sisters books are fantastic.
There are so many! But my tried and true favorites are Jane Austen, Pat Conroy, Joshilyn Jackson, Taylor Jenkins Reid, Liane Moriarty, Jennifer E. Smith, Penny Reid, Julie James, Jen Hatmaker, and Shauna Niequist. I’m sure there are others that I’m forgetting, but these are my go-tos.
Oh and Celeste Ng too!
Don’t you wish Julie James wrote faster? I’m always looking forward to a new one from her!
Yes! I love everything she has written and am anxiously awaiting her next book, whenever it comes out!
I will read ANYTHING written by Kate Atkinson, Jennifer Egan, Kazuo Ishiguro (even though I HATED “The Buried Giant”) and Rohinton Mistry. I am also dying for something new by David Wroblewski (“The Story of Edgar Sawtelle”) and Chad Harbach (“The Art of Fielding”). I’m sure there are scads of others but these are the ones that come to mind at the moment.
Also Elizabeth Strout. “Olive Kitteredge” was a masterpiece.
I love Peter Mayle, Brendan O’Carroll, and Kate DiCamillo.
No writer stirs my soul and makes me linger over words the way that Pat Conroy can.
Yes
Right now, I’m reading my first Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling book since she’s my absolute favorite, and I LOVE it so far! In college, Sarah Dessen was on my favorites list as well. My favorite authors who are long gone would be Edgar Allan Poe and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Her series was my first chapter book series as a kid, and I’ve been hooked on books ever since!
I love everything and anything written by Kate Morton. I can’t imagine the time it takes for her to write her books, but I sure could do with more than one book every 2-3 years. I can not wait until The Clockmaker’s Daughter comes out in October. She is my all time favorite author along with JoJo Moyes and Liane Moriarty.
Since the Bible is my favorite book, I’d have to say God.
Great comment!
Kate Atkinson. I’ve been on the library waitlist for weeks for the book that she is releasing next month!
I read anything and everything by Jane Green. The first book I read of hers was Jemima J, the story of a self-conscious young woman who had body issues and self-confidence issues. It is thought by many to be the first of the chick lit genre, but to me, it was the first true woman’s voice in fiction that was not happily-ever-after romance, but a story about a flawed woman who dealt with issues we all grapple with in an authentic voice. Jane has kept that voice through the years and her books have been (mostly) true to women and their lives. I often find that Jane’s books relate to what I am facing in my own life, maybe because we are the same age, but most likely because she is tuned into real life and real struggles. I read what she writes in book form, in magazine form, in social media and in when she somewhat blogs. If she types it, I breathe it in. If you have never read her, start with Jemima J. Read Saving Grace. Dive in and savor her writing style. You will not regret it.
Oh I loved Jemima J. Still one if my favorite books
Jane Austen and Shakespeare are always my answers for favorite authors!
For contemporary ones, I love Alice Hoffman (working through her collection right now) Riley Sager for my horror fix, Gillian Flynn, and Amy Stewart.
Like you , I have a list of authors who I want to write faster so I can devour their works! Emily St. John Mandel is definitely on that list, as is M.L Rio.
Growing up, I was OBSESSED with Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events, and when I saw that he was doing a meet and greet at YALLFest in Charleston (my hometown) I didn’t even check to see if I was working or had other plans that weekend- I HAD to be there! I love meeting authors because you know that you already have a shared interest- a love of reading!
I love Anne Lamott, Kate Morton, Liane Moriarty, Jojo Moyes, Jane Austen, Marilynne Robinson, Emily St. John Mandel, Rainbow Rowell, Simon Rich (Have you read his short story collection? Oh my word. Hilarious!), and Anthony Doerr (please write faster).
I’ve recently fallen in love* with Dorothy Parker again.
*checked out every book in the library about her or by her, read every article, and downloaded podcasts about the Algonquin Table
I’ve been curious about Dorothy Parker – what’s the first book of hers I should pick up?
I have many favorite authors, but one that hasn’t been mentioned in the comments is Chris Bojahlian. Every one of his books is thought provoking, includes terrific stories and interesting characters, and each book is completey different from the last. Sandcastle Girls and Tran Sister Radio are two great ones to try!
He is one of my all-time favorites. I always recommend the Double Bind. He’s simply brilliant.
Great post – so many wonderful authors have been mentioned.
I always waiting anxiously for the next book by Luise Penny, Susanna Kearsley,Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Ilona Andrews, Mary Alice Monroe, Mariah Stewart. Then there are old favourites like Rae Anne Thayne, Jill Shalvis, Susan Wiggs, Robyn Carr. I search out new authors as well – hoping they will bring a new series I will love as much as the others.
Not already mentioned: Diana Gabaldon, Jan Karon, Laurie R. King, Dana Stabenow, Phillipa Gregory.
Ooh, I used to read all Phillipa Gregory books! I think I just got tired of them, but maybe I’ll go back & read the newest ones.
These are all good ones so far! If going by criteria ‘go out & buy/see speak no questions asked’, my peeps are: Geraldine Brooks, Jon Meacham and Doris Kearns Goodwin.
Jane Austen…all my family loves her. And Diana Gabaldon… read her books numerous times.
We named our daughter Emma…
Anne, I feel like we have really similar reading favorites! I didn’t know Liane Moriarty was coming out with a new book, and I was SO excited! (I think I saw it on your IG first) I love Kate Atkinson, Kristin Hannah, Louise Penny… I’m sure there’s a bunch of others but none that come to mind right now, haha.
I love Emily Giffin. Liane Moriarty – definitely! Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling because, come on, she’s the GOAT.
She’s the GOAT???? I am a huge JK Rowling fan but I’m not getting the goat reference?!
Greatest Of All Time!!!
LOL thanks Linda ?
Ha!! It means she is the Greatest Of All Time ???
Oh I see! Perhaps it’s an American expression, I haven’t heard it before. Thank you!
Indeed! Only love for the fabulous JK!
I, too, love Amor Towles, and eagerly await his next book. I also adore Laura Hillenbrand. If she wrote a history of the paper clip, I couldn’t read it fast enough. She is phenomenal!
I made my friend go with me to see Chuck Klosterman when he came to my college in Oklahoma (shocking, and I was NOT missing it!!!) My now-mother-in-law is a librarian (it’s fate!) and took me to see Kristin Hannah speak (amazing! even though I didn’t like the Great Alone, but Nightingale was one of the best ever). I tend not to like everything from one author (re: Kirstin Hannah) and get bored with series, so I’d rather mix it up… but I will say I’ve enjoyed all of JoJo Moyes and Janet Fitch’s works.
Have to mention my favorite local authors… Leslie Langtry and Kimberly Cates! I’m friends with both.
My favorites authors are Ann Patchett, Frederick Backman, Pat Conroy and Amor Towles and my favorite books are all theirs. I would have a hard time being on “What Should I Read Next” because I could never narrow down my favorite books to just three and leave off one of my favorite authors! Anne gets the credit for introducing me to Backman and Towles so thank you very much for that.
As a lifelong avid reader, I’ve had a lot of favourite authors over the years. Unfortunately, I do not always stay true, haha. My tastes have simply changed in different stages of my life.
Current favourites, whose new releases I would and/or do preorder include: Lee Child (Jack Reacher series); Sue Grafton (Kinsey Milhone series; I mourned when the news broke of Ms. Grafton’s passing; I’ve delayed reading her last book, as I want to savour every word); Michael Connelly (Bosch series); Kristin Hannah. Authors that I’ve recently started to read and based on what I’ve read, have definite potential to reach my current favourite authors list: Joshilyn Jackson; Tana French; Jane Harper; and Fredrik Backman.
A longer list than I realized:
Ann Patchett
Elizabeth Gilbert
Liane Moriarty
Curtis Sittenfeld
Dani Shapiro
Claire Bidwell Smith
Francesca Marciano
J.Courtney Sullivan
Michelle Huneven
Jhumpa Lahiri
Julia Glass
Wally Lamb
Khaled Hosseini
Amor Towles
Curtis Sittenfeld and Fredrik Backman are my must reads. I am so glad they are still both young and writing – I hope to be able to read them for many more years! Britt-Marie Was Here was the book I read for the reading challenge this year, but it also could have been You Think It, I’ll Say It.
So many good authors, so little time…
Love Fredrik Backman, Jodi Picoult, William Landay,
Herman Wouk, Betty Smith, Gail Honeyman,
Vanessa Diffenbaugh, Stuart Woods
Jhumpa Lahiri!
YES! Love her.
I like to read Anthony Trollope in the wintertime and Angela Thirkell. I have a soft spot in my heart for Benson’s Mapp and Lucia and then there are my curent favorites which include in no particular order Deborah Harkness, M.J. Rose, Sarah Addison Allen, Susanna Kearsley, Alice Hoffman, Eloisa James, Anne Lamott, Louise Penny, Elizabeth George, Jacqueline Winspear, Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling), Karen White, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig to name a few. Can not leave out Jane Austen, the Brontes and Daphne Dumaurier Nicola Upson who writes mysteries that feature Josephine Tey and I will conclude with a big thank you to Georgette Heyer for being the best reread of them all!
Yes yes to Susanna Kearsley! And Lauren Willig. I’m newer to Beatriz Williams, but I think I’m going to have fun working my way through her list. And Heyer is one of my longtime faves too!
I second Georgette Heyer! What a fantastic author and great reread!
I just finished a reread of all of Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances – I agree with you, she is a great one to reread.
I simply love Angela Thirkell and Anthony Trollope! I haven’t read Mapp and Lucia yet, but I have a volume on my bookshelf. 🙂 Also agree on Georgette Heyer. I’m reading False Colours for the first time right now.
I’m ALL FOR Lee Child at the moment (currently on book 17). Like someone else said, they are all rather “MEN!” He clearly tries his best to write strong female characters… Yet they’re all “the most beautiful woman in the history of women who don’t know/care they’re beautiful.”
Yet I don’t care. They are great thrillers that keep you turning the pages and are easy reads. And when life is crazy, and you want half an hour of fun distraction, these are winning for me.
There are plenty of authors that I’d love to go back and read everything they’ve ever written, but the only one I’ve actually done it for is Bill Bryson. His books are always so interesting and (usually) funny. I’ll definitely be the first on the library holds list for any future books of his!
Oh this is so tough… and some are a bit embarrassing. But here goes: Jane Austen forever and always, Eden Robinson, Lucy Maud Montgomery, Margaret Atwood (her mind fascinates me!), J. K. Rowling (have yet to read Robert Galbraith though!), Donna Tartt, Elizabeth Gilbert (she speaks to the depths of my soul), Sarah Addison Allen (I could NOT read her books fast enough, so much fun) and Kate Jacobs. Not a single man on this list of mine…how curious. Never noticed until I typed them all out.
My very favorite is Flannery O’Connor. I just think she was brilliant. I even stick by her novels (which are just not as good as her short stories, but I have that much loyalty). I also love every one of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short stories, but I think The Scarlet Letter is a struggle.
Some of my current favorites are Emma Donoghue, Fredrik Backman, Sarah Addison Allen, and I personally think Jodi Picoult is way underrated. I was big fan of Ann Rinaldi when was a teenager, and I still go back to her books for comfort every once and a while.
A few top of mind faves – Emma Donoghue, Heather O’Neill, and most recently Celeste Ng.
I love Barbara Kingsolver!
So, so many choices here…Spealking only of living contemporary authors, I’d buy tickets to hear Foer, Doig, O’Farrell, Corrigan, Kingsolver, Towles, Gilbert, Quindlen, Enger, and Mirza — and I’m sure there are plenty that I’m forgetting. So many wonderful books and authors!
Frederik Backman- Ove got me hooked!
Stephanie Pearl- McPhee- for knitting fun and wit, there is no one better!
Alan C Bradley- thanks to a WSIRN episode, I am hooked on Flavia de Luce
Jenny Colgan- for delightful chic lit set in Scotland
Jane Austen, of course.
Ann Patchett, Fredrik Backman, Eowyn Ivey, Angie Thomas, Celeste Ng, Helen Hoang, Jasmine Guillory, Roxane Gay, Min Jin Lee.
Totally agree on Helen Hoang and Jasmine Guillory! I can’t wait for Guillory’s The Proposal coming out in October.
Rick Bragg, Annie Dillard, Willa Cather, Steinbeck, Leif Enger, Madeleine Robinson, Sarah Addison Allen, Alan Bradley, Bill Bryson, Galbraith, Wilkie Collins, Jennifer Worth (Call the Midwife), Towles, Dickens. We have many good author events in our city and if I have any interest in the book, I’ll show up because it enhances the reading so much!
I love Frederic Backman. Also, for fun M. C. Beaton, both of her series. Donna Leon, Deborah Crombie.
J.R.R. Tolkien
C.S. Lewis
Jane Austen
Patrick Rothfuss
Brandon Sanderson
Neil Gaimon
Liane Moriarty
J.K. Rowling
L.M. Montgomery
I’m sure I could list half a dozen more, but these are the ones I go back to over an over. If I had a chance to meet any of them, I’d take it in a heartbeat.
And Fredrik Backman, of course! How could I leave him off the list? My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologies had me crying in public on an international flight, real ugly tears, not just watery eyes.
Jhumpa Lahiri, Ann Patchett, Maggie O’Farrell, Jennifer Close, Sarah Bessey, Rachel Held Evans, Jen Hatmaker, Shane Claiborne, Dan Ariely, and Michael Pollan. More non-fiction on there than I would have guessed!
I love many of the contemporary authors you mentioned (and heard about them here!) Amor Towles, Barbara Kingsolver, Kate Atkinson, Liane Moriarty. I will read whatever Amie Kauffman writes (Illuminae etc.). My goal is to become a Madeline L’Engle completionist— but she was prolific! And of course, JK Rowling!
Favorite living authors ~ Ann Patchett, Chris Bohjalian, Jon Krakauer, Nathanial Philbrick, Jodi Piccoult, Rachel Joyce, Khaled Hosseini, Yann Martell, Steve Martin (yes, the actor ~ his writing is sublime), Elizabeth Berg, Ann Tyler,Liane Moriarity, Diana Gabaldon, Rainbow Rowell, Judy Blume. I’m sure I’m missing many.
I have been lucky enough to enjoy author visits with other favorites, notably Geraldine Brooks, Louise Ehrdrich, Margaret Atwood, Alan Alda.
I just last night was in the position where the closest to me Jodi Piccoult is coming is Toronto which is 2-1/2 hrs away but it’s on a Monday and i’d have to take the next day off work so i think I have to grudgingly pass. Meanwhile Lisa Genova is coming and I thought, “I guess I’ll read her books and decide then.”
I AM devastated Anita Shreve passed this year and I never got to see her speak.
Oh I didn’t know about Anita Shreve. I have absolutely loved most of her books, a couple not so much. She was a brilliant writer.
So glad you mentioned Louise Erdrich. She’s a brilliant writer with a huge backlist!
Kimberly Belle, Linda Castillo, Amy E. Reichert, Viola Shipman
Why, Anne Bogel, of course. And you’re in stellar company – Fredrick Backman, Elizabeth Strout, Jhumpa Lahiri and Ann Patchett.
My favorite authors I will reread and read anything associated with them are C.S. Lewis, Jane Austen, JK Rowling (and/or Robert Galbraith), Jen Wilkin, Donald Miller, John Green, and Rainbow Rowell. With each of these authors I gobbled up their books and eagerly read anything else by them!
I’ve loved Marisa de los Santos’ poetic, complex prose ever since Love Walked In. Her newest, I’ll be Your Blue Sky, was the follow-up that I didn’t know I needed. I’m very tempted to join the MMD Book Club just for her interview. I’ve also greatly enjoyed Celeste Ng’s style, and both of her books. Another person I consistently show up for is Shauna Niequist and her memoirs.
I read others talking about rereading. For me, it has to be a book that I adored, so I don’t reread very often. I think I would reread the ones I’ve mentioned above, but I haven’t yet.
It’s cool to read about everyone’s favorites!
Liane Moriarty is one of my favorites too, as is Emily St. John Mandel and Sarah Addison Allen. (I just devoured Lost Lake on a long weekend trip to our cabin in the woods.)
I wish Gail Godwin would write another book like Father Melancholy’s Daughter or Evensong. I also love Maggie O’Farrell now, thanks to you, and I’m about to read my 3rd by her. So I think I’ll count The Hand That First Held Mine as my ‘read a book by a favorite author’ challenge, although I can already count Lost Lake too!
I’m currently infatuated with Lauren Groff, who just published a collection of short stories entitled Florida. Her Fates & Furies is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Eloisa James is an auto-buy for me. I love her well researched romances with strong female characters.
Jane Austen, Charlotte (but not Emily) Bronte, Stephanie Meyers, JD Robb (but no necessarily Nora Roberts), Edith Wharton, Ursula K. LeGuin (but only her sci-fi), Anne McCaffrey (but not with her son Todd, although with other authors), John Scalzi, and I did go through a Robert Silverberg phase — must revisit!
Amen on the JD Robb but not Nora Roberts – why is that?!?! I noted that on my list as well, but it really is as though 2 different people are writing!
Yes, it is as though JD and Nora are not the same writer, but I think it’s also because Dallas is so imperfectly real, and most romance heroines are too perfect and therefore “flat.”
Debbie Macomber & Nicholas Sparks can’t write fast enough for me. I’ve read all of Og Mandino’s books (expired in 1997),some I have re-read.
I too enjoy Debbie Macomber! The Cedar Cove series is wonderful, and the Mrs Miracle books are tooi
I forgot to mention in an earlier post that I also enjoy reading Mary Kay Andrews, Richard Paul Evans, and Laura Ingalls Wilder. The Little House series was my first chapter books I read when I was very young.
Austen, C. Bronte, Lofting, C.S. Lewis, L.M. Montgomery, Christie, Verghese, Tartt, M. Hall Kelly, Frankel, Stegner, Doerr.
TBR that I know will be my favorites:) M. Ann Shaffer, Lofting, W. Berry, Zusak
My all-time favorites: E.B. White, Jan Karon, Kate Morton.
Lisa See. I have loved everyone of her books. John Green too.
Laurie Colwin is my all-time favorite author but unfortunately she has passed away so all I can do is continue to re-read my favorites (and I’m NOT a re-reader so that’s saying something). I also love Kate Morton, Tana French, Louise Penny, Mary Stewart and Rosamunde Pilcher.
Favorite authors – I’d read anything they’d written:
Louise Penny
Kate Morton
Amor Towles
Georgette Heyer
Jasper Fforde
Lauren Willig
Arthur Conan Doyle
Alan Bradley
Susanna Kearsley
Barbara Brown Taylor
John Gottman
As for authors I would go meet when they came to town, that’s a hard one, as I’ve always found it challenging to know how to interact with authors at readings/signings. It feels awkward to just hand someone their book and say “loved your book!” Id love a blog post with book reading/signing etiquette, or what kind of things authors like to hear when they meet their fans!
Rachel Held Evans, Sarah Bessey, and Jen Hatmaker for me. Patricia Cornwell used to be on my list but her last several books are eh.
Rick Riordan for my kids.
I don’t even know where to begin, but thanks to you I no longer have a short list of books I love. However, the list of authors is still growing.
1. Jane Austen (when I want to feel educated.) I LOVE Elizabeth Bennett.
And I love Emma. And I Mansfield Park was not one of my favorites, but some of her characters in that story tickled me pink.
2. Kate Morton. You introduced me to her and now I can’t get enough.
3. Katherine Reay. She’s the author of Dear Mr. Knightley and The Bronte Plot and others. She’s my “I want to read Jane Austen but I need something easy to read right now” author.
4. Tsh Oxenreider and Anne Bogel I love both of these nonfiction writers (wink wink). Easy to read but big ideas to think about.
I totally agree with Katherine Reay! I love all her books, though Dear Mr. Knightley is probably my fave.
Mine too! It’s absolutely sweet!
I love Katherine Reay! That’s a good way to describe her too. I love all the classic references she’s able to weave in without it feeling forced. I agree that Dear Mr. Knightley is so charming, and Lizzy and Jane is probably my other favorite of hers.
James Herriot
Maeve Binchy
Rosamunde Pilcher
Fannie Flagg
Stephen King! I read SO many books and love many authors, but he will always be my all-time favorite. It took my some time to actually get to see him at an event because they sell out so fast, but I finally managed it a few years ago and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
I love middle grade and am working on reading everything written by Kate DiCamillo, Katherine Applegate, Kwame Alexander, Caroline Starr Rose and Jacqueline Woodson.
Joshilyn Jackson, Charles Martin, Jodi Piccoult, jan Karon, John Eldridge, Anne Bogel(!), Agatha Christie, Jacqueline Winspear, Kat Lee, John Grisham (I know I know), Lisa Scottoline, Shauna Niequist, Dorothea Benton Frank, Carl Hiassen, Anne Tyler. Obviously I could use more variety! That’s why I’m here!
I don’t have a ton of favorite authors. The Extroverted Intuition in me leads me to try new authors, genres, etc all the time! Though I have a few who stick out. I will read anything written by Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, Daphne du Maurier, C. S. Lewis, Rosamunde Pilcher, Maeve Binchy. As for those who are still releasing new work I’ll be picking up anything new by Barbara Kingsolver, Sophie Kinsella, Lorna Landvik … and of course Anne Bogel!!!
“The Extroverted Intuition in me leads me to try new authors, genres, etc all the time!” I love this statement! The same could be said about me. I am a voracious reader but I have a very short list of favorite repeat authors. I have read and loved everything by F. Scott Fitzgerald so I guess you could say he is my all-time favorite. If I had to pick a favorite “living” author, it would probably be Amor Towles.
Does no one else read Patrick O’Brian? He has been called the male Jane Austen. Maybe because his books are set in the 1800’s British Navy, they are considered to be a guy thing? But my daughter and I are both obsessed with what we call “the boat books”, to the extent of eye-rolls from the family when we quote from them for all occasions.
Also Dorothy Dunnett, for more literary historical fiction.
I have read Patrick O’Brian over and over! I LOVE them! I LOVE the language. I love the friendship. It’s so rich. I do not think they are for men only, altho I had a book store owner tell me he was surprised I was asking about them, it was usually guys, he said. I own the whole set in hardback, and look forward to reading them again.
The two authors that I always read are John Irving and Isabelle Allende. I always try and go and see them when I get the opportunity. Isabelle Allende is excellent to listen to in person. My husband is the one that finds an author that he likes and reads all of their books. He’s a big fan of Neal Stephenson, William Gibson, Haruki Murakami, Erik Larson, and he has amazingly read all, but three of Stephen King’s books (at least the ones that were only written by him). We both like Jon Krakauer. I realize that this list is mostly male authors, but I find that I read a lot more female authors, but I don’t tend to read everything they’ve written.
You mentioned a few of my favorite! Louise Penny, J.K. Rowling, and Amor Towles are all on my list.
I am also obsessed with Chuck Klosterman. I’ll read anything he writes from essays to novels to big picture meta philosophical books. I’m also a Jojo Moyes addict. I keep my list small so I can read more, but these are the people I worship!
Of course I meant to write *Isabel (not Isabelle, oops!)
Knee jerk response is Anne Lamott and Nick Hornby. Looove.
Kate Morton is the current author that comes immediately to mind. I’m also a fan of Nicole Baart & Katie Ganshert (both Christian authors, but no cheesy romance!). I’ve also enjoyed the Charles Lenox series (Victorian detective) by Charles Finch.
My most re-read authors are C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L’Engle, and J.R.R. Tolkien. Frederick Buechner and Marilynne Robinson have taken over my bookshelves in recent years. This year, I’m all about Louise Penny.
My two favorite Authors are Isabel Allende and Margaret Atwood. I read everything they write, and I would be thrilled to attend a book signing by either of them.
How could I have forgotten AMOR TOWLES?! YES! Will also add local author Kristen Lepionka. And, yes, Renee, as a child I’d have said Madeline L’Engle!
I have very few that I feel so strongly about that I’ve read every book they e written. Rick Bragg is the first that comes to mind. I’m only keeping my subscription to Southern Living magazine for his monthly column and I’ve read everything he’s published. I pre-order all Louise Penney. I’ve read almost all C.S. Lewis and L.M. Montgomery and a lot of Madeline L’Engle. I’ve also read almost all Barbara Kingsolver and Ann Patchett and will definitely read anything new immediately. From the classics, Jane Austen is the only author that I can claim completed works read.
I have several authors I follow, most of whom have been already mentioned, except for PD James. I love her Adam Dalgleish series and have the whole set – in various tatty forms as they’ve been collected from book fairs and op shops. Sadly there will be no more, as she has passed away.
Alexandre Dumas – I’ve loved everything I’ve read so far; Laurie R. King – especially the Mary Russell series; Marissa Meyer has become a surprise favorite of mine.
Sarah Dessen is one of my favorite authors, and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her. She came to Blue Willow in Houston while I lived there, and it was awesome to meet her!
Rick Bragg and Pat Conroy (oh how I wish I could have met him before he died–on my birthday)
So many authors I just automatically add their newest to my TBR!
Robin Jones Gunn, Elin Hilderbrand, Jane Green, Emily Giffin, Liane Moriarty, Beatriz Williams, Kristin Harmel, Lauren Weisberger (even though I haven’t read The Devil Wears Prada, I’ve read all her newer ones)…those are some of my most read!
Karen White. Susanna Kearsley. Kate Morton. Sarah Jio. If she were still alive, Agatha Christie. For non-fiction I love Louisa Weiss. She only has 2 books out currently, but I will try (and cook/bake) anything she writes.
Patrick Taylor, Dee Henderson, Julie Klassen, Janet Evanovich. Some of these authors I have been readings for years and years. And while their genre are no longer my go to I’ll always return to these old friends.
I love Tasha Alexander and Adriana Trigiani. Very different types of books but just great storytellers. I’ve also enjoyed the Lady Darby series by Anne Lee huber. And Southern as a Second Language by Lisa Patton made me laugh out loud. I love books with great characters.
Jane Austen, of course. I’m currently “rereading” aka listening to Sense and Sensibility read by Rosamund Pike.
I’m reading through LM Montgomery’s other books because I just love Anne and know I need to give her other heroines a shot.
Frederik Backman, Marissa de los Santos, and Paula McLain are all new favorites who I’m enjoying reading old and new releases.
My favourite classic authors are: Wilkie Collins, Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, Emile Zola, and George Eliot
Favourite modern authors are: Donna Leon, Lee Child, J K Rowling, Jasper Fforde, Margaret Atwood, Jo Nesbo, Justin Cronin, Celeste Ng, C J Sansom, and Kate Atkinson
One of my favourite books that I have read and reread is Wuthering Heights, though I don’t usually go in for dark and broody books – but the end leaves a note of redemption. I also like most of Neil Gaiman’s books; I got hooked when I read The Ocean at the End of the Lane (read it 3 times in 5 years and will probably read it again), then had to read almost everything he ever wrote (read American Gods twice), and have read most of his collections of short stories at least twice. Currently reading View from the Cheap Seats by him. Would love to meet him in person. Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Anne Bronte, Charles Dickens, Wilkie Collins, J. S. Le Fanu (he writes fabulous Victorian ghost stories), Bram Stoker. Louise Penny, Agatha Christie, G. M. Malliet (Max Tudor series). I could go on.
Pat Conroy will always hold a special place in my heart. Others I impatiently wait to publish…. Anthony Doer, Eowyn Ivey, Gail Godwin, Ann Lamont, Kate Morton, Jan Brett (children’s literature). I just discovered Louise Penny and now I am trying to catch up with her.
So, many great authors…. If I have to narrow it down I’d say Fredrik Backman, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Jim Murphy.
Anything by Kate Morton! Her next book releases earlier in the UK than the U.S., so I will be picking up my copy when I’m home in England in September. The only tiny problem is that I like the American cover better…
I am always excited for Kate Morton’s new book.
I love Jane Austen and many others.
I love the classics, so Louisa May Alcott, L.M. Montgomery, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Westerns: Elmer Kelton and Louis L’Amour, and for modern day: Karen Witemeyer and Linda Ellen. 🙂
My favorites are Jojo Moyes, Tana French, Kate Atkinson Jackson Brody series, Robert Galbraith/JK Rowling Cormoran Strike series, Liane Moriarty, Anita Shreve, Jodi Picoult. Luckily most are coming out with new books this year. Also I love the detective/lawyer writers Michael Connelly and John Grisham, and also Erik Larson for his nonfiction historical stories. And the animal lover in me adores Jon Katz.
I’m going to limit myself to contemporary writers because it’s marginally easier! But I will read anything by Marisa de los Santos. And Kate Morton. And as long as it isn’t a Shopaholic book, Sophie Kinsella (because we all need fun fast reads from time to time, right?). I know there are more, but I’ll leave it there.
My all-time favorite author is Jane Austen; I revisit her works frequently. I’ve followed Sharyn McCrumb for years. Janet Evanovich helped me through some of the worst times of my life. Most recently, authors like Matthew Betley have helped me understand the mindset of my fiancé, a 12-year combat veteran.
Goodreads is my friend and helps me track all of this on my “to read” list once I hear a new book is coming out. Currently waiting for: newest Jack Reacher from Lee Child, newest Gabriel Allon by Daniel Silva, newest Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly, newest Alex Delaware by Jonathan Kellerman, newest Bess Todd or Inspector Ian Rutledge by Charles Todd, newest Mike Bowditch by Paul Doiron, newest Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James by Deborah Crombie.
Not writing fast enough: Bill Bryson, William Myers,
Sadly not writing any more: Peter Mayle.
Plus about 160 new authors on my To Read List to check out!
Lucy Dillon! I fell in love with her series starting with Lost Dogs and Lonely Hearts. But several of the books were not at the time published in the US. But I love her books so much I ordered them from Amazon UK!
I enjoy Charles Martin as a contemporary writer. I think he is clever and I like the “local color.”
I enjoy Charles Dickens as a classic writer. I love the period to which he takes the reader.
Pauline Gedge and Manda Scott, both great ancient historical fiction writers! Pauline Gedge’s books are mostly set in ancient Egypt. Manda Scott’s series set in ancient Britain was very enjoyable indeed. I need to read her new stuff!
I would have to say Kristen Hannah is a favorite, along with Mary Kay Andrews, Joslynn Jackson,Stephanie Evanovich, and J.K.Rowling. My all time favorite is and will always be Jane Austin.
I just took at a look at those I have as auto-buys on Amazon: Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, Cassandra Clare, Dianne Duvall, Jennifer Estep, Jeaniene Frost, Jaye Wells, Patrick Rothfuss, J.D. Robb (but I don’t like Nora Roberts’ books – weird), Rick Riordan, Karen Marie Moning, Richelle Mead, Seanan McGuire, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Julie Kagawa, Darynda Jones, Larissa Ione, and Thea Harrison. Wow, that was way more than I thought I would have. I clearly have a leaning towards Urban Fantasy!!!
YES! J.D. Robb! And, I don’t like Nor Roberts’ books, either!
Jodi Picoult, Kristin Hannah, Susan Meissner, William Kent Krueger, and Mitch Albom are authors that make me stop and purchase their book immediately.
Marisa de los Santos
In no particular order:
Diana Gabaldon
John Irving
Bill Bryson
Fredrick Backman
Charlotte Bronte
Jane Austen
Phillipa Gregory
Elizabeth Berg
L Frank Baum
CS Lewis
Celeste Ng
Spaulding Grey
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Catherine Mackenzie, Jacqueline Winspear (Maisie Dobbs series), Susan Elia Mac Neal (Maggie Hope series),
Ayn Rand, Jennifer Estep, Sarah Addison Allen, Sue Grafton, who will never write Z is for…, David Baldacci, Rob Smith, Anita Shreve, Doris Mortman, Andrew Greeley, J.K. Rowling, Simone Pond, Charlie N. Holmberg, Kathleen Woodiwiss, to name a few.
Sarah Addison Allen had a FB post this morning with a mention of a character in the book she’s currently writing. ?????? I know she’s been taking time off due to illness in her family, so of course I understand the long delay, but I was super excited to hear there’s another book finally on the way!
This is really exciting news – she is definitely one of my favorites.
Beatriz Williams! I loved “The Secret Life of Violet Grant”, “A Hundred Summers” and “The Summer Wives”. She’s definitely “my type”!!! She has not failed me yet!
Just a few recently that I’ve loved: Steve Sheinkin and Eowyn Ivey. Both write completely different novels (Sheinkin writes nonfiction for young adults) but I love them both and always anticipate reading their newest stuff.
Annie Barrows – The Truth According to Us – the audiobook was exceptionable. Frances Mayes – All non-fiction
George Elliot – So far Middlemarch and Daniel DeRonda
Jullian Fellows – Belgravia
Lianne Moriarity – All books
Pat Conroy – All books
MFK Fisher
Margaret Mitchell
Pope Benedict XVI – All books
The Diaries of Nell Last
Iris Origo – All books
E.M. Forester – All books
I could go on and on regarding favorite books!
Definitely Margaret Peterson Haddix, and Jenny Colgan (guilty pleasure)
I am such a fan girl when it comes to books that I am only going to name the authors who I will always go out and buy their book in hardcover: Luis Alberto Urrea; Barbara Kingsolver; Anne Tyler; Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; Zadie Smith; Amor Towles; Celeste Ng; Helen Thorpe. I would also include-Wallace Stegner; Kent Haruf; Emile Zola; Edith Wharton; and Willa Cather: wouldn’t it be great if they discovered a lost manuscript?!
Jodi Picoult, A.J. Jacobs, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Emily Giffin, Penny Reid.
I’m glad to see another Penny Reid fan!
Hmmm off the top of my head Rainbow Rowell, John Green, Marissa Meyer, Jenny Colgan, Lisa Lutz, Jen Lancaster… I’m noticing I really like authors with the same first and last initial. Hmm…
Favorite Authors – Barbara Kingsolver (I read The Poisonwood Bible this summer – it’s my first book of hers to read, I will be reading more!) I love Adrianna Triggiani especially The Big astone Gap Series and The Shoemakers Wife – easy reads I know but still loveable. I have read many books that I love but authors I am more choosy – Jodie Picoult comes to mind as she keeps up with current topics and some of her books are like riding a roller coaster!! I adore Louise Penny and intend to read every one in her series!
I’m a huge fantasy fan but I read a bit of everything. My favourite authors are Raymond E. Feist, David Gemmell, N. K. Jemisin, but I also LOVE Jane Austen. Marian Keyes, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Matthew Reilly books are all on my guilty pleasure reads list.
Pat Conroy is most definitely my #1 and I’m so sad we won’t get anymore new work from him. Others: Meg Wolitzer, Anna Quindlen, John Irving, Michael Lewis, and Megan Abbott.
Well, I’d certainly pay to go see Jane Austen! If only.
Starting with older authors: George Eliot, Thomas Hardy, Oscar Wilde, and of course, Jane Austen. She certainly wins the vote for this question!
John Steinbeck, C. S. Forester (and all my British Navy friends, Jay Worrall, Patrick O’Brian, James Nelson, JD Davies, S. Thomas Russell, and William Hammond.)
Contemporary–Dick Francis (every one), Sue Grafton (every one, sorry no Z!), Liane Moriarty, Alexander McCall Smith, Jennifer Weiner, Barbara Kingsolver, Peter Mayle, Alan Bradley, Lisa Genova,
LA Meyer (YA–Bloody Jack series), Diana Gabaldon, Martha Grimes, PD James, Ann Patchett, Adriana Trigiani, Ivan Doig, Anne Tyler and Rohinton Mistry.
A huge ‘yes’ to Liane Moriarty! My other favourite Aussie author (probably my favourite living author at the moment) is Kate Morton, and I did purchase a ticket and attend a talk and book signing event with her when she released The Lake House. I also enjoy reading Louise Penny and Celeste Ng. Among other favourites are Mary Oliver (poetry counts, right?), Anthony Doerr, Amor Towles, Fredrik Backman, and the late Jane Austen, the Bronte sisters, Alexandre Dumas, Mikhail Bulgakov, and Charles Dickens.
Oh, oh! And of course Diana Gabaldon, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Margaret Atwood.
John Green’s FIOS was such a good book. I loved it. His other books just can’t compare I feel..I did read Turtles. It was quirky/strange/out there…but I will continue to read his books hoping they will live up to FIOS because I loved it so much.
Tough one! Definitely JK Rowling/Robert Galbraith. New favorites are Louise Penny, Liane Moriarty, and Kristun Hannah thanks to you’re podcast! I’m still up for the latest John Grisham or Stephen King. Faulkner has always been one of my favorites.
These posts are dangerous as they always end up expanding my TBR list. 🙂
I will buy and read anything by these authours:
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chris Bohjalian, Michael Connelly, Emma Donoghue, Tana French, Atul Gawande, AM Homes, Nick Hornby, Wally Lamb, Dennis Lehane, Ruth Ozaki, Carolyn Parkhurst, JK Rowling, Elizabeth Strout and Jesmyn Ward.
You took me about 90 seconds to buy my ticket to the Novel Neighbor. See you September 1.
Also Diana Gabaldon. Jodi Picoult, Judy Blume and more than I can count.
Anne Patchett, Barbara Kingsolver, Anne Lamott, Susan Orlean, Elinor Lipman, Eric Larsen, Kate Atkinson for a start
Ann Patchett has the power to take you right into her character’s world. I’ve had the experience of looking up and having to reorient myself. She’s is wonderful.
Some of my favorite authors are Jhumpa Lahiri, Louise Penny, David Sedaris and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I also enjoy Jojo Moyes, Ann Patchett, Marilynne Robinson, and Liane Moriarty as well.
Love looking over these favorites!
Louise Penny
Kristin Hannah
JK Rowling
Joshilyn Jackson
Fredrik Backman
Elizabeth Berg
Barbara Kingsolver
Deborah Crombie
Madeline L’Engle
I’m a huge fan of Katherine Reay and Shannon Hale! I’ve always loved chick flicks and always wished I could find books that create the same atmosphere and Katherine array does it perfectly without being cheesy. Shannon Hale makes me loves fractured or (as I call them) extended fairytales. She seems to capture what Robin McKinley did with beauty and I love the Goose Girl and Princess Academy. And of course Austenland. 🙂
Authors whose books I will pre-order and for who I would drive 2 hours for an event: Barbara Kingsolver. Neil Gaiman. Seanan McGuire/Mira Grant. Diana Gabaldon.
The late and lamented: Laurie Colwin (I can’t believe she didn’t show up earlier), Robertson Davies, Dorothy Dunnett, and Terry Pratchett. Georgette Heyer and Dorothy Sayers.
The past: Jane Austen, George Elliot, Anthony Trollope.
Still writing: A.S. Byatt, Marisa de los Santos, Lois McMaster Bujold, Neil Gaiman, Haruki Murakami, JK Rowling/Galbraith.
I haven’t heard anyone mention Robertson Davies in years. I absolutely love getting lost in his works
I would go miles to see John McPhee or Susan Orlean. I love nonfiction best of all, and can’t wait for The Patch and The Library Book this fall.
I love Anne Tyler, Stewart O’Nan, Scott Spencer, and Matthew Norman.
Susanna Clarke! Why has no one mentioned Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell on WSIRN? Her collection of short stories is equally ah-mazing.
I would LOVE to hear a discussion of this book on WSIRN. I’ve never read anything quite like it and was totally immersed in its world. I remember recommending it to a friend, who ordered it online sight-unseen. She later called to complain that I hadn’t mentioned it was 800 pages long. It IS kind of a doorstop, so maybe it’s length deters some readership who might otherwise love it.
I like this post! Some of my favorite authors (in no particular order) are: Sigrid Undset, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell, George Eliot, Willa Cather, Michael D. O’Brien, Evelyn Waugh, C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Caryll Houselander. Also promising newly discovered (to me) authors are Paul Gallico (loved Mrs. ‘Arris Goes to Paris) and Elizabeth von Arnim (really enjoyed The Enchanted April).
Happy Reading!
Jan Karon for the Mitford books, I’ve read them all multiple times but my favorite is Shepherds Abiding, especially at Christmas time. In mysteries, JA Jance is my favorite. Karen Kingsbury and Kristin Hannah are favorites too! My newest discovery is Sharon Garlough Brown for Christian Formation in fiction form! I also like Katie Ganshert.
My answer changes as years go by. For this phase of life, I’ll go with Anne Lamott, Terry Pratchett, NK Jemisin, and Robin Sloan.
Becky Albertalli, John Green, Nadia Bolz-Weber, and Rachel Held Evans are four that I’ve read everything they’ve written and would read anything else they ever write!
Rosamunde Pilcher, Maeve Binchy, Frederick Backman, Jussi Adler-Olsen, Joseph Ellis, David McCullough,
Colleen Hoover is one I will always buy her newest work, no questions asked. Sarah Dessen as well.
As an Aussie it makes my heart sing to hear that Liane Moriarty is loved in other countries too, I simply cannot wait for her next book. Anne, I often wonder if you have heard of the Irish writer Marian Keyes – she is another all time favourite of mine and I would recommend her latest book ‘The Break’. I also love Emily Griffin, John Grisham, Lauren Weisberger, Kate Quinn and Ian McEwan to name a few.
Jane Austen
All three Brontes
Agatha Christie
Dorothy Sayers
Charlotte Mason
Sandra Brannan
Tana French
Marisa de los Santos
Kristin Hannah
Emily Giffin
Deana Raybourn
Sarah Susanka
I have so many writers I enjoy so much that I can’t wait for their next book to be released. However, my favorite authors are in two groups, the pre-twentieth century and the post-twentieth century. I love Jane Austen (because it is a commonly acknowledged fact that if you’re female you should have read Pride and Prejudice at least once), William Shakespeare (in Elizabethan English; there’s no better way to read it :-D), Enid Blyton (her children adventure stories are awesome), JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis.
In post-2000, I literally search nearly every week for books by Francine Rivers, Mariana Zapata, Elin Peer, Evangeline Anderson, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ted Dekker, Tillie Cole, Judith Bronte and more recently, RL Mathewson.
So happy to have see some portuguese authors on the comments. I love Afonso Cruz and Camilo Castelo Branco. Then on the foreign section i will auto-buy Ken Follett, C.W. Gortner and Carlos Ruiz Zafon, Donna Tartt. On the thriller section i love Camila Lackberg, Horjst and Rosenfeldt.
Even though he’s a children’s author, I would say Roald Dahl.
Susanna Kearsley, Diana Gabaldon (Outlander books only), Deborah Harkness, Charles Martin, Jane Austin, Elin Hilderbrand, Tom Clancy’s early Jack Ryan books,Liz Curtis Higgs, Kristin Hannah
I’ve always been a big fan of Anita Shreve and was crushed when I learned she recently passed away.
PS: I had a change of plans and am now looking forward to coming to your talk at Carmichael’s 🙂
Marissa Meyer is one who I will happily follow to anywhere she goes. And if anyone ever came to Chattanooga, I’d happily go see her. ? I love Anne Tyler, too, and read all her books as they come out! I’m SUPER excited for that new Cormoran Strike novel!
Wow!This question really struck a chord with so many of us. And, obviously we have favorite authors for a reason, because they are great story tellers! And so, I have seen my favorite authors mentioned many times in this thread. I enjoy Joshilyn Jackson, Sarah Addison Allen, Adriana Trigiani, Susanna Kearsley, and Susan Meissner. I have always loved Fannie Flagg, and have read ALL of her books, and the same goes for Jan Karon. Hmmm, looking at my list, I need to find some favorite male authors…
Try Charles Martin-always a wonderful read.
Typically I am afraid of reading the same author again and again. I have done that in the past with authors and quality seems to change once they hit their peak. Back in the 80s and 90s, I read Danielle Steel and Stephen King. I quit reading both of them for different reasons. She started phoning it in and he switched to more realistic situations. I really preferred his supernatural stories. Nowadays I read Diana Gabaldon because I must know what’s happening with Jamie and Claire. I will look at Amor Towles next book. I have enjoyed Carlos Zafon Ruiz. I have really liked most of the Susanna Kearsley books. With the exception of Outlander, book 9, I will look at each authors next book and decide.
Ok, now upon further thought, I do have some favorite male authors: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Peter Mayle. And I forgot Francine Rivers. Has anyone ever read “Redeeming Love”? Sooooooo good!
Yes, and she has a lovely series of little books about women in the Bible. Have you read Hoses, the biblical source for Redeeming Love?
I love a good Andrea Camilleri mystery. His Montalbano series is the best. For the descriptions of Sicily alone they are worth it. I also watch the tv series in Italian, but I think it is also available in English.
Y’all need to read Matt Haig!! His book How To Stop Time is sooo good. And also omg The Humans!! I recently discovered him and he’s my new favorite writer. ??
I glanced at the comments. Did nobody mention John Grisham – always a good read. And I always read Harlan Coben. There are others more literary, but sometimes one just wants an enjoyable book you read in a day or two.
The Jasper Fforde series offer fun and clever twists on literary & kidlit) classics (with a twist of comic noir). And ‘unique settings’ is an understatement.
I will read anything written by Laura Hillenbrand, Jhumpa Lahiri, Mary Karr, Pat Conroy, Kate Atkinson, Cheryl Strayed (wow…so many women…never realized that before). And I recently added Amor Towles to the list. I read “I Am I Am I Am” by Maggie OFarrel and I’m eager to read her other books. She may be going on my list as well. Loved her writing style.
My reading tastes are all over the map (there’s nothing like a good cereal box).
J. K. Rowling and Neil Gaiman, of course. When I need a laugh I go straight to Christopher Moore. If you want a gripping story that packs heart-felt (and sometimes heartrending) sighs, please try anything by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
It is so much easier to name favorite authors than favorite books!
Beloved and departed: Jane Austen, Dorothy Sayers, Josephine Tey, Magdalen Nabb, J Priestley, Ray Bradbury
Established and vibrant: Anne Tyler, Barbara Kingsolver, Louise Erdrich, David McCullough, Malcolm Gladwell, David Liss, Neil Gaiman
The writers of compelling thrillers, and mysteries: Carol O’Connell, Sara Paretsky, William Kent Krueger. David Morrell. Camille Lackberg, Arnaldur Indriðason Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, Laurie R King
Urban fantasies: Jim Butcher, Faith Hunter
And the short story writers: Amy Hemphill, Ron Carlson, Stuart Dybek, (thank you, Selected Shorts!) James Alan McPherson
Okay, I gotta stop. For me it all about great story telling – even if it is non-fiction
Neil Gaiman
Nancy Atherton
Natasha Friend (though I am behind on her list! I even own one and haven’t touched it!!)
Neil rarely makes appearances near me, Nancy doesn’t travel, and Natasha is YA so mostly does school functions. Also I never noticed the N pattern before now!!
I also loved the Chemical Garden series by Lauren Destefano but gave up on her Broken Kingdom series. Before that – LOVE!!
Hmmm. Louise Penny, Madeleine L’Engle (everything) Charles Martin, Anne Perry (especially the William Monk series) Deanna Raybourn, Catherine Ryan Hyde, P.D. James, Wendell Berry, Cynthia Voigt (YA), Katherine Paterson, Susanna Kearsley, Kate Morton. Enough. I enjoyed seeing names mentioned I had not heard before.
Haruki Murakami is one of my favorite authors. Just finished reading Kafka on the Shore. Highly recommend!
Anne Tyler – just got her Pulitzer Prize winner, “Breathing Lessons” at our library’s used book fair last month.
Maeve Binchy and Jodi Picoult – I’ve ready many books by each of these authors.
I will always fall back and read Poe! The man was a genius, unstable or not. Other authors I will read anything they put out are Khaled Houssani, Daniel Silva, Erik Larson, Michael Palmer (sadly he has passed and I have read them all), Ian McEwan, Robert Harris, and Lisa Genova. The rest of my reading is extremely varied by author as I read a great deal of non fiction lately.
Rachel Abbott, Liane Moriarty, Louise Penny, Steve Martini, Michael Connelly, Nelson DeMille, Susan Howatch, Greg Iles, Lee Child are all writers I read whenever a new book of theirs comes out.
Wendell Berry, Tracy Chevalier, Geraldine Brooks, Amor Towles, Marilyn Robinson, Sigrid Undset, and Flannery O’Connor. Several of these I’ve been introduced to by you, Anne, and I’m so very grateful!
Hi! When the comment section had around 50 replies I was copying and pasting authors onto a note page on my phone & planned to look into all of the authors I don’t currently read. Is there anyway you could publish a list derived from the comments? Maybe a web guru would know how to do it and delete repeats? OK – probably not possible but how great would that be?!?!?!!!
So I laughed when I read your comment, and read it out loud to my techie hubby. Having heard him talk about writing programming code for random things for the fun of it, I was not surprised to hear him say, “I’m on it!”
Yay!!!! Very impressed by your hubby! Not easy to make a list when some authors are listed by last names, others by first and last, some comments discuss books, etc. Will you share the list when he finishes? Otherwise I will be scrolling though the comments of this blog post for a looooooooong time, as in weeks, months, etc. BTW, my hubby is in IT and is impressed, too 🙂
Laini Taylor, Michael Connelly, and Kwame Alexander are the currently writing authors that I haunt the shelves for and automatically read anything new!
My list is pretty eclectic and has a lot more nonfiction than I expected! Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Ray Bradbury, Ruth Reichl, Atul Gawande, Brene Brown, Dan Ariely, Jhumpa Lahiri, MFK Fisher, and Jacqueline Woodson.
Favorite author hands down is Justin Cronin. I’m a borderline fanatic about his The Passage trilogy. His writing is indescribable. If you get a chance to hear him speak, it is well worth your time. He talks about how he Mull’s over every sentence, because every word and every sentence has to have meaning and portray what you want. I’m speechless over his talent.
My all time favorites: Barbara Kingsolver, Kate Atkinson, and
Tana French. Nothing better! I enjoy seeing others’ favorites, too, as it’s always nice to dive head long into a great story by someone new (to me).
Current. Frederik Backman and Celeste Ng
Past. John Irving and Leon Uris
But of Course. Jane Austen
JK Rowling (Richard Galbraith)
JK Rowling, Jane Austrn and F. Backman are some favorites I can re-read often!
I’m a sucker for anything Susanna Kearsley writes. I just finished her new book, Bellewether, last night and it was soooo good. She never disappoints.
I’m working through Bellewether right now! I discovered Susanna Kearsley back in February and have been reading everything of hers ever since. So far, The Winter Sea and A Desperate Fortune are my favorites. She’s a master storyteller!
This is nonfiction, but I always have a hard time waiting for Erik Larson’s next book. He writes nonfiction that reads like a novel.
My favorite authors that are an automatic buy are Cassandra Clare, Philippa Gregory, Sarah Addison Allen, Dan Brown, Lisa See, Kate Morton, Gillian Flynn, C.W. Gortner, and Deborah Harkness.
So many
Wally Lamb, Pat Conroy, Joyce Carol Oates, Jhumpa Iahiri, Lisa See, Richard North Patterson, Naomi Ragen, Kent Haruf, Marge Piercy, Jacquellyn Mitchard, Ann Patchett, Barbara Kingsolver, Geraldine Brookes, John Irving, Elizabeth Berg, Anna Quinlan, Jodi Piccoult, David McCullough, Malcolm Gladwell, David Halberstrom, Doris Kearns Goodwin
Robin McKinley. Her fantasy novels are often found in the YA section of libraries/stories, but they are often totally adult-worthy reads with wonderfully intelligent and BAMF female leads. One novel, Dragonhaven, has a fantastic male lead.
“Old” fave is already mentioned: Barbara Kingsolver (favorite title Poisonwood Bible. Living not far from the Congo as a child myself, her exquisite story telling has a particularly raw appeal to me). After living in Afghanistan and never getting around to Khaled Hosseini’s work, I am currently kicking myself for not doing it till now. Then again, I would have devoured his novels and not been able to discover them as a new joy now . . . 😉
I will read every book Kate Atkinson puts out. Same for Donna Tartt.
Lianne Moriarty, Barbara Kingsolver, Anne Patchett
i love lots of authors but my favs are:
Jane Austen, Rosamunde Pilcher, D.E. Stevenson (I’m trying to collect all hers), Angela Thirkell, James Herriot, Jan Karon, Catherine Marshall, Wendell Berry, David McCullough, PG Wodehouse, GK Chesterton, LM Montgomery, LI Wilder, Susan Branch, E Gaskell, Miss Read, and children’s author, Elizabeth Enright , among others. I’m sure I’ve forgotten some. Oh! Rick Bragg. Elizabeth Goudge – how could I forget her? And Louis L’Amour.
Jodi Picoult is coming to our local bookstore in October, definitely won’t miss it! Also, Anne, if you came to Phoenix I’d be there in a heartbeat!
Right now I am loving Neil Gaiman. His voice is amazing reading The Ocean At The End Of The Lane. I have loved everything I’ve read of his so far. Also, I have been patiently waiting for Erin Morgenstern, who wrote The Night Circus, to come out with something else. Many of the other authors named here are favorites of mine too.
My go to authors are many. Some that pop into my mind are Barbara Kingsolver, Jodi Picoult, Doris Kearns Goodwin, John M Barry, J.K. Rowling, Dana Sobel, Erik Larson, Herman Wouk, Lois Lowry, David Oshinsky, and many more.
My favorites are Nicholas Sparks, Dorothea Benton Frank, Judy Blume, Fannie Flagg, Elin Hilderbrand. I like to read Biographies, Fiction, Christian Fiction and Non Fiction. I am fortunately able to stay at home, while my husband works,(had a stroke 2 1/2 yrs ago, and cannot type the way that I used to, which is the normal way with both hands together.my E-reader gets lots of use daily.
Jane Austen — she’s the classic favorite that many have mentioned but I can’t resist saying again.
L.M. Montgomery — I grew up with Anne and just recently read the Emily series. Love!
Agatha Christie — I’ve only read three of her books, but I’ve listened to all of them on audio and they’ve left me wanting more! I listened to Orient Express and And Then There Were None narrated by Dan Stevens, and then Death on the Nile narrated by David Suchet. Amazing!
Winston Graham — if you’re familiar with the new BBC series Poldark, Graham is the author of the books that the show is based on. As I usually say, the books are better 😉 He’s an incredible storyteller and might be the best at character development of any author I’ve ever read.
J.K. Rowling — does it count if I’ve still only read Harry Potter? I currently don’t really feel the need to read her newer stuff, to be honest #literaryconfession
Susanna Kearsley — I discovered her in February and fell in love. It’s my goal to read all of her books by the end of the year.
Laura Hillenbrand — I know she’s only written two books, but she’s more than proved herself with them. I can’t wait for her next one (that’ll be out in like 2024 maybe?)
Eric Metaxas — I constantly recommend his biography on William Wilberforce.
Karen Swallow Prior — I love her Hannah More biography and her memoir! Very excited to get her new book, On Reading Well. She’s a dream WSIRN guest for me! Want to make that happen, Anne?! 😉
Carolyn Weber — she’s also only written two or three books, but I know I’d auto-buy her work if she continues writing. Her memoir Surprised by Oxford is one of my favorite books of all time.
Oh wow who di I get excited about a new book?? I’m with you, anything by JK Rowling is something to get excited about. Sarah J Maas is a huge one… her last cliffhanger is killing me! Cassandra Clare is another great one. Brent Weeks is so awesomely weird, I’ll read anything of his without knowing what I’m getting into. Rainbow Rowell is another one I’ll read without asking questions (although I do agree with Chatti, Eleanor and Park was NOT my favorite). If Christopher Paolini ever announces a new book I’ll probably pass out. I think those are my biggest ones… there’s more than I thought!
Jane Austen #1, because the 1995 P&P mini-series prompted my first read of P&P, which changed my reading life. There are so many other authors I enjoy reading including Andrew M. Greeley, Jan Karon, Frances Mayes, Miss Read, Georgette Heyer, Jennifer Chiaverini, Francine Rivers, Marian Chesney, Elizabeth Gaskell (I love Cranford and just discovered North and South), and Carolyn Buehner because I just love the “Snowmen” series of children’s books – I have my own set of hardbacks and re-read them regularly throughout the years.
I love Heyer 🙂
Gretchen Rubin is one of my absolute favorite authors. Anne Lamott, Helen Fielding, and of course Jane Austen.
J.D. Robb is my go-to ALWAYS author for her In Death series. She is Nora Roberts but I don’t read Nora Roberts normally. I like David Baldacci, the Amos Decker series, Louise Penny’s Inspector Gamache series, Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon series, W.E.B. Griffin’s The Presidential Agent and Men in Blue series’, and Deborah Crombie’s Duncan/Kincaid series.
The author I turn to when yearning for heartfelt storytelling that weaves scientific knowledge with Native American traditions of knowing about the natural world – and for prose that transcends into poetry — is Robin Wall Kimmerer (I recommend beginning with “Gathering Moss”). To be clear, I am no science buff or (despite my grand ambitions) even an outdoors-person. But, Robin Wall Kimmerer has such an incredible gift with teaching one to see, to breathe in, and to connect with a world that is very much here, even though many of us have little personal experience or knowledge of it. Although I am no more outdoors-y than I was before reading her books for the first time, I genuinely feel like I’ve changed, because my way of seeing and feeling for the world has changed.
As a bit of background, she is a Professor of Environmental and Forest Biology, a member of the Potawatomi Nation, and, evidently through her writing, a lover of literature. I have on multiple occasions gifted Kimmerer’s books (but always and only to my most beloved friends :). If you don’t think a book about mosses is going to do anything for you other than put you on the fast track to sleep (I can’t even remember what accident put the book in my hands in the first place), it may be worthwhile to give Robin Wall Kimmerer a read 🙂
Top 3 (in order):
Tana French
Dennis Lehane
James Lee Burke
David Sedaris
Tom Hodgkinson
Nancy Mitford
Haruki Murakami
Helen Fielding (have read all the Bridget Jones books multiple times)
J K Rowling – love everything bar A Casual Vacancy
Ruth Reichl
Michael Booth
Hilary McKay -kids’ books
Sue Limb, Grace Dent, Louise Rennison – funny comfort UK YA authors
Elly Griffiths
Ann Cleeves
Marian Keyes
Hilary Mantel
Bill Bryson
Nicci French
Deborah Crombie
Fredrik Backman
Nigella Lawson- I read her cookbooks like novels
Currently obsessing over Karl Ove Knausgaard.
My faves: Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Peter Robinson, Elizabeth George, Jan Karon, Louise Penny, Tanya French, Carol Goodman, Susan Hill, Alice Hoffman, Elly Griffiths, Martha Grimes.
Children’s book (adult!) author, William Steig.
His rich vocabulary, humorous words, and vivid imagery make him my favorite author EVER!
Karen White, Judy Blume, and I know there are many more, I just can’t remember them at this minute.
ohhhhh, this is hard. I will read anything and everything by: Sue Monk Kidd, Kristin Hannah, Elizabeth Berg, Fredrik Backman, John Boyne, Mary Alice Monroe,
Alexander McCall Smith is my go to author. I call his novels my happy books. When they had a virtual event with him at the Edinburgh Book Festival last summer, I bought tickets. There are so many authors that I will give a partial list. Charles Finch, Jacqueline Winspear, Charles Todd, Rhys Bowen, Louise Penny, Cynthia Kuhn, J.K. Mulhern, Donna Leon, and Ellery Adams. And many more. I write the dates of their book publications so I can pre-order their books.