Photo Credit: 3rd Grade’s a Hoot
In the last few months I’ve talked about my favorite series of books and also my favorite protagonist, but does that necessarily mean that the author of those books is my favorite? I don’t know. Actually, I do. No it doesn’t. If you missed that post I’ll link to it at the end of this, but let’s just say that my favorite series revolves around my favorite protagonist who sometimes goes by the Girl on Fire. I sincerely hope that you know who she is. If not, your life is probably a mess. Just kidding. Not really.
Okay. So now I have to dive into who I think is my single favorite author. If it’s possible to have a single favorite. This is one of those questions that always depends on when you ask. I’d be willing to bet that many people today would name John Green or Veronica Roth as their favorite. Understandable, but I don’t think one’s favorite author should always be changing. I’ve had just two books make the top of my best books read list since I first started it. I think the list has over 120 titles. See, I think one’s favorite author should be treated similarly. If they are truly your favorite, then they should remain so for some time. Not two weeks until you read the next book you deem to be the best ever.
So now that I’ve eliminated Suzanne Collins from the competition, let me see who else might make the top of the pile. Robert B. Parker. I think by the time I’m 35 or 40 I’ll have every book he ever wrote. The number is around 70 divided between several different series. But I don’t think he’s my favorite. Marcus Sakey. He has a handful of books that were truly great. I actually remember the story of every one. Somewhat. But his two most recent books are part of a trilogy that I’ll never read. Much too sci-fi for me when he’s a crime writer. I think there are only two more authors who are seriously in the running for the coveted title of John Guillen’s Favorite Author Award.
Michael Connelly. This guy just does not know how to write a mediocre novel. Harry Bosch is probably the best detective series I’ve read. I’ve also read one of his Mickey Haller novels, great. I really have nothing negative to say about his writing style or any of his books.
Robert Crais. He’s here because of Elvis Cole, who heavily influenced my own Andrew Banks. Again, nothing negative to say about any of his books I’ve read. It took me a long time to start the series because of the title of the first book. I kept hesitating to take a chance, but the climax of that first one was so intense that it was one of those rare times when you can’t read the words fast enough.
After a lot of thought, I can’t pick a winner. These two are the best of the best when it comes to crime fiction today. I deem the competition a tie.
But maybe you can. Do you have a single favorite author who isn’t just whomever is in the spotlight at the moment?
Ahh! This is so hard. I think it’s pretty much impossible for any book lover to answer this. My absolute favorite growing up was Tamora Pierce. Though I haven’t really read her books in a while, she’s probably my all-time consistent favorite. Then JK Rowling, of course. And more recently, Juliet Marillier and CJ Redwine. I think my current favorites are changing, but there are always those authors that just stick with you, no matter what. 🙂
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You’re kinda doing what I said not to do. I no like you.
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Oh, well…too bad 🙂
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I’m never sending your book now. Oh well. 🙂
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Nooo 😦 not fair
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Your fault. Your sarcasm. 😉
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Terry Pratchett. Hands down, not a doubt in my mind. If he could be the only author I could ever read ever, I would still be pretty content. His Discworld series is plenty vast enough, and he’s got quite a few things outside that series, too, should I ever get bored with Discworld, which seems unfathomable.
Of course, there are a lot of others, some of which are probably better authors. But are they my favorite? Nope. This guy is, without a question.
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I thought that was a woman. Whoops. Obviously never read his work.
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You’re not thinking Ann Pratchett, are you? Either way, for shame. He’s fantastic. You should give him a go sometime.
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Nope. I don’t even know her. I honestly probably won’t. I’m picky. And rarely take book recommendations.
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My favorite author is Stephen King and he has been my favorite since I was 12. Kim Harrison is a very close second though. I usually don’t remember authors too much, just the book. I am currently enjoying James Dashner, the author of The Maze Runner, but we will see if his name stands to time once I have moved on from the series.
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I’d think Stephen King is the favorite of many with how many books he sells. I don’t know Harrison and I think I’ve heard of the other guy. Cause there’s a movie coming, right?
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Yep. In September. The only reason I picked up the book. I think this makes me a nerd or something. But the book was really good.
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At least you read the book first. Could have been me and seen eight Harry Potter movies without reading a single page. Haha
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What??!! Are you crazy? lol If I know there is a book I won’t watch the movie first. It’s just the way I roll.
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Nope. Now I get to experience the books for the first time while you have neither the books or the movies. I win.
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Mine has been Stephen King for a while, because I can generally count on enjoying his books. There are plenty of close seconds.
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Hm. Does it irk you that I haven’t read any of his books? Haha I have one on Kindle, though!
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Really! your missing out though if you don’t like thrillers he probably wont be your thing anyway. Under the Dome is my one of my favorites, I’d start there if you decide to try one of his novels.
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Remember my post last week about book recommendations? Haha I don’t think I will.
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Who’s the girl on fire?? lol
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Oh be quiet.
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I have lots of authors I love to read, but one author in particular has been on the top of my list since I read my first book by her when I was sixteen. I’ve read almost all her work, and she’s THE person to spark my dream of becoming a writer. That author is Anne McCaffrey – I have yet to read a book by her I didn’t like. Even better, I reread her books and never get tired of the stories … Mostly because there are so many!
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No idea who she is.
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She’s an older science fiction writer. Which is why I felt I could share her with you for an example – she isn’t one of the hyped up authors that come and go. I think she’s considered one of the science fiction classics now, up there with Isaac Asimov.
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I don’t know who he is, either. Haha
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Hmm. Oh well. You probably don’t read science fiction, anyway. I just thought I’d share that I did have a favorite – although that doesn’t keep me from liking dozens of other authors. 🙂
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I have like 11 sci-fi books. Something like that.
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Wally Lamb. No question.
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No idea who he is. Sounds like a character from a children’s book.
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You should clear your schedule…lol…She’s Come Undone is a good one to start with. Then I know this much is true. Then We are water.
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It’s really hard to narrow down a few favorites, but the authors that have always stood the test of time for me are L.M. Montgomery, J.R.R. Tolkien and Madeleine L’Engle.
They’re the authors that have most influenced me as a writer and as a young reader.
But I have quite a long list of other authors that I love. As everyone does.
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I might not ever go back and finish A Wrinkle in Time.
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Well that’s a cryin shame. Too sci if for you?
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Nope. Just too bad. Didn’t like it from page one.
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Really? Hmm… Interesting. I’m curious why you thought it was bad. Seriously. Since I like it. Cheesy writing? Slow plot? Weird plot? I’m intrigued.
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I don’t even remember anything from it now. Other than it was a dark and stormy night.
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Hahaa!! That’s what most people remember. She spoofed the original author of that line.
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That’s not much if people can only remember a single line.
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No, I meant they remember the first line because it’s a spoof. But I’m cool with disagreeing with you about her writing. We’re very different in our reading preferences, and that’s cool. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything by your top authors. Should I? Although I know you don’t usually recommend books.
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Harry Bosch is the best detective series I’ve read. I think you’d like him more than the others. He’s not funny or witty or anything besides determined to solve every murder investigation. He has a mantra, “Everybody counts or nobody counts.”
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Ooo… I like his perspective. I may have to check one out.
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You should.
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Do I need to start with the first one in the series? Amazon says it’s a month’s wait to ship. I suppose I could use my kindle, but I really prefer paperbacks.
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Yes. Stupid Hachette dispute. I’d bet it’d arrive sooner. Since it’s not new.
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Roald Dahl!
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I’ve only read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. I didn’t much like it.
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My favorite author is Zane. But, since high school I have acquired more favorites I’ve learned to like Shelia Goss and Stephen King.
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Zane? There are authors with one hand? Didn’t know that.
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LOL…yep! She’s a well-known erotica author.
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Oh goodness. I’m not going to say anything else. I don’t talk nicely about erotica. Ever. So I’m just going to hush up.
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That’s fine. She has film on TV and shows on Cinemax so if you don’t like erotica that’s okay. Others do. I take it that you don’t write erotica.
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Ted Dekker. Has been my number one favorite since the first time I picked up one of his books. No one else has ever really come close. I’m looking at 13 of his books on my bookshelf and I know there’s one more on my nightstand 🙂
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Sheesh. I don’t know any of these people. He has a cool name.
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He has cool books too. I think I was 14 or 15 when I first read one of his books. Long time ago.
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I bet he’s a cool guy too. Probably tells good jokes. And writes all the time. And walks in public without people going crazy. I don’t even know what the heck I’m typing. Lol
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LOL. Yeah… maybe not.
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Ooooh. I just read about him. He sounds like his hooks have to be great.
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There is a reason he is my favorite. If I could meet one famous person, it would be him.
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I’d meet Jennifer Lawrence. And I’d do my best to not die of a heart attack.
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I’d like to meet her too. She seems pretty cool.
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Nuh uh. Perfect. And she’d probably laugh at my hysteria. Then kiss me on the cheek. Then my life would be complete.
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You’re funny.
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You’re not just realizing this, are you? That would make me sad.
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No.
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Hm. I’m not convinced. I’ll just have to be funnier then. Got it.
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Haha go for it..
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I will. Watch. I’m going to have you laughing hysterically at your phone or computer or whatever like tomorrow.
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You’re on!!
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Are you challenging me? Don’t do that.
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Oh… Too late I guess
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You will lose. No. You will laugh. Watch.
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Never said I wouldnt
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Yes you did. You said, “You’re on!!” Which is basically like…try me. Or let’s see about that. Hmm.
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Yeah… I guess I did didn’t I? Haha
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Exactly. Caught you.
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Just so you know I’m easily amused. It really doesn’t take much to make me laugh.
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Monkey.
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You’re gonna have to do better than that.
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I was testing your theory that you’re easily amused. Obviously not that easily.
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Haha I see… Well you’re always funnier when you’re not trying to be funny
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Okay. Maybe I won’t “try” as hard. You’ll never know.
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Alrighty then!
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Like a couple of others have posted, my favorite author is Stephen King, hands down. I can’t say I’ve enjoyed every book he’s written, but his voice and imagination are terrific, and I still consider The Stand as my favorite book of all time. Close runner-ups would be Shel Silverstein and Dean Koontz.
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Three authors and no books read by me. I need to get on this.
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I cannot pick a favorite author. Robert B. Parker would be in the running, but there are many from which to choose just one. Dean Koontz, John Grisham, Sue Grafton, all very different writers.
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Sue Grafton!? Nooooo. I think I’ve told you I don’t much like Kinsey.
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I like her. Her one black polyester dress is funny. She’s real but quirky.
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One author. Been my favorite since I was 14, or 16. Emilie Loring. 1920-50’s romance writer. Stunning author. ( I could go on, but I do that enough on my blog. 🙂 )
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1920s? Ew.
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You are a guy. Of course you would say Ew. lol
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No. I’m normal. Who still reads that stuff? Haha
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I do! Actually, I do know a couple other people, but then, they are people who read Jane Austen. Someone you wouldn’t be caught dead reading, right?
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Just checked and Pride and Prejudice is on the Amazon list. I’ll read that.
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Okay, I’m going to answer this seriously, pretty much just to prove that I can make relevant points in important discussions, rarely, but I can. At least I’m sure I can, haven’t tried lately so here goes :p
I find it impossible to narrow down favourite authors, I have so many, there are just way too many talented writers out there for me to pick and choose, so instead I have a select few that I love for different reasons – their stories, the way they transport you to their worlds, their descriptions, their characters, their sarcasm, the list goes on and on and on and on … but now I’m spamming you so I’ll stop 😉
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And you’re just further proving your awesomeness. You’re just sarcastic because you want to be. But you don’t gave to be. 🙂
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Oh wow! My ego seriously thanks you, so thank you from my ego filled, self pride bursting heart 🙂 Really!
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Haha for the record, I think sarcasm is so much more enjoyable than seriousness. You’re welcome. 🙂
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Tell me about it. It’s also easier when you’re telling the truth but everyone else thinks you’re being sarcastic 😉
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No. Be quiet. Haha
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Okay, I’m being quiet now, but only because you asked so nicely 🙂
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No wait, I was kidding. Even though there are like 72 other conversation ongoing. Haha
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Haven’t we been over this before? No one, and I mean NO ONE can multi task like us! 😀
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You’re right. If only I could get some writing done too.
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Look, I have been keeping tabs on your writing rituals, as far as I am concerned you have absolutely nothing to worry about in this area. Once you start writing, it’s going to be like Niagara Falls :p
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Hm. That’s nice of you to say. I’ll let you know in 2016 when it happens.
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Hahaha! Okay, and I’ll let you know how my writing goes in my next lifetime, and jackpot, I win because I believe in reincarnation. Oh, I forgot, am I allowed to be competitive sometimes?
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Haha okay. I’ll write in two years and you wait until another lifetime. Fine with me. And yes. Your ultra competitiveness makes me laugh. Like everything else about you. 😉
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Christopher Moore is by far and away my favorite author. I love his writing .
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Hm. Another author I’ve never heard of.
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Catherine Coulter.
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A name I actually recognize, but no books.
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I always have a “flavor of the month”. I’d say if I had to pick, Tami Hoag would be top dog.
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I’m not sure I know what you mean. But okay.
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Cormac McCarthy will probably be my favorite for a long time. Before that it was Margaret Atwood, but I still love her, and have loved her since high school. She just wrote a really awesome book a few years ago, Oryx and Crake. But both of them have been around for a long time. I have a hard time branching out and reading books that aren’t by my favorite authors because why read something that isn’t your favorite. When I go out to a restaurant I tend to order the same thing that I’ve always ordered. I like familiarity. Some novels I have reread three to four times because I enjoy them so much. A friend of mine that was an amazing writer recommended a book by John Gardner, October Light. I tried reading it 4 years ago, and I stopped after a few pages. He isn’t McCarthy, and the book was boring. So I kept rereading McCarthy’s novels XD I’m trying to write less formulaic pieces, so I restarted October Light. The story isn’t great, but the writing is. His prose is definitely unique. I’m reading like 4-5 books at once right now because I’m not the patient sort, lol. I love sci-fi writers as well, but I couldn’t pick one favorite sci-fi author. Well if I had to I would say Orwell and then Bradbury. They come in after McCarthy and Atwood.
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You kinda didn’t really name a single author.
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True. I suppose I have several favorites, and I love them in different ways. Atwood’s books are often more entertaining than McCarthy’s, but she doesn’t have his prose. Orwell writes the kinds of books that haunt you for the rest of your life. If I could only read one author’s books for the rest of my life, I would pick McCarthy though, so of my favorite authors, he is my most favorite. I doubt that will change in the next 10-15 years.
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I’ve never read any of the authors you mentioned.
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A lot of McCarthy’s novels have been turned into movies. The Road, No Country For Old Men, All the Pretty Horses, and Child of God (released 2013). McCarthy’s most accessible novel is The Road. His other ones aren’t as easy or entertaining to read. Atwood’s most famous book is probably, The Handmaid’s Tale, but I didn’t like that one much. She’s been around for a long time, and it often required reading in high school or college. Orwell is the one that wrote the books 1984 and Animal Farm. Animal Farm and 1984 are often required reading in high school or college. I don’t know if you have heard the phrase,”Big Brother is Watching.” That comes from the novel 1984. McCarthy and Atwood have very stylized writing, so it’s either you love it or hate it. Most people enjoy Orwell because he writes really awesome stories. 1984 was written in 1949, so it’s pretty old. It was Orwell’s prediction of what would happen to the world in 1984.
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I know them. Just haven’t read them. Like Stephen King or John Grisham. Known but never read. Yet.
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Scott Westerfeld hands down. He wrote my all time favorite series and it’s been my favorite since I first read it 🙂
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He sounds like a fictional character battling a zombie apocalypse. No idea who he is. Lol
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Hahaha! He probably has! You should look into him!
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No. You’ve once again stopped reading my blog. 😦
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I know, I’m sorry! I suck lately… I haven’t been writing or reading your blog… All aboard the fail boat!
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The fail boat consists of you. 😦
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This I know…
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Just read all my latest stuff now. Then you’ll be forgiven. 🙂
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Lol I did for the most part!
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Probably just hit Like a few times. Hmmm.
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Suzanne Collins. Wow that was hard
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You’re so right. Even if she’s not my favorite.
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By far, I’d only re-read her writing. That’s why I chose her although I have thought about my all time classics.
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Well I’m kind of obsessed with THG and I’ve still never reread any of those. I hate rereading. But I definitely get that.
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[…] On this day in 2014 I published Can you Name a Single Favorite Author? […]
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