I rely on book lists as well as personal recommendations, in part because I love hearing why people think I should read certain books. One of my favorites is 200 Books Recommended by TEDsters. Each speaker gave an explanation for what they liked about the books they were recommending, which helps me have context and decide what to read for myself.
And no, “I love it” is not good enough – unless I already know we have similar taste in books. Which brings me to the best part of personal recommendations. Over time, you learn who has similar taste in books to you. Or sometimes, if I hear someone has a predilection for the same authors I love, then I’m more likely to enjoy other books they recommend.
Lastly, there are my personal favorite authors. The ones I forget about, then remember and reread or find a new book by. In an effort to forget them less frequently, and perhaps introduce you to a new author you’ll enjoy, here’s my list.
My Favorite Authors
Current Fiction
- Margaret Atwood
- Judy Bloom
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Classics
- Louisa May Alcott
- Betty Smith
- Leo Tolstoy
Sci-fi/Fantasy
- Isaac Asimov
- Brandon Sanderson
- NK Jemison
- Erika Johansen
- Erin Morgenstern
Mystery
- Agatha Christie
- Stephen King
Non Fiction
- Atul Gawande
Then there are authors I wouldn’t consider “favorites” but I’m always happy to read or recommend. We’ll call them the Runner’s Up:
- Tim O’Brien
- Marisha Pessl
- Jhumpa Lahiri
- William Goldman
- John Irving
- V.E. Schwab