In 2010, I took a facebook challenge from my granddaughter, Elizabeth (who is way ahead of me on these things), to list 15 authors whose work I enjoy. The challenge may have said something like “Authors I have read and will read again.” As I look now at that list I posted then, off the top of my head, I can see the influence of what I was reading at the time. Also, there are some writers I missed, or new favorites I would add and a few I would replace, if I am limited to 15.
So, today, I’m revising the old list and over the next couple of weeks, I will tell you why I enjoy these particular writers. The first list was in no particular order, this one is alphabetical.
1. Jane Austen
2. William E. Barrett
3. Dave Barry
4. E. L. Doctorow
5. Karen Kingsbury
6. Wally Lamb
7. Anne La Mott
8. Mara Leverit
9. Brett Lott
10.Max Lucado
11. Catherine Marshall
12. Donald Miller
13. Jodi Picoult
14. Anna Quindlin
15. Anita Shreve
Four were deleted from the original list and here’s the reason:
Robert Frost: I fell in love with Robert Frost’s poetry when I heard my daughters’ high school chorus perform a musical setting of “Stopping by the Woods.” It was not only beautiful notes, it enhanced the rhythm of his words. I have read his poetry with enjoyment ever since. But I decided to make this a list of prose writers.
Neil Simon: He’s one of my very favorite playwrights, but I have several and I decided not to go there.
Gary Paulsen: I have read some excellent Young Adult fiction by Gary Paulsen, Richard Peck, Ann Martin and others. I decided that’s a whole other category.
Harper Lee: To Kill a Mockingbird is probably my favorite book and movie. But if the list limits me to “authors I have read and will read again”, alas, I don’t think Harper Lee will qualify. I blogged about Mockingbird, the book, movie, and writer about a year ago. Find it on the right, under Reading List or Writing.
So, that’s my list. Not off the top of my head but with a lot of thought. And I’ll tell you why. Next week.
That’s a worthy project! I’ve read most of the authors on your list, but not all, so I especially look forward to hearing about the ones I haven’t read.
More on your list whom I haven’t read than those I HAVE read. Hmm.
One particular author is conspicuous in his absence.
I love your list and have read most. My favorites on your list are Wally Lamb and Anne Lamont. I heard Wally Lamb speak in Dallas. He was so interesting. Also, I love Gary Paulsen so much!!!