What do you think I should read?

These words by author Susan Straight have nearly haunted me the last few days (thanks, KnitWrit, for the compelling quotation):

“Reading is the passion that brought me to writing. Reading to me is crucial. I tell my students all the time, ‘If you’re not reading, who’s going to read you?’”

Then I read this post at Quantum Storytelling about catching up on some good books.

I realized that I have not read for fun in ages.

I've been reading only for work lately — a lot of factual figures, different editorial and advertorial pieces, and marketing prose — and I'm always learning something new (one of my favorite parts of the job). After reading for many hours each day, however, my eyes do not have the stamina to keep going.

But then I remembered how much I used to love reading for fun. I would read for hours, getting completely lost in books' worlds. This recreational reading inspired me to write in the first place.

So today I'm starting one New Year's resolution early. With January 2007's arrival, I will commence reading a book for fun. I will find some time and place in my life for it.

But I need some recommendations from YOU, Current Blog Readers, because I have no idea where to start.

What do you think I should read? Please post your book recommendations, and a few choice words on why I should read them, in the comments.

On January 1, 2007, I'll post which book I've chosen and give a supreme shout-out to the recommender.

Thanks in advance. I am looking forward to the feedback.

Comments

[S William Shaw]

"The Giver" by Lois Lowry. I short, quick read...and a page-turner.

[Eric]

www.whatshouldireadnext.com

You could start there. It depends on what types of stories you like. I like everything from sci-fi to mystery/suspense (which I suppose isn't that broad) -- Dashiell Hammett isn't TOO far from Bladerunner.

I could suggest any number of sci-fi or hard boiled detective, etc.

What do you like?

[Brenda Oig]

After reading your post I had to think a little bit about what book I've enjoyed the most recently. I don't know what kinds of books you like to read, but one I think everyone should read (especially writers) is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It is an inspiring book and one that makes you think. If you've already read it, my second recommendation is My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. She's fantastic.

[KG]

Thanks, everyone. This is great.

S William — I love "The Giver" but haven't read it in years. I may re-read it.

Eric — Thanks for the site link. I'll check it out. I like any story that is a "good read". I'll consider any recommendation regardless of its genre.

Brenda — "The Alchemist"— along with "The Giver" — are among my top favorite books of all time. I'll definitely look into the Jodi Picoult book.

[Eric]

The Sins of the Fathers by Lawrence Block is decent. So is The Ax by Donald E. Westlake. Recently read those and enjoyed them.

[S William Shaw]

Have you read the next in the series?

[KG]

Eric — I'll add them to the list. Thanks!

[KG]

S William — No, I haven't! Didn't even know they existed.

What are they?

[The Al]

I love to read everything... fiction, biography, sci-fi, essays. Here are a few books that have influenced me over the years.

Passing for Normal, Amy S. Wilensky
Wisconsin Death Trip, Michael Lesy
My Traitor's Heart, Ryan Milan
Dispatches, Michael Herr
Embers, Sandor Marai
Slouching Towards Bethlehem, Joan Didion
The Liars Club, Mary Karr
The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat, Oliver Sacks

Look em' up and see what you think! Some of my favorites!

Al

[KG]

Al — Thanks for this list! Wow.

2007 is going to be a very good reading year for me because of everyone's suggestions.

[Gavin Heaton]

I am really enjoying Sarah Turnbull's Almost French. And quite like Michel Houellebecq -- but he is rather nasty!

[KG]

Thanks for the recommendation, Gavin. Glad your comments feature is working again!