My life has been deeply enriched by story in the last ten years. Lots and lots of story. In the last decade, I’ve read almost 700 books, and here is a list of the ones I think about the most.
- Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
One of those books I can read over and over and dream about endlessly.
- Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
Rarely have I been so stunned and yet so pleased at a book’s conclusion.
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Ironically stolen twice from my classroom library.
- Life of Pi by Yann Martel
RICHARD PARKER!
- Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
Revolutionary ideas about the future of education. The movie does not do this book justice.
- The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
ALL of them!
- How the Universe Got Its Spots by Janna Levin
This book turned my perception of the universe on its head in the best possible way.
- The Edge of the World by Kevin J. Anderson
The whole series, but specifically this first one. This book helped me with world-building in Elsekind.
- Possession by A. S. Byatt
Possibly my favorite book ever, I borrowed heavily from its structure while writing Reprieve.
- Childhood’s End by Arthur C. Clarke
A book that I will forever associate with my Dad, because it’s one of his favorites, too. Classic sci-fi that still feels relevant even today.
Bonus: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell. I think about this book a lot, and Rainbow Rowell is a personal hero, too. Very much recommend this and all of her books.
Bonus bonus: Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
Also, The Night Circus and The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
Also, here’s my Goodreads, where you find a whole list of books!