Picking a favorite author is a bit like looking over all the friends you've had in your life and choosing the best one. For me, it can't be done. I think favorite authors are a bit like friends, at certain times in your life, you have one that is a little more important because of the circumstances of your life. Sometimes you learn from them, laugh with them, or curl up in front of a fire with them.
I couldn't have made it through my teenage years without the likes of Lois Duncan, Paul Zindel, S.E. Hinton, and Judy Blume, who let me escape into their worlds.
In college, not happy with my living situation, I sought out John Saul---scary escapism.
Over the years I discovered romance with Jude Devereaux, Helen Fielding, and Janet Evanovich. Went on worldly adventures with Michael Crichton and legal thrill rides with John Grisham. I stayed up all night, too scared to sleep but too enthralled to quit reading with Lincoln Child and Douglas Preston.
With my children I enjoyed Barbara Parks (Junie B. Jones), Kevin Henkes, and Stellaluna. I have a special spot in my heart for J.K.Rowling, not only for bringing us Harry Potter, but for turning my youngest daughter into a reader.
Lately I've been into magical realism. Barbara Bretton's knitting witch series, Amy S. Foster, Cecelia Ahern, and my fave, Sarah Addison Allen. And even though I don't quilt or knit but love to read about them, especially Marie Bostwick--who is actually a friend from way back in junior high. I'll still pick up a thriller--Dan Brown or Robert Massello and I'll always gravitate toward YA--Suzanne Collins and Rick Riordan.
I'm always on the lookout for a new friend and someday I hope to make a reader's list of best friends...
Margie~
ReplyDeleteHow true that at certain times in your life, you like certain authors. Never thought of it before, but you're right.
I think you'll definitly make a Favorite Authors list or twelve!!
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten about Lois Duncan...loved her as a teen! And Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary (Okay, Cleary was a childhood fave)...they all turned me on to reading and writing more than they can ever know.
I can't believe I forgot about Jude Devereaux. I love her books!
ReplyDeleteAnd now that I'm meeting some of these people at conventions, I want to be their real-life friend, too. Every author I've met has been so down to earth, fun and friendly!
ReplyDelete=) different authors for different seasons of your life. lol....that's just how i look at it too!
ReplyDeleteKristi--I loved Beverly Cleary too. Ramona the pest was the best. Portland has several memorials to her including a school, a walking tour and sculpture garden. When I originally read Ramona, I lived in Iceland and never knew I'd end up across the river from where she grew up ;)
ReplyDeleteCarrie--I wish I could've come up with that phrase..a writer for every season..when I was writing the blog..LOL...that is exactly what I was trying to say and you synopsed my words with one sentence.
ReplyDeleteAs I've grown (aged), my reading tastes have changed. Used to love Poe, than King, then Koontz. The older I get, the more I'm lightening up, or is that whitening up, like my hair. Eeek!
ReplyDelete