My Favorite Writers and Why I Love Them
Who are your favorite writers and why?
If I didn’t believe the written word has the power to change lives, I wouldn’t be a writer. I’m sure you won’t be surprised to learn that I read a lot, too. Some of that reading is research for my articles, but most of it is purely for pleasure. I read every night and participate in two book clubs, and can’t imagine life without the joy of reading.
If you’re reading these words, I’m guessing you also read others. I thought it would be fun to share the writers whose work I enjoy and invite you to do the same. My hope is that we can all discover some new treasures we might otherwise have missed!
Nonfiction Writers I Love
Since I often share personal experiences and what I’ve learned from them in my writing, I enjoy articles and books by others who do the same. These authors don’t share just the good parts of their lives; they are refreshingly honest about their struggles, too. I quoted two of them, Lisa Olivera and Henri Nouwen, in last week’s newsletter (archived here).
One of my all-time favorite authors is Anne Lamott. I have read several of her books, most recently Almost Everything: Notes on Hope. In fact, when I went to her Amazon page to copy the link, I couldn’t resist buying the Kindle version of her 2006 book, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith, for $4.99.
An author I recently discovered (in a niche I normally avoid) is George Kao. You can read my review of his book, Joyful Productivity for Solopreneurs, 2nd Edition, here. It is quite different from other books about productivity. Here’s one of many quotes from the book that resonated with me:
“People who are heart-centered givers … tend to spiral into perfectionism, self-doubt, and harsh self-criticism. When they realize they’ve gotten distracted, they tend to self-blame. If that describes you, it’s no wonder that you procrastinate - you’re reluctant to show up because you’re afraid of self-punishment!”
One final nonfiction book I love is Michelle Obama’s memoir Becoming. You don’t have to share her political views to enjoy this book. An excerpt from its Amazon page description sums it up well:
“Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.”
Fiction Writers I Love
Andrew M. Greeley, who died in 2013, will always be my favorite author. He was a Roman Catholic priest and sociologist who wrote more than 50 novels (and over 100 works of nonfiction, including two autobiographies I thoroughly enjoyed reading).
He created uniquely memorable characters like Bishop Blackie Ryan and Nuala Anne McGrail, each of whom stars in their own delightful series of mystery novels.
He also created controversy, because his novels included explicit sex scenes, and the partners were not always married.
Another fiction writer whose books I enjoy is Sue Grafton, whose alphabet series featuring private detective Kinsey Millhone was fun to read.
Jonathan Kellerman writes great psychological thrillers that keep me up at night.
I also love Patricia Cornwell’s novels starring Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Kay Scarpetta.
All of these authors help me escape the stresses of everyday life and enter a different world, one filled with fascinating characters, surprising plot twists, and satisfying endings. In that world, things ultimately work out for the best. The heroes solve the mystery and the villains are prevented from committing additional crimes.
Now it’s your turn
Who are your favorite writers? What first attracted you to their work and keeps you coming back for more? Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? Is there a particular genre you especially enjoy reading?
Please share your favorites in the comments!
In the past I loved Anne Lamott and Henry Nouwen too - but I haven't interacted with their work in many years! I am currently reading Clair Heartsong's book "Voice of the Magdalanes"
I guess in my case my current "favourites" are books and authors that literally changed my life and allowed to me to begin healing. Many of these are on my recommended reading list which I included here https://garysharpe.substack.com/p/lessons-learned-in-the-crucible-of ... here are a few of the most life changing for me:
The Pocket Guide to Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe, by Dr Stephen Porges;
Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image, and the Capacity for Relationship, by Dr Laurence Heller, Dr Aline LaPierre;
The Master & His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, by Dr Iain McGilchrist;
Fascia Decompression: The Missing Link in Self-Care & Unblock Your Body: How Decompressing Your Fascia is the Missing Link in Healing, by Deanna Hansen;
Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, by James Nestor;
The Brains Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity, by Dr Norman Doidges;
Limitless: How Your Movements Can Heal Your Brain, by Dr Joaquin Farias;
When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress, by Dr Gabor Mate;
The Heart of Trauma: Healing the Embodied Brain in the Context of Relationships, by Bonnie Badenoch;