Fiction
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Zorro (2005), Daughter of Fortune (1999)
The Handmaid's Tale is probably one of the most disturbing books I have ever read, mostly because I can imagine that this is something the religious conservatives would attempt if they could get the power.
The Robber Bride (1993), The Handmaid's Tale (1985)
I am going to have to check out some of his other books, because I really enjoyed Absolute Power immensely. This was made into a movie, but apparently that rendition had nothing to do with the story line of the book.
Absolute Power (1996)
Another author I read as a teenager, simply because the books were there and I wanted something to read. I kept reading because I found his stories fascinating.
The Fire Next Time, Another Country (1960), Nobody Knows My Name (1961), If Beale Street Could Talk (1974)
West Virginia author! One of my mother's favorites.
The Good Earth (1969) and many other books set in China.
Sherlock Holmes crossed with The Silence of the Lambs. Wow.
The Alienist (1994), Angel of Darkness (1997)
My favorite Tom Clancy book is Patriot Games. I was furious at the hideous Hollywood rendition, but should have expected it. His first books I enjoyed immensely, with the exception of Red Storm Rising, which was too technical for my tastes, but I would not recommend his newest novels, which I found to be very Hollywood, and with much less character development than his earlier books. I like John Clark and Domingo Chavez in earlier books, but I do not feel that Clancy continued their development, and Jack Ryan was a complete and total letdown by the time I stopped reading the series.
The Hunt for the Red October (1984), Patriot Games (1987), Cardinal of the Kremlin (1988), Clear and Present Danger (1989), The Sum of All Fears (1991), Without Remorse (1993)
Even though he is a "children's author", I still like his books.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964), Danny, The Champion of the World (1975), The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (1977)
A thriller/mystery with an unusual protagonist--a completely paralyzed criminologist. The main characters were pretty riveting, although the secondary characters weren't quite as well developed. My only question is, why are so many of these psychological thrillers set in New York City?
The Bone Collector (1997)
The Red Tent (1997)
I highly recommend The Pillars of the Earth to anyone and everyone. This is a phenomenal book, and A Dangerous Fortune is pretty darn excellent as well. His other books I have read tend more towards espionage/thrillers, but are still good.
The Pillars of the Earth (1989), A Dangerous Fortune (1993), Lie Down with Lions (1986), The Man from St Petersburg (1982)
I picked up The Odessa File during the time period when I was reading through my parents library. I was thrilled and stunned, and developed a taste for spy/thrillers immediately.
The Odessa File, The Devil's Alternative (1979), Icon (1996)
Arthur Golden(permalink)
Absolutely stupendous! Thanks Gypsy, you owe me a good nights sleep for this one!
Memoirs of a Geisha
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Flavor of the Month (1993), The First Wives Club (1992)
I like books about law and lawyers and the legal system, so my interest in these books isn't very surprising. I enjoy the fact that, for the most part, his characters are believable and human. I especially liked The Chamber but wasn't as impressed with The Street Lawyer though it's still an interesting book to read.
The Chamber (1994), The Pelican Brief (1992), The Firm (1991), The Client (1993), The Runaway Jury (1996), The Partner (1997), The Street Lawyer (1998)
If you'd like to learn about those Greek and Roman Gods and Goddesses and Heroes, pick up this book. Edith Hamilton was tremendous, and her synopses are wonderful. Especially if you prefer not to plow through Hesiod's Theogeny or Ovid's Metamorphoses. (However I have found translations of both that are quite readable.
After hearing of his death I realized that I didn't have this book on my list. It was only because I simply do not have my own copy, and so managed to overlook it. Sorry!
The Masqueraders (1928)
Richard Hooker
I loved the T.V. program, so I read the book.
M.A.S.H. (1968)
In my opinion, John Irivng is in a similar category with Tom Robbins, but that just might be me. I first read John Irving because I was very very bored as a teenager and started reading my way through my parents library; I read a second book because I couldn't decide how I felt about the first one.
Cider House Rules (1985), The World According to Garp (1976), The Hotel New Hampshire (1981)
Joe Klein
This was made into a movie, which of course, I haven't seen, but I did thoroughly enjoy the book. Politics is a game that would be entertaining if these weren't the people in charge of the world.
Primary Colors (1996)
The Mark of Zorro (1919)
Colleen McCullough(permalink)
I really like historical novels. They teach of something about history and are entertaining. This is an excellent book. I found ancient Rome fascinating, and was delighted by the glossary in the back--I only wish I'd found it before finishing the book.
Caesar's Women (1996)
Bloody Jack (2002)
The Last Witchfinder (2006)
Master and Commander (1970)
Ayn Rand
Atlas Shrugged (1957)
Tom Robbins has written a veritable multitude of books, ranging from the strange to the downright weird. I like 'em. Thanks Shelly!
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1976), Another Roadside Attraction (1971), Skinny Legs and All (1990), Jitterbug Perfume, Half Asleep In Frog Pajamas (1994), Still Life with Woodpecker (1980)
Cryptonomicon (2000)
Her books are simply beautiful. Once I pick them up I usually can not put them down till they're finished.
The Joy Luck Club (1984), The Kitchen God's Wife (1991), The Hundred Secret Senses (1995)
Mark Twain/Samuel Clemens
"Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of congress. But I repeat myself."
The Complete Classic Adventures of Zorro (2001)
