Ok, so I'm looking for some new books and things. Running out of quality recommendations man. Aside from that my selection here in Japan is limited. So here's what I want. Either give me your favorite author of all time with a suggested book, or name the author you're currently infatuated with.
I'll start.
Haruki Murakami - "Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World"
Murakami is really one of the most unique writers I've ever read. I've only read the English versions and they're amazing.
Posted by King of Men (Member # 6684) on :
John Barnes, I'm on a kick right now. Man, that guy can write believable and terrifying near-future history.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Murakami has a lot of really great stuff.
If you wanted some more Japanese suggestions, I'd suggest Shusaku Endo. "Deep River" was hard to find in my area, but I liked it, along with "Silence" and "The Samurai" and another one I haven't read yet whose name is escaping me.
Favorite author of all time is probably Tolkien off the top of my head. So, I guess I suggest Lord of the Rings.
Posted by Demonstrocity (Member # 9579) on :
I'm on a Gaiman re-reading kick, so I have to recommend Stardust, American Gods and Neverwhere, although not in that order.
Posted by Eduardo St. Elmo (Member # 9566) on :
Stephen Fry - Making History. (a brilliant story revolving around the question 'what would've happened if Hitler had never seized power?'. I personally enjoy reading the opening scene, where the main character is desperately trying to get some morning coffee...)
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
I second Endo's Silence, it was very good.
I would also recommend anything at all by Tom Robbins, you might want to start with Even Cowgirls Get the Blues. It is an excellent read; very funny with interesting, multi-layered characters and insightful commentary.
Also, Chuck Palahniuk is a very good author. He wrote Fight Club, but I wouldn't say it is his best work. I would start with either Choke or Survivor. His work is pretty dark with rather depressing humor, but the emotions (or lack there of) that he brings from his character is amazing and the situations he puts them in are genius.
Posted by Flaming Toad on a Stick (Member # 9302) on :
C.S. Lewis: Till we have faces. Stephen King: The Stand Orson Scott Card: Treason.