Hello folks. I thought it was about time that I told you about some of my favourite books - both genres and specific titles - but also authors as they are often the best recommendation for me to read a new title.
OK, so let's start with the genres. Science Fiction (AKA Sci-Fi) is top of my list. But spy thrillers, the action type, are a very close second. After that, well it is just about any well written, but ultimately entertaining, in my view, prose that will work.
Each to their own I say, as I really find some things way too heavy or stodgy to read. My intention in reading is to relax and unwind. Problem with the "heavy stuff" is that you have to concentrate on it too much in my view. I suppose I am a Sun reader in respect of literature!
What about favourite authors next?
Currently I am reading Matthew Reilly's Seven Ancient Wonders. Great story. BTW, in the US it is known as the Seven Deadly Wonders. As you can guess it is related to the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - and what a rollicking ride of a story it is. I've read a number of his books so far - and have been swept along by each one!
Who's next? Robert Ludlum has to have a big mention... (Worried I won't do any Sci Fi authors?) His stories are amazing as well. So much description, but you don't feel like it detracts from the story - like it can with other authors. He also managed (yes he is now dead) to make it clear he knew the locations of his stories very very well... And most people will have heard of the Bourne stories as films - and what about The Osterman Weekend?
And before I leave the world of the spy or all action thriller, please check out Stephen Coonts. I first read his book The Minotaur as a cheap paperback on holiday in Kos. And since then have tried to read every single Jake Grafton book he has written. What an author!
OK, time for some Sci Fi I think. Isaac Asimov or Arthur C Clarke? E E 'Doc' Smith or Algis Budrys? You see the first two you will probably have heard of, but the latter two? But all of them have written fantastic Sci Fi stories. Shall we go on?
Here is a list, non-exhaustive by any means, but holds some of the names that have meant hours, days, weeks, months and yes, years of wonderful reading time:
That should do for Sci Fi, for the moment at least! Amongst those authors you have a pretty good selection. I will say that there are several who are missing and who should also be considered. So cast your net wide and go looking - who knows what you may find.