The core group of my favorite writers and why they made the list... (not in any particular order)

Andrea Camilleri

(06 Sep 1925 - 17 July 2019)

I once read an article about Camilleri that said something along the lines of - either you love Camilleri or you have never read Camilleri. I assert that this statement would be 95% true for crime fiction lovers. His Inspector Montalbano series is one of my go to series when I feel like hunkering down for some comfort reading. This series has everything. Camilleri's writing feels comfortable and it flows like few others I have read. He had the gift.

In addition to the Montalbano series, Camilleri has a range of standalone novels that will have you begging for more - The Sacco Gang, Hunting Season, The Brewer of Preston, and the Revolution of the Moon.

I am begging you, do yourself a favor and read some Camilleri!

Sir Terry Pratchett, OBE

(28 April 1948 - 12 March 2015)

If you know me, you know I very practically bleed Terry Pratchett. The funny thing, I used to hate Discworld. That's right, back when I was a fantasy snob (many years ago), I hated the fact that Pratchett was making fantasy FUNNY. Blasphemy. Well, one day all that changed and he skyrocketed to the upper regions of my favorites list.

If you haven't read Discworld, I urge you to get on it. The first two books are a bit slow and you can tell Pratchett is trying to find his voice, but starting with book 3, the series turns into a masterpiece. The books have a voice that is hard to match and they tackle many social issues with wit and wisdom!

My favorite Discworld books are: Raising Steam, Guards! Guards!, Going Postal, Wyrd Sisters, and Night Watch. My favorite characters are Granny Weatherwax, Moist Von Lipwig, and Samuel Vimes.

In addition to the Discworld series, check out Good Omens (written with Neil Gaiman), and The Carpet People (his first ever book). If you like sci-fi, he co-authored a series called, The Long Earth.

Harry Harrison

(12 March 1925 - 15 August 2012)

Harry Harrison holds a very dear place in my heart. One of the few book reports I remember doing in middle school was from one of his books in the "To the Stars" trilogy. I also fondly remember reading the "West of Eden" series, but that one was just for fun.

In addition to these two series (my favorites), Harry Harrison also wrote the cult-classic "Stainless Steel Rat" series, "Bill, The Galactic Hero" series, "Stars & Stripes" series, "Hammer and the Cross" series, and of course, "Make Room! Make Room!" which was the basis for the movie, "Solyent Green".

In addition to series and full length novels, Harry wrote TONS of shorter stories that are amazing.

I just recently reread "To the Stars" and plan to dive back into "West of Eden" soon!

J.R.R. Tolkien

(03 January 1892 - 02 September 1973)

I am hoping that most people will not question WHY Mr. Tolkien is on this list... but if you really need to know:

His writings made fantasy fiction mainstream and his intricately detailed world of Middle Earth inspired millions of readers and thousands of authors/future authors. Not only did he create the stories and histories of Middle Earth, but he also created LANGUAGES.

And then there were all the great movies and TV shows created from his works: The three Lord of the Rings movies, the three Hobbit movies, The Rings of Power, The War of the Rohirrim... well, at least two sets of great movies!

Imagine attending one of the meetings of the Inklings (literary discussion group which included J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis) at the Eagle and Child pub in Oxford. Where did I leave the keys to my TARDIS???