Author Insight: Required Reading

What book do you consider required reading for everyone?

"It's cheating to say *my* books, right? ;-) Okay. I do pimp Melina Marchetta's Jellicoe Road a lot, but now I'm reading John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, and I think that's going to be my next omg-you-HAVE-to-read-this mission." - Sarah Ockler, author of Bittersweet.

"Oh, this I can't answer!  I spent four years working at an independent bookstore, and the big lesson of bookselling is that there's not one book on Earth that's for everyone.  And if there is, it's probably boring as dirt, because the only way you're acceptable to everyone is by inspiring real love in no one." - Leah Bobet, author of Above.

"Fooled By Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. It will change the way you look at the world, but I would only recommend it if you like pompously written business books." - Aaron Karo, author of Lexapros & Cons.

"Romeo and Juliet: love, hate, prejudice, insane societal strictures, passion, loyalty, death, bad timing, and breathtaking poetry. How do you beat that?" - Ann Stampler, author of Where It Began.

"It’s not technically a book, but I think everyone should have to read at least one of the major Shakespeare plays. I’m not sure I agree that Shakespeare “invented the human”, at least not single-handedly, but I think if you’re going to understand people and language and modern life and western civilization, he’s as good a place as any to start.  Runner up: Consider the Lobster, by David Foster Wallace, the reading of which makes me feel more human." - Robin Wasserman, author of The Book of Blood and Shadow.

"That's such a tough call. There's so many good ones to pick from. The word everyone makes me think I should pick something that can benjoyed by all ages. So, I'll have to go with a picture book. I loved the Church Mice picture books by Graham Oakley as a kid, and I remember my mom enjoyed them as much as I did. Probably our favorite was The Church Mice and the Moon. It's got everything a good book should have, adventure, humor, great dialog and a cantankerous cat." - Alissa Grosso, author of Ferocity Summer.

"Black Beauty, because animals have plights." - Kendare Blake, author of Girl of Nightmares. 

"I try to convince everyone to at least give The Gunslinger by Stephen King, a chance. It’s the most bizarre book I’ve ever read, and has inspired me more than any other book." - Jennifer Bosworth, author of Struck. 

"Dozens of books come to mind, but I would definitely include One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez." - Meg Medina, author of The Girl Who Could Silence the Wind.

"Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. It’s a look at teen suicide that leaves the reader feeling surprisingly hopeful. But more than that, it’s a reminder that you never know what someone else is going through, and to be kind to one another." - Cat Patrick, author of Revived.

"Gosh...I think reading is far too subjective for my favorite reads to be everyone else's, but I don't think I'd be amiss in telling people that if they haven't read Sneetches by Dr. Seuss they are missing out." - Gwen Hayes, author of Dreaming Awake.

"The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss." - Nina Malkin, author of Swear. 

Come back Thursday to find our what book the rest of the authors think should be required reading!<< Previous