Name an author that you recently discovered --- and enjoyed.
joswood@msn.com
Khaled Hosseini, The Kite Runner. I can't wait to see what he writes next.
William Lashner. I have recently discovered his lawyer books and have read two of them. I will look for his others.
Richard Montanari, The Rosary Girls. I haven't read this yet, but I just picked it up at the library. It has been so well-reviewed by bookreporter.com that I'm anxious to see for myself.
kingmiller@tcsn.net
I recently read a book by Susan Wiggs, of whom I had not previously heard. The book is titled The Ocean Between Us, about a Navy wife who rebels against the constant moving from post to post. Her transition from a "company" spouse to becoming her own person is very exciting and inspiring. I recommend this book highly. I am looking for more of her books to read now.
Alize55@aol.com
Jodi Picoult. I had never heard of her before one of my best friends recommended her to me. She kept telling me how she writes so beautifully and her storylines usually always involve a court trial. (I love books like that) She also always told me how her novels are usually based on a controversial and hard to deal with topic. All of the characters are usually easy to "bond" with, as well. Well, she was right. I read Perfect Match and loved it! I love how all of her books tend to involve so many different things and lots of different relationships! I recommend her books to all :)
Rickimc@aol.com
William Brandt
Sonia Chopra
I recently discovered Philippa Gregory and I have become a huge fan.
I read The Other Boleyn Girl, The Queen's Fool and The Virgin's Lover.
And the funny thing is that I have never been a reader of historical fiction. I prefer to read contemporary stuff.
juliecbarnard@yahoo.com
I recently discovered Marilynne Robinson. I read her book Gileadand enjoyed it tremendously. I am now looking forward to reading her earlier book, Housekeeping.
Debbie_Moore@nynd.uscourts.gov
I recently discovered Alan Brennert, author of Moloka'i, a wonderful story with wonderful language.
Mimi70@aol.com
Erica Spindler is a recently discovered author whose book I enjoyed.
amyasb@comcast.net
Jonathan Kellerman. I love his books!
Pat76273@aol.com
I have just finished a new-author-to-me book, Ron McLarty's The Memory of Running. I was drawn to it first by the media attention given to it when Stephen King wrote about it in his column. However, after reading it, it may have been helped by King but it stands on its own merits as an absorbing account of one person's journey (in more than one way) to become the best he can be in the face of events in his life. I recommend it to everyone.
suntee@aol.com
I recently discovered Amy Krouse Rosenthal. Her booksEncyclopedia of an Ordinary Life and The Book of Eleven are clever and witty diversions from the literature I usually read. She also has a fabulous website.
askinsjp@earthlink.net
Joseph Coulson, author of The Vanishing Moon. It was a really good book and I look forward to more of his.
EdMall@aol.com
Christopher Buckley. Rediscovered, actually, since I read Thank You For Smoking a few years ago. This one is Florence of Arabia. A very good read to gain some understanding of women's lot in the Mideast.
Magster2@cox.net
I would have to say David Baldacci, although Lee Child and Ed McBain are right up there. Baldacci's stories are fast-paced, complex but not complicated, and are drawn around characters you get close to immediately. The best surprise was picking upWish You Well, thinking it to be another of his mysteries and finding it to be the best memoir/coming-of-age story I've ever read. I made several long distance calls to recommend it to friends.
Abshid2@aol.com
I've just discovered T.C. Boyle, though he has been around quite some time. I am currently reading Drop City and eager to get on to more of his books. His next book on my list is Riven Rock.
rsedwards@sympatico.ca
A.J. Jacobs. I have just read The Know-It-All and I cannot stop laughing out loud. This was a great book, with great insights and well presented. I sure hope he gets another project for himself to write about.
MScaramell@aol.com
Actually I discovered Connie May Fowler many years ago when I read Before Women Had Wings. Reading The Problem with Murmer Lee I REdiscovered Fowler!!!! Amazing writer! I won't lose sight of her books again!
Lyn
The author I have discovered is Max Allan Collins. He writes the CSI books. I love the show.
Jrnrbownh@aol.com
I recently discovered Jamie Harrison, who writes wonderful mysteries about a sheriff in Montana.
Sismilli@aol.com
I recently picked up The Bookman's Promise by John Dunning in the airport. Normally I don't read a lot of mysteries but I can tell already I will be reading all of the books in this series. For a serious book lover like myself there is nothing better than an exciting story with the thrilling bonus of an inside look into the book trade. Great mystery and books, books, and more books.
Rosemarie McMichael, San Francisco, CA
Case Histories by Kate Atkinson, her most recent book, and her first book, Behind the Scenes at the Museum, which begins with this line: "I exist!" She is describing the moment of her conception, how her drunken father rolls off her mother who is grateful the act is over, and from then on the narrator, Ruby, describes growing up in several generations of her dysfunctional British family. It is astonishing to me that this was her first book, so accomplished and sure, by turns amusing and sad, and it won a Whitbread Prize award in England that year beating out Salman Rushdie. I am so happy I discovered this writer and recommend it to everyone looking for something off the beaten path.
dlinzi@hotmail.com
I thoroughly appreciated Khaled Hosseni's The Kite Runner. In fact, I am encouraging my teenagers to read it in order to find out about life on the other side of the world, especially during war.
Rebecca from Wilmington
The author I have recently discovered is David Mitchell. I have read both Ghostwritten and Cloud Atlas. Both are wonderfully written and Mr. Mitchell's use of language and structure is pure genius.
Kate502008@aol.com
Although she has been around for years, I've just recently discovered Linda Barnes, writer of the Carlotta Carlysle mysteries. Set in Boston with wonderful characters such as Carlotta and Rosie, et al. A great find!
K Jodon
I recently discovered Geraldine Brooks, Year of Wonders. Wonderful writing.
patriciammiller@hotmail.com
I recently discovered Bernard Cornwell. He's been around for a long time but somehow I'd never heard of him. I read his book titled The Archer's Tale and absolutely loved it (which was kind of amazing on its own since I'd never before been interested in historical fiction!). I was delighted to discover that he has many more books waiting to be read --- and many of them are series books (which I love). I can't wait to read the books in his Warlord Trilogy, which is Cornwell's version of the King Arthur story.
DAOWEN@aol.com
Donald Harstad
lket@johnroberts.com
Maxine Clair, October Suite
Sena Jeter Naslund, The Four Spirits
Elisabeth Robinson, The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters
Sue from El Sobrante
Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke is the author's first novel. It is a perfect mix of fantasy and historical fiction, with clever footnotes that are interesting little stories by themselves.
amusingjoy@sbcglobal.net
I have recently read Cassandra King's The Same Sweet Girls. She previously authored The Sunday Wife and I thoroughly enjoyed that novel also. King is someone I will continue to watch. I'm disappointed, though, that I missed the cover story of Pagesmagazine where she and husband Pat Conroy were featured.
Roscoe@drizzle.com
Most recently, I've discovered the work of David Housewright and Reed Farrel Coleman. It's early in the year, so I hope this is a good sign for 2005.
gav1957@cox.net
I recently discovered two young adult authors who are superb! One is Cornelia Funke, the author of The Thief Lord, Inkheart andDragon Rider. The other author is Susanne Fisher Staples, the author of the Newbery Honor book Shabanu. Both authors wrote elegantly and well beyond the abilities that I remember children's authors doing as I was growing up. I felt privileged to share the books with my students and friends.
Pekepooh@aol.com
Jodi Picoult
MELEDSTICK@aol.com
Jerrilyn Farmer
PDoe446426@aol.com
I recently discovered and enjoyed the author T. Jefferson Parker.
mohendies@earthlink.net
Margot Livesey and Richard Montanari
Christophercherd@aol.com
Christopher Moore
Jane from Kentucky
The author I have just discovered and am WILD about is Jim Kokoris. His first book The Rich Part of Life is one I just didn't want to end and his follow-up Sister North is also engaging in a very different way. I understand The Rich Part of Life has been optioned as a movie...would LOVE to see Tom Hanks in the father's role.
GliJ9@aol.com
Robert Wilson is my new favorite author. What a way with words...I love his work.
sunshine1@cfu.net
I have recently read three books by John Dunning and the fourth is out soon. It is called The Sign of the Book, but be sure to read them in order starting with Booked to Die.
melmee@cox-internet.com
I recently read The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory and am hooked. I can't wait to get started on the two other books from this era, The Virgin's Lover and The Queen's Fool.
m.kelly@westnet.com.au
I recently discovered Lisa Gardner. She was being discussed on a discussion board and she was recommended by a few of my friends.
I have read The Perfect Husband and The Third Victim and thoroughly enjoyed both of them. The stories in both were intricately woven and it was satisfying to have the puzzle pieces fall into place.
I can't wait to read the rest of Lisa Gardner's books and heartily recommend her.
medower@comcast.net
William Kent Krueger. His book Purgatory Ridge is excellent.
MSmith2957@aol.com
I recently read a book by C. Kelly Robinson called The Strong, Silent Type. His style of writing really kept my attention and made me want more. Now I am in search of some of his older books and look forward to his next creation.
cdhast@msn.com
Lisa Gardner
AcornLiz@aol.com
Jennifer Haigh. I've been meaning to read Mrs. Kimble for a year. But I decided I couldn't put it off any longer once I'd heard aboutBaker Towers (which I rushed out to buy as well). I recommendedMrs. Kimble to members of my first book group, who all enjoyed it as much as I did. And I convinced my second book group to read Baker Towers for May.
Rehanpeter@aol.com
Linda Fairstein
JHIDEY@aol.com
Sharon Kay Penman
PoPoPoSsUm@aol.com
I recently read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more.
Barbara Dyke
My newest "favorite" author is Cassandra King. While browsing at Barnes & Noble, I came across a "remaindered" hardback copy ofThe Sunday Wife for only $4.95. Reading the cover flap, I was pleased to discover that she is married to another favorite author of mine, Frank Conroy. I liked the book synopsis, so I bought the novel and read it in two days, enjoying it thoroughly. I have purchased The Same Sweet Girls and plan to read it very soon.
Claire in Michigan
I just discovered Sue Monk Kidd and The Secret Life of Bees. I cried most of the way through but loved it. I'm looking for others she may have written.
nicmax@tampabay.rr.com
The author I recently discovered and thoroughly enjoyed was John Case, The Murder Artist. That book has stayed with me weeks after reading it.
LindaKLankford@aol.com
I recently read The 6th Lamentation by William Broderick. I really enjoyed reading this book and hope he continues writing with the same style.
mccoy_bonnie@mchsi.com
I just read The Perfect Evil by Alex Kava. This is the first book I have ever read by this author. This book was wonderful. It had all of the suspense and edge of your seat action that one book can contain. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a great Scarpetta novel.
shirlsintulsa@webtv.net
Carolyn Hart. I started reading Ms. Hart's books the last of December and can't get enough of them. Both her Henri O and Death on Demand books are great and never can guess the ending. I can't wait for her new book out in April of this year.
Endorra@aol.com
I recently finished Summer Guest by Justin Cronin. It was recommended to me by someone to whom I will be forever grateful. This person has advised me of other books and they all were great. This book, however, stands in a class by itself. I am looking forward to reading other books by this author. If you haven't read this author I would advise you start with the above book.
Anne-Marie Chandler
I recently discovered Shannon Drake. I just finished When We Touch. There were a few typos in my paperback, but the plot and events were very enjoyable.
I also discovered Tamar Myers. I finished A Penny Urned and I am looking forward to more adventures. I think I will try her secondary series as well.
gmetz@westco.net
I recently read both of J.A. Konrath's books, Whiskey Sour and an ARC of Bloody Mary. They were both excellent and I look forward to more in the series.
MScaramell@aol.com
I just discovered Sandra Kring who wrote Carry Me Home. This is a terrific book!
Sharlene Miers
Sorry, but I have to give you two. I recently read Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. This is a fantastic novel by a talented author. Unfortunately, he has not written anything further. Today I finished An Unfinished Life by Mark Spragg. I will certainly read his other books. He is outstanding.
GandmaRI@aol.com
I've recently discovered Catherine Coulter and the series about Sherlock and Savich. I'm looking forward to going back to the early books about them
GL3P@aol.com
Anne Bishop. I just read her Black Jewel trilogy and loved it. I work in a bookstore and she was recommended to me by a customer. She is great...very interesting characters not of this world, but they lead very complex lives. A must-read.
Jamie Engle
I recently received an advance copy of Suicide Squeeze by Victor Gischler. He writes hard-boiled, edgy mysteries. I liked it so much that I bought his other two books, Gun Monkeys (nominated for an Edgar) and Pistol Poets. I hope they're as good as Suicide Squeeze!
Lea from Walkerton, Virginia
I am reading Meg Cabot's book Every Boy's Got One and it is hilarious! The laugh-out-loud moments are frequent; I highly recommend this author and her books to all your readers.
ckkitsy@adelphia.net
I recently discovered Judith Ryan Hendricks, the author of Bread Alone and Isabel's Daughter. She writes interesting and heartwarming books.
Tracy Morrissey
Dennis Lehane. Just so sad he hasn't written any Patrick/Angela books since 1999!
Ancaster, Ontario
My two new favourite authors are Kate Pepper, writing Five Days in Summer; and Theresa Monsour, writing Clean Cut, plus Cold Blood.
Excellent suspense writing from these two "new" to me authors. I can't wait for more of their books!
Judy from Utah
I'm probably the last person on earth to discover Nelson DeMille. I think he's funny and scary!
Annabelle973@aol.com
Philippa Gregory
schot@cox.net
I recently read A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. He is a beautiful writer with a gift for making the reader be there and feel everything.
bookmark60@sc.rr.com
Gail Tsukiyama
John1rosie@aol.com
Khaled Hosseini and Lara Vapnyar
baxtergr@msn.com
An author who I "discovered" some few months ago is Elizabeth Berg. So far I have read two of her novels, Range of Motion andTalk Before Sleep. Both books are poignant and sad yet hopeful. Full of love and reality. I shall read anything else she has written or will write.
CherimoyaD@aol.com
I recently read a book by Jason Coleman titled The Wings of an Angel. Our school district gave out a few copies of the book to several schools and I received a copy. And I really, really enjoyed it. The book focuses on young adults and the different decisions we face in life, including death and how we have to continue to be on the lookout for evil, in the form of drugs and alcohol. And everyone suffers consequences if they break the rules, even Angels.
I learned that the author is a former Special Education Student, with his disabilities being Dyslexia and ADD and he is a former student of the same school system I am from. After hearing from our teacher about his struggles in overcoming his disabilities, becoming the first Special Education Student to attend an accelerated college preparatory high school for the gifted and taking regular education classes and then writing this story for us young people, it really made me feel good to know that no matter where you come from or what you do in life, you can still make a difference in someone's life.
The Wings of an Angel is filled with action-packed adventures and lessons on life. I really hope that he writes a sequel to this book, because I want to know if the little Guardian Angel Junior Walker and Scottie Dog Guardian Angel go into outer space and have any more adventures. Also this book will make an awesome movie.
Carly.Bohach@SourceMedia.com
Augesten Burroughs. His stuff is so funny!
