One of the things I’ve been thinking lately is that I’m not as well read as I want to be–or even used to be. That’s not to say I don’t read a lot (anyone who knows me knows better), like the guys over at Unshelved say, I read irresponsibly and encourage that in others. But I think I need a tad more responsibility in my reading.
I read a lot, and I mean a lot of detective/mystery fiction, urban fantasies, etc. Many people would disdainfully refer to it as, “genre fiction” (totally ignoring the nagging detail that everything fits in at least one genre). Don’t get me wrong–I don’t plan on stopping, maybe just cutting back a little to make some time for more mainstream fiction, “serious” literature and some classics.
Back in college, I read a lot more along those lines — and not just for class (‘tho certainly that was a part of it), but after graduation, I shifted my reading focus and only read fiction as entertainment and escape. Before I knew it, I got lazy, and only occasionally did any heavy lifting. It’s time for me to try to fix that.
So in addition to new books by the likes of Michael Connelly, Patricia Briggs, Carrie Vaughn, Jim Butcher, Robert B. Parker, Jim C. Hines, Anton Strout, Seanan McGuire and knocking out back lists of Zoë Sharp, Lee Child, James Lee Burke, Lawrence Block, Patricia Briggs (that looks like a lot of Briggs), and others I haven’t stumbled across yet; I need to add some more serious reads. I’m thinking about some Austen, Franzen, Updike, Salinger, maybe even Dickens (if I get desperate)…but I’m looking for some more ideas.
So, friends, readers, countrymen…lend me your reads. The comment section is wide open–fill ‘er up.
Anonymous
Andrew Klavan, he's the author of the book I told you Wolf had read, suggested for your kids. He also does mysteries and psychological thrillers for us “grown-ups”. Two of his books have been made into movies (True Crime and Don't Say a Word) and while I haven't read those two books, I have read Emipire of Lies, and I liked it.
Sandy
Hobster
ah, cool. The one you recommended is towards the top of Frodo's To Read pile. Once he knocks it off, I'm going to give it a go. Will look for adult works by him.