I’ve read well over a 100 books this year (despite my Goodreads feed saying I’ve only read 10!). It seems that I have spent this year reading books that are – well, mindless for the most part. They are great stories, and I recommend many of them, but a good 3/4 of them are simply entertaining stories. For me anyway. Lots of memoir, lots of historical novels, and A LOT of post-apocalyptic stories.
When I look back over the list of books that I’ve read, I got to thinking which of those books had the most impact on me? Which of those books made me want to WRITE? Because without a doubt, certain books just get inside me and get my fingers itching to write my own story. Granted, I have no idea what that story is yet, but all the same, these books resonate with something deep inside me. Is it because they are written in a style that is closest to my own style? Closest to my own voice?
At any rate, the following list is a compilation of books I’ve read this year (and a few from the distant past) that have awakened the urge in me to write. My new year’s resolution is to read more of these books that move me. And, of course, to start writing! If I were going to teach a creative writing class, these are the books I would have my students read.
Not all of these books (maybe none of them) will be books that you want to read. My style is not for everyone. But if you see one book on here that you very much enjoyed, then you will probably enjoy the others. These are not arranged in any particular order. If you asked me for my favorite – the one that really makes me want to get writing, I would have to say Godforsaken Idaho.
What book (or books) make you want to write? Leave me a comment.
Happy reading – and happy writing!
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