[Bear]

How many people here read outside of the aforementioned genres? In truth, I don't read very much Fantasy or Sci-fi these days, in large part because I've stumbled upon so many good authors in other genres.

Some of my Favorites:

Robert B. Parker (mysteries)--his main character, Spenser, featured in more than 28 novels, is one of my all time favorite characters. Even in Parker's weakest books, Spenser makes the story completely readable, and more importantly, enjoyable.

Harlan Coben (mysteries)--one of the funniest authors I have ever read. Sarcastic, witty, and fast paced, his books are impossible to put down. And he's got some fantastic plot twists. Stumped me a number of times.

Dennis Lehane (mysteries)--at times gritty and dark, at times sentimental, at times shocking, Dennis Lehane is a wonderful author. His prose is fantastic, his plots are always on the edge. A kick in the teeth author with some real style.

David Sedaris (non-fiction/humor)--one of the few authors that makes me laugh out loud. 'Naked' and "Me Talk Pretty One Day' are two of his essay collections. Simultaneously hilarious and insightful. Real good stuff.

There's more. But I have to work in the morning. I'll add to the list later.

Please feel free to contribute.

"It's like a checkbook, only it tastes like an orange and rhymes with nothing."

[NathV]

Frederick Forsyth is a novelist I have always enjoyed. His work probably won't shake up the world but he knows how to write taught thrillers and good plot twists.

Raymond Chandler, I've found, had an incredible eye for detail and is a very stylish novelist. I especially enjoyed The Big Sleep.

Could I include a poet?? Thanks:D
There's this poet called Steve Kelen, I don't know if you can get his stuff outside Australia...but he's very good.

[Eldanuumea]

Oh gosh, I've been reading for over 40 years and there are so many to choose from!!!

A partial list, off the top of my head:

John Steinbeck
Elizabeth George
Anita Shreve
Annie Proulx
Anne Tyler
James Michener
Shakespeare
Gerard Manley Hopkins (poet)
e.e. cummings
Jane Austen
Kathy Reichs
William Butler Yeats
Dylan Thomas

The bell rang...I could list dozens more.....

[Ouroboros]

Jim Dodge, Jack London, Umberto Eco, Paulo Coelho, Garbiel Garcia Marquez, Brett Easton Ellis etc

[Terazed]

Of author I have been reading recently I would have to say Jack London and Joseph Conrad. In the past I used to be addicted to Patrick O'Brien novels. I also read Richard Henry Dana's account 'Two Years Before the Mast' enough times for the book to fall apart, so I guess I should count him on those grounds. I still get a kick when reading his discriptions of west coast cities such as San Diego as tiny little mission outposts. I would think Bulgakov could fit in the fantasy catagory, but for those who don't I would put him on the list. I could probably think of a few more but that is enough for now.

[Bear]

And NathV, if you like Chandler (which you should, because he's very good) then you'd probably like Rober Parker too. He's considered by many to be Chandler's successor, only he's a bit more modern. Check out 'The Godwulf Manuscript' if you're interested.

And Jack London's another good one. I haven't read him in quite some time.

Other good ones:

S.J. Rozan--another good mystery author.
Jack Handy--his deep thoughts books are incredibly funny (a favorite quote: "the saddest thing you'll ever see is a mosquito sucking on a mummy")

To be continued again. I'm starving.

[Hemingway]

Ernest Hemingway- One of the most popular, influential, and charismatic of the American 20th century novelists. His style was sparse, yet powerfully consuming. A Farewell to Arms, and For Whom The Bell Tolls are two of my favorite novels, and are by far still reign as the greatest war novels of all time.

Micheal Connelly- One of today’s greatest writers. He creates novels with a blistering pace, smooth and dynamic prose, and plots intertwined with twists and shocking revelations.

Dan Brown- Anyone who has yet to read Angels and Demons, or the Davinci Code, do yourself a favor and put them on your reading list. This guy is absolutely phenomenal in every aspect of his writing.

John Steinbeck- So many fantastic novels, most notably Of Mice and Men (I love when Lenny smashes that bastard’s nose) and Grapes of Wrath.

Mark Twain- Extremely humorous, insightful, and fun writer.

Stephen King- My favorite writer of all time!

[Eldanuumea]

I like The Sun Also Rises and A Moveable Feast

I forgot Toni Morrison, Taylor Caldwell, James Clavell, Thomas Mann, Hermann Hesse.

[kegasaurus]

Anyone for Harper Lee? Or A A Milne? Howsabout Sallinger, or Anthony Burgess? A bit of Orwell mayhap? Wait a minute, 1984, that was urban fantasy wasn't it? ACtually all these are fantasy writer's. I apologise.

[Eldanuumea]

Harper Lee is not...and thanks for reminding me of her! She may have only one novel, but damn, what a one she has!!

How about Edward Rutherford?