A is for Authors

I thought I would share some of my favorite authors here!  This is a book I just finished reading, Maeve Binchy wrote about her beloved Ireland. She was a wonderful storyteller. She could weave all the characters together. I have several of her books and was saddened when she passed away way too soon in July 2012.

The very first Amy Tang book I read was "The Joy Luck Club". Amy writes about her culture and the land her ancestors came from, China. She ties in the Chinese American experience beautifully. I like the fact that she writes about the relationships between mothers and their daughters. I gave my daughter Noelle an Amy Tan book for Mother's Day! We are both avid readers.

I have read every book this terrific author has written. The wedding is a favorite. Nicholas Sparks writes stories that always touch my heart. He is a master storyteller and he hails from North Carolina and ties his heritage into his books.

Another North Carolina native, Jan Karon writes stories that draw you into the lives of the characters and the town where they live. She is a master at holding my attention in each one of her books. Her books always make me want to read another one. I am a huge fan.

Debbie Macomber is a native of Yakima, Washington. She writes about the Northwest where she resides. I have enjoyed her books and last year Hallmark Channel created a series with the Cedar Cove books written by Debbie Macomber. Although I enjoy stories I was disappointed in some of the story lines the television directors used as well as the types of characters they portrayed. I think the original book versions are premier and often too many important characters or places are changed to accommodate a broader audience and the stories lose some of their flavor.

Harper Lee was born in Alabama. When I first began blogging I met a lady who lives in Harper Lee's hometown and she told me some wonderful stories. I have a few postcards Beryl sent me from their hometown. The 1960 Pulitzer Prize winning book "To Kill a Mockingbird" deals with racism and it is my all time favorite book. I am sure I have gone through half a dozen copies of this book and truly love it.

My second favorite book ever written. Pearl S. Buck grew up in China. She was the daughter of missionaries in China. Her writing style impressed me at a very young age and I have worn out two copies of this beautiful book. My late Uncle Louie was a history buff and he knew his Colorado history well. But he also read a variety of books. While his wife, my Auntie Ang read romance novels, something I never was terribly interested in, he read more "meaty" books. He lent me his copy of "The Good Earth" while I was in high school and I can remember seeing it in his barrister case in their living room. It holds many good memories for me.

 Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. ~Charles W. Eliot

I hope you visit Ms. Jenny and everyone who participates in Alphabe Thursday.  I also hope you will share your favorite authors with me here today, and please enjoy a wonderful end to your week and a terrific weekend.