A List of My Favorite Authors

You know how your favorite pizza is from that one local place that you know can never do any wrong? Or how your favorite vacation spot has that soft serve that you know will never disappoint? Maybe it’s that favorite movie that you watch on repeat because it’s impossible to get tired of. I find that when discussing favorites that you can never tire of, these authors come to the forefront of my mind. When in doubt, choosing one of their works will simply never disappoint and has always fulfilled my thirst for a good book.

First Author: Khalid Hosseini 

Hosseini has never and will never fail to pull at your heartstrings while bringing awareness to important topics. He was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and the themes/issues of his novels are almost autobiographical in their depictions of life as it was before he came to seek asylum in the U.S. We see mentions of Soviet intervention in Afghanistan and life under the Taliban. I think the reason why I appreciate his work so much is because he brings light to historical developments and pertinent events in a way that hits you so hard and connects with you emotionally. By recognizing the hardships, the cruelty, and the unspeakable events that so many silently go through, a window where insight and light on occurrences in our world (in these cases Afghanistan specifically) are created. Critics often say that his novels are unchallenging to read or even predictable, but the mere simplicity of his prose and grammar is exactly what makes him so great. His books become readable and digestible to a larger audience, and discussions on important themes of human rights, family, and ultimately the perseverance of humans can be created. Comprehension and understanding of how our world used to be and how it has developed should be accessible to everyone, and that ultimately overpowers such critiques. I felt tied to his characters, I felt their pain, and I was always rooting for them. His books are raw, real, and so painful to read at times. The Kite Runner remains my favorite book to this day, the heartbreak in that story is something I’ve always carried in my mind. 

Second Author: Ocean Vuong

The prose, the language, the emotion that you’ll find in an Ocean Vuong book is something you’ll end up searching for in whatever novel you read next. From the very first pages of his novel “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” I knew that his works were necessary to explore. His prose is devastatingly stunning, and his stories follow emotional tales of abuse, addiction, and all the complexities that came with his formative years as the son of an immigrant. These themes hit me right in the heart and stayed with me for months after finishing his work. His book was haunting, vulnerable, and profound. Personal elements tied together expertly and painfully with such emotional narratives have kept Ocean Vuong’s name in the forefront of my mind for a long time. 

Third Author: Suzanne Collins 

I know this may be surprising and downright upsetting to hear, but I only officially sat down to read the Hunger Games series a few months ago. That being said, after finishing (devouring may be a more accurate word) Suzanne Collins's books, I knew that she had easily climbed the ranks of my favorites. The amount of heartbreak and meaning that these stories have is honestly indescribable. Propaganda, corruption, and class divisions are all realities that are all too real in our society today. It's those little details that honestly pack the biggest punch. Evident in character storylines and actions, symbols, and even just the normalities that the people of the districts have been subjected to. Katniss and honestly every ally she interacted with remained so raw, so resilient, and so painful to read about. The books are page-turners, riveting, and chilling. Collin's efforts in spreading an important message through the rebellion can be seen through some really haunting mechanisms. 

Fourth Author: Karen M. McManus 

Karen’s ability to tie together a plot full of entertainment, intrigue, and mystique remains a sure way to keep me hooked and reading her books. I mean One of Us is Lying was the first book that got me into reading, her set of characters in that novel was the first that I connected with before beginning my reading journey. Her mysteries have kept me rapt with attention for years, and I would suggest any of her books for those looking to pick up reading or getting out of a slump. They’re so easy to binge-read and such good page-turners. The found-family and character relationships within her Bayview series were a special addition that I genuinely loved. Her usage of multiple perspectives allowed for a close understanding and appreciation for the unique qualities of each character in the stories. I’ve seen a lot of people argue that her books are filled with too many cliches or tropes, and although I can concede that point to a certain degree, it doesn’t change the fact that her books are genuinely fun and entertaining to engage with. And honestly, that’s all I look for sometimes. 

Fifth Author: R.F. Kuang

I can confidently say that Kuang’s works are nothing short of masterful, and I truly do mean that. Her worlds are so complex, and the plotlines are so unique. The Poppy War was unlike many fantasy recommendations I have picked up in the past, as it was cruel, dark, and filled with the rage that comes with war. The world-building is so captivating, as are the feelings of savagery and the profundity of humanity itself. Babel covers the topics of imperialism, racial supremacy, and racism in academia. I thought it was very well crafted especially in its ability to tie in magical elements. Her books feel raw and the language is incredible. They make you uncomfortable at times, as her novels are filled with subtleties about many historical and systemic issues. I have yet to read YellowFace, but both its placement on my TBR list and my expectations are very high.