Favourite Authors & Books

[@marlaeningles3788]

Thank you Helene, I love your videos and the fact that you approach your reviews in a very natural and simple way: for the joy of books. I wish you continue posting more videos, they are not only informative but they are also relaxing and inspiring. Saludos from Mexico.

[@ornleifs]

Murakami and Tart are also on my List of Favorite authors - I would add two Czech authors Milan Kundera and Bohumil Hrabal and two authors that meant so much to me when growing up Herge and his Tintin books and Tove Jansson with the magic of the Moomins. And then one of my favorites is the Icelandic Author Halldór Laxness who won the nobel prize in 1955 his books are pure genius.

[@JustMeMi]

since i discovered Murakami's Norwegian Wood, I have become obsessed with his work. NW and Kafka on the Shore are my favorite.

[@whatsfordinnerr]

Michael you should read his memoir “what I talk about when I talk about running” very inspiring

[@thisisalice2938]

Just started reading Grapes of Wrath! I'm really loving it so far, Steinbeck's writing of environment and scenes is so vivid you feel like you're walking beside the characters.

[@ankithamattam6567]

Just loved the way you curated your list of favourite authors and your favourites by them. I can’t wait to watch more of your video. Thank you for sharing 😃

[@DanaFromAlaska]

Hi Helene! Great video, thanks for sharing your favorites with us. I thought for sure your were going to say Anne Tyler was one. I have so many favorites, it's difficult to narrow it down to just a few! But one author that popped up in my mind that I thought you might enjoy is Armistead Maupin and his Tales of the City books. They are quite humorous and endearing. It's about a group of people in San Francisco in the 1970's that are not related, but they become like family to each other. Give the first book a try, and if you like it, there are several others that follow the same people from the 70's until the present time.

[@karlmatsumoto9281]

Excellent choices, surprisingly similar to my tastes. I would include Kazuo Ishiguro in that group as he shares sensibilities with most of the others. Hearing that you chose Steinbeck was a pleasant surprise. East of Eden is the great summer novel of all time?

[@paulelliott3220]

John Irving - read in the early 20's, and I'd recommend 'The Cider House Rules' John Steinbeck - awesome, try Cannery Row, simple brilliance and perhaps not as well known; cool choices Donna Tartt - fantastic; the Goldfinch is wonderful (the painting is fantastic too), Secret History is a masterpiece but get second I didn't think was quite at the same level as her previous two Got Auster, Atwood and Murakami books and are on my ' must get to' list James Lee Burke - Feast Day Of Fools, his best book in a legacy of amazing novels. His Dave Robicheaux books are equally superb. Neil Gaiman - American Gods is damn fine, but Neverwhere is dark and deeply wonderful and bonkers in equal measure Peter Hamilton - Pandoras Star/Judas Unchained are everything contemporary science fiction can deliver; its mind blowingly good Donna Tartt - agree George Pelecanos - his sequence of four books set in Washington about Nick Stenanos are simply great

[@hanaalfayez7150]

I purchased Margaret Atwood’s “Hag Seed” and “Alias Grace” because of you and I’m gonna start one of the books right after I finish what I’m currently reading. Thanks for all the recommendations 😁

[@nikkivenable3700]

Loved every moment of this, Helene! I haven't read any Atwood yet, so I need to get on that. Steinbeck is everything. I loved The Secret History. I've read it three times! I want to try Auster, but for some reason, his work overwhelms/intimidates me.

[@nikkivenable3700]

John Williams we have THE best taste!!!

[@SchnookumsDailyLife]

I’m loving your videos! This one was really great and a fun idea!

[@olgaotherstories8355]

Amazing choice!!! I love all these writers as well M. Atwood is the best for me and her "The Blind Assassin" I've read 3 times. Murakami " Kafka on the Shore" and P Auster "Invisible" big time!!! Have you read any of Alice Munro books? One of the best short story writer.

[@andrewbrendan1579]

I've never read a book by Haruki Murakami but you definitely have me interested, Helene! Some of my favorite authors and their books are Norah Lofts and her novel "Bless This House" which is a series of stories set in an English house from the time of Elizabeth I to Elizabeth II; Louis Auchincloss and his short story collection "Tales of Manhattan" about the wealthy people of New York"; Louise Brooks who wrote only one book, the brilliant "Lulu in Hollywood" which is autobiography/essay, much of it about being in silent films in Hollywood and Germany. Another favorite is Kathleen Norris who has written about her life and spiritual journey in books such as "Dakota" and "The Cloister Walk".---Thank you for introducing me to new authors. I've found Paul Auster books in Little Free Libraries around me and purchased one at the Friends of the Library store and now have maybe five Paul Auster books that I'm eager to read.

[@chboskyy]

I thought you'd mention Steinbeck, Tartt and Atwood 😊 this is a great idea for a video! I really need to read more from John Irving...

[@Esty777]

I am wondering if you would like to do a video on how to learn French, French literature recommendation or any French related content? There aren't many videos about French learning journey and I really want to hear from professional. Thank you:))

[@elliewiltshire7001]

Hi Helene, great video. I am just starting my first Murakami book 'Kafka on the shore'. I agree with all your choices, such great authors.

[@sumikatti]

This confirms that you have very similar taste with books than I do! :) Although I haven't read any Atwood yet :) ..and I'm not a raving fan of Murakami, but Norwegian Wood was such a good one I have bought one to have on my shelf.

[@lexicon50505]

i had held off reading Auster for so long and then read 4 3 2 1 last year (listened to it actually) and it was amazing. I'll definitely get to more of his books. Invisible seems like a good place to start.

[@merelevelyne]

I also love John Irving and Donna Tartt. Another favourite author is Rachel Joyce!

[@lantreauxlivres]

I'm working my way through Margaret Atwood's works too! I discover her last year with The Handmaid's Tale, and fell in love with her writing. Since then I only read The Penelopiad and Alias Grace but can't wait to read more! I love The Secret History, such a great book!!

[@lasaves3207]

Redbluemoon I’d recommend Death By Landscape, which is a short story but absolutely fantastic and mysterious :)

[@lantreauxlivres]

Thank you for your recommendation, I wrote it down!

[@lasaves3207]

Redbluemoon Good!! ;)

[@lasaves3207]

I’d recommend Death By Landscape by Margaret Atwood. AMAZING. Also: After Dark by Murakami, I’m sure you’ll love that one too because holy shit it’s breathtaking

[@karenkoutsoumbaris6308]

Thankyou Helene, great choices , I've read a prayer for Owen Meaney , love d it and definitely want to read more by John Irving. I haven't read Margaret Atwood yet, East of Eden is on my TBR list! Great video, loved it!

[@TeaAmelie]

Murakami is my favourite author, his books are pure magic. And must agree with you on Steinbeck and Tartt.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Great idea for a video and so interesting to hear how you got so hooked on these writers. All great choices! I've still not read The Robber Bride! The World According to Garp was one of my big loves as a teenager. It won't surprise you to learn Joyce Carol Oates is one of my favourite authors! :)

[@nikkivenable3700]

You inspired me to read JCO. I haven't looked back since! Thank you!

[@debbiemurphy4971]

I love Grapes of Wrath so much, but Pat Conroy was everything to me. The man could write the most beautiful prose; I’m so sad he’s gone.

[@lyncampbell1626]

A very good and interesting selection.

[@delza9137]

I put The Secret History by Donna Tartt in my wishlist :) I'm too intrigued :O

[@holistic7980]

I really appricate you doing these videos. I love them all! You have introduced me to new authors! I'm really excited about the new books I brought by Donna Tarrt and Anne Tayler. Thank you. How do you go about discovering new authors?

[@Usvaa]

I saw the film adaptation of The world according to Garp and didn't like it, even though it's starring two of my favourite actors, Robin Williams and Glenn Close. Have you seen it? Is the book very different from the film? If so, I'd like to read it.

[@LoveTheSurgeon]

I read Paul Auster's Invisible a few months ago. Although I read it all the way through, and although there were some aspects of it I really liked, I really couldn't get over all the descriptive incestuous scenes... (sorry for spoilers, anyone). The fact that the brother/sister relationship was so focused in on kind of ruined it for me. I'm not really sure how one can read that book and be okay with it really... it was kinda messed up. What are your thoughts Helene? :)

[@amelian9677]

LoveTheSurgeon I’m grateful for the spoiler because now I know it’s not the book for me LOL! Thx 👍🏼

[@spinstercatlady]

I have so many it's difficult to narrow it down! Emma Donoghue, Sarah Waters, Essie Fox, Joyce Carol Oates and Shirley Jackson...tons of female authors!!

[@Usvaa]

What was the first book by Auster that you read?

[@masteatro]

I thought you were to mention also Anne Tyler.

[@sushrut3670]

First

[@sagishpreman7644]

am here for your voice