My Favorite Authors

Sign up for Skillshare and get two months free! skl.sh/merphynapier11
(This video was sponsored by Skillshare
WHERE TO FIND ME:
► My Website: www.merphynapier.net
► My Patreon: / merphynapier
► Twitter: / merphynapier
► Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/review/list...
► Instagram: / merphynapier
► E-mail: [e-mail]
► Mailing Address:
PO box 22
Science Hill KY 42553

[@zeloguy]

"December is 'booked' up" -- Merphy Napier.

[@JohnBradford14]

What I love about Sanderson's writing style is that his language is very effective. He doesn't write in any sort of flowery prose. Rather, he uses very strong words that have impact. I remember the fight scenes in Mistborn and thinking how intense they were, for example.

[@camics]

Loved the skillshare sketch 😂😂

[@AndYouWillBeWithMe]

me too!!

[@eduardoo31]

i love it when she does those hahaha

[@StreetsOfLovee]

oooooh yess haha

[@Sam-rx7cb]

Neil Gaiman is amazing. One of my favourite books is one he co-authored with Terry Pratchett, Good Omens, which if you haven't read I would definitely recommend :D

[@g.chatterjee2296]

It was tedious for me to read. :(

[@PampdArt]

I'll be getting Good Omens anyday now and I'm so excited!! :D

[@Morfeusm]

@@g.chatterjee2296 It aged a bit I agree, but it was so cool back then! Try something else from Pratchett, maybe some of his newer books.

[@cinthiagoch]

Yeah, it aged a little, especially the part of the cassette tapes and the landline telephone. (Queen is eternal, don't even try fighting me on this.) But if we can enjoy victorian books and accept the difference in culture and still like them, I don't see how a few decades of old tecnology could get in the way of enjoying this book. Maybe it's humor style isn't for everyone - even though it's my favorite kind.

[@Morfeusm]

@@cinthiagoch It must be something because I love british humour and when I read it ten years ago it felt somehow obsolete or aged, do not know. Maybe it has too much references to other things like you mention (besides Queen) which do not age well? I still love Terry and Neil and british comedy like Monty Python, Blackadder, even Hot Fuzz.... so not sure why I feel that way. Also most of the classics are famous exactly because they are like Queen :D

[@alexink7941]

Favorite authors is such a difficult question to me, because i don't think I've read enough of any author to really say that they're my favorite? Because one book could be the best thing ever, and the next one could be the worst I've ever read. Most of the times I try to keep author and books seperated anyways, so I don't end up idolising them, because they're still only human. But I guess if I had to name one favorite author right now, it would be Brandon Sanderson. I haven't read much of him yet (Skyward, Stormlight Archive 1, currently reading Warbreaker) but I haven't picked one of his stories up and felt bored at all, which means a lot considering the length of his novels. Another one would be Rick Riordan, but I'm not sure whether or not I just like the universe he created, or his writing style in particular. Same goes for Douglas Adams and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Loved his wit in these novels. but I'm not sure whether or not I'd like any other of his books in a different setting.

[@matheusvmoraes]

Discovered your channel today and this video was a great starter! Loved your comments about Gaiman and Sanderson!

[@Jenbebookish]

When I’m feeling emo or depressive or just in a bummer mood I come and watch ur videos and they make me feel better :) you’re my comfort tuber ❤️❤️ I’m so glad that you went back to making videos 4 days a week!

[@sandstorm_lp]

I have been following your uploads for a while and I got to admit that I have found many books from your suggestions that I have found interesting. Like many times before, I just ordered a book after watching a video you have uploaded and I can't wait to start reading 'And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Long And Longer'. Thank you for what you are doing and the passion you put into it!

[@apheliotropic]

Love you for making the sponsors that we’ve seen a million times worth watching😂😂

[@Simmi_]

To be honest, before I heard you say it I didn't know that some people don't like Brandon Sanderson's books because of his writing style. I never really noticed how plain it was, but now I've seen multiple people mention it. I think that I get so wrapped up in his world and his characters that I almost don't notice the words as I'm reading them. Personally, I tend to dislike writing styles that are so different that they pull me out of the story.

[@schroederscurrentevents3844]

I am not a fan of his writing style and sometimes it can take me out of the story, for that reason, I don’t consider him one of the “greats”. That said, I have never left one of his books unsatisfied. He creates compelling characters and compelling arcs, incredibly immersive worlds, viable plots, which all spin together in an experience that ultimately leaves me very very happy with the book. In terms of writing styles, people have different tastes. I certainly have mine. But it isn’t everything, and it’s worth getting past to read the stories composed by Brandon like music.

[@MaryAmongStories]

your sponsor sketches are always hilarious 😂 yeeeess to Gaiman, Sanderson and Backman 😍 still need to check out the others!

[@AmeliaOak]

The characters in Mistborn are great. I want to read Stormlight Archive too. I understand some of the criticism Sanderson gets but I LOVE his stories

[@joecourtney8552]

I’m putting off stormlight cause it’s nit even half way written. I don’t wanna wait two years for a book and not know what going on. Good thing he has plenty along with my other TBR to keep busy.

[@noamcohen7124]

@@joecourtney8552 not to mention doing it for 7 books

[@adhunikmanav2638]

I was folding laundry while listening to this video in the background. As soon as she mentioned about how good a Audio Narrator Neil Gaiman is, I dropped whatever I was folding and ran to my PC and now typing this comment that YES! I 100% AGREE! I heard Neil narrate his book Ocean at the end of the lane and BOY OH BOY! His voice is just stuck inside my head. And now every book I read I read it in his voice inside my head. His voice has such a velvety texture to it, like Cadbury Silk Chocolate!

[@Ben-jx1ys]

Love your channel. Love your passion.

[@libraryofadventures7800]

Just want to say I love listening to you describing books and authors. I wish I could review books like you do

[@onfaerystories]

Dear Murphy, I found your channel a month ago and I've been binge-watching your videos. I admire the passion you put into your work and I love how much I can relate to you. I don't know any of these authors and I will eventually check them out! I have a question you might have already answered, but as a French-Canadian (Québécoise) who loves languages and has just started reading Harry Potter in Greek (yes, that's crazy!), I was wondering what languages and cultures appeal to you the most since you mentioned watching videos on language on Skillshare. I'm glad you highlighted the incredible work of your favourite author's translator as that is what I'm currently studying. ❤

[@MrJordwalk]

A few of my faves: - JRR Tolkien - Frank Herbert - HP Lovecraft - Stephen King - Philip K. Dick - Ray Bradbury - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - George RR Martin - Guy Gavriel Kay - Steven Erikson - Ian C. Esslemont - Rick Riordan - James Clavell - Conn Iggulden - Jo Nesbo - Michael Crichton -

[@pleasepleasethebees]

I'm reading a Backman now - and loving it!

[@devashriyadav5972]

I've been waiting for this video! Love you and I am planning to read your book !

[@nonfictionfeminist]

Oh goodness I hope that's not actually how you type! Haha great Skillshare acting! You're making me so excited to start Asimov! I got a copy of I, Robot, hopefully I'll start it in the first few months of the new year. A little nervous, since I don't love short stories.

[@mattkean1128]

Definitely going to use your Skillshare link.I've been meaning to read Asimov, but hadn't settles on a reading order, as I'm most interested in the Foundation series. But I know many say to start earlier on with the robot books to kind of understand the entire universe he builds. Seeing how much you liked him and where you started, I may do that.I have a big omnibus of Gaiman's Sandman graphic novel that I'm making my way through. It's really interesting! And I don't typically read those kinds of novels.

[@callmeaftercoffee]

Sanderson and Backman have definitely made my list this year. And every morning is so so good 💕💔. I read it (on your rec) last year around this time I think, and it just broke my heart. My Gramps just passed a few months before I read it and he declined so quickly and forgot who we all were. So much packed into 76 little pages 😭💕

[@skijumpnose]

For me it's Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, Raymond Feist, Lee Child, Joe Hill, Brandon Sanderson

[@nathanj3528]

Lee child? U read Jack Reacher?

[@nathanj3528]

Lee child? U read Jack Reacher?

[@skijumpnose]

Indeed i do, Always quick entertaining reads

[@maxcorben5274]

Witch Stephen king novels did you read. I read It,Elevation,misery,Carrie,the body and 1922

[@claudiav5638]

@@maxcorben5274 yeah I'd like to know as well lol

[@TheReadingWerewolf]

The acting! 10/10 Loved it~

[@KierTheScrivener]

I met Backman an he is just such an intelligent and thoughtful person. I'm waiting on holds for his books

[@mcdoobies7328]

I gave this video a like, just because of how good you were in the add.

[@Namorat]

1. Terry Pratchett 2. Robert B. Parker 3. Orson Scott Card 4. Drew Hayes 5. David Weber First four are set, fifth is spontaneous. Although everyone but Number 4 is basically on this list or close to it for years, but I found Drew Hayes this year and simply love his Super Powereds series. Super Powereds is basically X-Men meets Harry Potter and I recommend it to anyone who thinks this basic sounds interesting :D

[@dannywilkins6567]

I don't watch all your videos but I liked to see you advertise in this one. Good for you. 👍

[@nenerson1195]

Scott Lynch has written a short story unrelated to Locke and Jean. It's called A Year and a Day in Old Theradane. It's very good! Its about a thief who gets blackmailed into stealing something very strange.

[@chiunc]

More sketches please! That was fun!

[@carolinek1818]

Since I was 14 I've loved Rick Riordan. I'm mythology geek so Neil Gaiman was a natural favourite also . 1 year ago I started with Brandon Sanderson and I'll read everything he writes.

[@Bushwhacker-so4yk]

This may change, but my top so far: 1. Patrick Rothfuss. I know he takes a long time on his books, but there’s a reason for that. Every. Word. Counts. The man is practically writing in verse half the time, and it works really well. He is great at transporting readers into characters’ heads too. 2. Brandon Sanderson. Strong suits here are definitely worldbuilding and magic systems with clearly defined rules. I also like that he focuses on characters with disabilities and mental health problems, and the theme of leadership is strong in most of his arcs. 3. Orson Scott Card. I got back into reading him recently, and I realized how much I love his style. My favorite thing Card does is manage to be funny when you least expect it. He also explores the leadership theme. I think Card and Sanderson should talk sometime. 4. Neil Gaiman. Gaiman’s good at writing trippy stuff that somehow still makes sense. His stories are simple, but in a nice way, not an amateurish way. 5. Terry Pratchett. If I just want to laugh, I crack open a Pratchett book. He is the king of puns, but that doesn’t mean he can’t also make you think. Some of Discworld’s themes are actually eye-opening. 6. Rick Riordan. This guy knows how to do characters! Seriously, it is so much fun seeing all of the kids he writes about evolve, and it’s like you’re right inside their minds. I like how he incorporates myth into modern society too. 7. Madeleine L’Engle. Simple, beautiful prose and stories that are as much about family as they are about science. Can’t believe I almost forgot about her because her work has definitely shaped me.

[@analyzationm]

Rick Riordan!!! He's on my list too( the author's you mentioned i haven't picked up( yet I really want to pick up Rothfuss and Geimin) and Sanderson I'm currently reading Way of kings and read Skyward Starsight and Elantris so I don't yet know where he stands

[@mousetons]

Jodi Picoult, Mitch Albom, Wolf Serno, Ronald Reng, Mary Roach. But for fantasy/sci-fi: Liu Cixin, Peter V. Brett, Deborah Harkness, Lev Grossman, Patrick Rothfuss

[@starxmon]

your videos are literally my favourite :3

[@merphynapier42]

❤️❤️❤️

[@lillianpiosi5018]

One day I really hope I can appear on this list, I watch your videos a lot and some helped me rediscover my love for writing. Thank you

[@OnlyIfForAPage]

I love how you did the ad! I already have year-long membership, the only problem is actually making myself do the courses :- D I wasn't aware that A. S. King was one of your favorites, I should try one of her books :- ) I loved The Final Empire :- )

[@curiouslanguage2032]

Great video! I appreciated the mom jeans clip for your skillshare shoutout lol

[@thehorrorreviewclub6719]

Continue doing inspiring videos I get bullied a lot whilst reading and listening to audiobooks people think it’s lazy it is nice to see people still read and not just that but encourage others to do the same 👍🏻 any advice for the bullies?

[@Zechs00GT]

Reading Sanderson is like wearing a old set of broken in jeans. I always have a one of his on my phone to read if im stuck some place.

[@apoorvajangale9667]

You know what I never skip your skillshare stuff as you do different things with it which keeps it super fun and interesting so umm great job? 🤔 😅

[@amybooksit7818]

Ack! You are right. She tricked me into watching the ad! That never happens! Good job Merphy! lol

[@molliehaines]

You got me into Fredrik Backman this year, but at first I thought he was fine, just not great and didn't understand where all the praise was coming from. The more I read from him, though, the more I fell in love, and his book And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer has been the absolute best thing I've listened to this year. Thanks so much for the rec!

[@merphynapier42]

This makes me happy ❤️

[@mangalover0149]

I adored Elantris and Warbreaker... so I'm crying inside that I can't listen/read Mistborn yet ;-;. I can't wait to start it. Then Stormlight is next.

[@turtleinashirt]

For me, Chuck Palahniuk (Rant and Diary are my favs) Michael Crichton (Sphere being his best in my opinion), Christopher Moore (Dirty Job and Secondhand Souls are amazingly entertaining), Dean Koontz (Watchers and the Odd Thomas series are delicious), C.S. Lewis (love me some Screwtape and the Great Divorce), Stephen Woodworth (With Violet Eyes was mesmerizingly original), Loreth Ann White (A Dark Lure kept me riveted) , Bram Stoker (because who doesn’t love Bram Stoker?), H.G. Wells (Ya know why) and last but not least, Bill Watterson. I know you’re going to say that Calvin and Hobbs doesn’t count as a “book” and so he isn’t an “author” but his writing and vision molded the way I looked at the world as a child and while he may not be what most people think of as an author, he crafted some of the best prose and dialogue I’ve ever read in print.

[@danecobain]

I'm so glad Asimov has made his way into your top five!

[@wtk6069]

A lot of writers should emulate his self-described "styleless style". He never lets the writing get in way of the story he wants to tell.

[@michaeljenner2325]

Some of mine are Tolkien, M.I McAllister, Garth Nix, Kenneth Graham and several black library authors.

[@sampew1605]

All good choices. I went on a major Neil Gaiman binge a few years ago, Stardust and Neverwhere are favorites of mine

[@rahash4121]

The last time I was this early, JK Rowling was still valid.

[@kqver9696]

Yikes

[@ceci9570]

oof

[@ronwevsleys]

SHE IS STILL VALID TO REAL POTTER HEADS

[@g.chatterjee2296]

Burnt

[@AmeliaOak]

Harry James Potter my friend, you can always love Harry Potter. It doesn’t mean you have to take Rowling seriously (Sirius-ly 😐)

[@Aniowien]

I agree wholeheartedly about Asimov and his world building! I read Prelude to Foundation recently and I have to say it was the first time in a long time that I really felt engrossed with the world! Lol

[@aryanlusandra]

For me it's: Walter Moers, David Gemmell, Cornelia Funke, Robert Jorden and Brandon Sanderson :)

[@stipser1]

Here's to a fellow moers enjoyer

[@voidsabre_]

I like to explain Brandon Sanderson's writing style as him not having one His prose is so simple and to-the-point that it's great for getting his character and world building work across, but if you want pretty words you won't find them from Branzo Sanzo

[@laurendavis7251]

I’ve only read 2 book series by Brandon Sanderson so far, but I already love him. I’ve read the Reckoners Trilogy which is my favorite series ever. I love the characters and the plot. I’m currently reading Mistborn Trilogy and at first, I was really confused but i’m halfway through The Well of Asension and i love it

[@jonathanwolff7868]

I got a Backman book for my grandma to give to her on her birthday (it's the one about the man called Ove) because you keep talking about him :)

[@merphynapier42]

I hope you love it!

[@amandaofhouserobinson6707]

Totally agree with you on Sanderson !! I've read mistborn and skyward and am nearly finished elantris currently ... His writing style is so " comfortable" I don't know how else to say it !!! I mean that in a really good way! I love his books !! All of them so far... Storm light is next on my list !

[@edwardiii8409]

I'd like to hear your take on Crazy Is My Superpower and what you think about April's vocal performance on the audiobook?

[@areeshafatima8453]

If only i had a dollar for everytime you're sponsered by skillshare 😂😂

[@merphynapier42]

Lol! Yeah I like to keep with the companies I love rather than a bunch of random ones 😅

[@ericviera5120]

I have rekindled my love for reading over the last few years. My main genres to read are horror, suspense/thriller, and Sci-fi, but I've recently been on a fantasy/urban fantasy kick. I don't read too much, but shoot for at least one book/week. It's hard to say who my favorite authors are, especially using your guidelines of reading multiple standalone books or multiple series by the same author. My favorite authors that meet those guidelines, which is sadly not many, are Dean Koontz, Lee Child, and Craig Schaefer. An honorable mention for me would be Andrew Mayne as I love "The Naturalist" series, but it's the only series of his that I've read so far. Most of my reading nowadays is done on the Kindle and tends to be my monthly free selection (Kindle Firsts) and then recommended suggestions from Kindle Unlimited.

[@rltremblay1074]

Try audiobooks

[@scrollsofdragons362]

Mine are V E Schwab, Linwood Barclay, Harlan Coben, C S Pacat and Elliot Wake. Bit of a mixture of genres. They're the ones who all the books I've read of theirs I like and have written some of my faves, with different series and standalones.

[@davids2735]

Scott lynch has some novellas that are short, but fun. "The Effigy Engine" and "A Year and a Day in Old Theradane." Effigy engine is published separately on kindle. The other can be found in the short story collection "Street Magicks"

[@merphynapier42]

Oh thank you! I'll check them out!

[@davids2735]

@@merphynapier42 oh! And "In the Stacks" is another one too! I forgot about that one

[@davids2735]

@@merphynapier42 and they're all available separately on kindle now

[@jayscheer5529]

Robert E Howard, Alexander Dumas, Issac ! David Gemmel, Robert Ludlum, and of course Tolkien.

[@CarlosPenasGrl]

I love Gaiman audiobooks, even when it's not him narrating. I feel like his books are so beloved that it's always guarenteed to have a lot of love put into the performances. I'm listening to his reading of Coraline now and it's so lovely, but my favorite has to be the 10th anniversary, full cast production of American Gods. I binged it before watching the show, and honestly still prefer to in it's performances. The show is still amazing, though.

[@travislee6967]

1. Mercedes Lackey 2. Anne McCaffrey 3. James Clemens 4. Patricia Briggs 5. Mickey Zucker Reichert Hard hitting contemporary recommendation Mitch Albom For one more day.

[@nicholasbeeson4999]

The way of kings was difficult to understand and follow in the auto book because of the performers but I loved that book.

[@BernasBookishAdventures]

I definitely agree about Backman's translator(s). Very good job! My favorite author is Agatha Christie ;)

[@AHealthyDoseofFran]

For me, in terms of impact and what I love reading and re-reading: Rick Riordian, F. C. Yee, Patricia Highsmith, and Tess Gerritsen I 100% need to check out Brandon Sanderson properly especially for the world building

[@jc-wx5oo]

Are you the type of person who gets excited when you buy a bunch of fresh office supplies? I get that vibe. And, hey, if so...no shame, the older I get the more exciting fancy planners become.

[@AndYouWillBeWithMe]

You're hyping me up for december haha

[@ilovezuko80]

Backman is usually translated by Neil Smith though Every Morning is Alice Menzies, and I think they do just an incredible job.

[@stevienicks841]

I love Neil Gaiman, Ocean at the End of thr Lane is absolutely beautiful and i love the quirky exciting world of Neverwhere. My favourite author has to be Robin Hobb/Megan Lindholm though. Her Farseer trilogy and follow ons (the entire 16 book series...) are absolutely brilliant. I think you would enjoy her books too, given what you said about Brandon Sanderson depicting emotions and mental illness

[@larrys8025]

Read American Gods. It is so rich in character and plot. Neverwhere was my introduction, and the intro for many others into Gaiman. For a short but really great read try The Graveyard Book, which just about everyone compares to The Jungle Book, which is valid, but it really pulls you into his world. This I think is Gaiman's greatest talent, to make you a part of his creation.

[@secondaccount1688]

I can’t wait until you read Foundation!

[@staceysantos4564]

Yes! Neil Gaiman's audiobooks are superb! It's also hard for me to read the physical books but the audiobooks he narrated are beautiful!

[@YmkeDeGraaff]

My top 5 atm is: Neil Gaiman, Shirley Jackson, Patrick Ness, Philip Pullman & Jessic Townsend. I think that Shirley Jackson would be perfect for your classics video's.

[@madisongracedeluise]

My favorites are Marie Lu, Taherah Mafi, Stephen King (definitely), Jennifer Donnelly, and Rick Riordan

[@fraserking4747]

The best sponsorship ad I’ve ever seen tbh

[@Hadrian1616]

1. Brandon Sanderson 2. Michael J Sullivan 3. Scott Lynch 4. Elizabeth Moon 5. Brian McClellan List subject to change like weather. I'm going to add in some Asimov early next year. Thanks.😀

[@Ben-jx1ys]

Mine: Neil Gaiman, Ursula K Le Guinn, Terry Pratchett, Walter Moers, Michael Ende, David Mitchell, Stephen King,

[@karissaomer2820]

I just read my first A.S. King this past week and I thought it was a great book! It was The Year We Fell From Space. It's a middle grade book that deals with divorce and mental illness. My favorite authors would be Brandon Sanderson, Orson Scott Card, and Neal Shusterman. There a a few authors where I have only read one book of theirs, but I am hopeful they will become a favorite. Those are Kristin Hannah, Julie Berry, Diane Setterfield, and Neil Gaiman.

[@DjangoOvlidarLaFruita]

I just wanted to give you a PSA. If you enjoy the howls moving castle film, and if you end up getting disney+ for you and your family, they have the other studio ghibli movies there. I think you would also enjoy princess mononoke and spirited away 🥰

[@catbowserfantasytherapist3132]

Hard question. Overall though, my tops are: 5: M. Anderson (indie author) 4: Marion Blackwood (indie author) 3: Stephen King 2: Neil Gaimen 1: JRR Tolkien

[@steveaustin6916]

Hello Merphy. I was wondering if you had read any/ have opinions on the works of Haruki Murakami? To me his work is exquisite. There are some cultural differences that can prove challenging, my first read was Norwegian Wood and it took me 3/4 of the book to realise the Japanese culture view suicide differently to western audiences, and there are a few instances of middle aged men hanging around with teenage girls which as a middle aged man I find quite unsettling, but his characters and world building is amazing. It has such a mournful quality. My top five are Murakami, Gaiman, Phillip K Dick, Brian Aldis and Michael Moorcock. I love the way you talk about books. Thank you for being you.

[@Mojjs92]

Is the non-fiction book by Fredrick Backman the one about what his son needs to know about about the world? That one has made me both laugh and cry. His sentences tend to have a way of “hitting you right in the feels”. My brother has loved his writing for years (ever since before he was a published author) and I am so very happy that I found my way to his books as well. Speaking of Backman: have you read anything by Astrid Lindgren (his favourite author and a national treasure of Sweden)? Gaiman is also a favourite of mine. Especially Neverwhere. Hard agree regarding his audiobook narration, though I did listen to Anansi Boys narrated by a different voice actor (Lenny Henry) who did the accents very well.

[@merphynapier42]

I just finished his non fiction and it was beautiful

[@georgeheingartner6995]

My favorite Arthur would have to be the mythical king, the Excalibur guy. What?

[@LittleJoSleep]

My favorite Arthur is the one with the sister named D.W.

[@arlostein1000]

Go off King

[@evelinnagy1059]

The only time I ever cried iver a book was when I first read Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. It was just SUCH an emotional scene, I can't even... and nobody ever died! It wasn't a character death, but the way she wrote everyone's reactions amd thought and feelings and greif, it was heartbreaking. I'm not gonna write what it was becailuse spoilers, but it really hit me hard. Go read the series, The Infernal Devices, the trilogy CP is set in, and the original series, The Mortal Instruments - I guarantee maximum enjoyment. TID was a lot heavier and a lot more seriius to me, so if you're looking for something more lighthearted, read TMI

[@grimreads]

Assimov's short story "Nightfall" is also a must read imho

[@paddywan]

Today I read my first book by Fredrik Backman and I loved it! I don't know if it has been translated to english yet, but when I read it, I kept thinking that "Merphy would love this"! It is called "Ditt livs affär" and is from 2017. If it has not yet been translated to english, I hope it will be soon :) Love from Sweden!

[@JoeBob79569]

In regard to a fear of heights: I don't have a fear of heights, but I have a _healthy_ fear of heights. What I found fascinating, when using vr, is that I find it quite difficult to step off a high ledge. It's like, I know that I'm in vr, standing in my living room, but I can't seem to convince my brain that it's just vr, even though I know it is. When I decide to lift my leg and step off a ledge, but my brain won't do it. It's weird. Even when I lift up the headset and look at the floor, as soon as I put it back on, and sty to step off, my brain just says "NO!". I can eventually step off, but it always takes some convincing, some back-and-forth between my conscious and subconscious. Floating and flying is no problem, but trying to convince myself to step off a high ledge is really difficult. I find it fascinating..

[@BlackCat-64]

Le comte de monte cristo for my opinion is one of the best piece of sheet ever written

[@ashleyholder2218]

Although I ended up not liking the ocean at the end of the lane, there were many times that I thought his writing was the most beautiful I’ve ever read. I wish I could rip out certain chapters of that book and keep them just because his writing was phenomenal 😂

[@a.b.2405]

I really like Lauren Oliver, Gayle Forman, Gillian Flinn(I think that’s her name-author of Gone Girl), Stephanie Meyer, and Cassandra Clare.

[@iamccsmith]

Not totally sure who my top five authors would be, but Neil Gaiman is one hundred percent one of them. His writing is amazing. Stardust is the only full length novel I've read in a day, it's so beautiful

[@696190]

Gaiman also wrote for comics and TV quite a bit, are you interested in delving into that? any thoughts on authors who branch out in similar directions?

[@JohnDulleckA]

Hi, I very recently found your channel. Isaac Asimov is possibly my all time favorite author and I want to recommend “The End Of Eternity” as an Asimov must read. It is without a doubt one of the best love stories I have ever read but disguised as hard core science fiction. I can’t recommend it enough!

[@merphynapier42]

Thank you!

[@Mentat1231]

Ursula Le Guin is probably my favorite; but, unless you count poetry, all the dozens of stories I've read by her are within the Hainish universe (she didn't regard it as a series, but I still think it puts an asterisk next to her name, following Merphy's rule). Patrick O'Brian, Arthur Conan Doyle, and Frank Herbert are similarly ruled out.... Hm... I guess some favorites of mine are Jules Verne, the early Orson Scott Card (Homecoming series, Ender quartet, Wyrms), Edgar Allen Poe, Jose Saramago (though you couldn't pay me to read Blindness again... too emotionally scarred), and Mary Shelly (I also read "The Last Man"!). And, for pure poetry, Keats and Yeats (not just because their names look similar).

[@Mentat1231]

Oh wait! "The Ones that Walk Away from Omelas" is not a Hainish book! My favorite author was Ursula K Leguin. No asterisk!

[@jayferguson9968]

Janny Wurts. L.E. Modesitt Jr. Yeah, Raymond E. Feist. Robert A. Heinlein. John Ringo. That leaves David Weber out, though he should maybe be there, too? Quite a few others, but these are the five right now.

[@marceloalvarado6554]

My top 5 I think would be: 5. J. K. ROWLING (mostly nostalgia, I guess? I mean, I love Harry Potter and I love the characters from Casual Vacancy, even though that was a slow burn for me and took me a long to pick up on the story, but once I did, ooh, boy, how I loved - and cried! Same with the Galbrath series). 4.RENATA VENTURA (She's a Brazilian author and she has this series of books which are set in Harry Potter's universe, but it happens here in Brazil and IT'S PHENOMENAL! Her world building is incredible, as good as if not better than Rowling, her characters are SO SO realistically flawed that they are PERFECT, she has this way of stating and dealing with certain things that just cuts through your heart. I had an anxiety crisis and spent about a month not sleeping well after her second book because I kept having nightmares with some of scenes from the end of the book - it was HEAVY STUFF. She deals with very real issues from our country and I think that's why it hits so hard). 03. RICK RIORDAN (I love his world building and his characters too, I think his writing is super simple and fun to read, his books are so fun and well constructed that you can read them through and not even feel them going by. Plus, he's one rare author who includes "minorities" characters into his stories without them feeling forced or just after-thoughts thrown in for point-gathering after it all has ended - cof cof Rowling cof cof.) 02. TESS GERRITSEN (She writes mystery, thriller and detective stories and has some of my favourite characters, I love how she builds and slowly develops them, especially in her Rizzoli and Isles series. Even the romance, which I usually hate and find so unnecessary, is so well done and woven into the plot that it becomes enjoyable. Also, I really love how she makes women the main focus of her story - not only as the victims, bringing up the discussion of sexism and its relation to women murder cases, but also as the heroes of the stories, and sometimes as the ones who actually do all the work only for some man to come out and take all the credit. She is really good and I really love her work.) 01. STEPHEN KING (He really is one of the hit-or-miss kind of authors, but for me, even whe he's bad, he's good. I just love how he creates this atmosphere and gets you involved in the story and all the spooks action and oh god he's good. His downfall, for me, is when he tries to do romantic stuff and that's when he fails completely - the only parts I truly hated and actually almost skipped in 11/22/63 was the romantic ones because boy there BAD.) Sorry for talking so much, and if you read all the way leave a comment saying SHUT UP BOY lol

[@bomber66a]

Hey, maybe if you could link the past vids for each category as well - especially since they are just once a year. That may be good for us to easily go back and see what's changed...

[@skellumfh]

If you want a book to get scared reading i recommend "The Doomsday Machine" by Daniel Ellsberg, a nonfiction book about how bad nuclear arsenals are secured (and how bad the decisionmaking around them often is) based on his experience as a national security expert. On authors: I like most of the listed plus Neal Stephenson (who i admit is very hit or miss, have friends who hate him) and Joe Abercrombie.

[@stormelemental13]

Lois McMaster Bujold: The Curse of Chalion remains one of my favorite fantasy novels. And for Sci-Fi, A Civil Campaign remains the only romance that I will reread. If you're interested in something shorter to try her out with, I recommend 'The Mountains of Mourning' and 'Penric's Demon' Novellas. This lady knows how to write. “Utterly bleak and black is not the sum of realism. All the other colors are real, too.” Jim Butcher: The Dresden Files is just fun. Wizard riding a zombie T-rex while a polka-playing medical examiner keeps time. Yes please! E. E. "Doc" Smith: Before there were the 'Big Three' of Sci-fi, Asimov, Heinlein, and Clark, there was Smith. This man created the Space Opera genre. I grew up listening to the Lensman series along with Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Tolkien: I love the Hobbit. I think it's the best children's book ever. Yes, there's all the rest, but the Hobbit is where it started, for me and him. I can't decide on a fifth, but Terry Pratchett, Sandy Mitchell, David Weber, and Martha Wells are all contending for it.

[@thebadbandito]

Can you do reviews of Ender's Game and subsequent books by Orson Scott Card? Love the series and you seem like you actually pay attention to what you read.

[@crushgoil]

My top five authors (in no particular order, but using your rules where I must have read multiple standalones or multiple series): Brandon Sanderson Brent Weeks Kat Howard Victoria Schwab Charlie N Holmberg