or, What’s on Your Bookshelf? Here are some of the books that inspired me as a writer over the years for various reasons. What are some books that inspired you?
I’ve said this in interviews before, but Canadian is Marina Endicott Good to a Fault and Close to Hugh. Also Leona Theis, If Sylvie Had Nine Lives. I’ve enjoyed Amy Jones novels—obviously her first, set here, was like, hey contemporary novels can be set here!
Thanks Sindhu -- I've heard of most of them, but I don't think I've read any of them. Michener books were big in my house when I was growing up. I'm sure there were some Wodehouses, too. As Marion said above -- so many books!
That is such a difficult question ... I've always been a sponge, reading everything that fell in my hands, and I'm still voracious. I have a hard time talking about influences ... also because I grew up reading French literature, not English, so how that seeps into my stuff, I don't know. If I have to point to one writer, I'll say Georges Simenon because his style is so simple (falsely so), atmospheric, and character-driven. He says so much with so little. I still read him today, as a writer, and he still bowls me over.
Another name I don't think I've heard! Looks like he's been translated into English (my French is a little weak... lol) -- I'll add him to the list. Do you have a favourite?
I only read one of his books in translation. I was not impressed… that’s the problem with writers that are strongly culturally marked. I remember reading John Le Carre “Tinker, Tailor …” in French and it was good, but nowhere near the extraordinary read that it was in English.
Some of my internationally published writer friends have told interesting stories about getting passages of their translations translated back to English. Every reader takes away something different, and I would think that it can't be much different for translators -- especially those living in another part of the world!
One of my life goals was to be fluent enough to read "Les Misérables" in French. Although I took French into university (prepping for a journalism career), I never was great at picking up other languages...
I know, right? Another killer first line -- I just can't remember exactly what it is after all this time! Something about a toe under a blanket...
In any case, one of the book clubs I'm in has arranged for all of us to bring in a recommended book for everyone, and that's the one I'll be bringing. (Which reminds me -- I'll have to dig it out!)
lol exfoliate
I’ve said this in interviews before, but Canadian is Marina Endicott Good to a Fault and Close to Hugh. Also Leona Theis, If Sylvie Had Nine Lives. I’ve enjoyed Amy Jones novels—obviously her first, set here, was like, hey contemporary novels can be set here!
So many books!!
I don't think I've heard of Marina Endicott, though "Good to a Fault" sounds familiar...
And yeah, Amy Jones. She's about due for a new one, I think? Amy showed me that contemporary novels can be written here!
Books of James Michener, P G Wodehouse, Alistair MacLean, Louis L'Amour, Edna Ferber, Georgette Heyer, Rosamunde Pilcher,... 😊
Thanks Sindhu -- I've heard of most of them, but I don't think I've read any of them. Michener books were big in my house when I was growing up. I'm sure there were some Wodehouses, too. As Marion said above -- so many books!
That is such a difficult question ... I've always been a sponge, reading everything that fell in my hands, and I'm still voracious. I have a hard time talking about influences ... also because I grew up reading French literature, not English, so how that seeps into my stuff, I don't know. If I have to point to one writer, I'll say Georges Simenon because his style is so simple (falsely so), atmospheric, and character-driven. He says so much with so little. I still read him today, as a writer, and he still bowls me over.
Another name I don't think I've heard! Looks like he's been translated into English (my French is a little weak... lol) -- I'll add him to the list. Do you have a favourite?
I only read one of his books in translation. I was not impressed… that’s the problem with writers that are strongly culturally marked. I remember reading John Le Carre “Tinker, Tailor …” in French and it was good, but nowhere near the extraordinary read that it was in English.
Translations can be fickle! lol
Some of my internationally published writer friends have told interesting stories about getting passages of their translations translated back to English. Every reader takes away something different, and I would think that it can't be much different for translators -- especially those living in another part of the world!
One of my life goals was to be fluent enough to read "Les Misérables" in French. Although I took French into university (prepping for a journalism career), I never was great at picking up other languages...
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Justine by Lawrence Durrell.
I'd take them with me to an island.
Thanks Vera -- I haven't heard of either one! I'll have to check those out.
Didion and HST for sure 👍
Both great writers in different ways!
I have been in my Joan Didion period - Have not read The White Album yet but looking forward to it even more now!
I read "Play It as It Lays" and other of her essays. Would love to do a deeper dive on her... when I can find the time!
So good 😊
A great list. I ❤️ Whale Music.
I know, right? Another killer first line -- I just can't remember exactly what it is after all this time! Something about a toe under a blanket...
In any case, one of the book clubs I'm in has arranged for all of us to bring in a recommended book for everyone, and that's the one I'll be bringing. (Which reminds me -- I'll have to dig it out!)
Hey are you in a book club without me? 😂
Perish the thought! No - I'm in two book clubs, and you're in both! This is for the Entershine's book club. Michael suggested it in January, I think?
Oh, I guess I blocked that out! I like not being invested in what we read—it’s so interesting to see what people do and don’t like.
I agree! And such a positive, ready-to-say-anything group.