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If 2020 gave us an important lesson, it surely was that more time to read isn't a bad thing. These is even better when you have so many options to choose from. So, after I got fired from a time-consuming job, I spent a lot of time reading. These are my top 6 books of last year.
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Chances are you already know the guy. Stephen King has become one of the most prolific fiction writers of our time. He has achieved a mastery of the writing habit. Here you can find more details about his life and why he has such dark yet descriptive style for his prose. This is an obligated reference for anyone who wants to delve into the world of writing fiction and getting paid doing it. Going along with some autobiographical aspects his recommendations for writers are precise and well-explained. But be careful with his disclaimer at the beginning of his explanation about the craft. Just don't take it personal!
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The topic of this one is related to the previous. A book about the process of writing and how Anne Lamott started to do it. It is relevant to mention that the approach of this book is more didactic. Anne tells not only account of her life, but of her writing workshops. The book is a compilation of family stories and a conversation about what happens when young writers attend her classes. This was a pending reading as I had this book waiting for a long time ago. A Professor sent it to me claiming that Anne's writing voice was similar to mine. After reading it, I can say that there are similarities, but I enjoyed the differences better. Another recommendable choice for fiction writer aspirants.
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To put and end to the craft readings, we have the masterpiece Story. If you have ever felt fascination about movie and theater, this is the book for you. Here you will have an account of every (I'm not kidding) detail in regards of story-building for the big screen, small screen and theater. Robert McKee has also been so kind to add examples taken from famous movies. What's more, he also add what every aspirant screenwriter needs to have at the beginning of his carrier: bad examples of story development. However, I have to confess this reading can get too technical at times. So, if you're interest keep a dictionary at hands reach.
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As a fan of sci-fi, I had this book on my list for a long time. It actually made it into the list after I watched the series on science fiction in ExtraCredits YouTube Channel. You should go and check their excellent content. This book is a masterpiece. In the series it was paired with The Lord of the Rings (though this one is fantasy) to show how deep the world-building goes. Herbert created a universe where humans have evolved to become biological machines taken on the functions of the creations that once attempted to get rid of them. Drama, treason, vengeance, war, economics, politics, are the elements surrounding the story of young Paul Atreides after his family is put in charge of planet Arrakis (Dune). What follows is tailored under Campbell's Monomyth ( the story of the hero). Beautiful descriptions of landscapes adorn the pages, accompanied by cultural and religious references, and plots within plots within plots.
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You might think I read too much sci-fi. You're correct. But the world was and is still a mess from the Pandemic and I see this book has more relevance than ever. This book's premise is simple yet gives a lot to think: what if we were controlled by happiness? We are humans. As humans we are keen in avoiding pain and suffering and focusing in pleasure and instant gratification (does this sound familiar?). Sci-fi as a means of social critique has a lot to offer. A Brave New World might be one of the must accurate descriptions of a dystopic and possible future.
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Neil Gaiman is one of my favorite writers. He has a way with words that is just superb. What we have here is his own retelling of traditional Norse Mythology stories. So if you want to learn more about this mythology, but can't find where to start, here you have a simple book which functions as a reader friendly gateway (or Bifrost) into the realm of Frost Giants, the Aesir and Vanyr. What's the best thing about reading this book? In my opinion, that you'll have interesting story to tell in a party or elsewhere. And if other people don't want to listen to the stories of the gods of Asgard, I would suggest that you go through your friendship list and remove some people from it. Jörmundgander is always hungry!
This was my entry for this contest. If you want to participate, you're still on time.
I read other books during the year, but I wouldn't like to make a post about 20 books. However, I might review some of those books separately. I hope you enjoyed this and if you have read one of these books, tell me in the comments. 😄
These are some good book reviews, thanks so much for sharing.
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I really liked On Writing - there's some great tips in there. I loved Brave New World - always relevant! I couldn't get into the Gaiman one, though I found it in a free book library earlier in the year. I love his American Gods.
There's a lot of interesting information in those books about writing. At the moment, I'm on a dystopic/apocalyptic sci-fi book marathon and I always have a laugh at things these writers for to predict so accurately. Mythology is interesting, but not for everyone, however getting the references is nice. American Gods is awesome. I read that one last year too and Anasi's Boys as well.
What are your favourite dystopic/apocalyptic books? I'm a massive fan of them - there's nothing more engrossing for me! I think that's Mum's fault - she was always a fan too, and got me hooked as a young adult. I loved Anansi's Boys! I actually am not sure which one I liked best - probably American Gods was better realised. I don't like ALL Gaiman, but these two were great. I think I was just a bit tired of Norse gods - they've appeared in all kinds of ways in mythologies and fictions that I've read and I was finding anything particularly new or intriguing.
I'm not sure if I have a favorite book regarding that kind of subgenre. There's a lot of good and gruesome and thoughtful choices. When I finish with my list, I might be able to pick one, but I'm still halfway through. Gaiman has some cool books. The Graveyard Book was awesome. But I like more his work as a comic book writer. The Sandman is spectacular in that regard. And about gods, I think marvel has help Norse gods get a grasp on mainstream pop culture. However, I wanted to learn a bit more about them.
Well, you are one to love fiction, sci-fi even. I haven't read any of the book on this list but a lot of it seem amazing with your reviews.
I think Steven king on writing is one i might one to take, I have being trying to improve on mg writing and tells stories better, i figured fiction books are one way to go.
Its always fun when I lean about peoples history and the people of asgard sounds perfect.
All hail King @betrayo ironically I quit my job and started reading a bit more.
Sköl, my friend!
I tried to make them sound awesome without giving in too much. Perhaps I should write reviews to earn money.
It is incredible. Reading fiction is one way to go around to learn to write better stories, but reading about the process from other perspectives can help a great deal. The other one is also good as the tone is more casual and can get you laughing your ass off at times.
Well you're in luck, hive rewards you for your reviews, haha😅.
If the other one would make me laugh them I would go for it.
That's one way of looking at it. But you know I'm still unemployed. 😅
Go for it. It's really good. Besides, there's not such a things as too much valuable insight about writing.
That makes two of us amigo 😉
Thank you,i will
Ha, ha, ha. I see. Well, to make the most out of this free time! 🤣
Yes sir, will do 😁
Came here from bigtom13's comment.
You've got some nice titles there. Always wanted to but never gotten around to reading Dune.
Brave New World is a favorite though. Quite humane and philosophical in nature than its cousin 1984 which was rather happy beat me into a pulp.
Ha, ha, ha. Very nice. I like how networking gets you more interaction in the platform
Dune isn't easy to read. It's similar to reading The Lord of Rings without too much background in fantasy. I didn't even continue with the other books. There are like 20 or so more books dealing with the same universe. That's a little too overwhelming.
A Brave New World and 1984 make a good pair of books as they contrast each other in quite exquisite fashion.
Thanks for coming by.
too late to upvote, and no need to, as you've got a good support from community already.
;)
so I just stop to say 'hi!'
and to applause you -- a very good and enjoyable list of top-2020
I have read 3 books from this list, and confirm: it is a great reading (Herbert, King and Huxley). I didnt read this certain essay by Geiman, but read a lot of other his storis -- he is superb! wish you to get acquainted with other his masterpieces, if havent done it yet :P
!ENGAGE 10
Thanks for dropping by votes are overrated; comments not. Some great books around the others I read last year. Good to know more people have enjoyed some of them. I have read a lot from Gaiman. I love the Sandman comics and other novels.
I do appreciate a good comment too!
:P
'The Star dust' was my personal fave from Geiman (pleasurable re-reading books again and again is one of my personal criteria).
By the way, this year I also have read 'Good Omens' - Gaiman's joint venture with Terry Pratchett, a good one, recommended.
ps. have you read Roger Zelazny's 'Night in the lonesome October'?.. fascinating, you also may like it. sorry if i sound like an ad :)
Have a nice reading year of 2021!
Both of Gaiman's novels are on my pending list. So I will go about them.
I'm familiar with Zelazny's work from Ellison's Dangerous Visions, but that just a sample. I will add this ne to the list as well.
Have you read the The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Yunott Diaz? That's amazing book? That and Sherman Alexi's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. I always find time to recommend those two books.
May you read a pile of awesome books this 2021! :D
ENGAGEtokens.