Author Spotlight: Rafael Sabatini
For about two and a half years, my grandpa and I read together over the phone. What started off as a COVID quarantine activity soon took on a life of…
Author Spotlight: Lewis Carroll
I still remember the illustrations from when I first read Alice in Wonderland. They were done in beautiful gouache, and the book was so big that I had to prop…
Author Spotlight: John Steinbeck
When I was in high school, if you were to ask me who my favorite author was, hands down I would have told you John Steinbeck. It was no question.…
Author Spotlight: Toni Morrison
Today is Toni Morrison's birthday, so let's celebrate this amazing Ohio author with an Author Spotlight! Toni's books skillfully blend elements of fantasy and magical realism with the brutal realities…
Author Spotlight: Jack London
Today is Jack London's birthday, so let's celebrate properly with a selection of this wonderful author's books! While London is probably best known for his cold climate tales, the author…
Author Spotlight: JRR Tolkien
Today is JRR Tolkien's 130th birthday! In addition to creating the magical world of Middle Earth, including all the fearsome and friendly creatures that inhabit it, Tolkien has created many…
Author Spotlight: Karly West
When my boss told me about a book series where the author retells classic fairytales using a combination of her own handmade clay figures and a wicked sense of humor,…
Rediscover: Ben Bova
Ben Bova, scientist, multiple Hugo Award winner, and prolific science fiction author and editor, died on November 29 at age 88. Ben Bova Bova wrote more than a hundred books,…
Author Spotlight: Jason
Jason is one of my favorite cartoonists. His art is instantly recognizable, and his stories are so unique. This Norwegian cartoonist has quite the collection of titles under his belt,…
Author Spotlight: Mark Dawidziak
There are some people who seem to know a bit about everything, whose interests and skills range far and wide. Today's Author Spotlight looks at just such a person. This…
Author Spotlight: Roald Dahl
When I was a kid, Roald Dahl was one of my favorite writers. His books were imaginative, funny, and had just the right amount of bite. That is to say,…
Author Spotlight: James Renner
True Crime is tough to write. If done poorly, it can range from terribly dry to scholocky and sensational. But, when you manage to find the balance, it's perfect. James…
Author Spotlight: Agatha Christie
When it comes to big names in mystery writing, Agatha Christie is at the top of the list. And that's not without reason, either. This brilliant writer has produced 70+…
Author Spotlight: Kate Beaton
When I'm looking for a good laugh from an author who shares my off-beat sense of humor, I always reach for Kate Beaton. Kate is hilarious and her webcomic, Hark!…
Author Spotlight: Jasper Fforde
If you like creative word-play, dangerous situations, and endearing characters, then Jasper Fforde is the author for you! For those of you who read my post on Walter Moers and…
Author Spotlight: Mary Roach
In a previous post, I said that AJ Jacobs was my favorite author to suggest when someone wanted a book that was smart and fun. That's certainly true, but it's…
Author Spotlight: Walter Moers
I'll admit this right up front...I'm not much of a Fantasy reader. I've enjoyed many titles from the genre, but would not list it among my favorites. However, there are…
Author Spotlight: Haruki Murakami
Haruki Murakami is an amazing writer. His works often appear simple, but are incredibly complex and profound. Ranging from haunting and magical to feverish and intense, each Murakami novel is…
Author Spotlight: John Sutherland
I started reading John Sutherland because of his literary puzzles series. Each book takes topics and issues from classic novels and tries to answer questions that you might have had,…
Author Spotlight: AJ Jacobs
A.J. Jacobs is one of my favorite authors to recommend when people are looking for a book that's smart, but also fun. Jacobs tackles the strangest social experiments, making for…