OK, I feel like things have been kind of … serious around here for a while. (So, what’s new? 😛 )
Just to change the pace, I thought it might be kind of fun to take a minute and tell us who your favorite author is. Not favorite book. Author. And why. OK, here you can mention a favorite book, if that’s why the author is your favorite.
I’ll start, though this is harder than I first thought it would be. I’m not really an author reader. On occasion, yes, but I tend to be all over the map with just a few authors who I’ll read whatever they write. Some I start out thinking I’ll love all their work … until I get to a clunker. OK, maybe not a clunker, but maybe another book just like the others. James Michener is a good example. I devoured Hawaii, read Texas, and by the time I finished Alaska, I was wondering if the guy only had one story he kept rewriting in a different setting. Now that’s undoubtedly harsh, because he certainly wrote many books … and Big Ones. But he serves to illustrate my thinking and why I rarely stick with an author for the long haul.
So, with that background … who is my favorite author?
I’d probably have to say … as unimaginative as the selection is, C. S. Lewis is my favorite author. There have undoubtedly been others who have had a more profound influence on me, but I keep coming back to Lewis.
Of course there is Narnia. I wouldn’t be a good fantasy writer if I didn’t at least mention those books. But there is also the space trilogy—Perelandra, Out of the Silent Planet, and That Hideous Strength—then ‘Til We Have Faces (which I would characterize as one of my favorite books), The Great Divorce (which had a profound spiritual impact on me), Screwtape Letters, and some of his non-fiction—Surprised by Joy and Letters to an American Lady being the most notable.
Why do I like C. S. Lewis? He was versatile, imaginative, spiritually provocative, interesting. How’s that for a list of credentials? 😉 (I know I would love it if someone would use even half of those about my writing!)
Your turn … 😀
– – –
Jason tagged me for this:
![PowerElementsCharacterDevelopment[1000][1]](https://rebeccaluellamiller.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/powerelementscharacterdevelopment10001.jpg?w=205)
A Christian Worldview of Fiction 
Well, I started reading your post, thought for about 3 seconds before thinking, “Duh, C.S. Lewis is my favorite author,” then continued reading to discover he’s your favorite as well! Primarily for the Narnia, but I’ve also love many of his other books (no, I haven’t read them all, but quite a few, including his Space trilogy, Mere Christianity, the Screwtape Letters, and The Great Divorce).
LikeLike
The Professor, JRR Tolkien is my favorite, hands down. I’ve never been so drawn into a world (and wanted to stay there, btw) like in The Hobbit and LOTR (and now, Children of Hurin).
LikeLike
I wonder what it says about so many contemporary Christian authors that we’ve been shaped by Lewis. How does he influence our writing? It would be a fun topic to blog about. Lewis would definitely be at the top of my list — especially the Space Trilogy and Till We Have Faces, one of the most haunting stories I’ve ever read. Following closely, is G.K. Chesterton. His Orthodoxy and The Everlasting Man are brilliantly lucid apologetics, full of biting wit and humor. But, The Man Who Was Thursday is, by far, my fave — a modern fairy tale full of political intrigue, philosophical sparring and the greatest chase sequence in literature.
LikeLike
I have two favorite authors both of who can write what I think is very compelling fiction: Frank Peretti and Tedd Dekker. I think both these authors offer both great fiction but also with a good mix of Christian Vaues throughtout.
LikeLike
Just once I’d like to be able to answer this question definitively as you folks have, but I just can’t. Too, too many, but I will say Peretti and Alcorn have a favorite spot, er spots.
LikeLike
Favorite author. Hm. While I enjoyed the Chronicles of Narnia I really couldn’t get into the space trilogy at all, so I can’t say CS Lewis for me. I guess a look at my bookshelves at home might prove that Anne McCafferey was my favorite author for many years. I bought anything she wrote, so I guess that proves it. Some I liked better than others, but it’s only in the last few years when I’ve said, Enough on *this* series already!
Since I’ve hooked into the internet/ blog culture I’ve experienced so many authors I’d never heard of before–books not obvious in my local bookstore or library. Right now it’s hard to know who is going to emerge at the top of the *favorite author pile* for the next while. There are many contenders. 🙂
LikeLike
[…] Hodge-podge — by Rebecca LuElla Miller @ 11:56 am After reading Mike’s comment to yesterday’s post about my favorite author, C. S. Lewis, I got to thinking about the man’s widespread […]
LikeLike
Thanks to each of you who responded. This is a very interesting list. I love hearing what others have to say about the books they read, the authors who mean the most to them.
Valerie, I’m not surprised that you connected only with Narnia. I think Lewis’s versatility is one reason he touched so many people. If not through Narnia, then through the space trilogy. If not through those books, then through his imaginary tales such as Screwtape Letters. If not those, then through his non-fiction. He was an amazing writer. Not that I’m trying to influence you on your choice. 😀
Becky
LikeLike
I like C.S. Lewis for Narnia and Mere Christianity, but I have to agree with Valerie about the space trilogy. I ended up skipping through to the most interesting parts. It’s a bad habit I have with slow books. No offense to anyone who likes the trilogy. It just didn’t interest me enough.
My favorite author is Ted Dekker. The first books I read of his were the Circle Trilogy, and I haven’t found books I liked better since then. I love most of his other books too. My other favorites are Blink, Showdown, and Saint. I have actually found some of his books that I didn’t care for. Thunder of Heaven moved too slowly for me, and House was bizarre. I couldn’t find a point to the book (House) and felt like it was just to see how gross and weird it could get. Anyway, I’m a picky reader, but I still like Ted Dekker the best! 🙂
Becca Johnson
LikeLike
Francine Rivers is my favorite author. There’s no question about that. “Redeeming Love” and her Mark of the Lion series are some the most emotionally rich and spiritually engaging novels that I’ve every read. Rivers knows how to beautifully sculpture redemption stories that show the human condition in a raw and up-close and personal way without shying away from the tough issues. Her writing style is salt and light and it’s completely refreshing.
LikeLike
This is a VERY hard question.
I think I’d have to say Lois Lowry, the author of The Giver and many other amazing books. I’ve never read anything so simply and beautifully put. There is resonance to her words and her themes that I’ve rarely seen anywhere else.
Rivers runs a close second, though. I devour her books like chocolate. And her two new series on women and men in the bible are wonderful.
LikeLike
Becca, I haven’t read Dekker’s Circle Trilogy yet. I made the mistake of reading one of his earlier books and … well, it didn’t endear him to me. Also a neighbor read the CT and said he was very disappointed in the third book. Well, that put another nail in. Why start a trilogy if the end doesn’t deliver? I know he’s popular as is Peretti—many people read him even when they don’t particularly like the latest release. Ya can’t argue with his commercial success, certainly.
Becky
LikeLike
Karen, Francine Rivers seems to me to be an example of an author that continues to improve. Started out as a romance writer, moved over to CBA fiction dealing with serious issues. Has touched the hearts of MANY. I’ve only read one of hers, too, but think I need to add Redeeming Love at least.
OK, Rachel, your allowed Rivers as a second place author. Lois Lowry, huh. I’m getting a longer TBR list! 😀
Becky
LikeLike
Love Lewis but couldn’t get into Til We Have Faces and quit the Space Trilogy halfway through. Most books by one author on my shelf this minute–the George MacDonald books edited by Michael Phillips. And that surprises me. Love JRR Tolkien. Have loved many of LM Montgomery’s books. All the Anne and Emily books.
But my current fav is newcomer Shannon Hale. Love, love, love her writing style and characters.
I figured since I was so late in posting I could cheat and list several. I just can’t whittle it down to one and it’s unfair for you to ask such a hard question.
LikeLike
And I have to add that I resisted reading Redeeming Love for years, but after I did I’d have to say if you asked me to name the best book in Christian fiction as far as its anointing and power in delivering the message: Redeeming Love is it. It’s an amazing story, a truly powerful book. Even my husband loved it, and he’s not typically a reader of books written by women. The Lord has His hand all over this one.
(I started the book at 3:30 one afternoon and had to put it down at 3:30 AM to get some sleep before a morning Bible study but finished it as soon as I got back.)
LikeLike
I love Dekker as you know. But you turned me on to The Legend of the Firefish by George Bryan Polivka. Love the book! I can’t wait to finish it, but also will be sad when I do. I have read Peretti, Alcorn, and CS Lewis. (I read the Chronicles of Narnia to my kids, and they loved them too.) Your blog has opened a new world of Christian writers to me. I can’t wait to discover more exciting books.
LikeLike
Sally, Sally, Sally, there always has to be one rebel in the crowd who can’t follow the rules. LOL 😀 I still haven’t read a Shannon Hale book, but the time I checked out her blog I was impressed with how hard she works. I like that and to me it makes sense that such care turns out real quality.
Nicole, that’s a ringing endorsement! I’ve heard that book singled out before and must add it to my TBR stack.
Gil, I am so excited you love Legend. The happy news is the second book, which his editor believes is better than the first, is due out in July! As soon as I get a chance I’m going to ask for an ARC and do my review. I just hope lots of other people discover Polivka and his wonderful stories.
Thanks for all these great responses!
Becky
LikeLike
T. Davis Bunn is a favorite read for me.
Suzanne Eller
LikeLike
Bah! Humbug. So you tagged me.
I adore C.S. Lewis, too, though … for all the same reasons. Another kindred spirit “thing.” 🙂
Think we could find another coffee-and-chocolate moment in Dallas this year??
LikeLike
T. Davis Bunn—I’ve only read one of his but it was good. I could see him becoming a favorite, Suzi.
Shannon, maybe liking C. S. Lewis is a requisit for fantasy writers. 😉
Heh heh heh, your tag stuff was fun.
Dallas? I’d love to go for the chocolate and coffee!
Becky
LikeLike