some author recommendations

I've been meaning to do this for a while. Here, in no particular order, is a list of some of my favorite writers. Enjoy!

Neil Gaiman --- What can I say? Do I need to say anything at all? The man is brilliant. The most interesting, weird stories come crawling out of the depths of his brain. His book Neverwhere is probably in my top five favorite books of all time. The man can tackle any sort of story he puts his mind to, it seems. I am unendingly impressed with his body of work.

Alice Hoffman --- Magical realism at its finest. I love a number of her books. The lush language, the way the characters interact, how true to themselves they are . . . I wish I could write books as lovely as hers. Do yourself a favor; if you haven't read her, go pick up Practical Magic or The River King right now.

Holly Black --- Her YA urban fantasy is twisty and true and creepy and lovely all at the same time. Read Tithe. It's so good!

Charles de Lint --- He writes mythic fiction at its finest. His books move a little slower than a lot of fantastic fiction does. It's a lot about the character growth and the interaction between the mundane and the amazing. I just love his work, especially his older books, like Moonheart and Someplace to be Flying and Memory and Dream.

Susan Cooper --- Everyone should read the Dark is Rising sequence. These books blew me away as a kid and they continue to do so as an adult. They're amazing. I've always wanted to just climb into the pages and exist there. And if you appreciate Arthurian legend, that adds a whole other level of enjoyment to these!

I could keep going. but I'm not going to, because it's time to get ready to go, and I've got a three-day weekend ahead of me. I'll try to be back soon! Ta!