Top Ten Tuesday Freebie: Authors I Can’t Believe I Haven’t Read Yet

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl since January of 2018. Jana writes, “it was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.” In that spirit, link up with your list at That Artsy Reader Girl and comment with your list, link, or thoughts below.

About a year ago, I took stock of my bookshelves and found them woefully lacking. Most of my favorites were represented but conspicuously missing were some of the greats–the standards–the authors of note whom my friends and contemporaries owned and swore by, read in their youth, or were currently reading. I made a list of those that I want to get to, sooner rather than later. I’m not talking James Joyce or Leo Tolstoy here either, no offense to their prestige, but I’m not up for that literary frippery. I’m speaking of authors beloved for their heartfelt words, thrilling world-building and impact on the reader’s very identity.

Behold, the authors I cannot believe I haven’t read (yet):

10. Michael Crichton- one of my husband’s most read and beloved authors. I’ve said it before but this time I really mean it: I’m coming for you Jurassic Park. (Not this year, but next) (probably).

9. Tana French- I remember the disappointment in the eyes of one of my favorite library patrons, the cool one who read and watched all of the best books and movies in my opinion, when I admitted I hadn’t read Tana French. In that moment, I lost all of my legit library cred. And I made a solemn vow- I must read Tana French and seem low-key about it so she and I can chat. (It no longer matters as I’ve transferred to another library position and don’t work with customers, but for my own sense of self-worth, I must read some Tana French).

8. Donna Tartt- A lil’ birdie told me there’s a best-selling book/soon-to-be movie I should check out.

7. Charlotte Bronte- feel free to shun me over this. Honestly, I shun myself. (I do love me some Bronte sisters’ poetry, though).

6. Rainbow Rowell- an author who can bridge Young Adult and Adult novels, pays homage to fans and fan fiction, and can write funny, heart-wrenching, relatable character situations with sensitivity. Why haven’t I read her??

5. James Baldwin- there are likely countless reasons to read Baldwin’s works-his legacy, activism, and enormous influence due to telling the truths of his time. The main reason I feel compelled to read him, however, is because there are no less than 3 of his books sitting on my bookshelf right now. I have no excuse.

4. Georgette Heyer- Who? I know, the name doesn’t ring many bells within this century, but in Heyer’s heyday (the late 1920’s early 30’s) she was the Jane Austen of social satire and romantic folly. Several Heyer fans have mentioned her books as being an integral part of their growing up. When you think about how few authors have reached that Austen-esque bar, I’m willing to give this comparison a go.

3. Isaac Asimov- Why even read Asimov if, like me, you aren’t a sci-fi fanatic? Because Isaac Asimov has reportedly published a work under nearly EVERY number in the Dewey Decimal System! And that’s just the kind of nerd I am.

2. Kurt Vonnegut- one of those classic post-WWII American authors I know I’m supposed to read. But for the life of me, I’m not entirely sure why. This article might shed some light.

1. Patrick Rothfuss- a name that will be checked off this list before 2020. Wooo! On my tbr next month, for reals.

Do you ever feel shelf-shame for missing authors, or is it just me? Who’s on your not-read-yet list? Don’t forget to mention your freebie topic today in the comments so my readers and I can stop by your TTT. Have a great week!