Tom Swift Writer’s Notebook

What do you read?

Writers are always asked that question. Well, at least that’s what I hear they’re asked. The only regular query I get is “Can you move that cart? You’re blocking the aisle.”

I’ll pretend you asked and periodically try to mention writing that moves me. You are free to disregard my reading suggestions and go back to “Idol.” But if you’ve read what I’ve read and you want to talk about it, drop me a line. To the extent I have a forum here I would like to use it to promote books that have done something for me. That way, too, you get a break from hearing about my nondescript career.

I’ll make a running start. I loved Ann Patchett’s new novel (click to enlarge the cover) and I have told people I barely know that they should read it. Sweet and sad, it’s full of terrific characters. It’s a story of race and class, family and love. I wish I could write prose like Patchett’s, with language full of tender human insight. People say all the time “I couldn’t put it down.” I could set it down but only long enough to eat.

This post was added on Monday, January 21, 2008 by Tom Swift at 09:18 and is filed under Reading Material.