I just finished Reading Like A Writer by Francine Prose yesterday. I nearly bought it for myself before I was even finished. Heck, after two chapters.

It isn't that the book gives a lot of great writing tips - that's not the focus. The focus is on paying attention when you read and finding out why you like what you like.

Well, her focus is on reading 'certified' great books and finding out why they are so great, but since I read genre stuff - fantasy, sci fi, horror - and those never make the lists, I'm reapplying her rule for my own use.

So, because of her focus I think it would be interesting not just for wanna-writers, but book lovers in general.

She does make the list of books you must read at the end, and I was disappointed there were no genre books, even though she mentions Lord of the Rings as a great book for details. There were some that I must add to my 'list of books I really should read'. Actually, I ought to start an actual list, so I don't forget!

So, Oh Intrepid Readers, do you have any great classics of fantasy, sci fi, or horror that world should add to its great book list?

-April