Off My Bookshelf
I like books. Unfortunately, I'm almost as likely to buy an empty book (like a journal) as any books like those listed here. An empty book has so much potential that it's fascinating to me, and if I pick one up at the office supply store, I itch to buy it.
Here are some books I own that I recommend.
Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life by Terry Brooks: The authors of one of my favorite book series discusses his experiences in becoming a fiction author and gives some writing guidance.
The Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander: A classic series of fantasy for young adults, Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles keep a place in the heart of those young readers throughout life. I first read these books in elementary school, and I still go back to them because of the engaging characters, high adventure, and cleverly interconnected plotlines. I read these books before I read JRR Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings trilogy, so I credit Alexander rather than Tolkein with my concept of classic fantasy. (The third book of the series is pictured here.)
The Shannara Series by Terry Brooks: Beginning with The Sword of Shannara, which carried parallels to The Lord of the Rings, this series went in a very different direction. The action continues throughout each book, and even though things seem to be dark at times, the ordinary people who are the heroes of the stories do succeed. I credit Terry Brooks with helping stir in me a desire to be a writer.
Myth and Mankind Series by Time-Life Books: A series of surveys of mythologies of the world. I enjoy mythology because of the relationship it has to storytelling and imagination. Celtic and Norse mythologies are my favorites (the Norse book is pictured here).
The Grouchy Grammarian by Thomas Parrish: A humorous approach to identifying the proper way to use the English language. This book uses examples from newscasters and other prominent users of the language to illustrate how not to do things.
Copyediting: A Practical Guide by Karen Judd: I kept this one from a college professional editing course. It covers the copyeditor's job and has sections on proper usage.
