One Of My Fave Stories 

A Billion Thanks To My Great Grandmother For The Book & For Introducing Me To It!

Twin Peaks revival: Mark Frost writing new book to bridge 25-year gap

A quick look at the the future Henry VII landing at Milford Haven 530 years ago today. I wonder what Elizabeth was thinking.... Read more here.

From The Man Who Gave Us Tom Sawyer ! 

No matter if it's a cup of tea or coffee, lemonade or a glass of wine, books and drinks go well together. This universal truth has been discovered not only by avid readers but also writers, some of whom became as well known for their drinking habits as for their literary achievements. Taking advantage of the summer time and the permanent feeling of thirst, we've gathered light-hearted recommendations of 14 well known and read authors and their drinks. Find your match, sip, read, and enjoy the summer reading time. 

Truman Capote called this cocktail his special “orange drink” so if you share his taste for upgraded orange juice, go for a screwdriver drink with one of Capote's books in your hand.

In this profession it’s a long walk between drinks.

 

Truman Streckfus Persons, known as Truman Capote, was an American author, screenwriter and playwright, many of whose short stories, novels, plays, and nonfiction are recognized literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and the true crime novel In Cold Blood (1966)... read more

 

Truman Capote's most popular books on BookLikes:

Ernest Hemingway is known for his love for cocktails: Mohito, Martini, vermouth... Living in Havana, though, must have left a trace in his preferences and we bet Mojito was hight on the author's top drinks list. If it's also on yours, have a sip.

 

Ernest Hemingway's most popular books on BookLikes

 

Asked by a translator to explain his text William Faulkner said:

I have absolutely no idea of what I meant. You see, I usually write at night. I always keep my whiskey within reach; so many ideas that I can’t remember in the morning pop into my head.

If you're fond of whiskey, try Faulkner's favorite drink: mint julep. 

His first poem was published in The New Republic in 1919. His first book of verse and early novels followed, but his major work began with the publication of The Sound and the Fury in 1929... read more

 

William Faulkner's most popular books on BookLikes:

Martini IS James Bond. James Bond IS Ian Fleming. If you like martini, you ARE James Bond for us. 

 

 

Cosmo was named the sexiest drink thanks to Candace Bushnell who popularize the drink in her Sex and the City series. If you adore Carrie Bradshaw, the Sex and the City's main character, grab cosmo and read/write on!

Candace Bushnell is the critically acclaimed, international best-selling author of Killing Monica, Sex and the City, Summer and the City, The Carrie Diaries, One Fifth Avenue, Lipstick Jungle, Trading Up, and Four Blondes. Sex and the City, published in 1996, was the basis for the HBO hit series and two subsequent blockbuster movies. Lipstick Jungle became a popular television series on NBC, as did The Carrie Diaries on the CW... read more

 

Candace Bushnell's most popular books on BookLikes

 

If you like Margarita, read Jack Kerouac who developed his love for this drink during his trip through Mexico. 

Jack Kerouac

Don't drink to get drunk. Drink to enjoy life.

Raymond Carver was born in Clatskanie, Oregon, in 1938. His father was a saw-mill worker and his mother was a waitress and clerk. He married early and for years writing had to come second to earning a living for his young family. Despite, small-press publication, it was not until Will You Please Be Quiet Please? appeared in 1976 that his work began to reach a wider audience... read more

 

Raymond Carver's most popular books on BookLikes 

 

 

If you like gin and tonic read J.K. Rowling or F. Scott Fitzgerald's. Both authors highlighted this drink as their favorite.

J.K. Rowling

JK Rowling grew up in Chepstow, Gwent where she went to Wyedean Comprehensive. Jo left Chepstow for Exeter University, where she earned a French and Classics degree, and where her course included one year in Paris. As a postgraduate she moved to London to work at Amnesty International, doing research into human rights abuses in Francophone Africa. She started writing the Harry Potter series during a Manchester to London King's Cross train journey, and during the next five years, outlined the plots for each book and began writing the first novel... read more

 

J.K. Rowling's most popular books on BookLikes:

 F. Scott Fitzgerald

J.R.R. Tolkien admitted to be a beer lover. C.S. Lewis is known for his love to this golden liquor as well. Not so strange then that those two spent enjoyable time in pubs reading and discussing their writing, having several pints and paying close attention to what they were drinking. Reportedly, Lewis liked a good draft bitter off the wood, disliked bottled and hated canned beer. 

J.R.R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor, best known as the author of the classic high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion... read more

J.R.R. Tolkien's most popular books on BookLikes

C.S. Lewis

I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once. 

Clive Staples Lewis was one of the intellectual giants of the twentieth century and arguably one of the most influential writers of his day. He wrote more than thirty books, allowing him to reach a vast audience, and his works continue to attract thousands of new readers every year... read more

C.S. Lewis' most popular books on BookLikes

Honore de Balzac'a coffee addiction may be too much even for a hard-core coffee lover -- the author is believed to drink up to 50 cups a day! L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, was much more moderate coffee drinker with four or five breakfast cups of sweet white coffee a day. How about you?

Honoré de Balzac

As soon as coffee is in your stomach, there is a general commotion.

Ideas begin to move…similes arise, the paper is covered.

Coffee is your ally and writing ceases to be a struggle.

Honoré de Balzac was a French novelist and playwright. His magnum opus was a sequence of short stories and novels collectively entitled La Comédie humaine, which presents a panorama of French life in the years after the 1815 fall of Napoleon Bonaparte... read more

Honoré de Balzac's most popular books on BookLikes

If you prefer a hot aromatic tea than cocktails or coffee, make sure to follow George Orwell's golden rules of making a perfect cup of tea. 

George Orwell

One strong cup of tea is better than twenty weak ones. All true tea lovers not only like their tea strong, but like it a little stronger with each year that passes.

Eric Arthur Blair who used the pen name George Orwell, was an English novelist, essayist, journalist and critic. His work is marked by lucid prose, awareness of social injustice, opposition to totalitarianism, and commitment to democratic socialism. Commonly ranked as one of the most influential English writers of the 20th century, and as one of the most important chroniclers of English culture of his generation, Orwell wrote literary criticism, poetry, fiction, and polemical journalism. He is best known for the dystopian novel Nineteen Eighty-Four (1949) and the allegorical novella Animal Farm (1945)... read more

George Orwell's most popular books on BookLikes

Jane Austen was well known for her feminist life approach, her language was witty, actions full of determination and books ground-breaking. This also refers to her culinary preferences. She adored ices and red wine. 

Jane Austen

But in the meantime for Elegance & Ease & Luxury . . .

I shall eat Ice & drink French wine, & be above Vulgar Economy.

Jane Austen was an English novelist whose works of romantic fiction, set among the landed gentry, earned her a place as one of the most widely read writers in English literature... read more

Jane Austen's most popular books on BookLikes

Sources:

http://www.port-magazine.com/feature/combined-measures-great-writers-their-drinks/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1507438/There-would-be-so-much-to-tell-her....html

http://www.openculture.com/2011/12/drinking_with_william_faulkner.html

http://www.foodrepublic.com/2012/10/30/7-things-you-didnt-know-about-ernest-hemingways-drinking-habits/

http://blog.biographyonline.net/2013/01/30-facts-about-jrr-tolkien.html

http://paperandsalt.org/2014/07/07/bloody-mary-cocktail-raymond-carver/

http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-a-perfect-cup-of-tea-according-to-george-orwell-191448

http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/culturebox/features/2013/daily_rituals/coffee_from_balzac_to_beethoven_it_has_fueled_artistic_endeavor_for_centuries.html

My reading buddy, Spooky. She has befriended me, and likes to lay down beside me and read at night. She also likes to wake me up at night to show me she loves me and that I am now her favorite human. 

For this picture we had BookLikes open :)

Photo by Paula Borowska

Clean up your shelves, add a new collection to your e-reader, equip yourself with drinks and snacks. It's time for Summer recommendations! We've asked several of BookLikes authors to pick their perfect summer books. Here's a reading list that cannot be missed and a collection of reads that must be added to your TBR summer pile! 

Meet & follow Tellulah Darling on BookLikes ->

A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab 

"I picked this up because I am a sucker for alternate versions of cities. Yes, Neverwhere is a fav of mine and so when I saw this had that vibe happening, I was in. Let's start with the good: crossdressing thieves, multiple Londons, super cool magic, chicks to the rescue, throne power plays, and an amazing mythology I want to fall into and stay suspended in for a very long time.

Now for the bad: book two doesn't come out for another year. Seriously. That's all I've got.

Kell and Lila are a fabulous swashbuckling duo. His backstory is totally compelling and fraught with mystery. His brother Rhy is a charmer with a heart of gold that I demand more of. The world building is insanely cool. This is an original, compelling, thoroughly engaging and entertaining book one of a new fantasy series. If you're looking for romance, you won't really find it in this book though it sets up tantalizing and frustrating (in good ways) teases to be played out. Bonus points for actually wrapping up the main plot while still creating enough questions about events to follow. 

Honestly, by partway through the first chapter I was excited in ways I hadn't been for a story in a while. Grab it!"

A Bollywood Affair by Sonali Dev

 

 

Meet and follow Tish Thawer on BookLikes ->

 

 

As a reader, I love books that can transport you. With both of these novels, I felt as if I was "in" the story. The world-building was phenomenal and the paranormal elements were woven in so well, I no longer felt like I was reading fiction. Magic is real, people! :)  

 

The Life & Death of Jorja Graham by Brynn Myers   

 

 

 

"Once again I was blown away by the imagination and detailed writing that Brynn puts into her stories. She never fails to transport me into the world she's created, and in this case, the world was eerie and magical and filled with characters that captured my heart." 

 

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness   

 

 

 

"This book was so engrossing. The amazing detail of the alchemic process and imagery was amazing. This author did her homework!"

 

 

Meet and follow Samantha Wilcoxson on BookLikes ->

 

 

The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman 

 

"This is my favorite book of all time by the author who sparked my obsession in medieval England.

 

Each of her books is wonderful with complex characters and impeccable historical research that transports the reader back in time.

Since Richard III, the main character in this book, has been in the headlines lately, this is an ideal time to get swept away in this novel."

 

Villette by Charlotte Brontë

 

 

 

"I recommend this book because it is lesser known than the author’s more famous Jane Eyre, but I feel that the story and characters are even more captivating.

 

Lucy Snowe felt like a kindred spirit as she attempted to make her way in the world. The realistic way that each person sees her differently, but none completely understand her is heart wrenching.

 

Anyone looking for a classic novel that is a little off the beaten path should try Villette."

 

 

Meet and follow Rod Raglin on BookLikes ->

 

 

I have made a commitment to read and review the work of individuals like myself, because no one needs recognition more than a new, independently published author (believe me, I know). I wouldn’t describe these books as “beach” reads, but they are very good novels that have received very little recognition.

 

War in a Beautiful Country by Patricia Ryan 

 

"It’s quirky, perceptive and funny. It’s poignant as well as enlightening, entertaining and original. It ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous and covers a lot of the stuff in between.
 
The protagonist in War in a Beautiful Country is Regina, a middle aged woman living in New York City. Regina begins getting surface mail from an anonymous person threatening to blow her up, literally. The idea her life might end abruptly and without warning makes her examine her existence, her art, her relationships, her activities, and her purpose.
 
War in a Beautiful Country is wickedly funny while at the same time wise and worldly with fascinating insights on art and relationships."

 

The Last Bad Job by Colin Dodds 

 

 

 

"The Last Bad Job is an apocalyptic story with a sense of humor.
 
What makes this novel standout, makes it exceptional is the writing – natural dialogue, characterization through action, exact diction and an imaginative plot that doesn’t let you catch your breath.
 
Our protagonist, best described as an anti-hero, is an investigative reporter assigned to do a story on an apocalyptic cult and it’s leader, Dizzy Sheehan. The assignment entails living with the group and right away he compromises his objectivity by participating in cult activities like having sex with the female members. This is the first, but certainly not the last demonstration of his almost complete lack of any sense of morals or integrity.
 
As the reporter’s life spins more and more out of control, and Dizzy’s prediction of the apocalypse begins to unfold our anti-hero comes to believe he has been chosen for some special purpose and, indeed, he has."

 

 

Meet and follow Sandra Gustafsson on BookLikes ->

 

 Someone by Alice McDermott 

 

 

"This author was new to me, and maybe it´s to soon to say this is my favorite author, but I really enjoyed reading this book. Here and there I stopped at sentences, just to read them again, and again because they were so well written. The details made me feel like I was there, beside the book´s protagonist. 

The story is told in a simple yet very straight-forward way and I didn´t want it to end.
If you like people and the stories behind them, I think you will like this book."

 

The Lighthouse by Alison Moore   

 

 

 

"This is a very well written and really tense short novel. It´s the sort of book were nothing seems to happen, and still - everything is happening in front of me. It´s melancholy, haunting and exquisitely written - a beautiful novel. If you enjoy a slow and intimate book this one is for you."

 

 

 

Meet and follow Amber Foxx on BookLikes ->

 

 

Two books I’d recommend to people who share my taste for mysteries that venture off the beaten track are The First Lie, by Virginia King and When the Clocks Stopped by M.L. Eaton. These are totally different from each other, and yet have in common a thread of the mystical, vivid settings, complex and realistic protagonists, and excellent writing.  

 

The First Lie by Virginia King 

 

"The First Lie is set in Hawaii, where Selkie Moon has escaped from her former life in Australia. Her voice as the narrator is compelling, and the bizarre events that overtake her made it hard for me to stop reading. The layers of mythology and psychology in the intense plot gave it the kind of depth I like. I want more than to know the solution of a mystery, but to get involved with the characters’ lives."

 

When the Clocks Stopped by M.L. Eaton 

 

 

 

"When the Clocks Stopped takes place in a quaint English village with a dark history that comes alive. The main character, Hazel Dawkins, is utterly original, and so is the concept of this book, with the interweaving of the eighteenth and twentieth centuries, the crimes of both periods in time, and the ordinary and the extraordinary."

 

Anyone who likes a well-crafted and unconventional take on mystery will enjoy these books.

 

 

Meet and follow Jenny Schwartz on BookLikes ->

 

 

Two perfect summer reads for romance fans.

 

Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews   

  

 

 

"The first is a fast-paced, sexy paranormal romance by one of my favourite authors, Ilona Andrews. Burn For Me has the ultimate alpha hero and a heroine unsure whether to love him or run."

 

Naked: A Novel of Lady Godiva by Eliza Redgold 

 

 

 

"My second recommended summer read takes you back in time to summer in Saxon England. “Naked” is the real story of Lady Godiva’s famous ride, beautifully told, and it’s special to me because it’s written by a good friend, Eliza Redgold, who is passionate about the power of Godiva’s legend and of Celtic women in general."

 

 

Meet and follow Murielle Cyr on BookLikes ->

Two of my summer readings picks swing precariously from the supernatural classic, Three Supernatural Classics, to the more lighter literary shôjo manga, The Heart of Thomas. Both are perfect for short and frequent time fillers needed while traveling, or even between beach dips. 

Three Supernatural Classics: "The Willows," "The Wendigo" and "The Listener" by Algernon Blackwood   

The Heart of Thomas by Moto Hagio

 

Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration by Ed Catmull

"Anyone who has an interest in the creative process, from writers and artists to musicians and filmmakers, will find this book interesting and inspiring.

Catmull is the the president of Pixar Animation and Disney Animation. The level of struggle and revision that goes into making a Pixar movie is an inspiration, and the process they use to solicit useful and timely feedback on their work will be useful to all kinds of artists."

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley 

"A gorgeously crafted and designed book about the power of belief. Micah's journey may rekindle your own belief in magic.

I loved it so much that the moment I put down my library copy, I called the bookstore to order a hardback."

BookLikes authors recommendations made it to the reading lists on BookLikes. If you liked our authors' picks, you can easily add all books to your shelf through the Reading List: 20 great summer reads picked by authors ->

If you enjoyed the text, spread the word :-)

Thanks to A Throne of Books for creating this list in her original post requesting recommendations.

1. Favorite books in all categories: The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman - I know you've heard it before but I can't recommend this book enough!

2. Start to a series: Dissolution by CJ Sansom
3. By an author who's written over 5 books total: White Hawk: Revenge by David Pilling
4. Classic Literature: Villette by Charlotte Bronte
5. Banned Books: Based on its inclusion in this list, I'm going to say the Bible.
6. Featuring an assassin: The Chalice by Nancy Bilyeau
7. In a world with Dragons: Here be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penmen - admittedly there are only metaphorical dragons in this one.
8. Male Main Character: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
9. Female Main Character: Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell
10. Retelling of another story: Drawing a blank on this one. 
11. Book with a Gorgeous Cover: A Burnable Book by Bruce Holsinger
12. Debut book of any author:The Serpent Sword by Matthew Harffy
13. Fantasy in general: The Magic of Recluce by LE Modesitt
14. Finale for a series: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling
15. Graphic Novel: Never read one.
16. That you paid over $15 for (and was worth every penny): A King's Ransom by Sharon Kay Penman
17. Published after 2010: And Some Fell on Stony Ground by Leslie Mann
18. Featuring a Pricess/Prince or Queen/King: Time for some self promotion! Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen by Samantha WIlcoxson :-)
19. Thriller: Dark Fire by CJ Sansom
20. You read because it was a bestseller: One that I would recommend? They are usually disappointing.
21. Involving drugs: The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau
22. Memoir: Unbroken by Laura Hildenbrand

23. Favorite completed series as a whole: Anything by Sharon Kay Penman

24. Book with witches/warlocks: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
25. Historical Fiction: The Serpent and the Pearl by Kate Quinn
26. Ugly Cry book: I cry when reading almost anything. It is ugly.
27. Realistic Fiction: Self Promotion Part II - No Such Thing as Perfect by Samantha WIlcoxson
28. Dystopia: Unwind by Neal Shusterman
29. Time Travel: Not exactly time travel but.... Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
30. Elf or Dwarf Main character: The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien

31. Favorite incomplete series either by you or not yet finished by author: Matthew Shardlake series by CJ Sansom - Go Team Matthew!

32. Literary Fiction: Act of Grace by Karen Simpson
33. Non-Fiction (Anything, cookbook, self-help, etc): The Last White Rose by Desmond Seward
34. Middle Grade Novel: Self Promotion Part III - Over the Deep: A Titanic Adventure by Samantha Wilcoxson
35. Includes sword/knife fighting: The Last Kingdom by Bernard Cornwell
36. Something mysterious is afoot: The List by Robert Whitlow
37. Diverse Reads (main character non-white/non-straight): Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
38. Wanderlust book: Great question! I can't think of one.
39. Unreliable Narrator: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
40. Character with mental illness: Jimmy by Robert Whitlow
41. Sci-fi in general: Star Wars: Death Star by Michael Reaves
42. Paranormal Main Character: Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis
43. Horror: I don't do horror.
44. Books with murder in them: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
45. Set in a time of war (real or fictional): Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
46. Set in the place you live: Starvation Lake by Bryan Gruley
47. Book with servants in some manner: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
48. Book eventually adapted to a movie: Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
49. Book you've read more than once: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
50. A Good Zombie Book: Ugh, zombies.
51. A love story: The Lion and the Rose by Kate Quinn
52. Set in space: Star Wars: Outbound Flight by Timothy Zahn
53. Multiple POV: The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham
54. Erotic for people who don't read erotic novels: I don't even read romance, so I got nothin on this.

55. Written by an author who has died (recently or a very long time ago): House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

56. Written by an author who is still living: War Horse by Michael Morpurgo

57. Childhood favorite: Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

58. A long book (Let's say at least 450 pages minimum): The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

59. Young Adult book in general: Fever 1793 by Laurie Andersen

60. Adult book in general: Roots by Alex Haley

i think this one will be the first one on my list:

"Fire Bringer does for deer what Watership Down did for rabbits — except with a lot more action and excitement. Born an outcast, Rannoch comes to learn that he holds the key to vanquishing a ruthless tyrant and uniting two warring herds. His resulting adventure takes you deep into the fascinating history, politics, and drama of this all-animal world. I honestly don’t know why I picked this up, seeing as I don’t normally read fantasy, but Fire Bringer had me hooked from the very first page." -- Gabriel H.

 click on the link to discover the other 50.  How many will you add to your TBR?

The Clip from the Sherlock Special 

For those who are Sherlock fans. 

I saw a few others post their favorites of the year so far and thought it looked like fun, so here are mine. 

Books actually published this year, I believe, include Lamentation, Price of Blood, and The Tapestry.