1. Do you have a favorite author?
I never know how to answer that question. I have several favorites, I guess, ranging from Billy Collins (poets count, right?) to Kathy Reichs. Although, if you count favorite author as “someone whose every work of fiction you love” Kate Jacobs may be edging into the number 1 spot.
2. Have you read everything he or she has written?
I’m something of a completist. I go on mystery binges where I read an author consistently, and then screech to an abrupt halt when I’m done. In the case of Kathy Reichs, there’s one I’ve been avoiding- it deals with Guatamalan genocide, and I’m pretty sure it’s violent in ways I won’t like reading. See above re: Kate Jacobs.
3. Did you LIKE everything? Wow- setting this up as “lots of authors are my favorite” makes it hard to answer these. Ummm… in the case of most mysteries- yes. Except, say, the first in the series where the author’s still getting grounded.
4. How about a least favorite author? This is an easy one. I dislike Philip K. Dick, Neal Stephenson, and Ernest Hemingway to about the same degree.
5. An author you wanted to like, but didn’t?
I have actually been planning a post on Arturo Perez Reverte, along these very themes. His concepts are so intriguing, some even tailored around themes I know I like. But then I pick the book up. And put it down. I’m not sure what’s going on there. Everything from fencing to hackers in the Vatican. His concepts are wonderful! But… I have no idea.
I read all of Hemingway’s novels and did not like any. (I had to read them for class.) Please visit to see my answers.
I’ve only read two Perez-Reverte novels, “The Club Dumas” and “The Flanders Panel,” and really liked them both. I guess I like the suspense element, since I always love a mystery. And Ernest Hemingway is one of those authors whose work I can appreciate but not really enjoy.
I think most people are in agreement about Hemingway.