Top Ten Picks: Favorite Writers

Top Ten Picks is a weekly meme where I would be posting just about that -- my top 10 picks! Every week, there will be a different and specific topic given.I will then choose 10 of my picks from that given category, create the list, and post them up here.

For this week, the topic is on our favorite writers/authors. These are the ones you grew up with, you look up to, who wrote your favorite stories and characters, who can do no wrong in your opinion, and/or influenced you in some way or another. In no particular order whatsoever.. here are my picks.

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1. J.K. Rowling

- As most of you know, I have this obsession about the Harry Potter series that just won't go away. Years later, I am still in love with these books. In fact, I'm one of those people that are still sad there won't be another HP release during the Summer.
Though I have always been a big reader ever since I was quite young, something definitely changed when I first read The Sorcerer's Stone. It was like a new world opened up for me. A fascinating world full of books. I became an even bigger bookworm, and began to realize my love for writing as well. J.K. Rowling is one of my favorite writers, because, well, she is the author of one of the best and most influential series ever written. She created her own unique world, following the footsteps of writers like C.S Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien. I know that years from now, I'll still have her on this list.

2. Madeleine L' Engle

- A Wrinkle in Time is one of my favorite young adult novels. It is one of the best adventure stories I have ever read as well. All of Madeleine L' Engle's books are amazing and incredibly well-written; always unique and always fantastic.

3. J.R.R. Tolkien

- He wrote The Lord Of The Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. Enough said.

4. Louisa May Alcott

- Little Women is one of those books that truly influenced my love for reading. I first read it when I was very young, and even then, I fell in love with all the characters. Most especially though, I got to know Jo March. I always have a special place for Jo; she is an extremely family-oriented, independent, and strong woman. She is a writer, and cares deeply about her passion. Perhaps because of her and the rest of the March sisters, Louisa May Alcott also has a special place on this list as well.

5. Hans Christian Andersen

- How could I not have him on this list? He wrote some of the best fairy tales out there. The Little Mermaid, The Princess and The Pea, Thumbelina, The Ugly Duckling.. just to name a few. When I was a kid, we had a huge book full of his stories. The cover even looks magical, to me. In fact, I wouldn't mind having a copy of that even today. Hmm..

6. Frances Hodgson Burnett

- In a lot of ways, Louisa May Alcott and Frances Hodgson Burnett are quite similar. They are both classic writers, and both wrote the books of my childhood. Frances Hodgson Burnett's characters, Sara Crewe and Mary Lennox, are one of the most memorable to me. Their stories are timeless. They are as magical to me now as they were the first time I ever read them. She is on this list because she is one of the authors that "introduced" me to the wonderful world of books.

7. Laurie Halse Anderson

- She wrote Speak, Fever 1793, Prom.. among many others. But the main reason she is on my list? It's all because of her Young Adult novel, Wintergirls. If you have not read it, I highly recommend you do so. Teens and parents alike can truly benefit from this book.
I love Laurie Halse Anderson because she writes about real people, real issues, and real stories. Keyword here is obviously, "real." She has the power to talk to her readers and influence them in a positive way. For me, an author is an incredible writer when he/she is able to do this genuinely.

8. Charlotte Bronte

- I love reading the classics. Jane Austen, yes. Charles Dickens, sure. However, my favorite novel in the genre has got to be Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. I just loved everything about it.

9. Markus Zusak

- I have read all of Markus Zusak's books, and they are all really good. I just love his writing! In my eyes, he simply can do no wrong. But the main reason why he is on this list is because he is the author of The Book Thief. Now I think by now, most of you know that this Young Adult novel is definitely one of my favorite books of all time. It is just a beautiful story. It is original, engaging, inspiring, uplifting, and haunting all at the same time. It has unique narratives, memorable quotes, and the most lovable and unforgettable characters. The Book Thief, to me, is nothing less than amazing.

10. Pablo Neruda

- Pablo Neruda is my ultimate favorite poet of all time. He writes in such an eloquent manner. Every time I read his poems and sonnets, I can truly feel what he is saying. His words to me, aren't even just words anymore. They become alive on their own; so genuine, honest, and true. Simply put, he writes beautifully. If you have not read any of Neruda's poems, I do highly recommend you begin with Sonnet 17.

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If you would like to join in, all you have to do is:

1. Do a post, listing all your answers. You do not have to include pictures, descriptions, or explanations, but if you would like to do so, feel free!
2. Please sign the Mr. Linky box below with the specific URL of your post.

I can't wait to hear from you all again this week!