Reading is my favorite hobby. My earliest childhood memory is of me stopping by National Bookstore every time my parents and I went to Greenbelt 1. I leave with a book on hand every single time. Fast forward to today, I can tell you that my love for books and reading hasn’t waned one bit.

And while I like discovering new books to read, there are authors I’m drawn to like any other book lover. I want to share with you the authors whose writing I’ve enjoyed so much that their books are now on my must-buy and must-read list.

My Favorite Authors’ List

Colleen Hoover: Bringing Out all the Feels

First off on my favorite authors’ list is Colleen Hoover. She writes romance novels that will pull at your heartstrings. She writes characters that will make you feel like they are actual persons, and you’ll find yourself invested in them. I’ve been drawn to a couple of her books’ heroes. Colleen Hoover is a master storyteller, and she writes about the complexities of love and relationships so well. And did I mention, she writes steamy sex scenes?

I first encountered Colleen Hoover when I was in a book club. Ugly Love, the book we read in book club, made such an impression on me. I felt so many emotions when I was reading it. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn. I cried for the heroine of the book, Tate and I loved the hero, Miles. Of course, I rooted for their happy ending. That book started it all for me. Now I’m such a fan of this author! I even joined Colleen Hoover’s Facebook community. We CoHorts – that’s what we the author’s fans are called – talk about her work there Colleen herself posts in that group and we get to interact with her.

If you’ve not read any of her works yet but are thinking of doing so, I recommend checking out Maybe Someday, It Ends with Us, or Reminders of Him.

James Patterson: Master of Suspense

If Colleen Hoover’s books will make you feel a jumble of emotions , James Patterson’s books will excite you. I first knew of James Patterson from the film adaptations of his novels – Kiss the Girls and Along Came a Spider. I watched both movies starring Morgan Freeman as Alex Cross. That’s one of his most popular novels, the Alex Cross series.

When I’m not in the mood for a romance novel, I switch things up by reading a suspense/thriller novel. And Patterson’s books are usually an exciting read. It has intriguing plots, and action-packed scenes. When I read a really good novel from Patterson, it’s hard to put the book down until I’ve reached the end. He keeps me at the edge of my seat.

Aside from his Alex Cross novels, he’s also known for his Women’s Murder Club series. But I haven’t read those yet. I read The President is Missing and The President’s Daughter and I will say that those two are a great read! He collaborated with former President Bill Clinton in writing those novels because who better to give insider insisghts on being the President of the USA than someone who’s been in the position to make it a believable story?

Mitch Albom: Thought Provoking

Mitch Albom’s novels are like Chicken Food for the Soul for me. They make you reflect on life, love, and what truly matters. Faith is a central theme of his writings, but they’re not preachy. It reminds me to appreciate my life and live each day with purpose. That’s why he’s one of my favorite authors.

I first read a Mitch Albom novel back in College. It was in our library, and I picked it up while passing the time. That was Tuesdays with Morrie, his most popular novel. If you want a short but good read, Mitch Albom’s books are a must-read. The book whose story has been the most memorable for me would be The First Phone Call from Heaven. I cried reading that book. It reminded me of my Dad who passed away and how I wish I could still talk to him.

Sophie Kinsella: Lighthearted Escapes

Also in my favorite authors’ list is Sophie Kinsella. She’s the author behind the Shopaholic series. Remember Isla Fisher starring in the film adaptation of this book? I didn’t like that movie. Though there was a line in the movie that I always quote.

Anyway, the Shopaholic series is why I loved reading Kinsella books. I found Becky Bloomwood, the heroine of the series, to be so relatable. Hello, I’m Liz and I’m a shopaholic. Also Becky is a funny and smart heroine. From the books I’ve read, I think Kinsella’s heroines are all like that – quirky but endearing. When I just want to chill, I like to read a lighthearted story. None of the tears from Colleen Hoover’s or suspense from James Patterson’s, and especially none of the reflections on life from Mitch Albom’s books. Sophie Kinsella’s my first choice when it comes to books with stories that will provide you with a pure escape. You’re sure to laugh when her heroine finds herself in a ridiculous or awkward situation. Her books bring out both humor and heart.

Aside from the Shopaholic series, worth reading from this author are I’ve Got Your Number, Twenties Girl and My Not So Perfect Life.

Judy Blume: A Coming of Age Icon

Finally, the last but not the least, in my favorite authors’ list is Judy Blume. Her books are perfect for young readers, especially the pre-teen girls. She writes stories about the experiences a young girl goes through in life – puberty, friendship, and first love. While I didn’t get to read her books when I was coming of age, I still found them relatable, Her books took me back to the times when I was that young girl going through the things that her characters were going through.

She’s most known for her young adult novels. Are You There, God? It’s Me Margaret, is one of her most popular books.

But I first knew of her through her adult novel, Summer Sisters. I found that book in our College library too while again passing the time and that started me off on a path to reading more of her novels.

If I ever have a young daughter of my own, I would introduce her to Judy Blume’s novels. But whether you’re already in your late thirties like me, a young woman in her teens or twenties, or even a pre-teen, Judy Blume’s novels are very much relatable.

Summary

These authors have inspired me, made me laugh, thrilled me, and warmed my heart with their writings. I highly recommend checking out their works if you haven’t done so yet. Who knows? You might love them as much as I do that they might end up on your favorite authors’ list too.

Who are your favorite authors to read?