Favorite Fiction: Classics for Fall Reading

I don't know about you, but something about cool, overcast fall days makes me want to snuggle into a giant chair with a mug of hot chocolate and a nice piece of classic literature.  Maybe it's the introspective nature of the season, or the longer nights, but for me, autumn is a time for classic reading.  Here are a few of my favorite works of classic literature that are just perfect for this time of year:

Favorite Fiction: 2012 Man Booker Prize Contenders

Those of you who have been keeping up with me on BookerMarks already know that 6 other bloggers and I have been closely following the Man Booker Prize nominees since the longlist was announced in July.  The original longlist of 12 titles was eventually whittled down to 6 finalists, and the winner will be announced tomorrow evening.  Of the 12 longlisted titles, I was able to read and review 10, but based on my reviews and ratings, here are Hooked Bookworm's top 5 Man Booker Prize-nominated titles:

Favorite Fiction: Contemporary Debut Novels

Contemporary authors like Jonathan Franzen, Suzanne Collins, Ann Patchett, and Margaret Atwood are now considered household names, but every writer has to start somewhere.  Some turn into literary "one hit wonders" while others go on to win all sorts of prizes, honors, and awards, but as the phrase goes...you gotta start somewhere.  This segment of Favorite Fiction is about literary beginnings of contemporary authors.  Some are still new to the publishing world, and others have produced bestsellers and masterpieces, but they all have one thing in common - notable and impressive debut novels.  So here are Hooked Bookworm's top ten debut novels of contemporary writers:

Favorite Fiction: Francesca Lia Block

Those of you who follow Hooked Bookworm know how much I adore and respect Francesca Lia Block.  I read Weetzie Bat in high school (and about 10 more times since then) and was immediately enchanted by the colorful characters, the magical setting, and the sparkling, unforgettable story.  Block primarily writes YA fiction, but thematically, her books are timeless - she has a gift for revealing universal truths through unique, one-of-a-kind characters.  With dozens of publications under her belt, I have not been able to read everything by Ms. Block (yet!), but here are a few favorites:

Favorite Fiction: Toni Morrison

Over the years, Toni Morrison has earned great respect as an author.  As the winner of the Nobel Prize, the Pulitzer Prize, and the Pearl Buck Award (just to name a few), Toni Morrison has been a tremendous influence on American literature.  Now, at the age of 81, she is publishing her 10th novel, Home, which will be released next week on May 8.  In celebration of her many accomplishments and to gear up for the new release, here are Hooked Bookworm's top 5 Toni Morrison novels:

Favorite Fiction: Short Story Collections

Short stories can be just as powerful and effective as a novel, but they don't get as much recognition in the literary criticism world.  Even so, there are a lot of amazing short stories out there.  Some authors have even built careers on writing short fiction, such as Washington Irving ("The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"), Edgar Allan Poe (The Tell Tale Heart and Other Stories), and Guy de Maupassant ("The Necklace").  And you may remember that Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery" is still one of the most well-known and studied pieces of literature throughout American high schools.  Even though short stories are often treated like the novel's annoying kid sister, there are some pretty spectacular short story collections out there.  Here are a few of Hooked Bookworm's favorites:

Favorite Fiction: Dysfunctional Families

   It can be quite comforting to read about dysfunctional families in literature.  We relate to the characters (some more than others) and they make us feel normal by comparison.  Our voyeuristic side reveals itself when we read about families with problems because, as readers, we are privy to the nature of their dysfunction - we become a sort of literary Peeping Tom.  All creepiness aside, here are a few of Hooked Bookworm's favorite depictions of dysfunctional families in literature:

Favorite Fiction: Modern Fairy Tales

   The term "modern fairy tales" can mean many different things.  From rewritten versions of well-known tales to new stories that mimic the fairy tale style, it's hard to narrow down this literary genre.  So I've decided to include a mix of books and authors that could be classified as "modern fairy tales."  Some are based on traditional tales and some are merely inspired by them, but they all include elements of magic or the supernatural and are reminiscent of the folklore/fairy tale genre.

Favorite Fiction update:

 It looks like the first Favorite Fiction topic will be Modern Fairy Tales. Thanks to everyone who voted on Hooked Bookworm's Facebook page!  Your input is much appreciated.  First Favorite Fiction post coming sooooon!

Introducing: Favorite Fiction

Coming Soon:

Favorite Fiction will be a regular segment here at Hooked Bookworm where I will list "favorites" from specific categories or genres.  Options for the first installment include:

Favorite Fiction: Women Authors
Favorite Fiction: Modern Fairy Tales
Favorite Fiction: Classics

Cast your votes in the comments section below or on Hooked Bookworm's Facebook page this week!  The first segment will be revealed by Friday.