While finishing a great book is intensely satisfying, it also raises a difficult question: What do I read next? Discover Books offers thousands of titles in every possible genre. Choosing your next read can be daunting, so let us help. Here is a list of 10 of our favorite binge-worthy authors with April birthdays. Your next great read starts here.
Anne McCaffrey
April 1, 1926
Is science fiction your passion? Then Anne McCaffrey is your gal. She’s best known for her Dragonriders of Pern series. However, her bibliography contains literally hundreds of books. The first in this series was published in 1968. Her son began co-writing them in 2003 with the last one written by her daughter.
The series is set in a secluded world with a pre-industrial society. Don’t get comfortable with their ancient ways though. Their way of life is about to confront a myth that proves to be real. Pern will change forever because of a girl and her dragon. This series comes in at whooping 26 books.
If you’re not sure you want to tackle a significant series, start your Anne McCaffrey journey with Catalyst. It is a delightful tale combining the wonders of space travel, telepathy, and one remarkable cat.
Ms. McCaffrey is a Grand Master in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. She was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2006.
Maya Angelou
April 4, 1928
Maya Angelou is an American author best known for her memoir, I Know Why the Caged Brid Sings. It came out in 1969 and became the first-ever non-fiction bestseller written by an African American woman. In addition to writing a slew of fascinating memoirs, Ms. Angelou also produced several volumes of poetry, cookbooks, and a screenplay. She lived a fascinating life, and there is much to learn and enjoy while reading her body of literary work.
Anthony Horowitz
April 5, 1955
Once you discover Anthony Horowitz, you’ll find dozens of new titles to explore. Horowitz is perhaps best known for his Alex Rider teen spy series, which has sold over 19 million copies. He’s also written modern Sherlock Holmes mysteries and the latest James Bond novel, Trigger Mortis.
In addition to novels, Mr. Horowitz is also a prolific writer for television. Foyle’s War and Midsomer Murders are just two of the award-winning favorites that have benefitted from his contributions. He received an OBE (a UK honor for contributions to the arts) in 2014, and he continues to write from his home in the UK. Anthony Horowitz is sure to become a regular on your reading list if you love mysteries and spy thrillers.
Jill Paton Walsh
April 29, 1937
Jill Patton Walsh was born Gillian Honorine Mary Bliss in London. She began her writing career creating memorable stories for children and young adults. She didn’t venture into writing adult fiction until the 1990s.
Walsh is well-known for her work with the Peter Wimsey/Harriet Vane books. They were created initially by Dorothy Sayers. Ms. Walsh finished an unfinished Sayers work and then began three of her own Wimsey mysteries. You’ll find all of her books to be beautifully and thoughtfully written. Her young adult books are never juvenile and are a worthwhile read for any audience.
Barbara Kingsolver
April 8, 1955
Barbara Kingsolver has been named one of the 20th century’s most influential writers. She’s received numerous awards, including the National Humanities Medal for outstanding service through the arts. Her books have been translated into more than two dozen languages. Several of them are included in core literature curricula for high schools and colleges.
The Poisonwood Bible won the national book award in South Africa. It was a finalist for the Pulitzer and Orange prizes. Her other works include Small Wonder (2002), Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life (2007), and The Lacuna (2009), as well as many others.
Tom Clancy
April 12, 1947
Tom Clancy’s thrillers have been setting the standard in this genre since his first novel, The Hunt for Red October, hit shelves in 1984. Since then, his heart-stopping novels have regularly topped bestseller lists. He sold The Hunt for Red October for a whopping $5000. He then went on to write other great books that were turned into movies – Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears.
If the books aren’t enough to satisfy your appetite for espionage and suspense, you can enjoy Clancy’s stories and characters in movies and TV, including the Amazon’s Jack Ryan series. The best part about Tom Clancey is knowing he started off as an insurance agent.
Henry James
April 15, 1843
Henry James is widely considered to be one of the greatest American novelists. His books include The Portrait of a Lady, The Ambassadors, The American, and The Turn of the Screw, just to name a few.
If you’re looking to add classics to your reading list this year, Henry James is a great choice. He wrote over 20 novels and dozens of novellas and short stories. We particularly like The American. Give this classic author a try today.
William Shakespeare
April 23, 1564, or thereabouts
Shakespeare is always a good idea. Why? Because the stories and words of Shakespeare permeate every single aspect of modern culture. Shakespeare wrote 37 plays between 1590 and 1613. Reading these simply makes you smarter. For one thing, you’ll understand the origins of many common idioms such as the following:
- All that glitters is not gold
- Break the ice
- Dead as a doornail
- A pound of flesh
- Kill (someone) with kindness
- All’s well that ends well
You’ll also see shadows of his stories in many of the books and movies produced today. Discover Books has the plays and the commentaries you may need to help you get the most from your reading. Once you read Shakespeare, we predict you’ll see him everywhere, every day.
Edith Ngaio Marsh
April 23, 1895
At Discover Books, we are committed to helping our customers discover new books. Edith Ngaio Marsh is a perfect example. She’s considered to be one of the great queens of crime in the company of such greats as Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers.
Chances are, you’ve never heard of her. Dame Marsh was born in New Zealand, where the Ngaio Marsh Award is still given every year for the best New Zealand crime, mystery, and thriller book. Start at the beginning with, A Man Who Lay Dead, the first in her long Roderick Alleyn detective series.
Sue Grafton
April 24, 1940
If you’re looking for an engaging series to keep you enthralled for days and weeks on end, look no further than Sue Grafton’s Alphabet Series starring Kinsey Millhone.
Sue Grafton is a Grand Master in the Mystery Writers of America. There are 25 books in this series so far. Number 26 is in the works. These pulse-pounding mysteries have been published in 26 languages across 28 countries. You’ll love the author’s eye for detail and her practiced storytelling techniques. Before you start, warn your family; you might not surface for a while.
Bingeworthy Reads
Any of these authors are eminently binge-worthy. Their bibliographies are extensive and varied, enough to keep even the most demanding readers satiated. There’s something here for everyone, including classics, mysteries, thrillers, memoirs, and science fiction epics. Find your new favorites at Discover Books today. With prices starting at $3.85 and free shipping availableor more to lower 48 USA, you can afford to read them all!
