Every month on my podcast The Writing Sparrow, I talk to another writer about their routine and which book has inspired them the most. On this page you’ll find the library build entirely from those recommendations. The titles are in alphabetical order and include buy links as well as links to the corresponding episode.
Happy reading!
Please note: This site uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission whenever you make a purchase through my site. This doesn’t cost you any extra or create any extra hassle for you, so it’s a great way to support this site and my podcasts!
Fiction Recommendations
Alanna by Tamora Pierce (recommended by Katie Masters)
Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb (recommended by Julia Blake) (please note: Julia didn’t recommend any one book by Robin Hobb but rather all of them. Since there are quite a few, we recommend you start at the very beginning with her debut novel!)
Dracula by Bram Stoker (recommended by Briana Morgan) (please note: it’s harder than it should be to find a good version these days. I wanted to link to the clothbound edition I got from Waterstones, but not every country has Waterstones whereas Amazon is pretty much everywhere. If you can, I recommend you check your local retailer like Waterstones or Barnes & Noble rather than try to find one on Amazon. I can’t guarantee the quality from them.)
Graceling by Kristin Cashore (recommended by Rhianne Williams)
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (recommended by Julia Blake)
The Dark Is Rising by Susan Cooper (recommended by Julia Blake)
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (recommended by Briana Morgan)
The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton (recommended by Julia Blake)
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie (recommended by Julia Blake)
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner (recommended by James Fahy)