Tara’s Must List
There are some things that I’m just so enthusiastic about that I think everyone should give them a look. So here we go, a few of my favorite things!
Books
One of my all time favorite fantasy series is the Sun Sword by Michelle West. It’s an intricately detailed fantasy world with interesting politics and complex characters. In fact, I think that it has some of my favorite characters in any books, anywhere. I’m still hoping she’ll return to this world, though the story is wrapped up in the six books in the sequence.
Book 1: The Broken Crown
Book 2: The Uncrowned King
Book 3: The Shining Court
Book 4: Sea of Sorrows
Book 5: The Riven Shield
Book 6: The Sun Sword
There is a duology that is a prequel to this series. It’s not needed to understand what’s going on in the Sun Sword, but it does give you some earlier history of the characters that appear in the later books. The first book is no where near as good as the rest, but the second is. I can’t whole-heartedly recommend Hunter’s Oath, but Hunter’s Death is where things get good. So if you’re interested in a long series, start at the beginning at Hunter’s Oath and just continue on through.
Prequel 1: Hunter’s Oath
Prequel 2: Hunter’s Death
Carol Berg’s Transformation is just the kind of book I can’t put down. It starts with a great setup and maintains its pace throughout. She continues the series with two more decent books. They don’t quite measure up to the first book, but they’re good.
Book 1: Transformation
Book 2: Revelation
Book 3: Restoration
Tom Robbins writes quirky funny books. My personal favorite is Jitterbug Perfume. It’s just so far from normal. It’s been years since I read it because I loaned my copy out and it never made it home. But it was worth it to spread the Tom Robbins love.
I always think of Douglas Coupland when I think of Tom Robbins. They’re not really the same, but they both write quirky novels. His most famous book is probably either Microserfs or Generation X, but my favorite is probably Girlfriend in a Coma.
I also like to read Graphic Novels (comic books to some of you out there) now and again, if they’re good enough. Neil Gaiman’s Sandman series is definitely good enough. You can find the entire series listed out here
And as a huge Joss Whedon and Buffy fan, I felt the need to give his book Fray a try. It was worth the read. It’s a version of the future of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s world. And it’s really quite good.
Music
People ask me all the time “what kind of music do you listen to?” and I never know how to answer. I listen to many types of music. It depends on my mood and the activity the music is for. But regardless, some albums are just so essential to me, I can’t imagine not having them.
U2: The Joshua Tree
This is just so good I think that you owe it to yourself to listen to it. U2 had made many albums, but this is the one I cannot live without.
David Berkeley: After the Wrecking Ships
I discovered David Berkeley when I saw him open for a concert. As usual, people were talking through the opening act and paying little attention. But his voice was so good that I was riveted. I ran out and bought this CD immediately and have been listening to it at least several times a week since. That was two years ago. I just think it’s that good.