Reading … It’s Fun-damental!

I just did the math and discovered that I read 47 new (to me) books in 2009. That’s a little bit less than one a week. I also re-read quite a few of not only those 47, but others in my fairly extensive library. I like to read. If I’m not sleeping, working, or watching the boob tube, then I’m reading.

Sometimes I read and watch television at the same time … since this invariably leads to my having to rewind the DVR to see what I've missed, I’m fairly comfortable in my assessment that I like reading just a wee bit more than television.

I’ve gotten into this whole new genre (for me) this year, which is the urban fantasy … you know, with vampires and werewolves and mages and whatnot. It’s all because of Jim Butcher and that fantastic Harry Dresden. I fricken love Dresden.

And I never knew the books even existed until I watched the Dresden Files on Sci-Fi … I think it was Sci-Fi … doesn’t matter, they cancelled it almost immediately. But not before I learned the series was based on books. Books, people! Books!!! I love books!

So I picked up the first one. And devoured it. And haven’t looked back since. And of course, how much in geek nirvana was I to learn that Butcher is a local? He lives not two towns over in Independence. BOO YAH! There’s a chance, albeit it teensy-tiny, that I’ve been in his general vicinity!

So anyway, while waiting for Butcher’s next installment, I picked up similar books from other ‘urban’ series and now I have a whole slew of new favorite series authors to add to my ‘old’ list of favorite series authors. So, here are my revised series author recommendations to you, the avid reader … in no particular order:

• John Sandford’s Lucas Davenport ‘Prey’ series and the ‘Kidd & LuEllen’ novels.
• James Lee Burke’s Dave Robicheaux series.
• Brian Haig’s Sean Drummond novels.
• Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden series.
• Tony Hillerman’s Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee novels.
• Mike McGarrity’s Kevin Kearney series.
• Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series.
• Rick Riordan’s Tres Navarre novels.
• Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series.
• Dennis Lehane’s Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro series.
• C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett series.
• Robert Crais’ Elvis Cole and Joe Pike novels
• Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series.
• David Drakes’ Crown of the Isles series.
• Greg Rucka’s Atticus Kodiak novels.
• Dan Simmons’ Joe Kurtz and the Hyperion novels.
• John Lescroart’s Dismas Hardy series.
• Michael Koryta’s Lincoln Perry series.
• Steve Hamilton’s Alex McKnight series.
• Rachel Caine’s Cassiel books.
• Rob Thurman’s Cal & Niko Leandros novels.
• Mark Del Franco’s Connor Grey series.
• John Levitt’s Mason & Lou series.
• Larry Correia’s Monster Hunter International (MHI) series.
• Jeri Smith-Ready’s Ciara Griffin series.
• Kat Richardson’s Harper Blaine series.
• Jennifer Rardin’s Jaz Parks series.

Try some out ... let me know what you think!