Readers often ask what I consider to be the "most influential" books.

I can't answer that. At least, not without listing every book I have ever read. To me, all books are "influential". They either drive me toward improvement in my own work, or, quite frankly, are examples of our need to more fully grasp the artistry and music of the language. Either way, they certainly are influential.

It's easier, and more fun, to think in terms of favorites. What are my ten favorite books? I've included a list. But there is a problem. If you had asked me for this list a year ago, it would have been a different list. If you ask me again next year, it will be a different list.

The point is, I don't want my mind to be tied to the same writers all the time. I want to find out what else -- who else -- is out there, writing truly great material. As my red-haired Appalachian mother used to say, "I reserve the right to change my mind." Bless her.

Anyway, the list, in no particular order of preference:

(You will notice that I have included only two dead white guys, and none of the really old dead white guys. Everybody includes those guys. Why? Because they were good. Okay, we know that, so let's include some others . . . )

Ernest Hemingway: For Whom the Bell Tolls
Perhaps my favorite book of all time.

Cormac McCarthy: Suttree
This is a book to sit and read very, very carefully, or you will miss it.

Chuck Kinder: The Last Mountain Dancer
You won't know whether to laugh, or cry, or scream "bullshit!" It won't matter. It is pure artistry, and you will love it.

Richard Currey: Fatal Light
If you can read this without crying, you are a better man than I, Gunga Din.

N. Scott Momaday: House Made of Dawn
A classic, not just of Native American literature, but, in my opinion, of all literature.

Louise Erdrich: The Master Butchers Singing Club
I doubt if Ms. Erdrich will ever run out of material -- or talent.

Breece D'J Pancake: The Stories of Breece D'J Pancake
I never knew ye, brother, but I miss ye.

Evan S. Connell: The White Lantern (non-fiction)
Just read it -- and learn something.

Sandy Johnson: The Book of Elders
Only Ms. Johnson could have treated such precious material in such a magnificent way.

Erskine Caldwell: Tobacco Road
I carried a paperback edition of this book around in the pocket of my jeans, until the pages literally came loose and I lost them. (But I was a lot younger, then.)


A note:
If you have never read anything by Jayne Anne Phillips, you have missed one of the great experiences of reading. Pick one of her books. Any book. You will end up reading them all.