Lee Child
Lee Child is the best–selling author of Persuader, The Enemy, One Shot, and eight other novels about former military police officer Jack Reacher. Child’s latest Reacher novel is Bad Luck and Trouble.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle (Oxford, $13). The founding text for my whole genre. It’s all there—deduction, forensics, intelligence, action, the flawed hero, the balance of plot and character. Twelve seminal stories, including “The Red–Headed League” and “The Engineer’s Thumb.” Want to know where Law & Order and CSI came from? Read on!
The Long Goodbye by Raymond Chandler (Vintage, $14). Like hearing from Conan Doyle’s American cousin 50 years later ..… our genre’s other bookend. Sherlock Holmes has morphed into Philip Marlowe. All the Marlowe books are great, but this tale of the hapless Terry Lennox mixes great humanity with world–weary cynicism. Style, wit, grace, a seminal hero, and some of the loveliest writing ever committed to paper.
Sophie’s Choice by William Styron (Vintage, $15). One of the greatest–ever American novels, Southern novels, New York novels, European novels, World War II novels, suspense novels, fast reads, and languid reads all wrapped up in one stunning package. An achievement that may never be matched.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
![https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516-320-80.jpg)
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (Anchor, $14). A story of a dystopian future that makes you think, and choose, and then proves you wrong, whoever you thought you were. Educationally, it’s like four years of college in two days. This kind of book is what our brains were invented for.
The Good German by Joseph Kanon (St. Martin’s, $8). I was already a fan of Kanon’s books—suspense thrillers set against significant periods of recent history—when I met him years ago in L.A. We agreed that Berlin immediately after World War II was possibly the greatest dramatic backdrop. Imagine my delight when this book came out. Great atmosphere, great story, worth reading for either one. That you get both together is a bonus.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
-
Big Tech's answer for AI-driven job loss: universal basic income
In The Spotlight A new study reveals the strengths and limitations
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
'I will not be silent' on Gaza, says Kamala Harris
Speed Read In a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Harris supported Israel's right to defend itself while expressing a desire to end Palestinian suffering
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
'How long can TikTok dominate as a social network?'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Peng Shepherd's 6 favorite works with themes of magical realism
Feature The author recommends works by Susanna Clarke, George Saunders, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Laura van den Berg's 6 favorite books with hidden secrets
Feature The author recommends works by Patricia Lockwood, Gillian Flynn, and more
By The Week US Published
-
26 of America's most unexpectedly banned books
In Depth From 'Harriet the Spy' to 'Little Red Riding Hood,' these books have all fallen afoul of censors
By The Week Staff Published
-
Conn Iggulden recommends 6 unforgettable books with historical themes
Feature The British author recommends works by Patrick O'Brian, Richard Dawkins, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Five books chosen by Nina Stibbe
Feature The author recommends works by David Sedaris, Alba de Céspedes and more
By The Week UK Published
-
Julia Phillips' 6 favorite books that explore the beauty and brutality of life
Feature The Novelist recommends works by Alice Walker, Colson Whitehead, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Joseph Earl Thomas's 6 favorite books that tackle social issues
Feature The author recommends works by Fernanda Melchor, Adania Shibli, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Ivy Pochoda's 6 favorite books that explore the dark side of human nature
Feature The thriller writer recommends works by Cormac McCarthy, Rachel Kushner, and more
By The Week Staff Published