Wattpad Block Party - Winter Edition III

Robshapiro Presents: Like to Read

Two things all aspiring writers must do is read and write. There's probably other stuff like illegally download Microsoft Word, but reading and writing are top of the list and there's no substitute.

I have always loved reading and when I encounter an awesome book, I become obsessed with making sure everyone knows about it. Here are some books that reminded me why I love reading and urged me to keep writing.

Hit me back with some recommendations in the comments section—feel free to get weird.

Ready Player One, Ernest Cline

A dark future. A virtual reality world. A lonely young man. A treasure hunt embedded with a million '80s reference. This book is imaginative, thrilling, and most of all, a blast. Like the best Boy George ballad, everything comes together harmoniously in this fully realized YA fantasy. It won't take you longer than a week to read. One caveat is if you don't have fondness for the '80s, make sure to have Wikipedia ready to go.

One Summer, Bill Bryson

Everyone has that one memorable summer, the one where they fell in love, gained their independence or found true passion. Bill Bryson examines that one summer for the U.S.A, where in 1927 the world turned its attention to the transatlantic feats of Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth's swing and charisma, the looming depression, the Coolidge presidency and other momentous events that all unfolded over one almost mythological summer. It'll make that summer where you saw The Hangover three times feel meaningless.

The Afterlife of Stars, Joseph Kertes

Fans of historical fiction should definitely pick up a copy of The Afterlife of Stars. The story of two brothers, Robert and Attila, who flee Hungary with their family as the revolution ends. It's stirring and vivid and finds a warmth due to its storytelling and earnest, bright narrator. With the current refugee crisis, it's amazing to read historical fiction that feels as relevant today as it did decades prior.

The Giver, Lois Lowry

We can all agree that the movie sucked...right? The book, though, is a gripping and intriguing take on a future where feelings and history are repressed, except for one member of a community who must hold all this knowledge and pain until it's time to give it to another. A brisk but potent read with heartfelt characters.

American Gods, Neil Gaiman

I'm a big Gaiman fan and still clawing my way through his body of work. American Gods is one that I devoured with pleasure over a couple of days on a beach. A road trip story about an ex-con and a mysterious passenger who visit Gods and creatures brought to America via the beliefs of immigrants. Solid characters, developed magical realism and a thoughtful meditation on the modern world's lack of spiritualism will make anyone believe in Gaiman's transportive writing abilities.

Carrie and It, Stephen King

I'm doubling up here but it's appropriate, trust me. I first read It after buying it at a book fair in my school gymnasium. To this day, it's the only reason I respect clowns. This sprawling novel is how I pass every subway ride whether it's one stop or ten.

I came to Carrie later in life and after experiencing its unique style and atmosphere I immediately understood why it had become a classic. Both books weave together coming-of-age stories with teenage alienation and oodles of horror and violence.

Before I die, I will read at 80% of King's work, which is my way of praying for immortality or politely asking him to stop writing.

City of Thieves, David Benioff

Stories about WWII shouldn't make me smile as much as this one did. It's deftly written with charm and the chemistry between the two main characters resonates. A story of two prisoners who are offered a chance at clemency if they retrieve a dozen eggs for a colonel's daughter's wedding cake in war-torn Leningrad. If they don't find the eggs than they will be executed. Turning cake ingredients into high stakes is something only a talent like Benioff could pull off.

I can't recommend this book enough.

Missoula, John Krakauer

If I had one wish today and was banned from wishing for infinite wishes, it would be that this book becomes required academic reading especially for young men. Krakauer focuses his journalistic lens on Missoula, a college town with an alarming number of rapes. It's a microcosm of society's dismissal of a haunting and pervasive problem and how we value collegiate and professional athletes more than their silenced victims. A tough but important read and an issue that cannot be ignored any longer.

Everyone who reads this post owes me three book recommendations in the comments section...sell me on your favourites!

All genres are welcomed and I'm excited to discover some new gems.

You can follow me on Wattpad at @robshapiro or on Twitter @rshaps or visit me at www.robshapiro.ca

Be sure to check out my novel The Book of Sam! 

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