In 1962, C.S. Lewis was asked what books most influenced him, both as a writer and in his philosophy of life.
He responded with a list of 10 books.
They're Great Books. I recommend you read them.
Or, at least, read this thread about them:
Long before Tolkien’s fantasy worlds enchanted us, other stories enchanted him.
Ever wonder which books sparked his imagination?
Here's a thread of 15 works — some high-brow, some low, all fascinating — that shaped Tolkien's world:
In 1934, an aspiring writer asked Ernest Hemingway what books he should read.
He responded with a list of 16 classic works.
They're Great Books. I suggest you read them.
Or, at least, read this thread about them:
