Special Guests Week: Stephen Coonts

Today I'm thrilled to welcome New York Times bestselling author, Stephen Coonts. A native of West Virginia, Coonts entered the U.S. Navy following his graduation from West Virginia University and began flight training. He would ultimately fly the aircraft that featured prominently in his first novel, FLIGHT OF THE INTRUDER, and it's sequel, THE INTRUDERS. These days Coonts flies for fun, not battle. He spends more time writing his thriller, suspense and non-fiction books, which to date total 28.

For his post, Stephen Coonts chose to create a recommended reading list. Some of the titles may come as a bit of a surprise.

STEPHEN COONTS RECOMMENDED READING
Six Favorites You Should Know About

THE ODYSSEY by Homer.
This 4,000-year-old-work is widely regarded as the first novel, and perhaps it is the best ever written. Is there a writer anywhere who doesn't envy Homer, being read and admired 4,000 years after he composed his story?

THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN by Mark Twain.
Hemingway noted that this was the first modern American novel, and still ranks right up there with the best.

TIME TO HUNT by Stephen Hunter.
I arbitrarily selected this as one of the best of Stephen Hunter’s tales, all of which are thriller masterpieces. You should also read point of impact.

SIXTY-ONE HOURS by Lee Child.
Child and Stephen Hunter are the best two thriller writers writing today.

ANOTHER RIVER, ANOTHER TOWN by John P. Irwin.
The best soldier combat story I have ever read. As good as the very best World War II novels, and every word is true.

THE TONTO WOMAN AND OTHER STORIES by Elmore Leonard.
Before he became the master of the con, Leonard wrote the best novels and short stories ever written in the western genre. The short story The Tonto Woman is my favorite western story of the thousand or so I have read.