Quests...

Excellent writing (and reading) advice: your hero's stated intent is never the real reason for his journey. The real reason is ALWAYS SELF-EXPLORATION!

I've always felt that if you want to be a great writer then you should first be a great reader. Here is a helpful text I recommend for both great readers and writers.

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-read-literature-like-a-professor-thomas-c-foster/1100015328?ean=9780060009427

Book Lists

The year of 2014 is complete, and it was a mighty year for books. The year's end always brings for me the great joy of reading "Book Lists" - the best books of the past year as decided by X. Whether it is Slate, or the New York Times, or the Washington Post, each list inevitably includes a book for everyone. Each list tends to include an epic tome for the literary giant, a luscious beach read for the page-turner addict, and an accessible take on modern culture for the fresh audience of young (or new) readers.

Here is a list of some of my favorite lists, which I hope you'll use to find your next great read:

New York Times Best Books 2014

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/books/review/the-10-best-books-of-2014.html?_r=0

Washington Post Best Books 2014

http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-10-best-books-of-2014/2014/11/20/40784e0a-3dc6-11e4-b03f-de718edeb92f_story.html


NPR Best Books of 2014

http://apps.npr.org/best-books-2014/

Goodreads' Choice Awards 2014

http://www.goodreads.com/choiceawards/best-books-2014

Huffington Post Best Books 2014

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/news/best-books-2014/

Best Fiction of 2014: Kirkus Reviews

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/issue/best-of-2014/section/fiction/

Publishers Weekly Best Books 2014

http://best-books.publishersweekly.com/pw/best-books/2014/top-10