What author would you most like to spend the holidays with? Please explain why.

Lisa
The first one that comes to mind is Rex Stout --- he was the master of classic crime fiction, and I imagine he'd be a fascinating and charming person to spend the holidays with. Also, Mr. Stout's love of characters, humor, orchids and food --- which shines through all his unforgettable Nero and Archie adventures --- would give us a lot to talk about!

Margaret
Jimmy Buffett, 'cause he's just got to be fun! :D

Nikki O.
I would like to spend the holidays with Adriana Trigiani. We would drink lots of wine, eat great food and laugh a lot!

Cathy D.
Charles de Lint --- he is truly the very best at bringing fantasy into everyday life. Reading his books soothes and relaxes me in today's crazy world; there are really times when its the only thing that works. He's a Celtic musician, too, which is also good for the soul.

Jean V.
Mary Kay Andrews. If her life resembles her art, it has to be fun, surprise-filled and interesting.

Sandy B.
I would like to spend the holidays with Cleo Coyle. I bet the coffee would be killer!!!! :)

Terri M.
Stuart Woods --- I would love to spend an evening at Elaine's with Stone Barrington (who I know is Stuart Woods's alter ego). An evening with Stone is never uneventful.

Art H.
Charles Dickens. His various Christmas tales --- particularly A CHRISTMAS CAROL --- show, I think, how he well understood just what we in this later day seek, all too briefly, to generate in our relations with the rest of humankind.

Susan B.
Nelson DeMille --- I love his sense of humor, as well as his books. I receive his e-mail/newsletter, and it always makes me laugh! That is my number one criterion when it comes to choosing who I spend my time with.

Joanne M.
I would like to spend the Holidays with Louise Penny. She seems so very much in-tune with her readers and cares for them like friends. She seems so "down-home," yet maintains a certain elegance and sophistication.

jhcpeterson
I would like to spend the holidays with none of my favorite authors. Why? Because I, selfishly, would like them to have more time to write...I'm constantly missing the characters who come to life with many of my favorite authors. Both fiction and nonfiction authors enrich my life. Happy holidays and thank you to all!

Laurie B.
Ursula Hegi

Valerie L.
Mark Twain, because I love his smart humor.

Judy P.
James Lee Burke --- I love his character, Dave Robicheaux, and his Louisiana settings. James Lee Burke has such wonderful insights; they are almost poetic. I keep many passages from his novels in my special quote book. If I could also spend the holiday with him in Louisiana, that would take two things off my bucket list.

Loretta S.
Adriana Trigiani, who wrote BRAVA, VALENTINE. The fame, Christmas in New York City...WOW.

Rebecca B.
I would love to spend the holidays with Lilly Gayle and her family. Her book, OUT OF THE DARKNESS, is the best book I've read in 2010. It's an awesome, can't-put-down, paranormal romantic suspense.

Bea
Jess Walter --- I have seen him at literary and book club events, and he is very entertaining and has a great sense of humor.

BARBARA D.
Laurall K. Hamilton, because I love vampire stories, and I would love to know how her ideas develop. 

Karen V.
Patti Smith

Elizabeth V.
For me, it's a toss-up between Joseph Kanon because he is such a genuinely nice man, as I discovered the times I've e-mailed him, and Joseph Wambaugh, for the same reason. Also, Wambaugh was in the Korean War, as was my father. My other choice would be Mary Doria Russell because she is so nice. All of the times I've e-mailed her she has responded with such long and thoughtful e-mails. Plus, I've been to her book signing, and I really enjoyed her.

Diana
Debbie Macomber, because I love her Christmas books, and I would like to see how she really celebrates the holiday.

Debra P.
Stephen King, because that would give me access to several talented storytellers.

F. Lyman
Mark Twain (a.k.a. Samuel Clemens), because he's still fresh, and he's still funny! And I'm loving his memoirs...

Amy
Garrison Keillor --- either I'd get drawn into his world of realLake Wobegon comedy, or if he was with my family, he'd put a well-written spin on the antics around here.

Mary H.
If Robert B. Parker was still alive, I'd like to spend Christmas with him. He seemed like he was sensitive, but he could also be tough. I think he would have been an interesting person to sit with and talk to.

Linda
Francine Rivers, as she covers such intimate issues in a manner that helps you grow emotionally and spiritually. Through her books, you learn to reconcile, forgive, love, and care for others. I've read most of them, but LEOTA'S GARDEN is my favorite to date.

Noreen D.
Denis Hamill --- I love his books, which are centered in New York and thereabouts. They have wonderful characters that pull you in and don't let go. I do wish he would write books again.

I'd also like to spend the holidays with Robert B. Parker. I know it is not possible, but he, too, was a wonderful author, and he had a great sense of humor.

Debbie P.
Anne Tyler --- she is my favorite writer, and I would love to have the opportunity to meet her.

Benita S.
Eleanor Roosevelt. I heard her speak once while I was in college, and I would be fascinated to hear what she thinks of the world as it is today. She was an amazing, intelligent woman with great compassion for people.

Rosalie S.
I have so many favorite authors, it is difficult for me to choose just one. So I have chosen Geraldine Brooks and Emma Donoghue. They are so realistic in their writings, and offer so many types of stories.

Janet G.
Pat Conroy, because he is living in the very place he writes about, and he translates it so that we all understand the language; his writing transports us.

Rita S.
Mary Higgins Clark because I love her books, and she seems like a very gracious lady with lots of stories to tell.

Tanya F. in CO
Jen Lancaster, because her books and her blog make me laugh out loud...I'm sure she would be a riot!

Denise N.
Louisa May Alcott --- some of my favorite Christmas times were spent with her, and I had the sense that I knew her. The more I read about her, the less I know...you know what I mean, the more I want to know more. So it would be LMA and me in the garret, spending our day together, peeling clementines while we watched the snow from the window.

Brenda B.
I'd love to spend time with Adriana Trigiani, so that I could to her humor and eat good (preferably homemade) Italian food.

Alice B.
Pat Conroy

Patricia R.
Nora Ephron. I am in her age group, and her last two books (I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman and I REMEMBER NOTHING: And Other Reflections) frequently had me laughing out loud. I love the way she decribes what it feels like to succumb to age, and how she reacts and then responds to it. I can identify with the situations and feelings she so vividly depicts, and I love her attitude toward the inevitable changes we experience with age.

Mary B.
Mary Alice Monroe. I love her books and the area of the country that she writes about. I learn so much from her books about things I did not have any idea about before.

LeAnn B.
Lisa Scottoline. I love her sense of humor and her outlook on life. I am a fan of her mystery series and her last two books.

Connie G.
Nora Roberts (a.k.a. J.D. Robb), James Patterson, Catherine Coulter and Barbara Taylor Bradford. I would like to ask how they arrive at a plot and the characters for their novels, and how they preserve their audience.

Darlene M.
Philip Yancey --- he is one of my go-to authors for spiritual advice. His work is trustworthy and knowledgeable about Biblical teachings. His experiences challenge me to be a better person. I would love to talk more with him about his life and the lessons God has taught him so far. I know I would learn more about the God I love and serve.

SallyAnn
I think I would like to spend the holidays with Chris Grabenstein, as he is so funny and bright.

Bonnie B.
Barbara Kingsolver

Elizabeth
Carlos Ruiz Zafon --- he is an amazing author, and he would be able to take me on a tour of his beloved Barcelona. I was there once, and I tried to find all the places in THE SHADOW OF THE WIND, but once isn't enough time to visit Barcelona. :)

Fran
Stephen King --- I just imagine it would be a fascinating dinner!

Dona M.
Janet Evanovich. We read her series for our November meeting at the local funeral home, and I really enjoyed her characters!

Maryann A.
I find Nora Ephron very entertaining, and I would look forward to sharing stories with her.

Shiela B.
Nora Roberts

Peggy C.
Fred Mustard Stewart (who recently died in 2007) because I always thought his historical fiction was superb --- I loved his characters and his sense of time and place.

Judy R.
Lisa Scottoline is the author I'd like to spend the holidays with. I am currently reading her book, MY NEST ISN'T EMPTY, IT JUST HAS MORE CLOSET SPACE: The Amazing Adventures of an Ordinary Woman, and I am loving the tales of her life as a single mom with a daughter and five dogs. I am thoroughly enjoying this book; the part on facial hair had me wanting to call my sisters!

Sharon L.
James Patterson, because I love his books --- especially theWomen's Murder Club series --- and I would like to pick his brain regarding his story ideas, his life, etc.

Connie F.
I think I would like to spend the holiday with Julia Quinn because I am a huge fan of her's. The humor that she adds to all of her books is delightful! I would love to chat with her and learn how she decides on her plots and researches her books. A nice cup of eggnog would make this experience even more fun.

Susan
Jodi Picoult

Freda
Ben Rehder --- he's funny, funny, funny!

Harriet S.
Remember back to grade school, (and that's a long reach for me)? The fellow students I still recall are the ones who achieved the highest honors and the ones who were always getting into mischief. I suspect both Karin Fossum and Collin Cotterill are both a mix of these traits: intelligent, but risk-taking dare devils. I sense it in their writing --- the way they delve into their characters' thought processes, but always with a sly sense of humor. Spending time with both of them would be fascinating. Of course, this would depend on whether Karin Fossum speaks English. I don't understand Norwegian. I've read all of her books, but they're all translations. Another reason I selected Karin is because I would love to spend Christmas in Norway.

Collin Cotterill, on the other hand, is originally from England, but lived in Laos (which is where his stories are set) for many years, however he was asked to leave when he was caught smuggling in books for children. Collin would have to join us in Norway.

Vickie W.
I would most like to spend the holidays with David Baldacci because he has family values.

Karyn K-J
Dean Koontz. I find his story lines truly fascinating --- I love how his characters are ordinary people, placed in extraordinary situations. He himself seems like a very normal, down-to-earth person, and I would enjoy spending time talking with him. Most of all, I admire his love of dogs, and how some of his novels feature a dog character.

Geri B.
Nelson DeMille. He's clever and amusing, and he would undoubtedly be excellent company. I suspect he probably enjoys good food as well!

Linda B.
I would like to spend Christmas with C.J. Box, who writes mysteries set in Wyoming. His books have gotten better and better. I've also enjoyed his two books that have a different hero.

Ms. Annie
Stephen King, because a) he is my favorite living writer and b) because he is witty, interesting and irreverent --- not to mention entertaining. An easy choice.

Lindsey H.
Adriana Trigiani because I lived in VA for 30 years and have actually been to Big Stone Gap, so I remember some of the events she wrote about in that series (e.g. John Warner running for the Senate and Elizabeth Taylor choking on a chicken bone). I grew up in western PA, where there was a large Italian-American population, and my BFF, who died 15 years ago, was of Italian heritage, and I just love everything Italian. I've been to Italy twice and plan on going again in the fall of 2011. And, of course, most importantly, I just love Adriana Trigiani's writing and story-telling.

V. Hedden
Vince Flynn, David Baldacci and Brad Thor because I like thrillers, especially ones about government.

Renee H.
Anna Quindlen because I really admire her work, and I think we could be great gal pals! We are of a similar age and each have three kids the same ages!

Robert R.
Robert Crais. I have read all of his books to date and like the characters. He most reminds me of the old Mickey Spillane books.

Mary R.
Dorothea Benton-Frank, because the characters in her books immediately become friends, and I wonder how she can create such believable people.

Marge M.
Lisa Scottoline. I've been to a couple of her book signings, and I read her column weekly. I've read every one of her books. She is funny, friendly, and she genuinely seems to care about her fans.

Tricia D.
Lee Child

Diane
Caroline Myss

Beth
Lisa Scottoline --- she and her family (dogs included, of course) sound like they would be fun to hang out with!

Jennifer
Without a doubt Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, assuming he was still alive. He lived an extraordinary life; he would have so much information to share, and he is someone I have always admired.

Rilla F.
James Lee Burke. I enjoy reading his books so much, and I've read several of them twice! I believe he would be a very good conversationalist. I probably would have to have my dictionary with me, though, as I always used it when reading his books!

Nancy L.
Edward Rutherurd, because, as of now, he is my favorite writer of historical fiction, and I think we could have a lot to discuss when it comes to his books --- especially about the Irish , as well as novel, NEW YORK.

Sara Sue W.
Jacqueline Winspear. I enjoy her character Maisie Dobbs so much, and I would like to know more about why she chose the WWI era for her settings. I'd also like to talk to her about the effects of WWI on those who served.

Pat B.
Adriana Trigiani, because her Valentine books just come so alive that it makes me want to know her personally.

Pat S.
Debbie Macomber. Although I have many favorite authors, Debbie is so full of love for family that I would just love to interact with her and exchange ideas about family and family celebrations --- and also talk RECIPES. I have met her, and she is a delightful person, beautiful both inside and out.

Ashley K.
My dream author would without a doubt be Neil Gaiman. Not only is he the greatest living fantasy writer that's still churning out novels, but he is also a fantastic lyricist and poet. ReadingThe Sandman graphic novels makes me believe that humans can create something original out of old myths and teachings. He truly creates a world I want to live in and makes me feel something with everything he writes.

Diana
Janet Evanovich

Betty F.
JAN KARON. Her Father Tim novels were so moving, and you felt to close to all the characters. I could not wait for the next book, so I finally read all of them and reread a couple. How about that. She captures your interest from the first sentence. Her characters are so heartwarming.

Jane H.
Carl Hiaasen or David Sedaris. I think laughing the holidays away would be THE best!

Janet A.
Anne McCaffrey, because she has written my favorite sci-fi fantasy novels ever! I grew up reading her books, and I still occasionally re-read them.

Judy W.
Louise Penny of the Three Pines Mysteries, so I could read and eat wonderful food and listen to her tell stories.

Lana M.
Alexander McCall Smith --- that man can talk and talk on anything and never lose your interest, and he's funny.

Marianne K.
Joan Didion. I am a fan, and she is our greatest living writer. And I like her intelligence and strength.

Allan C.
Pat Conroy. I have always loved his books and his honesty in writing. He's a fascinating man.

Lynne
I would like to spend the holidays with Lisa Scottoline. She writes wonderful books that are full of tenseness, or funny books that make me laugh. She would be a great guest to keep us entertained. Plus, she seems to be near my age, so we would have a lot in common!

Dorothy W.
Franzen, because he's thoughtful and disturbing.
Matthiessen, because he's unique, intriguing and spiritual spiritual.
Kostova because she's eerie.

Dona M.
Tracy Chevalier. I loved all of her books, and I would want to see how she researches the historical facts in her novels. She is fascinating.

Harriet I.
Abraham Verghese, author of CUTTING FOR STONE. This book was so beautifully written. When I finished the book, I missed my book family so much that I would love to speak with the author and find out what inspired him to find such wonderful people and write such a heartwarming, heart-breaking book.

KattyKathy
Mark Twain would be the most fascinating author, but currently I would probably go for Nora Roberts because her books have entertained me from, her Harlequin novels to her modern romances of ALL varieties.

Gail L.
Nelson DeMille. He seems to have such a fantastic sense of humor, and I love, love, love the way he writes, so I think the day would be full of laughs and learning on my part, of course.

Carol G.
Barbara Kingsolver. I love her stories, essays and insight, and I love her writing style.

Louise
Probably Brenda Novak, because she's got a large, happy family that does a lot of fun things together. Also, I know they celebrate Jesus more than Santa Claus.

Lorna L.
Stephen King. It makes no difference whether it's for the holidays or not --- I would just love to sit and talk to him about him, his writing, Maine and mostly the Red Sox.

Waterlily
I would love to spend the holidays with Jodi Picoult. She writes such poignant family dramas that I am just really curious about how her family is.

Lori C.
Sarah Addison Allen, because she surely must be a great cook, and her stories are so magical; I'm sure she can't help but rub a little bit of that magic off on you just by association.

Michelle S.
I would love to spend the holidays with Kate Jacobs, the author of the Friday Night Knitting Club series and COMFORT FOOD! Her books are so much like real life; she seems like a real and genuine person, and she knows a lot about what is soothing and calming. Exactly what I need to balance the season out!

Sherri
I would like to spend the holidays with Ann Lamott. She has such honest, refreshing spiritual insights. I think she would be fun and interesting during the Christmas season.

Laurie B.
Charles Baxter

SUE B.
Stephen King and his wife, Tabitha.

Rilla F.
James Lee Burke, because I just know our conversations would be enlightening and enjoyable.

Jack S.
James Patterson and Sandra Brown. Patterson and Brown are two of my favorite current authors, and I always enjoy spending either a holiday or a vacation with either of these two wonderful writers.

Lorie O.
Charles Dickens. I woud like to see his reaction to the modern Christmas celebrations, as well as talk to him about his visions of what Christmas should be. He is, after all, the father of the modern Christmas holiday.

Ivy P.
Paulo Coelho, because his work is so spiritually enlightening, and he really knows how to get to the heart of a character's soul. I bet he is like that in real life.

Mary H.
The holidays would be enhanced with Pat Conroy as a guest. His sincerity, his gift of storytelling and his humor would add enjoyment to our family group. His novels are so true to his life that I feel I already know him.

Liz H.
Nora Roberts! She is so prolific, writes in a couple of genres, and I think she is an amazing author. I always learn something new when I read her.

Shannon J.
Paula Deen, so she could cook my meal, and I could be in food heaven. Plus, she just seems like a riot, and that's always great for a holiday!

Dara M.
Charles Martin. I love his stories, and I would love to float down any of the rivers that he uses in his books, so that I could see it from his point of view.

Susan D.
Gwen Cooper, because I would LOVE to spend time around Homer, her amazing blind cat. What a kitty!

Melissa J.
Harlan Coben, because he seems like he'd be a blast to hang out with, and he's sooo funny.

Rosario
I'd like to spend the holidays with Sue Monk Kidd. I have enjoyed most of her books, and I am fascinated by her ideas and stories. I love that she wrote a book with her daughter, Ann.

Mary T.
Charles Dickens, because every December I reread The Christmas Carol, and if i get a chance to go to a stage production, I will always go. This story has fascinated me since I first read it. I am not sure what we might talk about, but it would be AWESOME to have him in my home for the holidays. He is the quintessential Christmas author.

Tamara R.
Barbara Kingsolver

Connie R.
Jane Austen

Darlene M.
Beth Moore

Martha B.
Janet Evanovich --- this woman has to have a wonderful sense of humor to produce lines that make us readers laugh out loud.

Jean
Janet Evanovich, because she would make me laugh!