I fall in love with most books I am reading. I am steadfastly fickle in this matter. Whittling out recommendations from my night table stacks is a daunting task, so I have chosen a few special books that have contributed to my journey as a writer. These works not only delighted me as a reader, but also informed my own endeavours - made me ask the questions: How did the author craft this offering? How did they evoke emotion? Conjure humanity? How did they convince me of the authenticity of their created worlds? (With apologies to those omitted, including Shakespeare and Atwood).

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British author Brian Jacques, renowned for his bestselling Redwall children's fantasy series, has died suddenly at age 71. The creator of the 21 story series, which sold an estimated 20 million copies, passed away on February 5.

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Probably the best thing that's ever happened to me is a request to put forth a list of books I love. You see, making "Best Of" lists is one of my favourite things to do. In fact, I'd make a "Best Of" list of my "Best Of" lists. Before things get crazy, however, I'll stop and simply say that it's quite exciting to be able to share a list of favourites with people other than my family and friends, tired as I am of the constant comments dripping with sarcasm that go something like: "Oh, The Truman Show is one of your favourite movies?" or "Let me guess, Pearl Jam is on your list...", jabs that are immediately followed by jokes about Jim Carrey or having to see my children wear "Pearl Jam Sucks" t-shirts.

At the University of Winnipeg I had a Canadian Literature Professor who was also a literary critic and he was gracious enough to read my words, even after I finished his class (with a grade that will remain a mystery). Something he told me has stuck with me for years, dogging me to pick up a book: "If you want to get better at writing: Read." This is going to sound strange coming from a writer but I've never been a huge reader. Why? Well, I'd rather write than read I suppose. But despite this sad reality I have managed to get through my share of books over the years. Hopefully you'll find something you like.

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With great sadness and regret, we announce the passing of author Michael Van Rooy. Michael died in Montreal on Thursday, January 27. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family at this difficult time. Michael was on a book tour promoting his most recent novel, A Criminal to Remember, when he apparently suffered a heart attack. He was 42. He is survived by his wife, Laura Neufeld, and their three children.