Nick adams stories (made me a writer) -hemmingway

Ugly american (gave me the political insight to ask questions) - lederer and burdick

Song of solomon (we re all in this Together. We have to be.) - morrison

As i lay dying (the past is present) - faulkner (beloved by morrison may drive this point home better but AILD was first for me)

Handmaiden s tale (freedom and rights are fragile) - atwood