Whenever the 43-year-old author of “The Maze Runner” needs to remember how teens talk, he listens. “I still feel that age, but it definitely helps to have teenagers in the house,” says James Dashner. “My oldest will be 16 next month, and I have a 13-year-old. Their friends are always here and they keep me fresh with their lingo and attitude.” Hard off the 12 million copies sold of “Maze Runner,” the Utah-based writer embarked on his cyber-adventure series, “Mortality Doctrine,” which concludes with this month’s publication of “The Game of Lives.” He’ll read excerpts from it Dec. 2 at the Strand bookstore. “I usually spend most of the time answering questions,” Dashner says. “It’s the most fun we have!”
Here’s what’s in his library:
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman is a master of writing stories that are everything I love at once, and this book is a prime example. It’s creepy; it’s touching; it’s suspenseful; it’s funny. I became so attached to the characters, I hated to see it end. It reminded me of the magic I felt as a kid while reading, even though it’s written for adults.
Leviathan Wakes by James S.A. Corey
I tend to lean toward fantasy, but this [book] was a wonderful surprise. Someone described it as a sci-fi “Game of Thrones,” and I have to agree that it has that epic feel — it’s full of great characters, numerous twists and turns and spectacular action. I devoured it. And I’m a happy nerd because there are more in the series!
Finders Keepers by Stephen King
A question every author gets: Who’s your favorite writer? My answer’s always: Stephen King. He was my YA section when I was a teenager. I love this trilogy he’s doing about a retired cop who ends up involved with some very dark cases. I recommend reading “Mr. Mercedes” first, then this. You won’t regret it.
The Winter People by Jennifer McMahon
One of my favorite things is to discover a book in a bookstore — based on its cover or a whim — and fall in love with it. This book was one, and it’s just about perfect. Set in Vermont, it jumps back and forth between parallel stories of today and the past, weaving them closer and closer together. Spooky, chilling — highly recommended.