There’s plenty of plain ol’ research that goes into my writing, but sometimes I also study fiction with a specific aim in mind. Here are the novels I’ve read recently to help me get a sense of things in my newest manuscript. (It shares nothing in common with these books — and everything.)
Okay for Now
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
The Ballad of Lucy Whipple
Bo at Ballard Creek
The Westing Game 
I love how iron sharpens iron in the writing life.
Although I will stand in line to read this new work of yours anyway, I will fight to the front of the line based only on seeing the influence of the three books shown in the photo. I can sense the awesome brewing!
I like the “iron sharpens iron” line. I bet the list of books you read for research will also trigger your internal drive for excellence.
Have fun working!
That is super kind. I’m aiming for excellence, but pretty much right up until the end, most books feel like a mess.