Byzantium by Stephen R. Lawhead. It’s my most perfect book, where I first learned the word “kizmet“. If I was stranded on a desert island and could only save one book, it would be this one. It will take you on a journey from Ireland to the Middle East and back. This book heavily influenced me in my childhood, around the time I was watching Lawrence of Arabia with Peter O’Toole and Omar Sharif. Many years later and I’ve been to Istanbul more than once.
This book is an old friend that I hadn’t thought of for a long time, but now that I remember I think it’s time to read it again…
Stephen Lawhead, I blame you. Thank you.
Honorable Mentions:
- Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery (inspired me to write as a child)
- Rhapsody by Elizabeth Haydon (because my friend once handed me a book and said, “You remind me of the main character”, and they were right)
Shalanosa's Sanctuary 