Poetry by Rumi, The Dhammapada, Speaking of Siva, the poetry of Kabir, The Holy teachings of Vimalakirti. These aren't very absorbing strictly as literature, but the crammed with the sort of instruction I have a need for nowadays.

I think I can say I've already read pretty extensively in the fields I mentioned, and spend more time writing nowadays. I keep up to speed by reading book reviews and so on. If I had more time, or made more time available, I'd read Roberto Bolano and Haruki Murakami and other more recent writers whose work I'm less familiar with.

I've always found myself to be more attentive and appreciative when I read at home, in solitude. But I've put in my time in libraries as well. If an outdoor location is charming, then that's the text I like to read; if it's not, it's just a distraction. In truly disagreeable places, like the subway or on an aeroplane, I hide behind newspapers. If there are people around, I'd rather interact with them.

Anthropology, the present economic crisis

Fiction: Political, Religious/Inspirational

Non-Fiction: Body, Mind & Spirit, Outdoors & Nature, Parenting & Family, Politics & Current Affairs, Reference, Religion, Science

Whoever I evolve into

"Favorite author" has a "brand" ring to it. But I think an aspiring writer should read everything s/he can get her/his hands on, as each author opens up new regions of the imagination, describes a new sensibility, and provides a how-to manual on the craft of writing. Of course, I'm not thinking of stuff that's meant to be sold at airports and supermarkets!