With his mix of history and intrigue, Brad Meltzer knows how to thrill readers. In fact, two of his books have reached the No. 1 spot on the New York Times bestseller list (The Inner Circle and The Book of Fate). Several more of his books, thrillers and non-fiction works alike, have also landed on the coveted list. This summer, the prolific writer launched a historical mystery series with writer Tod Goldberg. A family man at heart, the Miamian also digs sharing history with tykes, as his children’s picture book series has sold more than one million books. Check out some of Meltzer’s favorite reads that he didn’t write.

1. Washington: A Life
   by Ron Chernow
   “I never get tired of him. Still the President with the greatest faith in us.” (Penguin Press, 2010)
2. Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World
   by Adam Grant
   “Grant is just the best social scientist, with the best lessons for your own life.” (Viking, 2016)
3. Before the Fall
   by Noah Hawley
   “Love the Fargo TV show? Then go love this.” (Grand Central, 2016)
4. Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer
   by James L. Swanson
   “The true story of John Wilkes Booth and the death of Abraham Lincoln, with every great detail you never knew.” (Harper Perennial, 2006)
5. American Gods
   by Neil Gaiman
   “You’ll never look at the Midwest—or a tourist trap—the same way again.” (William Morrow, 2016)

Hey, Meltzer, who’s your role model?

“Jim Henson is one of my personal heroes. Jim Henson: The Biography by Brian Jay Jonas is so, so, gee…good.”