Author John Matthew Fox recommended five books every writer should own:
1. Best Book for Beginners
On Writing by Stephen King
2. Best Book to Help You Overcome Writing Fears
The Courage to Write by Ralph Keyes
3. Best Book to Help You Live the Writing Life
Making a Literary Life by Carolyn See
4. Best Collection of Writing Essays
The Writer’s Notebook by Assorted Authors (Tin House Books)
5. Best Book for Advanced Writers
The Art of Subtext by Charles Baxter