Ugh, isn't this the toughest question. I love them all, but I have to say Neruda had my vote.

I wish that I could know enough to be a critic who can choose! Some stories are more beautiful than others, since one tends to choose at certain times - certain moods, etc.

does the question who is your favorite writer have to be limited to these three? i mean, where's melville, or cervantes, or any number of other writers?

I have read works by all three. They are all wonderful writers. The author who I've most read of these three is Allende. Still to vote her based only on this fact isn't fair. I've only read one of Paulo's works which has a special meaning for me because I read that a long with my mother and it was a neat experience. Again not a fair reason to vote for him. Neruda is a poet unlike the other two choices... I'm only beginning to develop a palette for poetry. Still I can say that the little of his I've read I've loved. They have plenty left for me to explore so I can't vote. I do whole heartedly recommend all three... If at all possible in the original...

Tie Paulo and Isabel...Love them both!

No doubt Paulo Coelho !

I crazily love Paulo!!!
He's Great!
His writings touch my feeling and ascend me up in the clouds

I don't understand the rationale of limiting the poll to three authors. Why not open it up to any possible author by letting us write in answers.

Malcolm

paullo

mlady_rebecca wrote: "It would be helpful to know their names. I don't recognize any of them from their pictures alone."

The names are listed there now; were they not up before?

All three are awesome and meet different literary needs for me. Allende is something I can always sink into and can't put down. Neruda does things with words that make my jaw drop and my heart flutter. Coelho inspires me to be a better and more instrospective person. I'm sad that Gabriel Garcia Marquez is not on the list. Magical Realism....can't touch it for beauty and charm.

That would certainly be...

John Fante, Kurt Vonnegut, Cormac McCarthy, Oscar Wilde, Neal Stephenson, and AJ Jacobs.

duh.

Paulo, all the way!

I like Allende, too, but Paulo isn't just a writer. You don't just read one of his book and put it back on the shelf and say "hm, that was good." His words stay with you, always.

Coelho. But same Annalisa, I'm wondering why not put Marquez (GMM) in the list also?

As a story teller I rank Paulo Coehlo right on the top.
The knowledge he imparts in his books have given me a lot of inspiration.
Mohit.K.Misra poet /philosopher
http://www.amazon.com/Ponder-Awhile-Mohi...

What no Marquez?
If you hold your mouse over the picture it will tell you:
Isabel Allende
Pablo Neruda
Paulo Coelho

Who ARE these people?

i agree

It would be helpful to know their names. I don't recognize any of them from their pictures alone.

Good question... all solid authors!
Neruda has my heart, though.