Best known for the bestselling Interview with the Vampire, Anne Rice had a rather illustrious writing career, publishing over 30 books throughout her life, 13 of which formed the iconic Vampire Chronicles series. She also penned the Lives of the Mayfair Witches series, the Ramses the Damned trilogy, and the Christ the Lord duology.
She also published erotic fiction under the pen names A. N. Roquelaure and Anne Rampling, with these books later being republished under her own name. Back in 2009, 12 years before her death, Anne shared her top five books with The Daily Beast. And considering her own work, her choices may be somewhat surprising.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
The first book Anne recommended was Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, which she first read at age 14 while attending Redemptorist High in New Orleans.
She added that this was one book she would return to every year, discovering something new each time.
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers
Anne labelled The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter a beautiful, sensitive novel,” sharing that it was another that she would often re-read.
This popular southern Gothic novel has proved rather popular since its release in 1940, and currently has 41,903 five star ratings on Goodreads.
Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child, Louisette Bertholle, and Simone Beck
Sharing a sweet memory surrounding this cookbook, Anne told the outlet that her husband had “broken the bank” getting it for her for Christmas in 1968, with the inscription: “To my Darling Anne—our 8th Christmas—together, together, our happy table.”
She added that she had many “wonderful memories” of using the cookbook, and that sometimes she would even pick it up and flick through just for pleasure.
The New Testament
Throughout her life, Anne’s relationship with her Catholic upbringing and religious beliefs varied.
In 1998, she returned to the Catholic church after decades of atheism. Then, in 2010, she told fans that she had “quit being a Christian” but still remained committed to Christ.
When adding the New Testament to her list of recommended reads, she told the Daily Beast: “I didn’t really begin to read Scripture till I was almost 60.
“And it took me months, if not years, to really feel the words come alive. Now I read the New Testament for pure joy.” Anne finished: “When I travel, my Bible is all I need for the plane.”
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
Anne’s final recommendation was the heartbreaking All Quiet on the Western Front, which she first read while studying at university.
This book then stuck with her throughout her life, with Anne telling the publication that she never forgot it and would often feel stunned when remembering what she ‘experienced’ through the book.