I really loved The Lies of Locke Lamora. The next book is out, Red Seas under Red Skies, and I can't wait to read it.

I didn't realize you were a Flannery O'Connor fan. She was one of the authors introduced through my Eng 102 course that stuck with me. I'm not sure I'd say she's a favorite, but both she and Harlan Ellison certainly made an impact.