I love Stephen King, I suppose that won't surprise many people. I think that King has been undervalued as an author because of his chosen genre. His work appeals to me because of the character driven narrative. His ability to create individuals that speak in such clear voices is always an inspiration. I believe that he will be known as the Dickens of the 20th century.
If you haven't read King I highly recommend Misery, The Green Mile, Dolores Clareborne (sp) and The Stand. Try the collection of four novellas titled Four Past Midnight, in it you will find the stories that become the films The Shawshank Redemption and Stand by Me.
Toni Morrison, pure genius, lyric style. I screamed through Paradise so fast that I will have to reread it soon, just to study her amazing use of language.
Karen