USVI-On-Line

Marcia (Mrs. Pete) wrote:I need a couple of "beach books." Becky, which of Sarah Vowell's books do you recommend (should I start with the oldest one)?

I've already read all of the Hiaasen and most of the Dorsey novels.

Have you tried the Janet Evanovich books? The Stephanie Plum series. Really light and quirky and funny.

Just started reading Same Sweet Girls. So far, I am liking it. Probably because the book is about the relationships of six women who are all about my age. Will report back when I am done.

LysaC wrote:

Marcia (Mrs. Pete) wrote:I need a couple of "beach books." Becky, which of Sarah Vowell's books do you recommend (should I start with the oldest one)?

I've already read all of the Hiaasen and most of the Dorsey novels.

Have you tried the Janet Evanovich books? The Stephanie Plum series. Really light and quirky and funny.

I have read those, and have always enjoyed the humor. Love the Grandma Mazur (?) character.

Our selection of books was extremely limited where we were last week (wanted a book, book, for the beach~not my ipad/kindle) but, I found a surprising treasure: "Men and Dogs" (don't know the author off hand, it's still in my suitcase which I have not unpacked yet). It fit the bill perfectly.

LysaC wrote:Have you tried the Janet Evanovich books? The Stephanie Plum series. Really light and quirky and funny.

I think I read the movie based on her books is in production. I really enjoy the books, so fun - like brain candy.

Books on tape, that's my query. I've never done one.

I am taking a long, solo drive next week and I'd like to stay awake the whole time (leaving at 3AM). Does anyone have any suggestions for a book that would be engaging for say 3-4 hours? The first part of my trip will entail getting around Chicago in the dark, so I don't think I need distraction then. But, after I get past Gary, Indiana, I'll have a good 3-4 hours of straight highway to Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Suggestions? I like mysteries, especially ones with comedy. Think along the previous lines posted here from me: kind of a beach book to listen to.

THANKS!

I think Dead Simple by Peter James would keep your interest. Check if it is on tape. It was a Nook free friday book, loved it!

Dont know if you are a fan of Carl Hiaasen (Stormy Weather, Tourist Season, Skinny Dip, etc) or Elmore Leonard (Rum Punch, Freaky Deaky, etc), but they might fit what you are looking for.
Also, look for the audio CDs used on ebay or paperbackswap.com for way lower prices than brand new.

I think I have already recommended these books on this thread, but have you read Spencer Quinn's Chet and Bernie mystery series? The stories are told from the dog's perspective, and they are really funny and light. I checked and amazon has them in audiobook versions.

So, here are my recent reads:
Unfamiliar Fishes, Sarah Vowell. I really like her writing, plus I learned some new stuff about Hawaii. Recommend.

Carl Hiassen, Skin Tight. Typical Hiassen.

Blood, Bones, and Butter, Gabrielle Hamilton. I was expecting to love this book, but I found her really cyncial and the way she talked about her mother and her husband gave me the creeps.

The Weird Sisters, Eleanor Brown. Liked. An easy read for a lazy day.

Next up I have Someone Knows my Name, Swamplandia, and The Imperfectionists loaded on to my ipad.

liamsaunt wrote:Blood, Bones, and Butter, Gabrielle Hamilton. I was expecting to love this book, but I found her really cyncial and the way she talked about her mother and her husband gave me the creeps.

Next up I have Someone Knows my Name, Swamplandia, and The Imperfectionists loaded on to my ipad.

Ok, now I am going to move Blood, Bones and Butter to my "only if desperate" list. When I heard her on NPR, her childhood sounded horrible and it sounds like that might be a theme in the book? Not so into that right now.

I just put Swamplandia on my list. That looks good!

I recently finished Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick. It was interesting and a bit disturbing. The book is based upon her interviews with North Korean defectors.

I have downloaded the audio version of "She's Come Undone" by Wally Lamb, to my iphone, for the drive to Ann Arbor. It is the perfect amount of time (6 hours). I've not yet read anything by Lamb.

Becky, the Chet and Bernie series is hilarious. The first book was the best, I think. Highly recommend!

Oh my! Been reading again, on vacation. I don't normally have much time to read. Just finished "Room" by Emma Donoghue. An amazing perspective on a horrifying subject!

Rather than going back over 48 pages, I am just going to add a new post to ask if anyone has any recommendations for Terry Pratchett books. I picked up an audio book version of "Going Postal" and am finding it laugh-out-loud funny. He has several other books in his Discworld series and I am looking for suggestions for my next read.

Finished "Townie,A Memoir" by Andre Dubus III. A different kind of read for me. Lots of violence (mostly street fights)but really a serious look into Dubus' childhood and his relationship with his father. This one will keep me thinking for awhile.
AH