What are you reading?

[DougSR]

I'm curious what you guys read while chilling on the beach in Tulum. The reason I ask is because I only read non-fiction in my spare time and it seems to defeat my getaway when I'm sitting there reading Nikki Sixx's Heroin Diaries or something which puts me back in the rat race. Plus, I have a kind of technical job and end up reading too much on the job anyway. So when I am on vacay I don't usually read much.

[PhyllisB]

Hey Doug,

I am an avid reader....books books books, I love 'em. I usually read fiction and I tend to read the same kind of thing most of the time. Right now I'm reading Paint it Black, but Janet Fitch. I'll put in a link so you can read the description if you want, but not because I'm trying to sell it or anything. It's a little on the depressing side but it's really really good. (http://www.amazon.com/Paint-Black-Novel-Janet-Fitch/dp/0316182745)


I love anything with a plucky hero or heroine. Books by Haven Kimmel have been recent favorites (A Girl Named Zippy, The Solace of Leaving Early, Something Rising Light and Swift).

Last trip to Tulum, only one of my books was really really good. That was Water for Elephants. The others I read that trip were just sorta so-so.

I guess you could say I read a lot of "chick" books, but at the same time I've read some Cormac McCarthy (I loved The Road, didn't so much love All The Pretty Horses but it was okay) and of course all the Harry Potter books. Hubby reads a lot of science fiction and occasionally I'll pick up what he's reading if it has a good story with good characters behind it. Like China Mountain Zhang, that was one of his that I read. There have been a few others too, but can't remember them at the moment.

So that's what I've been reading lately!

But I hear ya-- when I have a lot of work-related reading, I tend not to do as much for fun reading. Except that a good fiction story helps me get away from work stuff, so I usually try to make time to read something fun anyway. I also ride a train to work and home, so end up reading a lot that way.

[DougSR]

Haha Phyllis! Paint it Black is definitely a bit dark. I thought Heroin Diaries was seedy. At least no one put a bullet in their brain. Well, if I have space I may bring something related to Mayan history this time.

By the way, I know I'm hijacking my own thread but the National Geographics look at Mayan civilization was last night. Hope you guys got a chance to see it.

[Lynnette]

OMG Phyllis....another Harry Potter fan...I just LOVE them too!! I do read some chiclit, I like historical fiction (just read The Other Boleyn Girl) and humorous books....love Jennifer Weiner (In Her Shoes). I know these are too "girlie" for Doug, though.

My husband really likes Harlan Coben (me too). He also likes all of the Jimmy Buffet books. Have you read any "Yucatan" books? We enjoyed "A Tourist in the Yucatan" while vacationing on Isla and like "Where the Sky is Born"....it makes you wish you had been in the RM and bought property way back when.

[bellydancer]

I just started reading Jimmy Buffett's "A Salty Piece of Land".

[PhyllisB]

So you've read it??? I'm definitely right around the part where she's gonna hit rock bottom I think. Somewhere around page 220 or something. But it's so well written!!!! And I love the California setting. LOVE it.

I don't know why, I never read stuff about Mexico or Mayan history or anything like that. I guess that feels too much like LEARNING stuff (haha) and I'm on vacation after all dammit! :)

Lynnette, you might really like Haven Kimmel's A Girl Named Zippy -- funny stuff. I laughed out loud! After a while I'm going to have to reread the Harry Potter books but I want to wait a bit first. Did you read The Historian? I never thought I'd read/enjoy a Dracula book, but I did!


Haha Phyllis! Paint it Black is definitely a bit dark. I thought Heroin Diaries was seedy. At least no one put a bullet in their brain. Well, if I have space I may bring something related to Mayan history this time.

By the way, I know I'm hijacking my own thread but the National Geographics look at Mayan civilization was last night. Hope you guys got a chance to see it.

[kimba]

I used to be a voracious reader, but not so much anymore. Now I'm usually writing instead of reading on trips.

I'm a Harry Potter fan too. The wonderful thing about taking them on vacation (if you haven't already read them) is that they move really fast, so you can feel like you've accomplished some reading in the time you spend with them.

Otherwise, I'm still working on some Neal Stephenson - if you are the least bit techie, Cryptonomicon is a good read - although very weighty. And there is something about Neal Stephenson's writing in that no matter which book I'm reading, I don't get into it til page 174. Snow Crash is pretty good too, if more sci-fi (and smaller).

[DougSR]

So you've read it??? I'm definitely right around the part where she's gonna hit rock bottom I think. Somewhere around page 220 or something. But it's so well written!!!! And I love the California setting. LOVE it.

No, I read the reviews at the link you pointed to. But I'm a punk/glam fan and I'm drawn to the tragic stories you might watch on VH1, "Behind the Music". Guy comes from nowhere, works like the devil, get's famous, self destructs, tries to make a comeback, etc. So I'm going to give it a go...Paint It Black.

[PhyllisB]

Oh, cool! You'll have to let me know what you think.

[cobeachgirl]

I've been wanting to read the Nikki Six book but haven't picked it up yet.
I read mostly non-fiction as well, memoirs mostly. I just returned from Tulum and PDC and while on vaca, I read The Glass Castle and Anderson Cooper Dispatches from the Edge. Neither are really light hearted beach books, but I ripped right through both of them nonetheless. I didn't have time to hit the library before I left so I was resigned to grab something at the grocery store the night before we left.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Glass Castle. My hairdresser recommended it and at first I thought "not something I want to read on vaca", but was glad I did. What a page turner! I want to read some of Jimmy Buffet's books on my next trip since I don't get to read much at home. :tropicalfish:

[DougSR]

I don't read complete books very often but I read Sixx's book I read in four days. It was indeed his diaries with commentary from people who were living around him during the year of "Girls, Girls, Girls" watching him self destruct. You get happy little tales, like him OD'ing in London at a junkies house. He stops breathing and since no dealer wants a dead guy around the house they throw him in a dumpster where he comes to.

Sorry, I am way off of the Tulum topic but it was a great book with an inspirational ending.

[TulumDreamin]

I picked up a copy of The Ruins after hearing about it on this board. My wife says I'm crazy and that I'll be scaring her the whole time but I can't wait to sit on the beach in front of TDS, cold :eat-drink: in my hand and just relax with a scary novel. Suppossedly it's very Stephen Kingish.

[kimba]

One year when I was traveling (through Europe) the book to read was One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I saw copies of it everywhere, in every hostel, in every book exchange ... If you want to get a Latin feel in your reading, check out any books by Marquez, Isabelle Allende, or Jorge Luis Borge, and if you are into poetry there's always Pablo Neruda.

[lazydog]

My favorite books to read while on the beach on vacation are always the ones you find at the hotel in the guest book exchange. I soooo look forward to seeing what each hotel has. I have gotten hooked on so many authors by first picking up their book at a hotel. Love it. They had a great book exchange at La Conchitas, I think we were averaging a book a day. Even my teen daughter found some books to read there.

[DougSR]

My favorite books to read while on the beach on vacation are always the ones you find at the hotel in the guest book exchange. I soooo look forward to seeing what each hotel has. I have gotten hooked on so many authors by first picking up their book at a hotel. Love it. They had a great book exchange at La Conchitas, I think we were averaging a book a day. Even my teen daughter found some books to read there.

That's cool! I never think about the hotel book exchange. I'm at a Holiday Inn Express in the middle of no where Arkansas right now. Should be interesting to see what they have on hand.

[Maineacs]

Wow! What a sight. Not only what tod, where to go, what to eat now what to read....LOl

I guess I better put "Snow Crash" in my bag. I am a Harry Potter fan as well. Read them all and listened to a few... great fun. "Water for Elephants"... I loved. Just read another Anne McCaffrey. I read a little of everything. Thought Buffet's "A Salty Piece of Land" was a little drawn out but loved the part that takes place in Tulum. Found Bernard Corwell's historical novel trilogy "The Grail Quest" very interesting. Looking forward to reading on the beach tomorrow!!!!

Thanks all for your wonderful info.
The other Doug

[irishgirl]

I love to read but like many of you don't get to read for fun much...mostly work stuff. Here are some of my favorite beach reads:

- LOVE Harry Potter...could read them over and over
- Not much into chic books but loved YaYa Sisterhood and Little Altars
Everywhere.
- Fav books are the suspence/action/crime novels - Vince Flynn and David
Baldachi are fabulous if you like that sort of thing....James Patterson of
course and Tami Hoag are great as well.
- Not much into reading anything educational while on the beach...feels
like too much work!!!

I've already begun my collection for July!!!:eat-drink: Nothing like a cold beer and a great novel while lying on the beach!!

[austxdan]

I just started reading Jimmy Buffett's "A Salty Piece of Land".

bellydancer - that was my "beach read" last year in Tulum. Quite better than I thought it would be. I've read other buffet books as well, nice and light for the beach time. I get distracted easily, so something I can put down and go plunge in the beautiful ocean works well for me.

However, that said I read "The Bourne Ultimatum" two years back on the beach. I couldn't put it down. Started on the plane and had it with me everywhere. Awesome book - too bad the movie didn't follow it at all, but that's Hollywood.

Of course there is the obligatory poetry to read to my babe on the beach. She says she likes it when I read to her, but I think she might just be napping. Anyhow, Billy Collins is a favorite for that.

And right now, post marathon season? I had one of the guys in the group that I train buy me "The Runners Literary Companion (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FR unners-Literary-Companion-Stories-Running%2Fdp%2F014025353X%2Fref%3Dpd_bbs_sr_1%3Fie %3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1205330867%26sr%3D8-1)" as a 'thank you gift'. It's a compilation of stories, chapters, poems, etc about running. I've just started but so far the first three stories in the section on "The Milers" is fantastic. You can feel it while you are reading. That marks a good book for me. Even those these are just chapters lifted from an old book, they are great. I may have to dig back and read the whole books that these excerpts come from.

Ok - enough rambling.


Dan

[CaroleLB]

One year when I was traveling (through Europe) the book to read was One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I saw copies of it everywhere, in every hostel, in every book exchange ... If you want to get a Latin feel in your reading, check out any books by Marquez, Isabelle Allende, or Jorge Luis Borge, and if you are into poetry there's always Pablo Neruda.

As I was reading this thread I was reminding myself to pack One Hundred Years. It's been several years since I've read it in its entirety. Tulum, beachfront will be perfect. ;)

Another favorite beach read for me is The Stranger by Albert Camus; it's fast, but a very intricate and heavy read. Again, reading it while sitting on the beach is a perfect existential experience.

Anything by Christopher Moore; this guy is a frikkin riot! Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove, Dirty Work, anything by him. He is a hoot, laugh out loud snortingly funny stuff.

Philip Pullman's 3-book juvenile lit series His Dark Materials which is made up of The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. This series is a big wow read. It may be considered juvenile lit, but it is awesome and heavy stuff.

Beaches and books - two perfect things in life.

:)

[think]

CaroleLB, I just read The Stranger about a month ago. It was a good story and far from 'bad', but it didn't make that big of an impression on me. Maybe the key is reading it on a beach and not in a cube with overhead fluorescent lighting? :)

"Beaches and books - two perfect things in life" ... I couldn't agree more!

[kimba]

Well, if you want to drag out Camus' The Stranger - take a copy in French ; ) You can read the English and the French side by side.

I was going to suggest The Golden Compass! I have it sitting on my desk. Haven't gotten very far into it yet.

[CaroleLB]

Well, if you want to drag out Camus' The Stranger - take a copy in French ; ) You can read the English and the French side by side.

I was going to suggest The Golden Compass! I have it sitting on my desk. Haven't gotten very far into it yet.

The entire series is wonnnnnderful!

French side-by-side - bwahahaha I have a hard enough time understanding it in English!

[kimba]

That's good to know. I have no kids, so I don't get turned on to new 'young' books until they make them into movies. I had never heard of Harry Potter until the first film came out, and only because some adults in a movie line were talking about it. Same with The Golden Compass.

When I was a kid it was A Wrinkle in Time (which now has a number of other titles in a series) and The Chronicles of Narnia and of course Nancy Drew. Oh, and Pippi. Of course there was Pippi.

[DougSR]

Can anyone suggest a good book of survival, fiction or non? I enjoyed a book some time back about nuclear holocaust aftermath and the effects on the population but I can't remember the name. I guess after reading Heroin Diaries and that book I just figured out what really interests me.

[PhyllisB]

Doug, I read Hiroshima in high school--about the bombing in WWII. You might take a look at that.

Kimba, I'm working on The Golden Compass now. Did you see the film first, or are you reading the book first? It's good, I'm enjoying it, but having seen the film first I keep thinking "Oh, I remember that." Hoping to get through the others in the series before the next films are done.

And Pipi! LOVED her! And the Wrinkle in Time series. Classics!

[PhyllisB]

Oh, and Doug, you might also like The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Great great book, and really depressed me a little in its realism. In the sense that it seemed like something that could actually happen.

[kcaraco]

One year when I was traveling (through Europe) the book to read was One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I saw copies of it everywhere, in every hostel, in every book exchange ... If you want to get a Latin feel in your reading, check out any books by Marquez, Isabelle Allende, or Jorge Luis Borge, and if you are into poetry there's always Pablo Neruda.

kimba, I am reading this book right now. I already read Love in the Time of Cholera, and it was really excellent. And you're right, even though it's not set in Tulum, you really get a wonderful latin feeling by reading Gabriel's books.

Cheers,
Kathy

[PhyllisB]

Got a few more suggestions for you, Doug. From my hubby. These are more sci-fi-ish, though. Lucifer's Hammer, by Niven and Pournell (catastrophic comet strike); Aftermath, by Charles Sheffield (it's one of a series, he thinks-- about a supernova on a nearby star that affects the planet).

Kimba, I love Allende's books too. She's fantastic.

[DougSR]

Phyllis, I ordered two books yesterday. One was just a follow up to my Heroin Diaries book called The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band. The other was recommended by you and others. After reading what the book was about I could not resist Water for Elephants. After those I will try Paint It Black.

[heenan]

We have some very intellectual beach readers. Although I was an English major, my beach reading tends toward the mystery/legal thriller, e.g. John Grisham, Michael Connelly and James Patrick Hunt. To be a good beach read, the story must be easy to follow between dozing and daydreaming. Heenan.

[DougSR]

OK, I'm on another business trip and since my new book purchases hadn't arrived I went to Wal-Mart and picked up "Marley & Me, life and love with the worlds worst dog". Since I volunteer with Texas Lab Rescue this is the perfect book. Having had very expensive couches shreded, carpet chewed, and baseboards demolished I was hoping this would sooth my aching wallet.

[beachreader]

I can't believe I missed this thread last week! You guys really get into the beachreading thing, dontcha?

I mostly have to read stuff for work, but since I work in publishing, this is not a hardship (except that I feel pressure to get through as many as I can). It's just that it's not usually stuff that other people are interested in, though I'm psyched to see so many of you picking up juvie books. There is some outstanding writing going on in "kids" books these days.

Doug, both Marley and The Dirt are ours, so I'm happy to see you're supporting the cause!

For chick-lit fans, the one non-work book I managed to blow through at the end of my trip was Can You Keep a Secret by the woman who did the Shopaholic books (soon to be made into a movie, which I saw filming in NY last month). It was optimum chick lit, well-written, very funny (I laughed aloud often), reminiscent of Bridget Jones' Diaries.

Doug, there are some amazing survival-type books out there. Have you read Between a Rock and a Hard Place, the Aaron Ralston story (the guy who had to cut off his arm to get out of a canyon)? Is that the kind of thing you mean? What about the one about Everest, Into Thin Air? Not sure how the brutal ice and snow story would fare on a hot sunny beach, but you never know. I have not read these books myself, mind, but I'm always fascinated by stories like that, especially when they're well-written.

[DougSR]

OH OH OH! Everest, Into Thin Air! I'm a huge Everest fan. They had the big series on Discovery. My buddy lives in Nepal and sends me pics. I have been meaning to get that forever. Thanks for the reminder.

Marley and Me is hilarious. Having fostered so many dogs it just rings true for me on too many levels.

[heenan]

If you liked "Into Thin Air," another adventure, outdoor, true life book that is good is "Into the Wild," by the same author Jon Krakauer. It was made into a movie last year. Quite a story. Heenan

[TrishandIan]

I actually found "Into Thin Air" a great beach read. I read it while on Great Guana Key, a bahamian island. I think the only way to read that book is on a hot beach, otherwise I would've been home under a thousand layers of fleece drinking hot tea. All that talk about the cold on Everest and people freezing to death brrrrr...
I read alot on vacation. I have an english degree and love books but with a 4 yr old and 11 month old the only books I find time for are child rearing/development books. Last time in Tulum I read about 5 books, one was "In the land of the Maya" (title correct??). That is a great book to read while visiting the area. I can't remember the others( I think one was "My Brothers Honeymoon" or something like that and another was about a young american-vietnamese guy who travels on bicycle through vietnam visiting family etc), it was 2 years ago but for our upcoming trip I have a huge pile to pick from. I just keep buying and buying and never have the time to read. One of the things I'm really looking forward to is reading while on the beach, a cold beer in my hand.

[DougSR]

One of the things I'm really looking forward to is reading while on the beach, a cold beer in my hand.

I'm afraid I would keep losing focus and have to re-read the same sentence four times.

[kimba]

Trish - if Eat, Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is in your stack of books, I'd leave that one at home. Maybe I'm too jaded, or maybe I got older, but I just found this one to be a 'who cares?' kind of book.

[TrishandIan]

It is not but I gave that to my MIL, she liked it but didn't love it. The books I have waiting are "reading lolita in tehran', 'killing yourself to live', 'the known world', 'the yakoubian building', 'the tender bar' and 'in defense of food'. Those are just the ones next to my bed. Too many books, not enough vacations.

[mgsipa]

This may sound cliche, but I wanted to stay in the mood, so I re-read "The Beach", by Alex Garland.

This year, in keeping with cliche tradition, I started reading "The Ruins" by Scott Smith, but I'm having somewhat of a hard time getting past the boring first 1/3 section of the book. I'm told it gets better but I'm not seeing it. If any of you have read it, these tourists are stuck on top of some ruins and can't leave because Mayan villagers are holding them at bay with a couple of bows and arrows. There is more to the story than that obviously since after all it IS a horror book and the supernatural is also involved, but still I'm frustrated because in my mind I already figured out how to get off the ruins, past the couple of villagers and the hell out of there long ago. Maybe I'll pick up the book and finish it while in Tulum a few days from now. Aaaaaaahhhhh...... Tulum....sigh...:)

[beachreader]

If they're already at the Ruins and dealing with trying to get past the locals (my biggest complaint with the book is the depiction of the Maya villagers), it's just about to get freaky on you. Give it another try and a good dose of suspension of disbelief and you'll blow through it really quick.

[luvthesun]

You beat me to it mspiga.... I was gonna suggest "The Beach" too!


I just finished "Wonderful Tonight" by Patti Boyd.. Light bio but kind of interesting.

I'm reading Water for Elephants now.

[farmboyswife]

Well I have now gone through the entire post and used clip and paste over and over to get a list of books to look for the next time I'm at the bookstore. Its always great to find a "new" author and suggestions from everyone sound good. Thanks everyone.

And I made it through "The Ruins". (Snagged it from hubby before he could read it. Ha!) It gets better, but I still didn't really care for it. But the ending is something.

[mgsipa]

Well, now you're just teasing me FarmBoysWife. Now I just HAVE to read and get to the end of "The Ruins" just to find out what's special about the ending. Sheesh! :)

You know what would make up for it? Sharing your list with the rest of us. That way you'll save us a lot of time from doing the same thing!! :))

[farmboyswife]

Mgsipa did you get any farther in the book last night? Your comment that you already figured out how to get by the Mayans and out really cracked me up. Wait till you see how it goes. Tease. Tease.

Here's the concise list for easy printing.

Nikki Sixx's Heroin Diaries

Paint it Black, but Janet Fitch. It's a little on the depressing side but it's really really good.

I've read some Cormac McCarthy (I loved The Road, didn't so much love All The Pretty Horses but it was okay)

science fiction-- I'll pick up what he's reading if it has a good story with good characters behind it. Like ChinaMountain Zhang,

Books by Haven Kimmel have been recent favorites (A Girl Named Zippy, The Solace of Leaving Early, Something Rising Light and Swift).

Water for Elephants

I like historical fiction (just read The Other Boleyn Girl) and humorous books....love Jennifer Weiner (In Her Shoes). I know these are too "girlie" for Doug, though.

My husband really likes Harlan Coben (me too). He also likes all of the Jimmy Buffet books. Have you read any "Yucatan" books? We enjoyed "A Tourist in the Yucatan" while vacationing on Isla and like "Where the Sky is Born"....it makes you wish you had been in the RM and bought property way back when.

Jimmy Buffett's "A Salty Piece of Land".

Neal Stephenson - if you are the least bit techie, Cryptonomicon is a good read - although very weighty. And there is something about Neal Stephenson's writing in that no matter which book I'm reading, I don't get into it til page 174. Snow Crash is pretty good too, if more sci-fi (and smaller).

The GlassCastle and Anderson Cooper Dispatches from the Edge. Neither are really light hearted beach books, but I ripped right through both of them nonetheless.

Fav books are the suspence/action/crime novels - Vince Flynn and David
Baldachi are fabulous if you like that sort of thing....James Patterson of
course and Tami Hoag are great as well.

One year when I was traveling (through Europe) the book to read was One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I saw copies of it everywhere, in every hostel, in every book exchange ... If you want to get a Latin feel in your reading, check out any books by Marquez, Isabelle Allende, or Jorge Luis Borge, and if you are into poetry there's always Pablo Neruda.

Not much into chic books but loved YaYa Sisterhood and Little Altars
Everywhere

Found Bernard Corwell's historical novel trilogy "The Grail Quest" very interesting.

I read "The Bourne Ultimatum" two years back on the beach. I couldn't put it down. Started on the plane and had it with me everywhere. Awesome book

As I was reading this thread I was reminding myself to pack One Hundred Years. It's been several years since I've read it in its entirety. Tulum, beachfront will be perfect.

Another favorite beach read for me is The Stranger by Albert Camus; it's fast, but a very intricate and heavy read. Again, reading it while sitting on the beach is a perfect existential experience.

Anything by Christopher Moore; this guy is a frikkin riot! Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove, Dirty Work, anything by him. He is a hoot, laugh out loud snortingly funny stuff.

Philip Pullman's 3-book juvenile lit series His Dark Materials which is made up of The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. This series is a big wow read. It may be considered juvenile lit, but it is awesome and heavy stuff.

I just read The Stranger about a month ago. It was a good story and far from 'bad', but it didn't make that big of an impression on me. Maybe the key is reading it on a beach and not in a cube with overhead fluorescent lighting?

The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Great great book, and really depressed me a little in its realism. In the sense that it seemed like something that could actually happen.

These are more sci-fi-ish, though. Lucifer's Hammer, by Niven and Pournell (catastrophic comet strike); Aftermath, by Charles Sheffield (it's one of a series, he thinks-- about a supernova on a nearby star that affects the planet).

I was going to suggest The Golden Compass! I have it sitting on my desk. Haven't gotten very far into it yet.

I read Hiroshima in high school--about the bombing in WWII.

One was just a follow up to my Heroin Diaries book called The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band.

my beach reading tends toward the mystery/legal thriller, e.g. John Grisham, Michael Connelly and James Patrick Hunt.

"Marley & Me, life and love with the worlds worst dog". Since I volunteer with Texas Lab Rescue this is the perfect book. Having had very expensive couches shreded, carpet chewed, and baseboards demolished I was hoping this would sooth my aching wallet.

If you liked "Into Thin Air," another adventure, outdoor, true life book that is good is "Into the Wild," by the same author Jon Krakauer. It was made into a movie last year. Quite a story.

For chick-lit fans, the one non-work book I managed to blow through at the end of my trip was Can You Keep a Secret by the woman who did the Shopaholic books (soon to be made into a movie, which I saw filming in NY last month). It was optimum chick lit, well-written, very funny (I laughed aloud often), reminiscent of Bridget Jones' Diaries.

there are some amazing survival-type books out there. Have you read Between a Rock and a Hard Place, the Aaron Ralston story (the guy who had to cut off his arm to get out of a canyon)?

"My Brothers Honeymoon" or something like that and another was about a young american-vietnamese guy who travels on bicycle through vietnam visiting family etc)

if Eat, Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert is in your stack of books, I'd leave that one at home. Maybe I'm too jaded, or maybe I got older, but I just found this one to be a 'who cares?' kind of book. It is not but I gave that to my MIL, she liked it but didn't love it. The books I have waiting are "reading lolita in tehran', 'killing yourself to live', 'the known world', 'the yakoubian building', 'the tender bar' and 'in defense of food'.

This may sound cliche, but I wanted to stay in the mood, so I re-read "The Beach", by Alex Garland.

"The Ruins" by Scott Smith. these tourists are stuck on top of some ruins and can't leave because Mayan villagers are holding them at bay with a couple of bows and arrows.

I just finished "Wonderful Tonight" by Patti Boyd.. Light bio but kind of interesting.

[mgsipa]

Now, THAT's a list if I ever saw one... Thanks!! :)

I did start reading some more of "The Ruins".... I'll let you know how it goes..:eat-drink:

[DougSR]

One was just a follow up to my Heroin Diaries book called The Dirt: Confessions of the World's Most Notorious Rock Band.

Actually Dirt came out long before Heroin and was written by all the members of the band. I just started Dirt yesterday and even though I was never a fan of Crue (omlaut over the U), the Sixx:AM CD is one of my favorite music discs in years. Mikki is a rock god. Plus I love the life of an eighties rock star. For some reason, the law did not exist for them.

[mgsipa]

Allright...
So I finished "The Ruins" and it wasn't too bad, although I wish... oh, never mind, I was just about to give away the ending..oops!

I did find out though that one of the characters does try what I had thought of as a means of escape, but unfortunately my plan turns out not to be so good after all. Although, I still think if it had been me, I would have made it. Oh well....

[ilovewyoming]

Well, i have to admit: most of the weight of our luggage is BOOKS..
Here are a few:
Year of Wonder: Geraldine Brooks (About the plague, and it is great!)
Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral by Kris Radish, (More of a girl book, but also good)
Traveler and Memory of Running by Ron Mc Larty
Where the SKy is Born, Living in the Land of the Maya by: Jeanine Lee Kitchel
ENJOY!

[kimba]

I love books like Year of Wonder, historical novels. Books like Birth of Venus or The Girl with The Pearl Earring ... I've read all of Tracy Chevalier too.

[PhyllisB]

Hey Laura, did you read Brooks' other book, March? I LOVED that one!!!! So good!!!

I'll have to check out those other ones.

I also thought of another book that might have cross-gender appeal: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Might be particularly interesting to Chicago folks, since it's set here (mostly).

[ilovewyoming]

Haven't read March, but I guess that is on my list to get. I LOVED
Time Travelers Wife...very good read, and i highly recommend it..
Isn't there some show on TV that somewhat mirrors the book? I saw some blip on tv and it brought to mind that book... I am always interested in what everyone suggests, so i appreciate this thread!

[ilovewyoming]

Kimba: I will definitely look up these books and add them to the luggage!
Year of Wonder was awesome: It was like you could hear her speak...the dialect and all...I haven't had one person that has read it give it a bad review.. Dave had a friend recommend it, he bought it and then I read it, and loaned it to a friend. He hasn't had a chance to read it so this book may make a second trip to Tulum!

[farmboyswife]

Glad to hear you made it thru "The Ruins" mgsipa. The end was ..... I guess I better not say much to spoil the ending. I'm reading "The Assassin" by Andrew Britton now. A slow start, like Tom Clancy books, to set the stage, develop the characters, and build the plot. Not sure I like it yet.

[Lynnette]

I just started Little Earthquakes..another hilarious read by Jennifer Weiner. Our winter has been so long, I find myself needing a good laugh!!

[DougSR]

You guys that have read Water for Elephants, I'm going to start that one this weekend. I understand the basic plot but I'm wondering is this a feel good book, sad book, funny book?

[PhyllisB]

I think it's mostly feel good, but it is sad/tender in some parts.... I mostly just thought it was interesting, and totally different from anything else I'd ever read! What do other folks think?

[ilovewyoming]

I agree 100% with Phyllis...it is a really good read, that brings out many emotions.

[longbeach]

Another great book, Shantaram by Gregory Roberts. Fantastic, transports you to the wonders of Bombay (Mumbai)...will make you want to book a flight to India

[TrishandIan]

So its my birthday today, the hubby got me two books. "What is What" by Dave Eggers and "Sedaris" by Kevin Kopelson. "Sedaris" is about... David Sedaris who I absolutely love! My hubby searched this one out, I didn't know it existed. Good job!
"What is what" is the story about one of the Sudanese 'lost boys'
My hubby knew i was fascinated by these stories, we have several Sudanese refugees in our community and alot of them work in our supermarket. I'm always intrigued by their perception after what they've been through and now working in this giant suburban store filled with more food than anyone could ever need. I told the hubby I will wait until our tulum trip in november to read this one, can't wait.

[skiptown]

Just finished "New Jack" by Ted Conover, about a guy who works as a gaurd at Sing Sing prison for a year. He also wrote a book about riding the rails for a year as a hobo. Both are very gripping books and are hard to put down.

[kcaraco]

mgsipa, check your PM inbox.

Cheers,
Kathy:fan:

[DougSR]

When I started this thread I had just finished my first book, Heroin Diaries, in maybe ten years. I was not a reader. This sounds rediculous but this thread has changed me, at least temporarily. I have finished three books now and am starting my 4th this weekend. Thanks for contributing to this. Cool huh?

[PhyllisB]

Woohoo! Books are awesome!!!

[PhyllisB]

So its my birthday today, the hubby got me two books. "What is What" by Dave Eggers and "Sedaris" by Kevin Kopelson. "Sedaris" is about... David Sedaris who I absolutely love! My hubby searched this one out, I didn't know it existed. Good job!
"What is what" is the story about one of the Sudanese 'lost boys'
My hubby knew i was fascinated by these stories, we have several Sudanese refugees in our community and alot of them work in our supermarket. I'm always intrigued by their perception after what they've been through and now working in this giant suburban store filled with more food than anyone could ever need. I told the hubby I will wait until our tulum trip in november to read this one, can't wait.

Shoot, you mean I have to wait til November to hear your thoughts about the Eggers book?!?!?! Nah, start it now!!!! ;) (No pressure, really. haha)

I've seen it at the bookstore and almost bought it several times. Would love to know what you think but I guess I'll probably decide to pick it up before November!

I am a big Sedaris fan too, so I'll have to check out that other one too!

[beachreader]

I'm a Sedaris fan, too, but what is this, a biography? He seems a bit young for a bio. Let us know how you like it!

[TrishandIan]

"Sedaris" is basically a critical analysis of his work. It only has two reviews on Amazon, one didn't like it and one did. Should be interesting either way. Even to just bring back memories and laughs from his books. I absolutely LOVE him. Just noticed on Amazon that he has a new book out in June "When You Are Engulfed in Flames". Cannot wait for that one!
I want to read Eggers' book now as well but I think it will be such a good travel book. Its pretty hefty, 500+ pages and smaller font type. That way I don't have to bring 6-7 books, I can just bring 3-4. I read like a fiend on vacation. Also, I have so many books next to my bed that I feel guilty jumping ahead. It will make the anticipation for the nov. trip that much greater!

[beachreader]

I'm not sure I've ever actually read Sedaris. Since I first heard him on NPR, his voice is such a big part of his appeal for me, so I've done all his books on audio. Perfect for driving, I love to laugh out loud behind the wheel. :)

[luvthesun]

DougSR... I bet you are going to LOVE Water for Elephants... I can't stop recommending it to my friends... I can't categorize it, but it is a really good story, and an interesting and emotional tale if you love animals. I bet you are halfway through already!

[PhyllisB]

Hey Doug, how's it going? Got any book reports to share? :) :) :)

I just started a new book when I was stuck at Bradley Airport in CT on Saturday (note to self: always tack on an extra 2.5 hours to any alleged "arrival" time for O'hare to get a more realistic arrival time...). It's called The God of Animals, by Aryn Kyle. It's pretty good. Highly recommended for any horse lovers out there. I don't count myself in that group and I'm really enjoying it, so I'm just guessing a real horse lover would enjoy it too. Almost finished before we touched down at O'Hare!

Good story!

p.

[PhyllisB]

Just wanted to add another post about The God of Animals, since I just finished it last night. It does have a bit of a sad ending. Not a total downer, but an event occurs that was a little tough to read. That being said, I didn't think "oh what a crappy ending" or anything like that. It was incredibly well written. The characters are all very very real people - each flawed in their own way, but more complex -- she just did a great job of developing very human characters who have both good and bad qualities. The writing really is impeccable. Maybe the word I'd use is "vibrant." Especially the second half of the book.

I should also make it more clear that it isn't really a book about horses. It's really about a family that runs a horse farm--their history, their struggles, their achievements, their relationships. Written from the point of view of an adolescent (but very grown up) girl. It's really amazingly written, because while it's technically from Alice's point of view, it combines really spot-on reactions/perspectives of adolescence with very adult understanding and maturity. I don't know how the author pulled that off.

Anyway, here's a link if anyone is interested:
http://www.amazon.com/God-Animals-Novel-Aryn-Kyle/dp/1416533249

[Tranquilo Tomas]

I read Playing for Pizza by John Grisham on the beach in Tulum last Nov.
Since then, I read The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (great book that I picked up at the beach cabana where I was staying) and Water for Elephants (wonderfully entertaining). For the past few months I've been on a Cormac McCarthy journey . . . reading No Country for Old Men, The Road, and All the Pretty Horses. I'm finishing The Crossing now. Next I'll read the 3rd book of his border trilogy, Cities of the Plain. McCarthy's prose is magnificent!!
Oh yeah, and I read the Bible every day. Seriously. I need to hear from God to keep my perspectives straight. It brings truth to my world and life view.
Read on book lovers . . .
~ Tom in Colorado

[PhyllisB]

Tom, I loved The Road, but All The Pretty Horses was a lot tougher. I could only get through about 6 pages at a time. Felt like I was reading Faulkner or something! I don't think I quite have the stomach for No Country! I might still check out the others though...

[AdGuy]

I just started reading the Department of the Treasury's must-read of the season...Instructions For Form 1040. Man, I hate this time of year! http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/3/3_2_4v.gif (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.smileycentral. com%2F%3Fpartner%3DZSzeb001_ZNxmk762YYUS)

[Lynnette]

I read Playing for Pizza by John Grisham on the beach in Tulum last Nov.
Since then, I read The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (great book that I picked up at the beach cabana where I was staying) and Water for Elephants (wonderfully entertaining). For the past few months I've been on a Cormac McCarthy journey . . . reading No Country for Old Men, The Road, and All the Pretty Horses. I'm finishing The Crossing now. Next I'll read the 3rd book of his border trilogy, Cities of the Plain. McCarthy's prose is magnificent!!
Oh yeah, and I read the Bible every day. Seriously. I need to hear from God to keep my perspectives straight. It brings truth to my world and life view.
Read on book lovers . . .
~ Tom in Colorado

How did you like Playing for Pizza? You have a great list and I really admire your appreciation of the GOOD BOOK!!!!

[ilovewyoming]

Tom, I am all about trying to keep things straight and focused...The Bible..is certainly a very interesting, and for some, a source ,a help in the direction of where they are headed and what they do on a daily basis.....anyway:
All The Pretty Horses, my hubby liked..I have not read it.
There are times when i just want entertainment: Simple, crazy, and out there entertainment... So I read anything Carl Hiaasen writes: Skin Tight, Skinny Dip, Strip tease etc....not too bible like :)but the characters are entertaining, the books are a quick read and sometimes you just need entertainment, and not a, deep read...kind of like when you need to just lie in your yard, on the grass, in the warmth of the sun, with your dog, looking at the sky, clouds, birds, etc. Listening to all the sounds out there...It is: Total : Peace...
The fact we all like to read, and excercise the brain: Awesome!

[DougSR]

I hate you people!!! I've been reading "Water for Elephants" as recommended by some. So far we have the lead characters parents dieing in a car wreck. Horses being slaughtered and fed to circus cats. Elephants being spanked with spiked sticks. Gee thanks people! This is certainly a feel good story!

[PhyllisB]

Hang in there! It gets better!

[Lynnette]

I hate you people!!! I've been reading "Water for Elephants" as recommended by some. So far we have the lead characters parents dieing in a car wreck. Horses being slaughtered and fed to circus cats. Elephants being spanked with spiked sticks. Gee thanks people! This is certainly a feel good story!

Wow...that's on the top of recommended reads. It sounds depressing. This might be a book to skip to the end and get it over with.

[Tranquilo Tomas]

Lynette, Grisham's Playing for Pizza was an enjoyable, amusing, quick beach read. I'm a football fanatic and very fond of Italians. This was a fun departure for this author. Some of my favorite Grisham's reads are actually his non court room novels, like The Testament and A Painted House. He draws me in with his incredible character development.

[beachreader]

Playing for Pizza sounds like fun. My brother read it on the plane on his last trip and really enjoyed it.

[Lynnette]

Lynette, Grisham's Playing for Pizza was an enjoyable, amusing, quick beach read. I'm a football fanatic and very fond of Italians. This was a fun departure for this author. Some of my favorite Grisham's reads are actually his non court room novels, like The Testament and A Painted House. He draws me in with his incredible character development.

A Painted House is my favorite Grisham book, also. I'll have to read Playing For Pizza on vaca next month.

[DougSR]

Finished Water for Elephants with mixed thoughts. I hope I haven't turned anyone off to it because it was a very cool book. I would have done a few things differently but please read it.

Now, I need a funny, inspirational, light hearted read for Tulum in 16 days (tic tic tic). I LOVED LOVED LOVED Marley and Me because of my connection to animals...especially labs. Anyone got anything to offer up?

[miguel]

Reading The Beach, very different, but I'm immersed. Have you tried any of Randy Wayne White's books? Former fishing guide from the Florida Keys. Has taken the Travis McGee novels to a new level...

[PhyllisB]

Doug, have you ever read any John Irving? A Prayer for Owen Meany was always one of my favorites. It's been a long time since I read it, so I'm not sure how inspiring it is, but I remember thinking it was funny and really enjoying it.

There was also a book about a dog that traveled the world... shoot I'm going to have to do some googling to remember it. It's a few years old now I'm sure. I remember hearing about it on NPR.... I'll see if I can figure it out.

[DougSR]

Doug, have you ever read any John Irving? A Prayer for Owen Meany was always one of my favorites.

I'll check that out for sure. I'll need something else for the trip.

I just bought a book for the trip that may not scream "beach read" but I've been smitten with dog stories every since Marley and Me. So I selected From Baghdad to America: What This Marine Learned About Love and War from a Dog Named Lava.

[Kenster]

The best and most appropriate I have ever read on the beach of Tulum (always Copal/Azulik) was James Michener's Caribbean. A large portion of the book deals with ancient Mayans who escape from Cozumel and come to Tulum. Just perfect!

[jojo]

Doug, have you ever read any John Irving? A Prayer for Owen Meany was always one of my favorites. It's been a long time since I read it, so I'm not sure how inspiring it is, but I remember thinking it was funny and really enjoying it.

I definitely have to second Phyllis-- A Prayer for Owen Meany is a book that I could read over and over. I'd say it was very inspiring (I laughed, I cried...:)) Anything by John Irving would make great beach reading- very intricate and entertaining stories.

I also love Roddy Doyle. His The Barrytown Trilogy is three stories about a working class Dublin family and is laugh-out-loud funny, but touching at the same time.

[ezgoer]

Last trip to the Caribbean read" Empire of the Blue Water". A good blood and guts read of the Spanish Main and the exploits of Henry Morgan.

[Gincuresall]

I suggest going for the ultimate contrast while sitting on the beach imbibing..............Jon Krakaur's "Into Thin Air" about the Everest Climbing Disaster in 1996....

I love non-fiction adventure and history....I'm an avid mountain climber, so any thing to do with mountain adventure while I'm enjoying a rare encounter with 'sea-level' and a cold one is a Tri-fecta!

GinCuresAll

[Gincuresall]

I forgot to mention my favorite Fiction!

Just from what I have gleaned about alot of you...you would love this one:

"The Earth Abides" by George R. Stewart.

It is a classic....and possibly a forteller of events

You wont be able to put it down

[DougSR]

I suggest going for the ultimate contrast while sitting on the beach imbibing..............Jon Krakaur's "Into Thin Air" about the Everest Climbing Disaster in 1996....

I love non-fiction adventure and history....I'm an avid mountain climber, so any thing to do with mountain adventure while I'm enjoying a rare encounter with 'sea-level' and a cold one is a Tri-fecta!

GinCuresAll

Into Thin Air has been recommended several times. I'm going to go ahead and buy it today. That sounds like my type of read.

Done! It's on it's way! Thanks.

[Gale in KY]

Not really a beachread, but I am very into "Lone Survivor" by Marcus Luttrell. It's the true, eyewitness account of Operation Redwing and the lost heros of Seal Team 10 in June 2005, what ultimately was the largest loss of life in Navy Seal History. Takes place along the Pakistan/Afganistan border.

I can't put it down, it is an amazing read..you feel like you are right there with Luttrell as he fights for his very survival until he is ultimately taken in by a Pakistani family. The story begins with the training he endures to become as seal and takes you on a most amazing mission.

[ilovewyoming]

During the winter months, I don't have time to read, so I am thankful for this thread...I have been writing down many books suggested, to take for our trip in late October...Part of the enjoyment of going to Tulum is to just chill on the beach with a good book, knowing no one is going to call, and there will be no newspaper where you read about the world and things that make you crazy: and for the most part: It is nice not having to hear about gas prices, the war, and other sad/horrible/annoying/political type information thrown your way...Especially when you are in paradise! This is THE reason people go on vacation, Right?

[miguel]

During the winter months, I don't have time to readMy Gawd! What do you do in those months of ice and snow and crap; just have sex all winter, or what?

[austxdan]

. . .What do you do in those months of ice and snow and crap; just have sex all winter, or what?

You make that sound like it's a bad thing? :confused:

[miguel]

Where's your sense of humor Dan?

[jojo]

I LOVED LOVED LOVED Marley and Me because of my connection to animals...especially labs. Anyone got anything to offer up?

Hey Doug- Marley and Me was on special at my Borders today, so I got it. I'm going to save it for my trip. It's funny- when I saw it, I pulled out my cell to text whoever recommended it, and I stood there scrolling like a jerk for a good minute until I realized it was here on the board! I'm looking forward to reading it on the beach- thanks! :)

[miguel]

The people at my vet's office told me about Marley because they think he was just like my big yellow lab Tank, so I read the book. I liked it a lot, but the ending, as I suspected, left me blue.

[PhyllisB]

Just checking again with folks!

Trish, where are you in your stack of books?

Doug, what are you reading now?

I'm headed to the bookstore around the corner this afternoon. Have a list of a few to look for, we'll see what they have.

[PhyllisB]

Alright guys, if I go bankrupt one day it's going to be because of books. Man. I brought home 4 books and left other ones that looked really good behind, because I just couldn't really justify spending even more money. Aye!

I brought home:

The Myth of You and Me by Leah Stewart (chick book)
Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks, since some folks here liked it and I absolutely LOVED March
Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris, which looks really funny
The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani

I don't even know which to start first!

[graceland]

Doug, I am a dog person also and just read a book, Walking in circles Before Lying Down, author, Merill Markoe..maybe more of the"chic" lit genre, but if you are into dogs you will crack up..her dogs (and his friends) talk to her.
I really liked it; good beach read.

..and Graceland really enjoyed me reading it to her.:rolleyes:

Gracie

[DougSR]

Phyllis, I made a couple of purchases on Amazon but haven't received them yet so I'm half heartedly reading Dirt which is about Motley Crue. I'm kind of tired of bad boy rocker books but it's all I have right now that is new. Before I leave for MX I should receive Into Thin Air and From Baghdad to America: What This Marine Learned About Love and War from a Dog Named Lava. I'm assuming you see a trend. I think I'm a non-fiction guy.

[graceland]

Doug, there are some bad guys in this book "Walking in Circles..."
I swear if you love dogs, you'll just enjoy THEIR take on OUR lives!
Check it out of library....
Gracie:twocents:

[PhyllisB]

Okay so it isn't really a book about a dog (well, partly), but did anyone read the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night? What a great book that was. I loved that kid.

Doug, nonfiction is good. I don't read much of it myself, but I probably should read more. I did read "Into the Wild" and thought it was great -- I should pick up Into Thin Air sometime too. Have you read the book that the movie The Perfect Storm was based on? That might be exciting, but depressing since we sorta know how that turned out.

I've started The Year of Wonder-- I'm just so impressed with Geraldine Brooks' writing. She is so good. It doesn't take long at all to get sucked right into the worlds she creates for the reader, you're just right there with her from page 1.

[graceland]

Hey Phyllis - I read that book! Forgot about it.. (Curious Incident) and I too loved that kid.
Will have to try some of your suggestions. This is a great thread. I need and love recommendations of books as I get totally overwhelmed at book stores, libraries, etc. AND, if I join a book club, I never end up reading the book!
Leaving for Peru Friday..have a stash of books to take. Probably have to pay the overcharge for weight. But l0 hours on a plane, whew.
Got lots of ideas from this thread, so will give some book reports in lieu of trip reports
See yall :wave:
(I still crack up when I remember incidents in "Walking in Circles..." Try and skim if it possible.)
Gracie

[Margoinmexico]

My last Amazon delivery which Dan was kind enough to bring down here seems to have a theme....3 practice makes perfect learning spanish workbooks...

A Sense of Place which is a collection of interviews with travel writers

Travel Writing A how too book put out by Lonely Planet

And Bird by Bird, another book on writing.

Best Beach reads I've done this year would be

Domain - A sci-fi, romance, thriller, espionage about teh Mayan Calender coming to an end....it was set a lot here which is how I got it, a guest brougnt it to read here...great book, couldn't put it down...the down side is, while it was chocked full of real facts about the Mayans, the structures they built and the calendar, some of it was made up to make the story good....and I have no way to know which is which! And people expect me to know stuff about this, and it's kind of like reading the cover of National Enquirer and then thinking 5 months later that you read it somewhere legit!

And the ultimate chick book...Eat Pray Love....that lady must know me, cause, I'm sure I wrote that book in a dream once....I don't usually read such trendy books, but again, someone left it here.......I may read it again.:o

Lets see, those are the only two books I've read all year! Busy even in Paradise!

[Margoinmexico]

Note to all...make sure you all leave your books in Mexico...I think there is a huge tax for taking them back to the states.....ha ha!;)

[ilovewyoming]

Running with Scissors....
Didn't like it, was surprised when it was made into a movie, and if there was any book i would NOT leave in Mexico or elsewhere...this is the book.
Year of Wonder or any easy read of carl Hiaasen, Plus these: Curious Incident...Kite Runner. So- so- so- many good reads out there that i could suggest to read, and maybe leave for others: but that one just didn't do it for me.
I appreciate all of the suggestions. My list gets longer and I am thinking my luggage: Heavier :)

[miguel]

Margo, I've been trying to look up Domain at the library. Who was the author? Sounds like fun...

[austxdan]

Doug, I am a dog person also and just read a book, Walking in circles Before Lying Down, author, Merill Markoe..maybe more of the"chic" lit genre, but if you are into dogs you will crack up..her dogs (and his friends) talk to her.
I really liked it; good beach read.

..and Graceland really enjoyed me reading it to her.:rolleyes:

Gracie

Graceland,

Thanks for the tip - I just jumped on your bandwagon with "Walking in Circles". I read the Amazon reviews and it sounds like a good beach read. Plus Chris will love it as well. I also picked up her collection of short stories and essays too (dang Amazon upsell). And since I was only $3 short for free shipping (I'm all about the "free") I went ahead and bought "Marley and Me" - so there's my common thread. Yeah, yeah I spent like $20 more to save $4 in shipping. But now I've got two more books for the beach. :sun:

I've still got a Jimmy Buffet book I didn't get to last year(A Pirate looks at 50), but then this trip is gonna be more beach and less running around than last year.

Hmm - Amazon says to ship on May 5th. Cutting it close, but I've always found them to deliver early.

Dan

[DougSR]

I started in on my new book, "From Bagdad with Love". The one about a marine who adopts a puppy in war torn Fallujah. It's interesting to note after the first chapter, the writing style is very masculine. But then you get to these places where there is interaction with the puppy that are very soft. It's not just a story of a marine and a pet but also the sights and sounds of the Fallujah battle. I look forward to more.

[Margoinmexico]

Margo, I've been trying to look up Domain at the library. Who was the author? Sounds like fun...

the author is Steve Alten...Fun read..........action packed...:)

[DougSR]

OK, I finished "From Baghdad With Love". Unfortunately, I was on a plane landing at DFW and had to choke back the tears of joy as the hard core Marine's final words in the book were "at least I saved something".

I loved that book. It's a short read but very intense. They discuss the trials of war. Something that touched me were the dogs left behind in Fallujah after the battle. He was very decriptive about the dogs feeding on human remains. He was also obviously very touched about the use of dogs and donkeys and people with Downs Syndrome being used as suicide bombers.

Hope you can check out Lava.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLIzyAM5qrQ

[John in DC]

I just finished The Road (http://www.randomhouse.com/kvpa/cormacmccarthy/) by Cormac McCarthy. It is one of the most powerful, ghastly, eloquent, horrific, beautiful books I have ever read. It's a thin volume and it tells an extremely simple story: A man and his little boy walk south after nuclear holocaust has killed virtually all life on earth. This is not sci-fi. If you read it, brace yourself. You won't believe the whipsaw of emotions you experience.

[lynnwatx]

Hey Margo- I have the 2 sequels to Domain (not as good as the first) I will bring 'em with us to "donate" when we come in (count 'em) 27 more days...

[PhyllisB]

I totally agree, John. That was a phenomenal book. Amazing in its simplicity and emotion.


I just finished The Road (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.randomhouse.co m%2Fkvpa%2Fcormacmccarthy%2F) by Cormac McCarthy. It is one of the most powerful, ghastly, eloquent, horrific, beautiful books I have ever read. It's a thin volume and it tells an extremely simple story: A man and his little boy walk south after nuclear holocaust has killed virtually all life on earth. This is not sci-fi. If you read it, brace yourself. You won't believe the whipsaw of emotions you experience.

[bobbyct]

I just picked up a copy of The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelts Darkest Journey by Candice Millard for my upcoming trip. It is a true story about a trip TDR took in 1912 to unexplored territory in the Amazon and his struggle to survive and overcome the elements. This guy craved adventure. It seemed appropriate for the trip and I love action packed non-fiction.

[DougSR]

I just finished The Road (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.randomhouse.co m%2Fkvpa%2Fcormacmccarthy%2F) by Cormac McCarthy. It is one of the most powerful, ghastly, eloquent, horrific, beautiful books I have ever read. It's a thin volume and it tells an extremely simple story: A man and his little boy walk south after nuclear holocaust has killed virtually all life on earth. This is not sci-fi. If you read it, brace yourself. You won't believe the whipsaw of emotions you experience.

Sounds great John. I'll grab a copy. Has anyone read "Saddam's Secret"? I'm getting a copy of that this weekend.

http://www.amazon.com/Saddams-Secrets-Georges-Hormuz-Sada/dp/1591454042

[rockgeek]

I also just finished "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy... and in this spirit of this board being related to travel and escape to a beautiful corner of the world I wouldn't encourage anyone to take this book on vacation. While it is an incredible story and crafted by a very talented writer, its just tough. It is a pretty brutal book to read if you have a child or children and ever think about the future they face and the legacy they are being left.

On the flipside, need a little emotional pummeling? Feeling bad about the price of gas and wars over oil? It could be worse! Read "The Road"! :)

[PhyllisB]

On the flipside, need a little emotional pummeling? Feeling bad about the price of gas and wars over oil? It could be worse! Read "The Road"! :)

:D, yup, pretty much... have to say, the way you put it makes me chuckle just a little!

It's an incredibly powerful book. You're probably right that there would be some serious dissonance, reading it while relaxing with a cerveza on the Tulum beach. But on the other hand, maybe it'll make us appreciate it so much more. The hardest thing for me was just how real it felt. It didn't feel like a remote possibility. It felt like, "Yup, this is what it would be like." It was its realism that scared me more than anything. But the father-son dynamic was so touching, it made it all worth it. A ray of sunlight in a bleak story, and it left me thinking about hope.

[NWCreoleLady]

What a great thread! We love books here at our house too! We always read in bed....no TV in our room! If he runs out of something to read, he'll pick up and re-read an old book again and again. Me, I have a huge stack that I am collecting as I go even if I don't have time to read them. I wish I didn't fall asleep so easily......sometimes after 5 minutes! I love going to bed earlier just so I can read more.

What am I reading now? Besides the forums? I was surprised that it hasn't been mentioned yet. Lalo of Chemuyil is a great beach read. It's written a bit loosely and more like a tavelouge but I am enjoying it so much right now as I wait for the next 4 weeks to pass......then I'll pick out something else from my stocked shelf to take down.

[John in DC]

I also just finished "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy... and in this spirit of this board being related to travel and escape to a beautiful corner of the world I wouldn't encourage anyone to take this book on vacation. While it is an incredible story and crafted by a very talented writer, its just tough. It is a pretty brutal book to read if you have a child or children and ever think about the future they face and the legacy they are being left.

On the flipside, need a little emotional pummeling? Feeling bad about the price of gas and wars over oil? It could be worse! Read "The Road"! :)

Agree 100%, rockgeek. My wife asked if she should save it for Mexico, and I said, "Good God, no!"

The fact that I have a son about the age of the boy in The Road had me choked up for the two days I spent reading it.

[DougSR]

OK. You guys got me. I just ordered The Road. I love the stories of survival so I've gotta check it out.

[PhyllisB]

It's an excellent book, but not a happy book -- and since you have a son, I imagine that you'll have a very similar experience as John. I'll be curious to hear your take on it.

[rockgeek]

I think this is a pretty interesting topic.... what makes for good beach reading? Consensus seems to be that its not "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy.
So is a something light that is easy put down and jump in the water, or something so all consuming that you don't leave your hammock?

[DougSR]

I think this is a pretty interesting topic.... what makes for good beach reading? Consensus seems to be that its not "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy.
So is a something light that is easy put down and jump in the water, or something so all consuming that you don't leave your hammock?

I'm a new fan of reading. I always thought I read too much at work and couldn't bare the thought of reading more when I got home. But recently this forum has changed my view.

To answer your question, any book that keeps my attention is a good book no matter where I am. I read "Into Thin Air" about people dieing on Mt. Everest last time in Tulum. That was fine by me because I just wanted to keep plowing through it.

[John in DC]

A good beach read is one printed with ink that doesn't smear when you get sunscreeny fingers on it.:D

I've always been partial to detective stories on the beach. I have no idea why. I think every Lawrence Sanders book I've ever read had sand between the pages. In July I'm going to bring down something by George Pelecanos.

Oddly enough, I've also read most of John Irving's and Anne Tyler's books at the beach. Anne Rice's vampire books were a lot of fun from a lounge chair.

[beachreader]

Anything that's too easy to put down stays down for me. I need something that grabs me, and keeps me wanting to get back to it.

[DougSR]

Anything that's too easy to put down stays down for me. I need something that grabs me, and keeps me wanting to get back to it.

Man! Tell me! Nothing worse than forcing yourself to finish a book. I'm trudging through Motley Crue's The Dirt as we speak. Only because my recent purchases from Amazon have yet to arrive.

[rockgeek]

I'd say just drop a book you're struggling to finish, not worth the time. I make that stubborn mistake way too often.
As for Krakauer Doug- I think he's probably a great beach read (I haven't had too many, Oregon beach reads are indoors), definitely a good relaxation read. Someone else in an uncomfortable situation that he manages to put into perspective. You feel good because its not you, and you don't feel too sad because he does a good job documenting his subject's path to demise...
Check out "Into the Wild" if you haven't already... the movie was actually pretty good too.

[miguel]

The Domain is a very good read so far, and one can gain some relevance to the area...

[NWCreoleLady]

I just started reading Jimmy Buffett's "A Salty Piece of Land".

Bellydancer......how are you enjoying your read? I really loved that book! It was quite entertaining.

Bringing this topic back to the forefront. Eat, Read and Pray is anothe read that keeps coming up as a good one on the other forum. Think I will have to get that for our upcoming trip to QRoo.

[DougSR]

I'm struggling with "Saddam's Secret". It's written in a very arrogant style by a former Christian General to Saddam Hussein. It's almost like this guy was everywhere at once. He knows too much. It's fascinating to know he was behind the scenes during the Persian Gulf Wars and to learn about the real WMDs and plan to obliterate Isreal. It's also interesting to get a Christian's perspective on the fight. But he is just to arrogant. I keep asking, if you were so PO'ed at Saddam for killing tens of thousands of Iraqi people, why didn't you take him out yourself? I may move on to "The Road".

[FITZ]

I just finished "Marley and Me" in a half of a day. Whew! I went through a box of Kleenex.

[Lynnette]

We've been reading David Baldacci. I just finished the Camel Club in one sitting.....what a cast of characters and suspense that was believable. I bought Bob "Where is Joe Merchant" for Father's Day......he's saving it for our fall trip.

[DougSR]

I just finished "Marley and Me" in a half of a day. Whew! I went through a box of Kleenex.


Haha! Yup! I read it at while working one night. My co-workers thought I was a laughing, crying loonie.

[beachreader]

The movie of Marley & Me is coming at Christmastime, with Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. Hope they do right by the book!

[Lynnette]

The movie of Marley & Me is coming at Christmastime, with Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. Hope they do right by the book!


I want to read the book, but I can't...the movie would be even more real. My golden has been struggling with cancer and is in remission now, but the subject matter is just to close to home. Maybe someday.

[DougSR]

I don't see how the movie could approximate the book. There are just too many emotions about a growing family, loving and losing a pet...but I'm hopeful.

[miguel]

I just finished "Marley and Me" in a half of a day. Whew! I went through a box of Kleenex.Ain't it the truth! I have a yellow lab and the folks at his vet's office call him Marley Jr. I also agree the the movie could not approximate the book...

[ilovewyoming]

Ok..there are the books that make you think: Kite Runner, the books that make you laugh: ANYTHING by Carl Hiaasen...the historical, interesting and knowledge books like Year of Wonder,the testimonial /life expericence books like Into THin Air ,and the dog books. I have to say..the Marley book was good, and disturbing, especially because i read it when my labby who looks a lot like Marley was in his "devil dog phase" I was so stressed that he would end up being a destructo like Marley.. THe one thing that was so upsetting about the Marley and Me book: I honestly think they waited way toooo long to let the dog go...and leaving him old and sick for a time and go on a trip wasn't fair to Marley or the caretaker..that's my opinion, and i guess:
i am sticking to it...good read, tear jerker, but once you get over the emotional thing, you start to re evaluate the whole situation.. This coming from someone that has trouble letting go...:)

[Lynnette]

"I honestly think they waited way toooo long to let the dog go...and leaving him old and sick for a time and go on a trip wasn't fair to Marley or the caretaker..that's my opinion"

I'm tearing up just reading your comment. Now that is VERY disturbing. We canceled our May trip to Tulum, because my baby was sick.

[FITZ]

I may noy have agreed with a few of the decisions the author made, but his (Grogan's) writing style kept me interested.
Get well soon to your pal, Lynette. It really thucks when bad things happen to the good guys.

[DougSR]

It's so hard to let go of the things you hold near and dear. I can't ever knock someone's decision on when to put an animal down. I've never had to make the call but I'm sure mine will let me know when it's time to go.

I laughed just as hard as I cried reading that book. He did a magnificent job telling the story of a growing family and their wacko dog.
http://www.dolittler.com/enclosures/marleyme.jpg

[ilovewyoming]

I may noy have agreed with a few of the decisions the author made, but his (Grogan's) writing style kept me interested.
Get well soon to your pal, Lynette. It really thucks when bad things happen to the good guys.

I liked the book, and the style, even if i didn't agree with some of the decisions. It was an entertaining read. Grogan was a saint, as Marley was a little demon destructo..but you just LOVE them, don't you? Thank goodness my dog has calmed down, and he's just a year old.
I second the Get Well to Lynettes pal

[Lynnette]

Thanks for the well wishes for my Golden. He is doing great right now, 9 months after the initial diagnosis. We're not giving him any meds, just a raw meat diet and tons of love. Isn't it amazing how much a part of our lives/hearts our furry babies are?!!!!! OK, back to what you're reading. :)

[beachreader]

Glad to hear he's doing OK, Lynette. A raw meat diet? That's interesting, I guess taking him back to his true nature as a carnivore.

I'm always confused by all these commercial foods that talk about vegetables and stuff. Dogs and cats are meat-eaters! What are their digestive tracts going to do with a carrot? :)

[Lynnette]

Glad to hear he's doing OK, Lynette. A raw meat diet? That's interesting, I guess taking him back to his true nature as a carnivore.

I'm always confused by all these commercial foods that talk about vegetables and stuff. Dogs and cats are meat-eaters! What are their digestive tracts going to do with a carrot? :)

I was a bit grossed out at first by the raw meat, but you are so right...dogs are carnivores, and raw is what nature intended them to eat. Initially we went with the raw, because, cancer feeds off carbohydrates, which is pretty much what dry food is. I can't believe the change after switching to raw....Justin is so much friskier, and his coat is so shiny, not to mention he is in remission. Another bonus that isn't health related...teeny, tiny poop...looks like it's from a chihuahua not an 85# Golden. :D

[DougSR]

Glad to hear he's doing OK, Lynette. A raw meat diet? That's interesting, I guess taking him back to his true nature as a carnivore.

I'm always confused by all these commercial foods that talk about vegetables and stuff. Dogs and cats are meat-eaters! What are their digestive tracts going to do with a carrot? :)

We have foster homes in Texas Lab Rescue that feed nothing but raw meat. I would too if it weren't so darn expensive.

I just got a lab yesterday from Arlington Animal Shelter that has been punched by it's former owner. It's still speculative as to whether we can save the eye or if he'll be able to use it.

What is wrong with people! DAMN!

[Lynnette]

We have foster homes in Texas Lab Rescue that feed nothing but raw meat. I would too if it weren't so darn expensive.

I just got a lab yesterday from Arlington Animal Shelter that has been punched by it's former owner. It's still speculative as to whether we can save the eye or if he'll be able to use it.

What is wrong with people! DAMN!

The former owner should be in jail. People like that are beyond sick...they're violent criminals.

[PhyllisB]

Okay, let's get back to the books!!!!

Has anyone read Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close? http://www.amazon.com/Extremely-Incredibly-Close-Jonathan-Safran/dp/0618329706 (http://www.tulum.info/redirector.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FE xtremely-Incredibly-Close-Jonathan-Safran%2Fdp%2F0618329706)


I wasn't all that excited about a book that had 9/11 as part of it's backstory, but reading all the accolades made me think twice & I picked it up for our trip to Costa Rica. I really loved it. It's written mostly from a child's perspective, with a few chapters interspersed written by older characters. I just loved Oskar (the kid). I loved his honesty, and his openness to everyone and everything. And I loved his vulnerability too. He's just a great kid.

Anyway, I highly recommend it!

Oh--and it's a fictional story, too. It isn't as much about 9/11 as it is a story about a father and his son.

[BinkyLover]

I'm reading Tulum.info.

[DougSR]

I tried to read The Road, as was recommended. Something about a boy and his father walking aimlessly along a road after post nuclear fallout...I mean, they have a supermarket cart with their junk in it....and they walk...on a road...*yawn*! This one may go to Half Priced Books before page 50.

[kimba]

I'm still reading March. Hopefully I'll be able to finish it at the DMV today.

Next in my queue is Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier. I've loved all of her other books so I'm looking forward to this one too.

[PhyllisB]

Oh, I loved March. So good! I'll have to put Tracy Chevalier on my list. Haven't read those yet.

[DougSR]

I'm still reading March. Hopefully I'll be able to finish it at the DMV today.

It's comforting to know somethings are universal. LOL!

[shedives]

When I was in Tulum last month I started reading "Three Cups of Tea" by Mortenson and Relin. It is an absolutely incredible story, a MUST read. Once I got into it I couldn't put it down! It is amazing! It will blow your mind what this man accomplishes, building primary schools in very rural parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan. In fact, I get to see him speak next month and I am so excited about it! Read it!!!

I also love the Krakauer books - great reads.

[kimba]

It's comforting to know somethings are universal. LOL!

Yes, and I'm glad I took two books with me - I almost made it to the end of March ... I would have finished if it weren't for the screaming babies and cell phone conversations that kept distracting me ... BUT the car is registered.

[marjan]

Just got done a bunch of good ones:
The Name of the Wind (book 1), by Patrick Rothfuss: excellent - set in a alternative medieval landscape, a violently orphaned magical prodigy makes his way through life, as reminiscenced to a interviewing storyteller, although it's clear his past as a hero is catching up with his current self-imposed seclusion as an innkeeper. Wonderful imagery and action. If you like Dan Simmons and Stephen Donaldson - you'll love it.
Beau Brummell - The Ultimate Dandy, by Ian Kelly: excellent, sympathetic, richly detailed life of the man who brought us long pants and the business suit.
The Historian - Elizabeth Kostova: excellent, amazing new strand of the classic vampire story. Great main and secondary characters, fascinating real history lessons woven in as necessary to the novel's development.
Happy Hour at Casa Dracula, by Marta Acosta: good fun.... I usually don't do chiklit - and this cover's a dead give-a-away (aside: cover art can unconsciously stop me from buying a book - after Book 8 of the Wheel Of Time series by Robert Jordan and giving up hope he'd ever either just end it for gawd's sake or return to the quality of books 1 and 2, just seeing a cover by the artist who did these covers will automatically make me move on). But Happy Hour at Casa Dracula is a great beach read, with good comedy, snappy lines and a feisty heroine.
And of course - taking any Terry Pratchett along is a must, a great read, reread and rereread.

[Lynnette]

Great recommendations, everyone. I'm updating my book list.

Usually series books, do get watered down after the first few, however, I've enjoyed all three of the Camel Club books by David Baldacci. I haven't read Robert Jordan, but "Happy Hour at Casa Dracula" has piqued my interest......I'll be looking for it.

[John in DC]

I tried to read The Road, as was recommended. Something about a boy and his father walking aimlessly along a road after post nuclear fallout...I mean, they have a supermarket cart with their junk in it....and they walk...on a road...*yawn*! This one may go to Half Priced Books before page 50.

The Road sure won't be everyone's cup o' tea, but there's a lot more going on than the man and his boy walking down the road. It's truly hours of calm punctuated by seconds of sheer terror. It's far more horrifying than any horror book I've ever read. I wouldn't consign it yet. Let it sit a while and then come back to it. Cormac McCarthy's prose sometimes takes a little while to work its magic.

[PhyllisB]

I agree w/ John 100%. There is a lot more going on there...give it a chance...

But it is a very character-driven book. I tend to like books that are mostly character-driven rather than plot-driven. Good thing there are books out there for all of us! :D

[Tranquilo Tomas]

I concur John in DC. McCarthy is a remarkable writer. I've read all his work. Doug, The Road was dark and intense, but this haunting, sparse prose is to be appreciated. Stick with it man, there's some light in the bleakness.
Also, some parts that will scare the heck out of you! McCarthy always has some underlying philosophy in his books about the condition of man.
I'm currently reading In the Woods, a debut novel by Irish author, Tana French. The plot so far is gripping psychological suspense. The book has been on the NY Times best seller list for weeks. My wife just finished The Shack. She really enjoyed it.
Read on everyone!

[letele]

I've been wanting to read In the Woods...my mom has been reading it and is enjoying it so far. Please let us know what you think when you're done!

Right now I'm reading The Secret Life of Houdini, which has been a very interesting (albeit kinda long) read....had no idea he was a spy! Next on my list is The Book Thief.

[beachreader]

....had no idea he was a spy!


He was a spy? Cool! I just read somewhere that Julia Child was also a spy.

[letele]

Yeah, apparently lots of magicians were spies in those days! It makes sense when you think about it...lots of "spy gadgets" were invented by magicians in order to pull off their tricks. I'll have to check out that Julia Child thing - wouldn't have suspected that...although, I guess if a spy was good, you never would suspect! :)

[marjan]

OOOhhhh, another of my favourites - Queen Lucia - the compilation of E F Benson's Lucia series. If anyone like Wodehouse, Evelyn Waugh on a humouresque, satirical bender, they'll love this group of 1930s English villagers and their social jockeying and lives. Benson was an absolute master of social comedy and the English sense of humour.

[PhyllisB]

Time to resurrect the book list! I'm heading to the library and since finishing the Twilight books I'm in need of something good, touching, serious, fun, exciting, whatever!!! What are y'all reading???

[NWCreoleLady]

Hey Phyllis.....I'm just starting book 2 of the Twilight series. Would have never thought I would 'choose' to read these but my co-workers daughter got us all started on them. Easy and light reading....and it really pulls you into another world. :earth::eek::p

Have you seen the movie yet?

You know, I would have never thought that the town of Forks would become a phenomenon. It's close to where my uncle lives - about a 2 hour drive from here and I guess the people are arriving in swarms.

[kimba]

Ah! I just finished the second Twilight book, New Moon. Didn't even know they existed until two weeks ago. Easy reads (teen/young young adult level). Too big to take in the suitcase though.

I was at the bookstore the other day and saw a new Geraldine Brooks title - People of the Book - only in hardback, comes out in paperback at the end of the year. (It looks like from looking at amazon).

My housemate really liked Loving Frank, about Frank Lloyd Wright's affair.

[PhyllisB]

Damn! I just checked on the Brooks book and of course it's checked out. ARGH! Thanks for mentioning it though... it will definitely stay on the list! Maybe it'll go on the Christmas list.

Actually, they don't have a lot of the books I want at the library! Hopefully they have some of the Tracy Chevalier books. Or maybe we should go to the downtown one instead of the local branch...

I don't think I've ever read a group of books faster than the Twilight books. I never would have guessed I'd enjoy a vampire book, either (The Historian was the first, and before this the only vampire book I've ever read -- and I don't really even think of that as a vampire book). I've tried to explain to people why I enjoy these so much but I just can't really explain it! Personally book 1 and book 4 were my favorites. Haven't seen the movie yet, but imagine I'll do that over the Thanksgiving holiday w/ my husband's family.... trying to have low expectations since we all know that books are almost always better than the movie adaptations!

[Lynnette]

While I was on vacation I read:

1 - Like Water for Chocolate...a Mexican fantasy, romantic soap opera that revolves around food...recipes included. Fast read...start to finish on our flight to PV.
2 - Savannah Blues...set in the historic district, themed around murder, romance and dirty deals...lots of laughs! I loved this fun read!
3 - The Pirates Daughter...a historical fiction with tensions of race and class on Jamaica from WWII through the 70's......Errol Flynn adds a touch of Hollywood glamor.

[kimba]

I'm still reading Burning Bright, Tracey Chevalier's latest one. I have them all in my bookcase if you want to come out for a reading holiday ;)

Have you read The Book of Salt, by Monique Truong? I don't know if I've mentioned it before. A novel narrated by Gertrude Stein's cook.

I love Anne Rice's vampire series! Interview with a Vampire had me at the first sentence. Before I read it, I never thought I would ever read a book that had vampires as its central theme.

I'm glad that book 4 of the Twilight series is good. I really liked the first one, but wasn't impressed with 2. Couldn't really get into the werewolf thing. Although I'm not a quitter, so I thought I'd read through to the end of the series. I only picked up the first book because I wanted to know what all the hoopla over the movie was about. That and I try and keep up with the youngins.

[PhyllisB]

Every holiday is a reading holiday! :)

Yep, stick with the Twilight books, just for the character development so you can appreciate Book 4. Book 2 is by far the slowest. Book 4 is good, although it has some wild twists that I wasn't exactly anticipating... but it's a heck of a lot better than 2 and 3. That woman needs a better editor! The battle at the end of book 3 is pretty good, too. I don't want to say too much more! :D

So, of all the Tracy Chevalier books, which ones did you enjoy the most?

The Book of Salt sounds interesting too - I'll put that one on the list for our next trip to the library.

Since the library didn't have much of anything that I was looking for, I ended up with Ann Packer's newest one. I really enjoyed The Dive from Clausen's Pier so I thought I'd give it a shot...

[beachreader]

I heard an interesting statistic on the Amazon Kindle. Apparently, Twilight has been one of the top downloads for e-readers, the theory being that a Kindle (or Sony Reader, which I have) is like the ultimate brown paper wrapper. Kindle-owning adults can now read teen books to their hearts' content without anyone else knowing what they're reading.

I bet porn is big on the Kindle, too. :)

[kimba]

So, of all the Tracy Chevalier books, which ones did you enjoy the most?

I liked them all, but I guess I liked Girl With A Pearl Earring, The Lady and the Unicorn, and The Virgin Blue the best. But I would not start with The Virgin Blue as it kind of disturbed me.

I don't have a kindle yet ...

[letele]

I haven't read Twilight yet, but am very looking forward to them. I also have a stack of books from my friend to read still....they're the books HBO's True Blood are based on (I think) and he said they're a fun, quick read. Southern vampires!

I do have to highly recommend The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (sp?) It's sad, but also so funny and very sweet. It's a big thick book, but a very fast read.

[BP.]

If you like the vampire theme, and haven't had a chance to check out the original classic, Bram Stoker's Dracula is terrific reading.

Fiction- Recent favorites:

The Blind Assassin, M. Atwood.
The Shadow of the Wind, C. Ruiz Zafon (Set in Barcelona, w/old bookstores & ancient libraries, for fans of the city, or book lovers, or anybody.)
Under the Volcano, M. Lowry (Set near Mexico City)

I tend toward non-fiction of historical adventures, but which read like jaw dropping novels. Here's some:

Love all books by or about Sir Ernest Shackleton, south polar explorer. A real breathtaker is South, by Shackleton.

I have a little collection of New World conquest themed non-fiction, all great for Yucatan fans. (I love Cortes-Moctezuma stories.) Some favorites: These read like fiction, not dry history.

The Hummingbird & The Hawk, R.C. Padden
Cortes & Montezuma, M. Collier
The Conquest of New Spain, B. Diaz (First person account)
The Last Voyage of Columbus, M. Duggard

Anybody have other favorites in that category?

Last year, my trip to MX was 3 wks, so I had time to read Les Miserable, V. Hugo. Big, fat, book. Loved it!

One more favorite- A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, D. Eggars. Any other fans of that one?

[PhyllisB]

Oh yeah, I like Eggers too!!

I wasn't as much of a fan of The Blind Assassin, but it was interesting....

Haven Kimmel is still my most recent favorite author. Anyone else out there read A Girl Named Zippy or The Solace of Leaving Early? She's really fantastic. Zippy is one of my favorite narrators ever (although technically it's a memoir, so Zippy is Haven Kimmel. But it doesn't read like one.). The new one, Iodine sounds like it might be really hard to read, so I might wait on the library for that one.

[rockgeek]

BP-
I'd have to agree on Bram Stoker's Dracula. I have had a paperback copy for around 15 years, and every once in a while when I don't have anything new, I read it again and its fantastic! I'm always amazed.

Also, if you like jaw dropping historical non-fiction, check out In the Heart of the Sea. Its the true story of a Nantucket whaling captain that Moby Dick is based on. One of the best books I've read in the last couple of years.

[BP.]

BP-

Also, if you like jaw dropping historical non-fiction, check out In the Heart of the Sea. Its the true story of a Nantucket whaling captain that Moby Dick is based on. One of the best books I've read in the last couple of years.


Thank-you, rockgeek. :beerchug: Putting this at the TOP of my list. I'm into ocean going adventures. Another recent favorite- Over the Edge of the World, L. Bergreen- about Magellan's journey. Full of amazing first hand accounts.

[kimba]

One more favorite- A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, D. Eggars. Any other fans of that one?

Nope.

I like David Eggers though. I like what he has done with 826 Valencia (http://www.826valencia.org/) and his site McSweeney's (http://www.mcsweeneys.net/) and the literary magazine The Believer.

[letele]

Haven't read Heartbreaking Work yet, mainly because it was always checked out from the library when I wanted to read it, but I really enjoyed What is the What, as well as You Shall Know Our Velocity. That book actually kicked off my "I need to go as many places as possible as soon as I can" thing.

[PhyllisB]

Heading back to the library today! Couldn't get into Ann Packer's follow up to Dive from Clausen's Pier. It's too bad, I really liked Dive. Enjoyed one of the Charlene Harris books from the southern vampire series, and enjoyed the latest installment from the Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency.

I just did a quick search of the catalog and they don't have either of the Eggers titles letele mentioned (argh!). No Book Thief either. I'll go for Tracy Chevalier this time, and maybe I'll look for another book about the southern vampires. I put the new Brooks book on my Christmas list!

[Lynnette]

OK, I'm hooked on vampires, too. I just finished the 2nd book in the Twilight series.....can't wit to read the next two. Who knew that a love story with vampires & werewolves would be such a good read.


http://images.ikoikz.multiply.com/image/3:twilightsaga/photos/23/1200x120/4/twilight.gif?et=FovRzor4O3fZZBWPBjFcRA&nmid=84347063 http://images.ikoikz.multiply.com/image/3:twilightsaga/photos/23/1200x120/39/Twilight-7.jpg?et=iEWK8iK1gcsYoCFBjpzrkQ&nmid=84347063

[brian2day]

100 Years of Solitude. Read it while travelling solo through the Yucatan in the 70's. Couldn't have been a better environment for such a magical latin American tale.

[letele]

Ah, that is a great one, although I liked Love in the Time of Cholera better.

Phyllis - I'm shocked that your library didn't have What is the What!!! It was a major bestseller a couple years ago. Bummer.

I gotta say that I spent about a week and a half over Christmas tearing through all the Southern Vampire novels that my friend loaned me. Apparently there is one more that's only out in hardback so far, so I'll wait. I can't really say they're good, but I also couldn't put them down!

[rockgeek]

Leaving for Tulum in two weeks and spent some time figuring out what would be the best beach reading. I decided on 'Sometimes a Great Notion' by Ken Kesey- I figured reading about rainy Oregon forests, that which I'm leaving behind, would make pulling my nose out of the book and looking at the Caribbean that much better!

[PhyllisB]

Ah, that is a great one, although I liked Love in the Time of Cholera better.

Phyllis - I'm shocked that your library didn't have What is the What!!! It was a major bestseller a couple years ago. Bummer.

I gotta say that I spent about a week and a half over Christmas tearing through all the Southern Vampire novels that my friend loaned me. Apparently there is one more that's only out in hardback so far, so I'll wait. I can't really say they're good, but I also couldn't put them down!

I think it was just the local branch that didn't have it - I bet the central branch does.... I'll have to look again. Now I've figured out how to put a book on hold, so that'll help. In fact, I did that with People of the Book, Geraldine Brooks's latest, and I have to say I'm having a harder time getting into this one than the other two of hers that I've read.

And I totally agree w/ you about the Southern Vampire novels, letele. They aren't really good necessarily, but they are entertaining & pretty fun. I got the latest (hardcover) from the library (another hold request!) and really enjoyed it. I know I shouldn't put this out there, but which romantic interest would you pair Sookie up with???

Lynnette, it's amazing how those Twilight books suck you in, isn't it? There were certainly little things I didn't like about them, but even still I could not put them down. I think I blew through all 4 of them in about ten days. I hope she does get Midnight Sun published sometime (book 1 written from Edward's POV). Not that I want to read the same story all over again, but his family is the most interesting part of the story and I'd like to get to know them better...

[kimba]

Are the Southern Vampires the ones in True Blood on HBO? I really like the show. Saw the first season in one sitting during a house sit at Thanksgiving.

The Twilight books I've read are fun. I'm waiting for the last two to come out in paperback. But they are too fat to take on a trip.

Does anyone have a kindle? I think that's the way to take a stack of books on a trip.

[Lynnette]

Lynnette, it's amazing how those Twilight books suck you in, isn't it....his family is the most interesting part of the story and I'd like to get to know them better...

Yes, "sucks" you in is right. :D I find the family intriguing too....I wonder if Meyer will branch off and do more books on individual members of the Cullen family.

[PhyllisB]

Yep, those are the books! I haven't seen any of the True Blood series... How did you see them all in one sitting?? Were they DVR'ed or something? I'm eagerly waiting for the DVDs - I've heard good things about the series but we don't have HBO. :(

I think Fran has a Kindle, or something similar... I'm just not sure I'm ready to give up the feel of a real book in my hand...

[kimba]

Oh PhyllisB you need to be a housesitter :) I don't have cable, but most of my housesit peeps do - I watched episodes back to back on On Demand.

I agree, a Meyer book or series on the Cullen family would be interesting.

[beachreader]

I have a Sony Reader, and I do really like that it's so compact and I can carry like 20 books (or more) on it. Battery lasts a good long time b/c there's no backlight, though I wish it had an adjustable backlight feature for reading late at night. Nothing too bright, just enough to get the words.

However, I miss the feel of a real book in my hand, and my eyes miss how easy it is to read type set on a piece of paper. I have to rotate between my Reader and real books.

My Reader saves me killing a whole lot of trees, though, and I like that a lot. I read a lot for work, and before we got these Readers, I got piles and piles of paper that went straight into recycling when I was done. Painful.

[letele]

And I totally agree w/ you about the Southern Vampire novels, letele. They aren't really good necessarily, but they are entertaining & pretty fun. I got the latest (hardcover) from the library (another hold request!) and really enjoyed it. I know I shouldn't put this out there, but which romantic interest would you pair Sookie up with???


Ya know, I watched True Blood first (and it is SO good, and different from the books, so you won't get bored) and from watching that, I would have to say she should be with Bill, always. But from reading the books....I want her to get with Eric! I can't help it! :o I do need to read the last book to see what happens with Quinn, but for whatever reason, Eric just piques my interest the most. What do you think?

[PhyllisB]

I read that series a little backwards, and hadn't seen the TV series at all. When I went to my little local branch, they only had a couple of the books, so I started them out of sequence. The first book I actually read was the one with Eric being cursed & staying at Sookie's. So of course, I didn't know much about Bill at all. Then I eventually went back and read the first couple of books, and one minute I like the guy and the next I really don't. Eric has his issues but I think he understands Sookie. I like Quinn a lot too... But I can't say anything else!!! No spoilers from me. :)

[letele]

I will just tell you that Bill is way, way hotter on the TV show than he sounds in the book...Kevin might get jealous! :p

[PhyllisB]

I will just tell you that Bill is way, way hotter on the TV show than he sounds in the book...Kevin might get jealous! :p

I have to say, when I saw the actor playing Eric, I wasn't real thrilled. I'd read that book w/ Eric first and was hooked on him, but not so crazy about the actor... so I just changed what he looked like in my mind! I can't wait to see who they cast as Quinn.... if they bring that storyline in at all.

[beachreader]

You guys are TOO funny with this. I feel like I'm reading a Twilight blog! :)

[PhyllisB]

I know, I know, that's why I almost didn't mention it.... but I just couldn't resist....

[letele]

It is a silly topic....but whatever, we're girls! :) Too funny - I do the same switcheroo in my mind about Bill in the books! I imagine him how he is on the show and it's much more satisfying! I, too, am curious to see how they cast Quinn, but I think that'll be a long ways off. I hope they stick to the one book per season way of doing things.

[TnTWalter]

I just read a good book called Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos. I really enjoyed it, it's very poetic, some characters took a while to enjoy but it was a nice read. I swear I felt like hugging it when I was done reading it. I love that feeling. Satisfaction. I also learned there was a prequel Love Walked In. It wasn't necessary but would have been nice to read first. I'm looking forward to reading it.

[c943]

Polished off James Rollins new book and an old Clive Cussler this trip

[PhyllisB]

I just read a good book called Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos. I really enjoyed it, it's very poetic, some characters took a while to enjoy but it was a nice read. I swear I felt like hugging it when I was done reading it. I love that feeling. Satisfaction. I also learned there was a prequel Love Walked In. It wasn't necessary but would have been nice to read first. I'm looking forward to reading it.

I love those kinds of books, Trish. I'll have to check those out!

[beachreader]

God I love that feeling of wanting to hug a book when it's finished! I totally know what you mean!

Sometimes I just can't start another book right away because I want to savor the last one.

[Lynnette]

It's a perfect day to spend reading by the fireplace...we're getting another 6-8 inches of snow dumped on us by evening. I'm reading The Girl with No Shadow, the sequel to Chocolat. I love how the author interweaves relationships, the pull of good against evil and I'm enjoying the narrative from three different viewpoints. There is also reference to Mayan magic and of course there is still a chocolaterie. :)

[marjan]

If you want to sit on the beach and laugh out loud - Terry Pratchett's - dat's the bunny! Any book in the Discworld series would be fantastic - Moving Pictures: a hilarious look at early motion pictures with a Discworld basis and the wonderful talking dog Gaspode..... Witches Abroad: the trio of Magrat, Granny Weatherwax and Nanny Ogg travel to "forn parts" and take on an evil Good Witch... The Colour of Magic: the original book that sets the stage for the multitude of Disworld characters and their lives and adventures. Gods bless Terry Pratchett I say!

[beachreader]

God bless Terry Pratchett indeed. I love him. Marjan, did you know he's got another Unseen U. book coming out this fall?

[PhyllisB]

Hmmm, I don't know Terry Pratchett. Sounds like something to add to the list!

I'm going to have to try The Girl with No Shadow, too. I generally enjoy books written from different character perspectives. Hmmm, they sound like good books to bring to Tulum! In, oh, a little over a month! :D And the list keeps growing!

Although now that I say that, I will say I really didn't enjoy Geraldine Brooks' latest (People of the Book) even though it was written from different perspectives. I just couldn't get into it. I tried and tried, but just never really enjoyed it. Bummer, because I just LOVED her previous books!

I just finished Brida by Paolo Coelho. It was a totally different kind of book for me, but I was happy with it -- sometimes it's good to shake things up and read something completely different.

Next up for me is Thirteen Moons by Charles Frazier.

Anyone read Wally Lamb's newest? The Hour I First Believed? I was thinking of putting that on my list, since I've really enjoyed his previous books.

[marjan]

No - I didn't know that. Great, 'cause I've been antsy waiting for the next one. When I heard that TP has a form of Alzheimer's I was depressed and worried for that amazing mind. Now that I know he's living and working with and through it, that it's a milder form, I feel it wouldn't be insensitive and selfish to restate my usual demands upon him: WRITE MORE, WRITE FASTER.... and threaten with my usual violence: I know what country you live in, I could quite likely narrow your whereabouts down and could go there - during the summer months so's to get in some touring as well - and, being Canadian and historically pathetically polite, stalk you with intense, pointed stares.

[beachreader]

- and, being Canadian and historically pathetically polite, stalk you with intense, pointed stares.


That'll get him, I'm sure! :D:D:D

[ilovewyoming]

Merle's Door:
Ted Keratoe

Good read, informative, Merle is a great dog, some parts i didn't agree with as a pet owner, but Good BooK

[letele]

Wyo, I will have to check that out - Temple Grandin references that book a lot in her newest - Animals Make Us Human. It's been very informative so far and has definitely helped me understand more about my dog!

[Lynnette]

Loved, loved The Girl With No Shadow, I'll have to read more Joanne Harris. I just finished book 3 of James Patterson's women's murder club series......for some reason I have to read them in order. :D This was my favorite in the series, but had some shocking turns......no spoiler from me.

[lianne]

Well, let's see, I just finished "Serpent of Light", I'm almost done with the "Mystery of the Crystal Skulls", and I'm halfway through "Maya End Times". I find it difficult to only read one book at a time. All of these are kind of on the subject of 2012, and they are all very interesting......:twocents:

[lianne]

I forgot, I have been reading an author named Barbara Kingsolver, and she is amazing!! So far have read The Bean Trees, Animal Dreams, Prodigal Summer, and have The Poisonwood Bible, and Pigs In Heaven (sequel to Bean Trees) that I am saving for my trip in April.....

[PhyllisB]

Lianne, I've enjoyed Barbara Kingsolver quite a bit over the years too. Just loved The Poisonwood Bible! Really great traveling books too.

[kimba]

Here's a list to keep everyone busy ... !!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2009/jan/23/bestbooks-fiction