Recommended books for spring summer 06?

I just bought The Mermaid Chair today...think I'll go start it! ;-)

I just bought The Mermaid's Chair today...think I'll go start it! ;-)

girl...just remember it is nothing like the "Secret Life Of Bees"...but read it on its own merits..it is a good book!

not about books, but we just watched the last harry potter movie goblet of fire. good god,now i remember why i almost didn't finish the book - hated it. i enjoyed the chronicles of narnia much better. they dude with the freaky eyeball in harry potter reminded me of a demented john wayne playing rooster cogburn.

Enjoyed The Kite Runner
Curious Incident
and Life of Pi.
Not sure I understood all the symbolism in Life of Pi, but I liked the tiger scenes.

Audie
I actually *preferred* the movie version of Goblet of Fire to that of the book, and that doesn't happen very often. Haven't seen the movie version of Narnia, but still have the books from back when I bought them in the 70's.
Always liked Aslan, with or without his symbolism.

Paula, your Isaac Cline book sounds like something I should read.

Cil, I think you'd like it.

When I was on vacation, I picked up a book from the library of my brother-in-law and sister-in-law's bookshelf called "Not Fade Away: A Short Life Well Lived" by Laurence Shames (an Esquire columnist) and Peter Barton. It's both an uplifting and sad autobiography about the life of Peter Barton (founder and CEO of Liberty Media). Peter Barton died in his early 50's but decided to write this book when he realized he was terminally ill (I think he wrote it for his children so they would know him and so that he could teach them while he had a chance). I could not put the book down. He was someone who embraced life fully as a risk-taker, entrepreneur, etc., and who embraced the opportunity to leave behind this book that is full of wisdom, humor, and a good story. As a baby boomer, he takes us through his childhood, the 60's, and the ups and downs of his career, as well as finding out he was terminally ill and how he dealt with that. Just a lovely book (Dave Barry's endorsement on the cover said "This is a wise, funny, and intensely true book -- a generous gift from an amazing guy to those of us who are so busy getting through life that we sometimes forget why we're living. Sooner or later, we'll all make the journey Peter Barton took; now, thanks to him, it doesn't look so scary."

Clearly, between reading "Isaac's Storm" and this book, I was ready to get away from light reading for a while! Next on my list are "A Thread of Grace" and "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night" and "The Mermaid's Chair" and Bel Canto -- all recommended on this thread -- thank you!

Paula
Just ordered (used paperbacks) Isaac's Storm and Not Fade Away.
I had read about Not Fade Away before; it sounds inspiring and compelling.
A Thread of Grace will not be light reading for you, but I think you will enjoy it.

Enjoyed The Kite Runner
Curious Incident
and Life of Pi.
Not sure I understood all the symbolism in Life of Pi, but I liked the tiger scenes.

Audie
I actually *preferred* the movie version of Goblet of Fire to that of the book, and that doesn't happen very often. Haven't seen the movie version of Narnia, but still have the books from back when I bought them in the 70's.
Always liked Aslan, with or without his symbolism.

Paula, your Isaac Cline book sounds like something I should read.

me too cil - i remembered that this was the book where i felt the series started going down hill. i didn't care for it or order of the phoenix, but then really liked book #6, can't think of it's name. can't wait to see how it all turns out.

Just finished this one yesterday: Not Buying It
Pretty thought provoking; she talks about her firsthand experiences, as well as adding lots of facts about economic, consumer and social issues. I think JohnR and SJ might like this.

Just finished this one yesterday: Not Buying It
Pretty thought provoking; she talks about her firsthand experiences, as well as adding lots of facts about economic, consumer and social issues. I think JohnR and SJ might like this.

I just read the reviews. I will admit now that I am not a "big enough" person to follow this idea at 100%, but most reviews say that the idea was inspiring and a good way to think about "cutting back", which I want to do. Thanks Pea!

girl...just remember it is nothing like the "Secret Life Of Bees"...but read it on its own merits..it is a good book!

I read the Mermaid chair over Easter.....not what I thought it was going to be, but I really enjoyed it :clap_1:

I just read the reviews. I will admit now that I am not a "big enough" person to follow this idea at 100%, but most reviews say that the idea was inspiring and a good way to think about "cutting back", which I want to do. Thanks Pea!

Oh, same here--I'm sure you know that. ;-)
But it definitely makes you think, and it made me recall leaner times in my life when I made do with less or just plain lost my "appetite" for buying. Those times were real lessons on necessity. I do try to be conscientious about not being quick to throw away everything; I try to reuse what I can. With the kids, one thing that's constantly "consumed" is clothes--new sizes each year. I try hard to "recycle" clothes through eBay, consignment, charity, etc. And I've Freecycled tons of other stuff!

another fun writer is Jane Green...wrote a very cute book called "Jemima J" and she is the one who wrote "Bookends" also "Straight Talking"...all great beach reads!!!

i loved Jemima J! that was a good one too!!

Recommended reading for this spring and summer? Here are my new picks for easy beach reading:

"Waiting" by Ha Jin (romance taking place in Communist China -- doctor who is married to an "old school" woman with bound feet in village falls in love with young nurse where he is stationed -- clever ending that I wouldn't have expected) - you can get it online at amazon.com used for about $1.00 plus shipping.

"Islands" by Anne Siddons (I'm reading it now and not finished yet but am enjoying it very much. It's about a group of friends from wealthy Charleston who love the beach who meet in their 40's and 50s and how life changes over time -- I have a feeling there's going to be a twist in the plot soon...)

Both could be read in a week at the beach.

this is a great book i read in school its called charlie skeddale, its about this boy and he goes of to join the cival war for his dead brothers revenge yadyada i dont want to spoile it but it is much better then you would think please read it

this is a great book i read in school its called charlie skeddale, its about this boy and he goes of to join the cival war for his dead brothers revenge yadyada i dont want to spoile it but it is much better then you would think please read it

Grayton Kid, if you liked that book, you might like some of the others on this book list. The Avi book about Charlotte Doyle is pretty long and detailed but it's a great story and really engrossing.

Paula
Wow, A Thread Of Grace is *definitely* the book for you! It likely will underscore the poignant family stories you have already heard.
Please let me know what you think once you read it.

Cil:

Based on your recommendation, I read A Thread of Grace. It was a stunning book and I was often stunned (e.g., heart stopped for a moment or two) while reading it. It's not for everyone and it's definitely not light beach reading, but it is spellbinding and poignant for those who love historical novels, Italy, or WW2 stories (the human side of WW2).

Both Tootsie and Allifunn wanted to read it, so I passed the book onto them when I finished it. The book was one of my all-time most powerful books that I read -- thanks for recommending it Cil.

I am so glad you liked it, Paula!
It definitely is a favorite of mine, as well.
But looking at your family background, I certainly can see how it would *especially* resonate with you.

Cil:

Based on your recommendation, I read A Thread of Grace. It was a stunning book and I was often stunned (e.g., heart stopped for a moment or two) while reading it. It's not for everyone and it's definitely not light beach reading, but it is spellbinding and poignant for those who love historical novels, Italy, or WW2 stories (the human side of WW2).

Both Tootsie and Allifunn wanted to read it, so I passed the book onto them when I finished it. The book was one of my all-time most powerful books that I read -- thanks for recommending it Cil.

I went online to order this book today & realized that I had already read it! This was an amazing read - historical fiction with great characters. If you enjoyed it you will also like "A Kiss From Maddalena" by Christopher Castellani. Also set in Italy during WWII.

http://www.christophercastellani.com/content.php4?page=akfm&mh=2&n=2&f=3

Cil:

Based on your recommendation, I read A Thread of Grace. It was a stunning book and I was often stunned (e.g., heart stopped for a moment or two) while reading it. It's not for everyone and it's definitely not light beach reading, but it is spellbinding and poignant for those who love historical novels, Italy, or WW2 stories (the human side of WW2).

Both Tootsie and Allifunn wanted to read it, so I passed the book onto them when I finished it. The book was one of my all-time most powerful books that I read -- thanks for recommending it Cil.

thank you so much for passing it on! I will get it from Tootsie after she reads it and take it on my trip to Italy! Many long hours on a plane...I will need reading material!

Oh Dear. I'll have to get A Kiss from Maddelena as well. I'm in quite the sentimental Italian mood these days, especially because of our upcoming trip to Italy this summer to visit our family in one of these old Italian villages that was on the front during WW2. Sadly, the cousin I mentioned earlier in this thread (I mentioned that he danced on the tables in Italy for soldiers when he was 4 years old) died this past Saturday at age 66 and I'm heading out to his funeral in Massachusetts today. After having read the book, A Thread of Grace, I realized how much more he and his family/my family endured during the war and the memories/knowledge they take with them when they die. Many of the people at the funeral this week will be our Italian relatives in the US, some of whom were also in Italy during WW2 or who are descendents of people who were. His wife (who I will see in Massachusetts) was 6 when she was in Italy during the war (same town as he was in) and she has told stories about the war, especially about the bombings. Anyway, these books are so poignant and I feel I get to know my family/roots a bit better through them.

I'm glad you'll get a chance to read the book, Allifunn. I love that photo of the four of us at lunch at Cafe Spiazza last week in your avatar. Where's Sunshine in the photo -- oh, right, she was under the table.

Anne Tyler's latest novel, "Digging to America" is wonderful, as are all of hers. And I'm glad to read that Anne Rivers Siddons' "Islands" is enjoyable, as most of hers are. Great beach reading!

Anne Rivers Siddons would be the perfect person to buy the old Washaway House at Grayton, don'tcha think?

I just started reading books by Harlen Coben. I have read The Innocent and Promise Me. Both are great books and have unseen twists. The endings come out of nowhere and you don't suspect it. Also James Patterson and Denis Lehayne.

I just started reading books by Harlen Coben. I have read The Innocent and Promise Me. Both are great books and have unseen twists. The endings come out of nowhere and you don't suspect it. Also James Patterson and Denis Lehayne.

his books are very good - be sure to read his myron bolitar series..

I just started reading books by Harlen Coben. I have read The Innocent and Promise Me. Both are great books and have unseen twists. The endings come out of nowhere and you don't suspect it. Also James Patterson and Denis Lehayne.

I picked up Promise Me during lunch today. Can't wait to start it! Audie - it is a Myron Bolitar one.

Also enjoy Dennis Lehane books especially the Kenzie/Gennaro series. He has not released a book in quite a while.

I picked up Promise Me during lunch today. Can't wait to start it! Audie - it is a Myron Bolitar one.

Also enjoy Dennis Lehane books especially the Kenzie/Gennaro series. He has not released a book in quite a while.

i know - i can't wait to start it when i get home !

"Bitter is the new black" authors website is hilarious: www.jennsylvania.com

"We thought you would be prettier" and
" I love everybody"
~Laurie notaro