Summer reading recommendations

[Gidget]

Oh, I was responding to BR's Newsweek 100 list.

I am at 12 and 11 on your lists - the 2nd one seems very biased towards a couple authors (4 Ayn Rand, 3 L. Ron Hubbard). And while I enjoy Tom Clancy, "Hunt for Red October" shouldn't be on the list IMO.

I think I'll make my own!

I have TRIED Ayn Rand and it was a no go. I don't know if I will try that again.... I'll put it at END of list. I am NOT going in order.

Hey, post your list when you finish it! Can't wait to see it

G

 

[Teresa]

I have only read 26 of those 100 - some on the list I would like to read, but others I tried to read and stopped because I hated the book. (Sorry, but I just can't stand Hemingway or Faulkner and don't understand the fuss people make about them.)

Rather random list IMO - don't know that I would put Charlotte's Web on the same literary footing as Hamlet.

I have to admit that at first I couldn't get through Faulkner but once I start a book, I will finish it no matter what. I found his work to be different and confusing at first but then I really appreciated the stories as a whole - the writing is bizarre but I did learn to appreciate it after reading a package of 3 or 4 of his books. I liked Hemingway, but he was weird too - on a different level that I can't explain because I can't really remember the stories, but I did appreciate them.

 

[Teresa]

this summer, I have enjoyed many good books. these are a few worth mentioning.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Prodigal-Summer-Barbara-Kingsolver/dp/0060199652"]prodigal summer[/ame][ame="http://www.sowal.com/bb/%20"] by Barbara Kingsolver[/ame]


coiled in the heart, by Scott Elliott


Jade Lee romance/fantasy/historical fiction novels (can't help it sometimes)


[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Sword-Truth-Boxed-Set-Books/dp/0812575601"]The Sword of Truth[/ame]
by Terry Goodkind - a series of huge novels - epic fantasy adventure similiar to Lord of the Rings.


The book I've most enjoyed this year is Shantaram. by David Gregory Roberts

 

[Yarmap]

If you want to laugh your way through two good books--------------



[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Ride-Our-Lives-Mike-Leonard/dp/0345481496/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246990616&sr=1-3]Amazon.com: The Ride of Our Lives: Mike Leonard: Books[/ame]

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Walk-Woods-Rediscovering-America-Appalachian/dp/0307279464/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246990816&sr=1-1]Amazon.com: A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail: Bill Bryson: Books[/ame]

 

[Gidget]

If you want to laugh your way through two good books--------------



Amazon.com: The Ride of Our Lives: Mike Leonard: Books

Amazon.com: A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail: Bill Bryson: Books

Oh I am SO glad you mentioned A Walk In The Woods - I have been meaning to read it. My dh did and he loved it!

G

 

[scooterbug44]

I have to admit that at first I couldn't get through Faulkner but once I start a book, I will finish it no matter what. I found his work to be different and confusing at first but then I really appreciated the stories as a whole - the writing is bizarre but I did learn to appreciate it after reading a package of 3 or 4 of his books. I liked Hemingway, but he was weird too - on a different level that I can't explain because I can't really remember the stories, but I did appreciate them.

If I like a book, it's done in a day or 2, if I don't seasons and years may pass.

I finally decided to stop forcing myself to read books I didn't like - there are SO many I DO like that there's no need to torture myself. I made myself read several books by Faulkner and Hemingway (and even went to his house), so I feel like I gave it a good enough effort.

Barbara Kingsolver is one of my new faves - I have to keep finding new authors because I read much faster than they write!

 

[Paula]

Thanks for these ideas. I need summer reading, too. Two of my favorite vacation books were The Time Traveler's Wife and Bel Canto. Loved Water for Elephants and Secret Life of Bees. The nonfiction book Bliss is fun, too. It's about happiness in different countries around the world - the age old question about what makes people happy.

 

[Camellia]

Two books I read in the past week, and would recommend,
Loving Frank/ Nancy Horan and Everyman/Philip Roth. Am now reading Barbara Walter's autobiography and enjoying it.

 

[Teresa]

If I like a book, it's done in a day or 2, if I don't seasons and years may pass.

I finally decided to stop forcing myself to read books I didn't like - there are SO many I DO like that there's no need to torture myself. I made myself read several books by Faulkner and Hemingway (and even went to his house), so I feel like I gave it a good enough effort.

Barbara Kingsolver is one of my new faves - I have to keep finding new authors because I read much faster than they write!

I know the feeling. I read TOO much - its just the most relaxing thing ever.

I forgot to mention two other books I just finished that were great historical fiction stories:
Mokoka'a, and Honolulu. Both by Alan Brennert. Beautiful epic stories set in Hawaii, early 1900s.

 

[sarawind]

If you like historical fiction try the Sparrowhawk series by Edward Cline. Try book one first and see if you want to continue. Book one stands alone but you'll want more. Great books and the author did extensive research.