Germany will present an English language book challenge. As in there are none. So we're trying to collect paperbacks to bring along. Unfortunately, I'm at a loss as to what I want to read. It's very unusual for me, but all of the books I currently want happen to be hardback. I've tried getting some older books by favorite authors, but I keep hitting brick walls. The trouble is that I love contemporary fiction but usually devour books as soon as they come out so I've read all of the newer ones from 2002, especially award winners. So this is where you come in. I need book suggestions! A few guidelines:
Other than that, all suggestions appreciated! Leave a comment (the Talk To Me! link) or send an email to shelby[at]happybeagle.com.
Posted by Shelby at January 4, 2004 10:18 PMWhy don't you help your loyal readers by providing a list of the books you've already purchased?
That's not a book suggestion Kevin!! Actually almost all of the books I've purchased (or had purchased for me) recently were published after 2001, so if a book is older than that chances are I don't have it to take with us already. Besides, it's much funner to say "I've already read that, nyah nyah nyah."
Posted by: Shelby at January 4, 2004 10:27 PMMargaret Atwood's _Cat's Eye_
Do you like horror, Shelby (Like Anne Rice's Mayfair Witch books? Those are the ones I'm thinking of...lots of fun, matriarchal lineage stuff in the first one.)
Let me go home and look at my shelves sometime soon...
Posted by: Jackie at January 5, 2004 01:15 PMI highly recommend Bleak House, by Charles Dickens. My college roomate told me that its a must read. That or Indian Giver ("Refuse to Go!").
both are classics.
:-)
Posted by: Mary at January 5, 2004 02:03 PMThanks Jackie! I love Margaret Atwood and Cat's Eye is not one I've read before. I have read Anne Rice, however--guess your psychic connection isn't so good, eh? ;)
Mary, you're NOT helping here.
Posted by: Shelby at January 5, 2004 02:19 PMThe Secret Life of Bees-- Kidd
The Patron Saint of Liars-- Patchett
In Her Shoes-- Weiner
Bel Canto--Patchett
Lucky--Sebold
About a Boy--Hornby
How to Be Good--Hornby
High Fidelity--Hornby
A Home at the End of the World--Cunningham
Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (uhh..I don't know who wrote it)
Maybe you've already read all these :)
Posted by: Cari at January 5, 2004 05:43 PMThe God of Small Things. I love this book.
Posted by: Cari at January 5, 2004 05:43 PMShelby,
I know you're not much of the nonfiction type...but I am currently reading "A Reason for Hope" by Jane Goodall. Yes yes...typical Sherri. But, this book shies away from talking about her time with the chimps and focuses on how she can witness so much devastation and still be a hopeful and positive-thinking individual. She's got a remarkable outlook and I am thoroughly enjoying her book...and it's paperback. I've got more ideas, but I need to look at home.
-Sherri
okay - here's a real suggestion! (I still think that Bleak House was good idea!). Try Jennifer Weiner's books "Good in Bed" and "In Her Shoes" (Cari recommended "In Her Shoes" too). They're fun books, set in Philly, and very well written.
and Cari - if you haven't read "Good In Bed" its definetly better than the second book!
-Mary
Posted by: Mary at January 7, 2004 05:09 AMHi Mary! I LOVE Good in Bed! I gave it to Shelby to read last time I saw her, which was about ten thousand years ago :)
Posted by: Cari at January 7, 2004 06:25 AMYes, I admit it, I still have Cari's copy of Good in Bed. Haven't read In Her Shoes yet though. Thanks for all of the good suggestions. I'm putting them on my list.
Posted by: Shelby at January 7, 2004 07:31 PMI highly recommend the "His Dark Materials" trilogy by Philip Pullman. (The three individual books are "The Golden Compass", "The Subtle Knife", and "The Amber Spyglass.") While technically young adult books, they're definitely for older young adults. They actually are shelved in both young adult and fantasy/sci-fi at most bookstores.
Anyway, Pullman has a very vivid imagination and weaves a complex story and richly realized worlds. Enjoy!