Help!! Does anyone have a recommendation for an engaging, not-too-serious, not-too-trashy, not-too-scary, not-too-sad summer read? I can't seem to find the right book these days. My attention span is woefully short and I can't bear anything depressing or pretentious. I'd be very grateful if you'd share your favorites.
I'm so glad you stopped by and gave me your blog address! I read 'The Island' by Victoria Hislop (I think that was her last name) and it was amazing ... I actually read it in something like 2 days - couldn't put it down.
Posted by: Adrienne | July 24, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Thanks so much for all of your great suggestions! Now I just have to find the time to read all those fabulous books!
Posted by: Alexis | July 23, 2008 at 07:27 PM
I know I'm late, but how about The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver, While I was Gone by Sue Miller, or Whiute Oleander by Janet Fitch, Anything by Jane Hamilton, or Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston.
For a little heavier, try In the Heart of the Sea by Nathaniel Philbrick
Posted by: elizabeth of course | July 23, 2008 at 03:47 PM
Currently in the midst of The Summer Book by Tove Jansson. Magical.
Posted by: Ali | July 22, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Have you read The Friday Night Knitting Club?
Posted by: Rosanne -- Firefly Nights | July 22, 2008 at 05:02 AM
I just started "Eat, Pray, Love" and am loving it! (I know it's no new revelation and you may have read it already...but it's my 2¢.) :)
Posted by: Uncle Beefy | July 21, 2008 at 02:43 PM
I just love The Prodigal Summer by Barbara Kingsolver-its a great summer read. Also, anything by Chris Bohjalian, such as Midwives or Double Blind. Ymnn, I love so many books it's hard to decide, but those are definitely my top summer picks. Happy reading!
Posted by: jessica | July 20, 2008 at 04:35 PM
Oh! I've got a good book for you! Or, some good books...
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. Intriguing, beautifully written, somewhat suspenseful but not to the uncomfortable level. Slightly vampirish, but NOT horror-ish. Warning: you will have an overwhelming desire to pack your bags and head to europe.
The Canterbury Papers by Judith Healey. I'm actually getting ready to re-read this book, as I remember having loved it so much. Great little 13th century mystery. Light, easy, captivating.
Posted by: caroline | July 20, 2008 at 08:40 AM
Hey there! The last good book that I read and liked a whole bunch was A Girl Named Zippy by Haven Kimmel. Also The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory. I'm having a hard time getting into anything right now, also...too much of a scatter-brain, I guess!
Posted by: Paige | July 19, 2008 at 05:15 PM
I always recommend Jennifer Crusie when people want light reading - engaging, and very funny! :)
Posted by: [michele] | July 19, 2008 at 03:01 PM
By the way, I meant that perhaps I was a housewife on an Iowan farm in a previous life - not that I was, in fact, an Iowa farmhouse.
Just wanted to clarify.
Khaite
Posted by: Khaite | July 19, 2008 at 01:20 PM
Oh yes! yes! I just started "Little Heathens: Hard Times and High Sprits on an Iowa Farm During the Great Depression," by Mildred Armstrong Kalish. The NY Times voted it one of the best books of the year (2007, I think). Anyway, it is a little bit Little House on the Prairie, a little frugal, a little crafty. I have a general fascination with Iowa farmhouses and housewives . . . perhaps I was one in another life . . . though unfortunately I did not pick up many handy pioneer-type tips to bring with me into my current incarnation as a totally un-self-sufficient suburban "stay-at-home mother" (I don't hear housewife much anymore).
See you . . . later!
Khaite
Posted by: Khaite | July 19, 2008 at 01:18 PM