Book Suggestions

I am currently reading Persuading Annie by Melissa Nathan and Double Shot by Diane Mott Davidson.  I also recently read  Pride Prejudice and Jasmine Field by Melissa Nathan a few weeks ago.  Prior to that I read an American WW 2 historal novel called The Last Stand of the Tin Can Sailors by James D. Hornfischer about the battle of Leyte Gulf (which my grandfather was a part of).  My favorite novels are Pride and Prejudice (natch), anything by M.C. Beaton, and A Secret History by Donna Tarrt.  Needless to say I have very eclectic tastes in novels!  Can anyone suggest something to read that I can't miss out on?  I refuse to read anything heavy, snobby, or full of itself (ie an Oprah selection).  Cheers, Patti

What A Secret History about?  Interesting title.  Right now I am reading the book that all expats read I think.  It is called Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson.

I have read that and it is very funny...in fact the best book by Bill Bryson is called A Walk in the Woods, about him hiking the long trail- v. funny.

A Secret History is hard to describe... I read i when it was first published years ago and it takes place in Bennington, VT (though it doesnt' say so)- where I went to college: Bennington College.  It is sort of a mystery in a way.......some funny bits, some scary bits, but all the way through it'll keep you wondering.  Pick it up if you can.

Cheers, Patti

I really enjoyed A Secret History, I keep meaning to pick up her next, although it was not critically well-received.

Have you read any Herman Wouk?  I can't pass up a chance to plug my favorite novel, The Caine Mutiny, and his Marjorie Morningstar is also one of my faves. 

And if you like mysteries, try Elizabeth George, she's wonderful.

And of course anything by Sharon Kay Penman. 

Thanks for your suggestions- I'll make a list.  My library here in upstate NY is great (I will really miss it)- you can go on line and request items and they search about 2 dozen member libraries for the first available copy...I can check what books are waiting for me and can even renew on line. 

I haven't read Donna Tarrts second book either- the subject matter turns me away from it.

A Secret History, GREAT BOOK!!!!!  In my top 10! I need to read it again, I read it when it first came out like 12 years ago!!!  I hear the second one was not very good.  So I will not read it, afraid to ruin my image of her!!!

Ohhh I do live and breathe books.

I've just started 98 Reasons for Being by Clare Dudman because I got it free from work (I'm Asst Mgr of a bookshop!). I'm not all that sure how much I'm enjoying it...but I'm giving it a chance! I  just finished reading an advance of The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd (who wrote the amazing book The Secret Life of Bees) and it was really enjoyable. Before that I finished the books I got for xmas Elizabeth's London by Liza Picard, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (who wrote Housekeeping years ago- another wonderful book), the first book of Alexander McCall Smith's new series called The Sunday Philosopher's Club - which wasn't as good as his Ladies Detective Agency series, but still is interesting and set in Edinburgh! I've also been reading through House of Light, a collection of poems by Mary Oliver.

I could list a dozen more from these last months but I'll stop hehe

Ohhh I do live and breathe books.

I've just started 98 Reasons for Being by Clare Dudman because I got it free from work (I'm Asst Mgr of a bookshop!). I'm not all that sure how much I'm enjoying it...but I'm giving it a chance! I  just finished reading an advance of The Mermaid Chair by Sue Monk Kidd (who wrote the amazing book The Secret Life of Bees) and it was really enjoyable. Before that I finished the books I got for xmas Elizabeth's London by Liza Picard, Gilead by Marilynne Robinson (who wrote Housekeeping years ago- another wonderful book), the first book of Alexander McCall Smith's new series called The Sunday Philosopher's Club - which wasn't as good as his Ladies Detective Agency series, but still is interesting and set in Edinburgh! I've also been reading through House of Light, a collection of poems by Mary Oliver.

I could list a dozen more from these last months but I'll stop hehe

I think you have my dream job!!!  Seriously!!!

I can't wait for The Mermaid Chair, I am so jealous you read it!!!  The Secret Life of Bees is in my top ten!!!

I think you have my dream job!!!  Seriously!!!

I can't wait for The Mermaid Chair, I am so jealous you read it!!!  The Secret Life of Bees is in my top ten!!!

I have my dream job again too, Stacey!  I'll see if I can get you an advance of The Mermaid Chair if you'd like? The publisher rep used to have my job and the perks are evident!  hehe

I have my dream job again too, Stacey!  I'll see if I can get you an advance of The Mermaid Chair if you'd like? The publisher rep used to have my job and the perks are evident!  hehe

OMG!!!!  Really!!!!  I would be forever in your debt!!!!

I think I need to look into the bookshops in town!  Maybe change my career!!!  I have friends in NYC in both publishing and actual authors, I surround myself with them

I've got "Elizabeth's London" on my bedside table, it' just waiting for me to pick it up.  Did you read "Restoration Londond" by the same author?

I'm so happy- I suddenly have a very long list of books to read!!  My brain has been on meltdown since starting the visa stuff months ago, so I have found it hard to concentrate on my most favorite thing to do: read.  This is giving me incentive to get back into it.  Thanks so much!

I've got "Elizabeth's London" on my bedside table, it' just waiting for me to pick it up.  Did you read "Restoration Londond" by the same author?

I have, yep! I've also read Dr. Johnson's London but only own Elizabeth's London after asking for it in hardback for my collection. I like her writing style and just eat up anything having to do with the lives of everyday people! You usually have to read very dry academic stuff to satisfy the addiction, though hehe

I have a growing collection of London history books and maps. I have always been particularly interested in the lives of women and children and have recently reread Medieval Children by Nicholas Orme- really really good. I love anything to do with the Plague, too and have many favourites.  I can also recommend some good books on the Great Fire of london! The Dreadful Judgement by Neil Hanson is a fantastic book! Hmm....I think I may have morbid fascinations! History really is my thing, though.

Have you read the other Picard books? Take a look at the notes of Elizabeth's London- lots of ideas for further reading! I'm itching to get something else meaty!

Is "Medieval Children" fiction or non?  And ditto "The Dreadful Judgement"?

I did read Restoration London, or rather, I've read it several times, but Restoration isn't really "my period", so while it was really interesting it isn't one of my "again and again" readers.  I wish she would go further back!

It's so hard to find good non-fiction history that really eals with day-to-day life, isn't it?  I love the Geis books "Life in a Medieval Castle", "Life in a medieval village" etc.)  Informative, very detailed, and fun too.

How to Live with A Man (and love it!)


After 3 years of living together (and FIL!!!!)  -- I LOVE THIS BOOK!!  It's GREAT!!!