i actually have some vacation plans this summer, which means i should start stockpiling books now! any recommendations?
note that i eschew the usual beach-reading fare b/c i am a book snob, which means i'm looking for fiction i can really sink into, interesting memoirs or essays, things that will make me giggle out loud (like the robertson davies book i've just started), but nothing too academic-y--i don't like to think too hard when i'm on an airplane or at the beach or whatever.
obviously if you're a regular reader of this blog, you've noticed that i do read all sorts of things, so don't be afraid to toss some names/titles out--i won't judge you! i am a devourer of books!
also re: summer reading: nextbook has a list of jewish-related books as recommended by some well-known jewish authors (i was thrilled to see savyon liebrecht appear--i'll definitely be reading the book she chose). i've only read 4 of the ones on the list so this will be a nice starting point.
I can't get enough of Karen Joy Fowler right now. I really think you would like The Sweetheart Season and Black Glass, which I read this month. (The ISBNs on my page, which I know you love so much, are now linked to the awesome Wikipedia Booksources page, which in turn links to UNC's OPAC, WorldCat, RLG, et al. for your searching and browsing pleasure. :)
ReplyDeleteA few others I read recently that I think you might like (somewhat light, but still Real Literature):
* Steven Sherrill's The Minotaur Takes a Cigarette Break
* Roy Lewis' Evolution Man
* George Hagen's The Laments
yay for being able to search and browse through your site! :)
ReplyDeletei'll definitely be adding these to my list--thanks!!
Martha Beck's Expecting Adam is good, surreal, and not what you'd expect. i'll warn you that it goes best with an open mind; she's got some pretty weird experiences in there, and you can either read them as strange things that happened to her that helped her get through a rough time (regardless of whether or not they actually happened) or you can just decide she's a kook and dismiss them...and not enjoy the book as much.
ReplyDeletebut i thought it was a good book, personally.
I liked The Girl Who Played Go by Shan Sa, and I'm currently engrossed in the Gore Vidal American chronicles series. The first is a little sad, so beware if you are "taking it to the beach."
ReplyDeletei've heard good things about the girl who played go, so i'll try and track down a copy. and i looove sad books! i don't mind crying in public, even at the beach. :)
ReplyDelete