Bossy has written before about the neglected stack of New Yorker magazines that live next to her bed and threaten to kill her — either death by guilt, or they will fall on her.
At last count, Twenty-four neglected New Yorker issues plus the five issues since the last time Bossy looked — this hopeless predicament is what keeps Bossy from thinking about the books she’d like to read this summer.
In the old days which equals last year, Bossy would plow through a few books a week during the summer, drawing from a summer reading list she compiled with the help of friend recommendations, online research, and a revisitation of classics.
Bossy needs to compile a reading list for this summer, even though it’s been a year since Bossy picked up a meaningful book, and can summarize the plot of her most recent read this way:
Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy the plot of a great book so she and her council can consider it for this summer? Please include the title of the book and the author, which does not count as part of the ten words.
And be sure to check back later today for the best summer reading list on the web.
Corrupt police, racial tension, Babe Ruth in Boston, early 1900’s.
Dennis Lehane, The Given Day.
Angle of Repose, by Wallace Stegner
It reminds me of Bossy’s Family Tree segments–twist included.
And I finally had to end my subscription to the New Yorker–overcome by guilt and unread gems of journalistic brilliance. Sigh.
Just recieved my 6 books from the book club, am really excited. If there is a murder in the first chapter, I’m hooked. Reading Mary Higgins Clark new book.
The Spellman Files (and the two follow up books) by Lisa Lutz
Quirky PI family doing shit that will have you in stitches.
Sorry that required Eleven words…I AM a rule breaker from way back!
Slightly futuristic female cop series mysteries, some steamy moments – Good!
JD Robb (series “_____ in Death”) – I think there are 29, that will fill up a summer!
“Still Life” by Louise Penny (1st in a series of 5 thus far)
Perfect Canadian village. Except people die. Beautifully crafted mystery. Remarkable.
Southern town, falsely accused, ghostly neighbour, three little kids, Atticus.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. My favourite book of all time.
Hal Coben Hold Tight
Just started it, can’t put it down, gripped by suspense!!
“The Pact” by Jodi Picoult.
Two families-their teenage children-Murder/suicide–or IS IT?
“Folly” by Laurie R. King (one of her stand-alones)
Troubled woman alone on small island rebuilds family house. Intrigue!!
“The Pleasure of My Company” Steve Martin
Daniel Pecan Cambridge is lovable and just a little nuts.
The Historian
Elizabeth Kostova
Three generations track Dracula through Europe. Engrossing suspense, drama, folklore.
convent girl, broke, handsome duke, war, moral and religious dilemnas
Katherine, Anne Seton (good very light Summertime reading)
or
Book police, Eyre disappears, Fiction detectives, caper, author delightfully bats
The Eyre Affair; Jasper FForde (I think you would adore his work)
Specially bred dogs trained on midwest farm by mute boy.
Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewskij. Can’t do it justice in 10 words; beautifully written, intriguing, lots of mystery and characters and plot points are woven together. DO NOT READ THE JACKET COVER, it takes away from the book!
Girl grows into adult, overcomes her troubled past. You’ll cry.
She’s Come Undone, by Wally Lamb
Why not just settle for a 5 foot pile of New York Review of Books(also ready to fall on me).
Those weekly mags will certainly be the death of you.
crazy mad engrossing bizarre tale of Domican culture in america
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz
American nature at its best, told by songstress of words
(A Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Annie Dillard)
When You Are Engulfed in Flames, by David Sedaris. Not a novel, but laugh-out-loud good times.
Anything by Ian McEwen; start with On Brighton Beach.
I just finished The Berrybender series by Larry McMurty. It is a little different take on settling the west. The first book was a little slow, but after that I did not want to put them down at all.
Thanks for doing this…I have a list for summer/fall/winter/spring reading.
I have Martha Stewart magazines and Better Homes and Garden ones piling up, but whatever. Eventually I’ll take them to my doctors office…he has the weirdest assortment of magazines. He needs something like these.
Sorry..I can’t even remember the 10 words to write the sentence.
Filming in hot small town, hawt mayor with pool table.
Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie
romantic time-traveling often violent drama that will rope you in
(Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon – admittedly, more of a beach read)
Middlesex By Jeffrey Eugenides
Family saga, Greek village, American history, hermaphrodite, coming of age
An engaging, non-preachy parable about perspective…hard to put down.
The Noticer by Andy Andrews
Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood– Booker Price Winner!!
Novel in a novel with heartbreaking romance and sisters.
sad hilarious engrossing funny genius memorable – just like he was
(The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts, by Tom Farley Jr and Tanner Colby)
“Deep Economy” by Bill McKibben.
Economics isn’t usually fun summer reading. McKibben makes it interesting.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Young man runs away with the circus. You’ll LOVE it.
Freddy and Fredericka, by Mark Helprin -amazing!
Royalty dropped from a plane as punishment. Must conquer America.
family love and loyalty, promises to god, revenge and tequila
gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson
Michael Chabon, The Yiddish Policemen’s Union.
Jewish settlement in Alaska about to be dissolved. Subplots abound.
Father and son walk for days in post-apocalypse America.
The Road, Cormac McCarthy
Flying children, lots of fighting, short chapters, and loyalty to friends. (When the Wind Blows and The Lake House by James Patterson). I went over.
Boy learns about manhood in colorful family pub in Manhasset: memoir
Tender Bar by JR Moehringer
quirky hippie parents raise four kids across america true story
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
I’m a firm believer in the classics. Please Read Them.
-Jane Austen
-The Bronte Sisters
-Thomas Hardy
-Edith Wharton
and anything written before the 1930s.
Okay…I have another:
WWII extremely literate Guernsey Islanders correspond to tell beautiful story during occupation
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Audrey Niffenegger/The Time Traveler’s Wife
The effects of time travel on passionate love. Very sexy.
Lyrical, mesmerizing, nostaligic, visual. Quite simply a memorable, wandering read.
American Childhood by Annie Dillard
DON”T read #15. 450 pages good, last 100 suck. Grrrr.
Strong, red-haired, kilt-wearing Scottish MAN. Time-travelled 20th-century woman. Sparks fly!
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I’ve never read such a big book so fast.
Woman in Africa, in love, dedicated to conservation, murdered while protecting.
Wildflower: An Extraordinary Life and Untimely Death in Africa
(It’s non-fiction; real life is often more interesting.)
American Wife – Curtis Sittenfeld
events unexpected to come from a presidents wife, amazing read
For a change, reread favorites from childhood. Good times guaranteed.
Infidel – Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Fear, religion extremes, abuse, repression – and how she rose above it all.
Pillars Of The Earth by Ken Follet. Your welcome.
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish – Dr. Seuss
Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
Two vampires love/want girl who faeries want to kill.
Two sisters, one has cancer, one donates healthy cells–not.
(Read it before the movie comes out! My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult)
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells: rags to riches memoir.
Delurking,
Susan
No middle-aged fat ladies nearby. Sit close to exit. Listen.
The Survivor’s Club: The Secrets and Science that could save your life by Ben Sherwood
Beach Music by Pat Conroy:
Suicide, Italy, crazy relatives & friends, illness, sea turtles, coming home.
Unique perspective. Heartbreak, tragedy, family dynamics, female comraderie, reflection, forgiveness.
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
p.s. I second Elizabeth’s (#32) suggestion for gods in Alabama.
Woman survives Rwanda with love and faith intact. MUST READ.
Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza http://www.lefttotell.com/book/index.php
“The Blind Side,” Michael Lewis.
Michael Oher: Homeless teen athlete. Rescued. College phenom. NFL bound.
Never too late to experience the magic, connection and mystery.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
You wouldn’t like. All I read about is serial killers.
Fool by Christopher Moore
Hilarious spin on Shakespeare’s King Lear. Moore’s books always rock.
Back story of Gone With the Wind, Rhett Butler style!
title: Rhett Butler’s People
author: Donald McCaig
Young girl brought to America as slave, returns to Africa
Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill
I’m here to collect titles, not donate. Kay = book whore.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Old man reminisces about running away to join the circus.
Pillars of the Earth (and World Without End). And definitely Outlander – LOVED this series – meticulously researched so the history is good but the plot and characters are just amazing!
Find out why you’re here – not woowoo, not bible thumpy.
(Conversations with God, Neale Donald Walsch)
Is that New Yorker on top current? Not from 50’s?
16 year old Mennonite rebels against The Mouth of Darkness . . .
A Complicated Kindness, Miriam Toews
Do it.
Child’s innocence lost, tenacious optimism, Death (the character) is endearing
The Book Thief, Markus Zusak
(please ignore #42 and read Edgar Sawtelle – it’s positively Shakespearian)
Generations of Creole African-Americans through 18th/19th century Louisianna – engrossing!
Cane River by Latita Tademy
Hilarious weirdness, atypical vampires, romance, sex, and frozen turkey bowling.
“Bloodsucking Fiends” by Christopher Moore.
Autobiographical, memoirish metaphysical examination of education, life, growth, and legacy.
“Speak, Memory” by Vladimir Nabokov.
South Africa, racial rebellion, master/servant tension, role reversals, loss.
“July’s People” by Nadine Gordimer
Cross-generational epicof identity and family among Indian immigrants.
“The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Kennedy Assasination and the American psyche through L.H.Osvald’s eyes.
“Libra,” Don DeLillo
Disarray, confusion, silliness, comedy, and breakdown — 20th century war narrative.
“Catch-22,” by Joseph Heller
Archie and Jughead find themselves accidentally signed up for Marines.
“Archie Comics Double Digest”
Suburban Japan: husband’s longlost childhood love shakes up reality, perspective.
“South of the Border, West of the Sun,” by Haruki Murakami.
Hilarious blogger remembers her high school days – non-stop laughs.
Pretty In Plaid – Jennifer Lancaster
(P.S. READ numbers 37 and 52 (same book) – Ah-may-zing!)
Family and friends search for stasis, orientation through socio-temporal upheaval.
“To the Lighthouse,” Viginia Woolf
Last three pages of story = best three pages in fiction.
“The Dead,” by James Joyce, from “The Dubliners.”
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Revolutionaries capture guests at upscale event, until the tables turn.
Life of women in Afghanistan and the daily grind thereof.
–Bookseller of Kabul (can’t remember author but very good read!)
Hysterically funny girl bondsman, her outrageous friends and sexy men.
Any Stephanie Plum book by Janet Evonovich – One for the Money up through Finger Lilckin’ 15 (maybe more? The grandmother is a riot!
Brilliant, fragile woman forced back home. Funny, tragic, romantic, fierce.
The Solace of Leaving Early, by Haven Kimmel
I would LOVE to have these recommendations in one document!
Time Traveler’s Wife
By Audrey NIffeneger
Time travel disorder means boy meets girl over and over.
Great read, sweet, gritty and a little punk rock.
Egotistical writer. Supportive wife. Stunning twist at the end. Fascinating!
The Wife, by Meg Wolitzer
Olive Kittredge by Elizabeth Strout (Pulitzer Prize Winning Novel)
Retired curmudgeon schoolteacher touches the lives of many, finds love.
Year of Wonders, Geraldine Brooks
Based on true story of Eyam, “Plague Village,” England 1666.
Female book editor. NYC. Unlucky in love. Cooks. Shares recipes.
“I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti” (Non-fiction)
Giulia Melucci
30, 32, 40 and 43 have taken my suggestions . Those are excellent choices! I agree with 86, a comprehensive list would be awesome! I’ll be back when I think of something else.
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Wacko preacher takes family and cake mix on African mission.
Actually anything by Barbara Kingsolver is fabulous.
Love, Fate, Destiny through the ages. You will weep uncontrollably.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Hilarious, poignant, unforgettable characters. I’ve read it again and again.
Owen Meany by John Irving
girl priest secret love outback australia saga oldy but goody
The Thornbirds
One room school house, whistling housekeepers, beautifully written! The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig, & anything by James Lee Burke
Maddeningly dull, yet you can’t put the damn thing down.
War & Peace, Leo Tolsoy
With Bold Knife and Fork; M. F. K. Fisher
A lifetime of her personal food history. Impeccable writing style.
i agree with Getzby on: “Speak, Memory” ” To the Lighthouse” ” Libra” and “The Dead” (see movie) and with 48, 47, and 41.
I recommend “Interpreter of maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri.
American fails to climb K2, builds schools in Afganistan instead.
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin (winner of the Kiriyama Prize)
Adam and Eve, Caine and Abel, respun in early 1900s.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Heart bursting open hilariously profound depiction of a dysfunctional family.
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
Every story he writes—like looking at the Grand Canyon.
The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami
(**you have to read On Seeing The 100% Perfect Girl One Beautiful April Morning)
Yes, Yes # 24 and 43! A must read! You will never look at your mate the same way again. Oh Jamie…
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
“The Memory of Running” Ron McLarty
coddled son loses parents, gains life,via cross country bike trip. Read it- beautifully written and instills hope and wonder in the reader.
“The Sound of Butterflies” Rachel King
Amazon 1900’s, naturalist in search of rare species, intriguing, sensual,mysterious.
Definitely a page-turner, despite subject.
James Patterson’s Women’s Murder Club Series:
Cop, lawyer, journalist, medical examiner solve crimes. Start at beginning.
or Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum Series:
Female bounty hunter finds bad guys, hilarious, suspenseful, sexy fun.
77 – Archie and Jughead rule
106 – Grandma Mazur Rocks!
New Orleans classics cookbook series: gumbos & soups, seafood, appretizers, desserts.
4 cookbooks by Kit Wohl I’m hooked. I also didnt count the “&” because I always somehow have to cheat on this.
Apparently I cant spell appetizer.
I second #102! The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen.
Also, Jonathan Safran Foer: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close
Story of a young boy who lost his father 9/11.
Perfect man in kilt does manly things with time-traveling wife.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
ditto: Speak Memory & To the Lighthouse. ConfederacyofDunces if you havent..
Be careful with 69 – I started it shortly before bed and had to stay up for six hours to finish it.
That sentence is so unintentionally dirty.
Holocaust from German perspective, mother’s right to secrets – you’ll cry. Jenna Blum’s Those Who Save Us
I couldn’t put down this fascinating book about absolutely nothing…
“Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea” by Charles Seife
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith.
Pride and Prejudice. England overrun by zombies.
talking black cat accompanies devil to wreak havoc in moscow
the master and margarita, mikhail bulgakov
Auntie Mame is a 1955 novel by Patrick Dennis that chronicles the madcap adventures of a boy, Patrick, growing up as the ward of his deceased father’s eccentric sister, Mame Dennis.
I think this flamboyant novel of a woman who changes persona’s as fast as she does costumes would be write up bossy’s alley.
Yes, that’ more than 10. Will I be barred from commenting?
My Life In France by Julia Child
A woman full of passion for food, learning and life
The Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich
Amazing characters in Dakotas, Peace abounds, but plot turns on murder.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
WWII-era married nurse time-travels, weds 18th-century Scotsman… much adventure together.
[I’m repeating only because I think EVERYONE should read it]
Stephanie Plum series or anything by Janet Evanovich:
Funny, Sassy, Hot men, what else do you need?
“The Lovely Bones” can’t think of author
girl dies, family deals, you’ll cry.
Loving Frank by Nancy Horan
Love, passion, art, scandal, discovering life yet hurting others, gasp
A boy. A dog. An unsuspecting mother. A conniving uncle. Hamlet!
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, David Wroblewski
Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins.
(one word for sale)
Jaded socialites, delusions of sexual autonomy, idiotic men, tableaux vivants.
Edith Wharton, House of Mirth.
Grim rewriting of King Lear, mesmerizing, farm family utterly disintegrates.
Jane Smiley, A Thousand Acres
Astonishing prose, compelling female characters, you can even smell the lake.
Marilynn Robinson, Housekeeping
(I bought my word back)
The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews (say a big YES to #68)
Disfunctional family take wild road trip. Laughter, heartache, and redemption.
(two for Tuesday, you say?)
A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry.
Because it’s so rich and beautiful, transported me to India.
I second “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies”: A classic love story + zombie killing heroine, seamlessly intertwined.
Any of the “Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” books by Alexander McCall Smith: Plucky lady Detective with a knack for solving Botswanian mysteries.
I love biographies, so Patty Boyd’s “Wonderful Tonight”: Patty marries George Harrison, then leaves him for Eric Clapton.
Glamour by Louise Bagshawe
3 women riches to rags to riches – love sex money.
Also good by Louise Bagshawe
Sparkles
Yes another rich to rags to riches story= fast read!
Anna Karenina, Tolstoy.
Russian epic about slightly mad adulteress. Goes on and on.
Grandma who? Read Evanovich for Ranger, Ranger, hot steamy Ranger. (#84 & 107)
Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich – start with One for the Money
classic that a readable, well-written, suck-you-in mystery
whoops- that’s Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
Ooh, ooh! Any mystery by Ian Rankin (especially Resurrection Men)
Funny, sarcastic, witty life stories that make you laugh out loud. Sound familiar?
“Naked.” David Sedaris
Appalachia, growing up, heartbreak, toiling, dreams, hard times, love, death.
Fair and Tender Ladies – Lee Smith
Appalachia, ghosts, murder, history, the Trail, love, loss, loyalty, memories.
She Walks These Hills – Sharyn McCrumb
Anything by:
Augesten Burroughs
laugh out loud real life stories
Revising the title to #136 – Start with “When You are Engulfed in Flames” – David Sedaris. His best so far and I’ve read them all. Twice.
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
Smart lady forgets, gets lost, has Alzheimers. Family grieves, copes.
Where is Joe Merchant? by Jimmy Buffett (excellent beach read)
pilot journeying around world to find missing brother of girlfriend….
Ted and Molly In the Afterlife by Richard Grant
Two aging hippies die & story begins. Experimental, well-written, mythic, uplifting.
Memory and Dream by Charles DeLint
Urban fantasy about the meaning of art, love & personal history.
I’ll also chime in for Timetraveler’s Wife. If you’ve not yet read it, it’s lovely.
Ack. It’s Tex and Molly In the Afterlife. No idea who Ted is. Sorry about that.
Sex Lives of Cannibals by Martin Van Troost.
Do you really need more after that title?
Precious Ramotswe loves Botswana’s traditional people, detecting, red bush tea..
“The Number One Ladies Detective Agency” first book in a series by Alexander McCall Smith. Devoured them all and waiting for the next to be delivered.
This guy has ideas that may assist your reading quest:
http://jimburke.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/06/what-i-readhow-i-read-itand-why-i-read-it-that-way.html
she’s come undone by wally lamb
A fat girl pretends to find herself…then really does.
Non-fiction. Man survives plane crash and revisits 30 years later.
“Down Around Midnight” by Robert Sabbag
“Dog Years” by Mark Doty
Poet’s memoir about his dogs. Exquisitely written and very moving.
Anything by Larry Brown or Richard Russo. Both kick ass.
Jan Karon – All of the Mitford books – more than a summers read.