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.
Michele P says
June 16, 2009 at 8:59 amCorrupt police, racial tension, Babe Ruth in Boston, early 1900’s.
Dennis Lehane, The Given Day.
dgm says
June 16, 2009 at 8:59 amAngle of Repose, by Wallace Stegner
It reminds me of Bossy’s Family Tree segments–twist included.
Michele P says
June 16, 2009 at 9:00 amAnd I finally had to end my subscription to the New Yorker–overcome by guilt and unread gems of journalistic brilliance. Sigh.
Philly says
June 16, 2009 at 9:07 amJust 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.
Have the T-shirt says
June 16, 2009 at 9:10 amThe 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!
Debby says
June 16, 2009 at 9:16 amSlightly 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!
Marjorie of Connecticut says
June 16, 2009 at 9:17 am“Still Life” by Louise Penny (1st in a series of 5 thus far)
Perfect Canadian village. Except people die. Beautifully crafted mystery. Remarkable.
Chookooloonks says
June 16, 2009 at 9:23 amSouthern town, falsely accused, ghostly neighbour, three little kids, Atticus.
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. My favourite book of all time.
SueBoo says
June 16, 2009 at 9:25 amHal Coben Hold Tight
Just started it, can’t put it down, gripped by suspense!!
leslie says
June 16, 2009 at 9:30 am“The Pact” by Jodi Picoult.
Two families-their teenage children-Murder/suicide–or IS IT?
Marjorie of Connecticut says
June 16, 2009 at 9:32 am“Folly” by Laurie R. King (one of her stand-alones)
Troubled woman alone on small island rebuilds family house. Intrigue!!
Leslie says
June 16, 2009 at 9:37 am“The Pleasure of My Company” Steve Martin
Daniel Pecan Cambridge is lovable and just a little nuts.
Meg at the Members Lounge says
June 16, 2009 at 9:43 amThe Historian
Elizabeth Kostova
Three generations track Dracula through Europe. Engrossing suspense, drama, folklore.
KM says
June 16, 2009 at 9:50 amconvent 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)
amy says
June 16, 2009 at 9:55 amSpecially 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!
Lora says
June 16, 2009 at 9:59 amGirl grows into adult, overcomes her troubled past. You’ll cry.
She’s Come Undone, by Wally Lamb
zidia says
June 16, 2009 at 9:59 amWhy not just settle for a 5 foot pile of New York Review of Books(also ready to fall on me).
Golden says
June 16, 2009 at 10:03 amThose weekly mags will certainly be the death of you.
Jamie says
June 16, 2009 at 10:05 amcrazy mad engrossing bizarre tale of Domican culture in america
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz
Jamie says
June 16, 2009 at 10:06 amAmerican nature at its best, told by songstress of words
(A Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, Annie Dillard)
Jenny says
June 16, 2009 at 10:07 amWhen 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.
Amber Star says
June 16, 2009 at 10:08 amI 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.
hollygee says
June 16, 2009 at 10:09 amFilming in hot small town, hawt mayor with pool table.
Welcome to Temptation, Jennifer Crusie
Jamie says
June 16, 2009 at 10:09 amromantic time-traveling often violent drama that will rope you in
(Outlander, by Diana Gabaldon – admittedly, more of a beach read)
confused says
June 16, 2009 at 10:09 amMiddlesex By Jeffrey Eugenides
Family saga, Greek village, American history, hermaphrodite, coming of age
Owengirl79 says
June 16, 2009 at 10:11 amAn engaging, non-preachy parable about perspective…hard to put down.
The Noticer by Andy Andrews
heather says
June 16, 2009 at 10:12 amBlind Assassin by Margaret Atwood– Booker Price Winner!!
Novel in a novel with heartbreaking romance and sisters.
Jamie says
June 16, 2009 at 10:12 amsad 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)
vuboq says
June 16, 2009 at 10:15 am“Deep Economy” by Bill McKibben.
Economics isn’t usually fun summer reading. McKibben makes it interesting.
Meredith says
June 16, 2009 at 10:19 amWater for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Young man runs away with the circus. You’ll LOVE it.
Rae says
June 16, 2009 at 10:25 amFreddy and Fredericka, by Mark Helprin -amazing!
Royalty dropped from a plane as punishment. Must conquer America.
elizabeth says
June 16, 2009 at 10:27 amfamily love and loyalty, promises to god, revenge and tequila
gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson
Heide says
June 16, 2009 at 10:32 amMichael Chabon, The Yiddish Policemen’s Union.
Jewish settlement in Alaska about to be dissolved. Subplots abound.
Lauren says
June 16, 2009 at 10:40 amFather and son walk for days in post-apocalypse America.
The Road, Cormac McCarthy
Stephanie says
June 16, 2009 at 10:41 amFlying children, lots of fighting, short chapters, and loyalty to friends. (When the Wind Blows and The Lake House by James Patterson). I went over.
Leslie B says
June 16, 2009 at 10:43 amBoy learns about manhood in colorful family pub in Manhasset: memoir
Tender Bar by JR Moehringer
Michelle says
June 16, 2009 at 10:43 amquirky hippie parents raise four kids across america true story
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
The Domestic Goddess says
June 16, 2009 at 10:45 amI’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.
Leslie B says
June 16, 2009 at 10:46 amOkay…I have another:
WWII extremely literate Guernsey Islanders correspond to tell beautiful story during occupation
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Maryjo says
June 16, 2009 at 10:46 amAudrey Niffenegger/The Time Traveler’s Wife
The effects of time travel on passionate love. Very sexy.
Debbie says
June 16, 2009 at 10:48 amLyrical, mesmerizing, nostaligic, visual. Quite simply a memorable, wandering read.
American Childhood by Annie Dillard
Jenn @ Juggling Life says
June 16, 2009 at 10:51 amDON”T read #15. 450 pages good, last 100 suck. Grrrr.
Debbie says
June 16, 2009 at 10:52 amStrong, 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.
Marnie says
June 16, 2009 at 10:54 amWoman 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.)
Kate says
June 16, 2009 at 10:55 amAmerican Wife – Curtis Sittenfeld
events unexpected to come from a presidents wife, amazing read
Alias Mother says
June 16, 2009 at 11:08 amFor a change, reread favorites from childhood. Good times guaranteed.
Lance says
June 16, 2009 at 11:16 amInfidel – Ayaan Hirsi Ali
Fear, religion extremes, abuse, repression – and how she rose above it all.
Renee in Seattle says
June 16, 2009 at 11:17 amPillars Of The Earth by Ken Follet. Your welcome.
David says
June 16, 2009 at 11:21 amOne fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish – Dr. Seuss
Jean says
June 16, 2009 at 11:22 amDead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
Two vampires love/want girl who faeries want to kill.
caro says
June 16, 2009 at 11:24 amTwo sisters, one has cancer, one donates healthy cells–not.
(Read it before the movie comes out! My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult)
Skeller says
June 16, 2009 at 11:45 amThe Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells: rags to riches memoir.
Delurking,
Susan
POD says
June 16, 2009 at 11:48 amNo 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
Fiona Picklebottom says
June 16, 2009 at 12:03 pmBeach Music by Pat Conroy:
Suicide, Italy, crazy relatives & friends, illness, sea turtles, coming home.
Tammy says
June 16, 2009 at 12:07 pmUnique 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.
Dharmamama says
June 16, 2009 at 12:09 pmWoman survives Rwanda with love and faith intact. MUST READ.
Left to Tell by Immaculée Ilibagiza http://www.lefttotell.com/book/index.php
kd says
June 16, 2009 at 12:15 pm“The Blind Side,” Michael Lewis.
Michael Oher: Homeless teen athlete. Rescued. College phenom. NFL bound.
Dharmamama says
June 16, 2009 at 12:17 pmNever too late to experience the magic, connection and mystery.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
zelzee says
June 16, 2009 at 12:18 pmYou wouldn’t like. All I read about is serial killers.
methodpam says
June 16, 2009 at 12:20 pmFool by Christopher Moore
Hilarious spin on Shakespeare’s King Lear. Moore’s books always rock.
Amanda says
June 16, 2009 at 12:20 pmBack story of Gone With the Wind, Rhett Butler style!
title: Rhett Butler’s People
author: Donald McCaig
Eileen says
June 16, 2009 at 12:34 pmYoung girl brought to America as slave, returns to Africa
Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill
kay says
June 16, 2009 at 12:36 pmI’m here to collect titles, not donate. Kay = book whore.
Cass says
June 16, 2009 at 12:49 pmWater for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Old man reminisces about running away to join the circus.
Dr. Liz says
June 16, 2009 at 12:56 pmPillars 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!
Elle says
June 16, 2009 at 12:57 pmFind out why you’re here – not woowoo, not bible thumpy.
(Conversations with God, Neale Donald Walsch)
Reeb says
June 16, 2009 at 12:58 pmIs that New Yorker on top current? Not from 50’s?
Jenna says
June 16, 2009 at 1:01 pm16 year old Mennonite rebels against The Mouth of Darkness . . .
A Complicated Kindness, Miriam Toews
Do it.
Jacquie says
June 16, 2009 at 1:01 pmChild’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)
Donna says
June 16, 2009 at 1:04 pmGenerations of Creole African-Americans through 18th/19th century Louisianna – engrossing!
Cane River by Latita Tademy
rockle says
June 16, 2009 at 1:16 pmHilarious weirdness, atypical vampires, romance, sex, and frozen turkey bowling.
“Bloodsucking Fiends” by Christopher Moore.
The Great Getzby says
June 16, 2009 at 1:27 pmAutobiographical, memoirish metaphysical examination of education, life, growth, and legacy.
“Speak, Memory” by Vladimir Nabokov.
The Great Getzby says
June 16, 2009 at 1:29 pmSouth Africa, racial rebellion, master/servant tension, role reversals, loss.
“July’s People” by Nadine Gordimer
The Great Getzby says
June 16, 2009 at 1:30 pmCross-generational epicof identity and family among Indian immigrants.
“The Namesake” by Jhumpa Lahiri
The Great Getzby says
June 16, 2009 at 1:32 pmThe Kennedy Assasination and the American psyche through L.H.Osvald’s eyes.
“Libra,” Don DeLillo
The Great Getzby says
June 16, 2009 at 1:34 pmDisarray, confusion, silliness, comedy, and breakdown — 20th century war narrative.
“Catch-22,” by Joseph Heller
The Great Getzby says
June 16, 2009 at 1:35 pmArchie and Jughead find themselves accidentally signed up for Marines.
“Archie Comics Double Digest”
The Great Getzby says
June 16, 2009 at 1:36 pmSuburban Japan: husband’s longlost childhood love shakes up reality, perspective.
“South of the Border, West of the Sun,” by Haruki Murakami.
Amelia says
June 16, 2009 at 1:39 pmHilarious 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!)
The Great Getzby says
June 16, 2009 at 1:39 pmFamily and friends search for stasis, orientation through socio-temporal upheaval.
“To the Lighthouse,” Viginia Woolf
The Great Getzby says
June 16, 2009 at 1:40 pmLast three pages of story = best three pages in fiction.
“The Dead,” by James Joyce, from “The Dubliners.”
sara says
June 16, 2009 at 1:42 pmBel Canto by Ann Patchett
Revolutionaries capture guests at upscale event, until the tables turn.
KimA says
June 16, 2009 at 1:57 pmLife of women in Afghanistan and the daily grind thereof.
–Bookseller of Kabul (can’t remember author but very good read!)
Dee says
June 16, 2009 at 2:01 pmHysterically 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!
Liz in Virginia says
June 16, 2009 at 2:02 pmBrilliant, fragile woman forced back home. Funny, tragic, romantic, fierce.
The Solace of Leaving Early, by Haven Kimmel
Jacquie says
June 16, 2009 at 2:08 pmI would LOVE to have these recommendations in one document!
Jen says
June 16, 2009 at 2:21 pmTime 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.
bechtoldlifework says
June 16, 2009 at 2:26 pmEgotistical writer. Supportive wife. Stunning twist at the end. Fascinating!
The Wife, by Meg Wolitzer
deedle says
June 16, 2009 at 2:27 pmOlive Kittredge by Elizabeth Strout (Pulitzer Prize Winning Novel)
Retired curmudgeon schoolteacher touches the lives of many, finds love.
Franca Bollo says
June 16, 2009 at 2:28 pmYear of Wonders, Geraldine Brooks
Based on true story of Eyam, “Plague Village,” England 1666.
Surcie says
June 16, 2009 at 2:47 pmFemale book editor. NYC. Unlucky in love. Cooks. Shares recipes.
“I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti” (Non-fiction)
Giulia Melucci
Melanie @ Mel, A Dramatic Mommy says
June 16, 2009 at 3:07 pm30, 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.
BirdBrain says
June 16, 2009 at 3:08 pmThe Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Wacko preacher takes family and cake mix on African mission.
Actually anything by Barbara Kingsolver is fabulous.
Sara says
June 16, 2009 at 3:31 pmLove, 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
Debbie says
June 16, 2009 at 3:45 pmgirl priest secret love outback australia saga oldy but goody
The Thornbirds
deborah says
June 16, 2009 at 4:00 pmOne room school house, whistling housekeepers, beautifully written! The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig, & anything by James Lee Burke
Suburban Turmoil says
June 16, 2009 at 4:02 pmMaddeningly dull, yet you can’t put the damn thing down.
War & Peace, Leo Tolsoy
sugarpie says
June 16, 2009 at 4:12 pmWith Bold Knife and Fork; M. F. K. Fisher
A lifetime of her personal food history. Impeccable writing style.
bossys mom says
June 16, 2009 at 4:32 pmi 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.
JC says
June 16, 2009 at 5:03 pmAmerican 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)
Laurellee says
June 16, 2009 at 5:08 pmAdam and Eve, Caine and Abel, respun in early 1900s.
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Cupcake Murphy says
June 16, 2009 at 5:26 pmHeart bursting open hilariously profound depiction of a dysfunctional family.
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
Cupcake Murphy says
June 16, 2009 at 5:28 pmEvery 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)
Allie says
June 16, 2009 at 6:48 pmYes, Yes # 24 and 43! A must read! You will never look at your mate the same way again. Oh Jamie…
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
lianne says
June 16, 2009 at 6:53 pm“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.
Elizabeth says
June 16, 2009 at 7:05 pmJames 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.
Chris says
June 16, 2009 at 7:32 pm77 – Archie and Jughead rule
106 – Grandma Mazur Rocks!
Catherine McP says
June 16, 2009 at 7:43 pmNew 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.
Catherine McP says
June 16, 2009 at 7:45 pmApparently I cant spell appetizer.
Abbey says
June 16, 2009 at 7:46 pmI 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.
delilah says
June 16, 2009 at 7:53 pmPerfect man in kilt does manly things with time-traveling wife.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
sugarpie says
June 16, 2009 at 7:59 pmditto: Speak Memory & To the Lighthouse. ConfederacyofDunces if you havent..
Kait says
June 16, 2009 at 8:37 pmBe 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
Suburban Kamikaze says
June 16, 2009 at 8:46 pmI couldn’t put down this fascinating book about absolutely nothing…
“Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea” by Charles Seife
Marinka says
June 16, 2009 at 9:08 pmPride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith.
Pride and Prejudice. England overrun by zombies.
amanda says
June 16, 2009 at 9:09 pmtalking black cat accompanies devil to wreak havoc in moscow
the master and margarita, mikhail bulgakov
Maria says
June 16, 2009 at 9:29 pmAuntie 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?
Carrie says
June 16, 2009 at 10:02 pmMy Life In France by Julia Child
A woman full of passion for food, learning and life
lissa lou says
June 16, 2009 at 10:11 pmThe Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich
Amazing characters in Dakotas, Peace abounds, but plot turns on murder.
Andrea says
June 16, 2009 at 10:32 pmOutlander 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]
Jen says
June 16, 2009 at 10:43 pmStephanie 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.
Ren says
June 16, 2009 at 11:32 pmLoving Frank by Nancy Horan
Love, passion, art, scandal, discovering life yet hurting others, gasp
Ellie says
June 16, 2009 at 11:58 pmA boy. A dog. An unsuspecting mother. A conniving uncle. Hamlet!
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, David Wroblewski
Beth says
June 17, 2009 at 12:36 amLolita, light of my life, fire of my loins.
(one word for sale)
Beth says
June 17, 2009 at 12:38 amJaded socialites, delusions of sexual autonomy, idiotic men, tableaux vivants.
Edith Wharton, House of Mirth.
Beth says
June 17, 2009 at 12:39 amGrim rewriting of King Lear, mesmerizing, farm family utterly disintegrates.
Jane Smiley, A Thousand Acres
Beth says
June 17, 2009 at 12:40 amAstonishing prose, compelling female characters, you can even smell the lake.
Marilynn Robinson, Housekeeping
(I bought my word back)
ErinH says
June 17, 2009 at 1:51 amThe 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.
Cinthia says
June 17, 2009 at 3:07 amI 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.
martha says
June 17, 2009 at 6:58 amGlamour 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!
Sven says
June 17, 2009 at 8:31 amAnna Karenina, Tolstoy.
Russian epic about slightly mad adulteress. Goes on and on.
Dharmamama says
June 17, 2009 at 10:54 amGrandma who? Read Evanovich for Ranger, Ranger, hot steamy Ranger. (#84 & 107)
Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich – start with One for the Money
Melissa Huley says
June 17, 2009 at 1:32 pmclassic that a readable, well-written, suck-you-in mystery
Melissa Huley says
June 17, 2009 at 1:33 pmwhoops- that’s Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier
deborah says
June 17, 2009 at 2:25 pmOoh, ooh! Any mystery by Ian Rankin (especially Resurrection Men)
judy says
June 17, 2009 at 2:34 pmFunny, sarcastic, witty life stories that make you laugh out loud. Sound familiar?
“Naked.” David Sedaris
Theresa says
June 17, 2009 at 4:11 pmAppalachia, 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
Jen says
June 17, 2009 at 6:10 pmAnything by:
Augesten Burroughs
laugh out loud real life stories
judy says
June 17, 2009 at 11:02 pmRevising 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.
Teachermama says
June 18, 2009 at 12:56 amStill Alice by Lisa Genova
Smart lady forgets, gets lost, has Alzheimers. Family grieves, copes.
Susanne Hill says
June 18, 2009 at 8:54 amWhere is Joe Merchant? by Jimmy Buffett (excellent beach read)
pilot journeying around world to find missing brother of girlfriend….
Em says
June 18, 2009 at 10:06 amTed 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.
em says
June 18, 2009 at 10:07 amAck. It’s Tex and Molly In the Afterlife. No idea who Ted is. Sorry about that.
Well Read Hostess says
June 18, 2009 at 2:47 pmSex Lives of Cannibals by Martin Van Troost.
Do you really need more after that title?
Ranger says
June 18, 2009 at 7:59 pmPrecious 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.
Gette says
June 19, 2009 at 9:27 amThis 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
kirsten says
June 19, 2009 at 10:08 amshe’s come undone by wally lamb
A fat girl pretends to find herself…then really does.
puddle splash says
June 20, 2009 at 12:03 amNon-fiction. Man survives plane crash and revisits 30 years later.
“Down Around Midnight” by Robert Sabbag
Helen says
June 20, 2009 at 2:13 pm“Dog Years” by Mark Doty
Poet’s memoir about his dogs. Exquisitely written and very moving.
heyjoe says
June 21, 2009 at 6:25 pmAnything by Larry Brown or Richard Russo. Both kick ass.
Ruth says
June 22, 2009 at 5:55 pmJan Karon – All of the Mitford books – more than a summers read.