What do you recommend?

[Phoebe]

Hey guys- I am trying to get back in touch with things that I enjoy, reading being one of them. I have tried a few books in the last year and haven't been able to get into them. I have scanned this list looking for books that might interest me. The last good book I read was White Oleander.

Can anyone recommend a really good book or an author that you enjoy? I typically enjoy fiction, some psychological twist stuff, or romance. I am pretty open at this point. I am looking for a book I can't put down and probably something that wasn't just published so I can possibly use our local library.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Jennifer

[Cumberland]

my favorites

the best books i have read lately are:

Ahab's Wife

In the Time of The Butterflies

The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint


Has anyone read these? All three I could pick up and read again right now.

Running with Scissors

I am reading this memoir called "Running with Scissors" by Augusten Burroughs. It's a true story written by this guy who retells his childhood life living with psycho parents. He ends up living with mother's psychiatrist which turns out to be an equally traumatic experience. It's hilarious and disturbing at the same time but a very good read. I recommend it.

Another good book I've read is "Man and Boy". It's about a father who gets custody of his son and has to adjust to being a single parent. I think a sequel is coming out next year, "Man and Wife".

[SueC]

I'm reading Fannie Flagg right now and I like her--she wrote Fried Green Tomatoes, though I haven't read that yet. I have read "Welcome Home Baby Girl" and now I'm reading "Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man". If you liked the "Ya-Ya Sisterhood" books, you might also try "Saving Graces"--can't remember the author to that one.
Another book that is totally not the kind of book I generally read but I absolutely could not put down was "The Testament"--it was by one of those big name authors, might be Michael Chrichton or someone similar. It had the psychological twist you might like.

[DCJenn]

I'm no help here. I generally have a difficult time with general fiction. I prefer biographies and other non-fiction unless it's a good juicy murder mystery. But I did just read a fascinating account of a real Victorian murder mystery solved today. It's called "Death at the Priory". It's got all of the good things about that period of time, Death, Love, Romance, Sex and Morality. (all in caps- these people were serious!)

Jenn

[Cumberland]

'nother one

The best non fiction book i have read in a long time was called
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down

It is about a Hmong family of refugees that settle in the US. Their daughter has a seizure disorder, and the book details the clash bt their culture and US medicine. It is really good. It is not just for people in the medical community.

I'm reading The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen. I'm about half-way through and it's really good. It's about a family and how they cope and deal with each other and with their own lives.

I just realized that it's an Oprah book. Do any of you shy away from Oprah books? I never buy ones that have the Oprah sticker on it. It must be the snobby English major in me. haha.

[DCJenn]

I stay away from the Oprah books because they are always so depressing! Jeez- its amazing how she can zero in on really sad books. I did read "I Know this much is true" which I loved but only because of the mental health aspect.

Jenn

[Phoebe]

Thank you all for sharing your recommendations. Now I am off to the library with my list in hand. It couldn't come at a better time as I will be spending the next week at my mom's.

Jennifer

P.S. Oprah's books do seem to have a lot of issues attached to them. I was given one of her selection to read and the movie is coming out soon. It was a pretty good book.

[PrincessFiona]

Interesting!

Wow, it's interesting to see what types of books everyone likes to read! I like to read books about environmental issues (currently I'm reading The Heat is On by Ross Gelbspan....I enjoy philosophy type things...like The Price of Motherhood (Ann Crittendon) but I am a HUGE Oprah sucker! Give me those tearjerkers anyday that have you running to get your prozac prescription refilled I guess I reallly have a ...cathartic experience when I read them.....I tend to contemplate my own life...and then generally pick up the phone to harass Kelly and discuss the meaning of life!

Jenn, you'll have to let us all know what you pick!!!!

Kris

Wow, everyone is reading some quality pages! I feel like a bum but I am reading some "fluff" novels right now. Maybe it is the lingering effects of the thesis or the fact that I feel as if I'm back in school again with my new job. . .I just need to unwind at the end of the day. So, I just finished "Lucy Sullivan is getting married" - good fluffy romance by a British author. My friend just recommended "Good in Bed" to me the other day - I think it is by Jennifer Weiner?

I also love books that you can just read through without having to think too hard. Like Harry Potter. I've read all four of the ones out now. Have any of you read these?

I just finished re-reading all The Lord of the Rings volumes. I read them as a teenager but DH bought me a nice hardback set for my birthday (how romantic). I can hardly wait for the next movie. If you like weird/cool stuff, all of Anee Rice's works are good and easily read.

OOps that one above was suppose to be me. did not notice that I was not logged in.

I loved the Red Tent by Anita Diament. I've also heard Girl with a Pearl Earring is really good. I'm trying to get through 100 Years of Solitude right now...it's taking forever!!!