<p>I never got around to reading #7. Now it’s on my list of things to do this summer.</p>
<p>Lafalum and Nrdsb4, so glad you are enjoying Outlander.</p>
<p>Packmom, #7 is worth reading because the main characters are all so wonderful and we need to know what happens to them. I didn’t think #7 it was her best book. It seemed a little rushed to me and less complete than the others. I know all the books leave you wondering whats going to happen next, but the last book really keeps you hanging and didn’t really bring anything to conclusion. Of course, that’s just my opinion. I’m still looking forward to #8,</p>
<p>On a side note, if you fall in love with her writing and want to consider buying the Lord John books, my opinion is “don’t bother”.</p>
<p>Have you gone to the beach yet? If you are still looking for a great one and haven’t read it, I recommend Seabiscuit.</p>
<p>Went and returned.</p>
<p>Reading “The Castaways” at the moment. It’s ok, I’m entertained but I don’t feel the need to drop what I’m doing to pick up the book and find out what’s going to happen next. But it’s ok for a “beach read.”</p>
<p>Procrastinating on buying Outlander #4, because I know once I get it I won’t do anything but read it!</p>
<p>I am holding off on starting the Outlander #1 till I go on vacation. I also have “Let the Great World Spin” and “Little Bee” plus a couple of mysteries set in Italy for my trip. It is several long plane rides. I hope I am not disapointed.
Just finishing up “Breakfast with Buddha” which someone mentioned on CC. I am enjoying it. Light easy reading but with some food for thought.
I know my 16 yr old is going to run out of reading. Would she like the Outlander book? Any suggestions for her. She likes Sarah Dessen and Ellen Hopkins. Basically teen realistic fiction with depressing topics. She also loves Harry Potter and the Eclipse books but otherwise refuses to read any fantasy.</p>
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<p>My then-in-high-school daughter loved the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters. An unusual choice for my daughter as she loves fantasy and veered in a different direction with the Peabody series. She read all (18) but the recently published last one - though she owns a copy of it and hopes to find time eventually.</p>
<p>21 year old DD loves Phillipa Gregory and adored the Stieg Larsson trilogy. Haven’t introduced her to Outlander yet. Afraid once she starts it she won’t have time for class :)</p>
<p>ignatius - my 17 yo D has read the Amelia Peabody books, too. Elizabeth Peters’ other nom de plume is Barbara Michaels - those books are gothic/romance/mystery books with a good bit of the woo-woo factor as well as some good humor. The Vicky Bliss series by E Peters is also good. </p>
<p>Both girls are reading Cara Black’s Aimee LeDuc series. #2D will start in on the Laurie King series about Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes when that is done.
All are well-written, which is the deciding factor when we choose books to read.</p>
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<p>I would highly recommend you read Outlander before offering it to your daughter. There are adult themes you might or might not be comfortable exposing your daughter to at this time. </p>
<p>I read Little Bee and found it to be a great novel. Not light reading by any means. Thought provoking and disturbing at times.</p>
<p>Just wanted to thank everyone for the reminder about the Outlander series. I did read them as they came out over the years. In the last month, my job was eliminated due to a reorganization (not unexpected and dealable) but then I broke a bone in my foot. Suddenly there I was sitting around the house with my foot up all day! So along all the other romance novels, I’m re-reading the Outlander books. Nice and long.</p>
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<p>I agree. My daughter is 16 and I would never give her Outlander to read. I would like to say more, but I don’t want to post any spoilers for those who have not read the book. I’ll just say this: It is not so much the graphic descriptions of acts of love that make it inappropriate for younger readers; it’s the graphic descriptions of acts of hate. Those who have read Outlander will know what I’m talking about.</p>
<p>^^^ Agreed - especially in book 1. Kinda made me queasy that I was reading it, and made me wonder what would inspire someone to write a few of the scenes.</p>
<p>Bought Book 4 last night. I think this series gets better as it goes along. </p>
<p>MOWC, I thought Castaways was ok. I enjoyed meeting the characters, but I kept waiting for it there to be some great denoument (don’t know how to spell that, sorry), and it never really happened.</p>
<p>I started the Janet Evanovich series and I am hooked. Quite entertaining. These are perfect beach books. Thanks to those of you who suggested them.</p>
<p>BUandBC82, Have fun with Lula and Grandma Mazur and Morelli and Ranger… especially Morelli and Ranger 
I can’t remember which one focuses on the funeral parlor, (maybe 2 or 4?) but the scene with Grandma Mazur at the viewing… I laughed till I cried. </p>
<p>If Outlander needs wine and candy cigarettes, Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum books need a box of Little Debbie Snack Cakes and some fried chicken (the closest thing you can find to Cluck in a Bucket).</p>
<p>bu, glad you like the books!! i have sizzling 16 ready and waiting as soon as i finish the book i’m reading now</p>
<p>I am annoyed right now. Sizzling 16 publisher will not let the book be discounted below $12.99 for e-books, including Borders coupons and rewards points, but hard cover is only 14 something. I travel and like the e-book but for only $2 less don’t want to spend the money when they save a lot in publishing. . Grr. I’ll wait for paper back.</p>
<p>I second the Evanovich series. I love Grandma Mazur!</p>
<p>Another series to consider is by Alexander McCall Smith- The Ladie’s Number 1 Detective agency. It is set in Botswana and is fabulous.</p>
<p>OK, who do I blame for suggesting Outlander??? I don’t have time to go back and find the rec. I think it was several of you. Well I am hooked and really had to pull myself away from the book this morning to get myself in to work. </p>
<p>The audio books for the #1 Ladies Detection Agency are really good. </p>
<p>I have a Kindle and have the same issues Singersmom. Although I tlike the convenience of buying ebooks it galls me to pay almost the same as a hardcover when publishers will not allow the price to go below a certain level.</p>
<p>^^^^Yep. I’m already on #4, and I just started the series really recently.</p>
<p>Doesn’t necessarily fit the OP’s light BEACH criteria, but I am currently mesmerized by Chris Cleaves’ Little Bee. It hooks you immediately, the writing is sophisticated but accessible, and the female characters are powerful. If you are looking for substance and a page turner at the beach, on an airplane or anywhere this summer, this is a great choice. I haven’t been this drawn into a story in awhile.</p>