Quick, I need a book to take with me on spring break!

Parent Cafe
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<p>If you want something off the beaten path:</p>

<p>Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer is a great read. It tells the story of the 1996 ascent of Mount Everest that ended with 8 deaths and several strandings atop the mountain due to a rogue storm. (Okay, this may seem a little morbid, but the lead up story, rescue, and survivors are fascinating.) The pics are great, too. This is probably the closest most of us will come to experiencing climbing Mount Everest. Figured you might want to scale the heights since you’re plunging the depths on this vacation!</p>

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<p>Dennis Lehane is a great writer (I couldn’t resist checking this thread. Ah, books.)</p>

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<p>The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith----a great little series of books–perhaps up to 10. I’ve read the first 4. Set in Africa (Botswana). Make for great escape. Nontraditional roles for African women serving as detectives… Each book is a quick read—quite entertiaining–just what you need for spring break. I’m told there’s to be a movie or TV mini series based on these books…coming out soon; maybe already out.</p>

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<p>Have you read The Pillars of the Earth???</p>

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<p>I read that a few years ago. I also had the privilege to hear Dr. Beck Weathers - one of the survivors of that storm - speak. There he was, missing fingers, with a toe as a nose, telling an absolutely rivetting story. The moral? Just like Wizard of Oz…there’s no place like home…his whole life he had been searching striving, only to find that happiness was at home with his loved ones.</p>

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<p>Jon Krakauer’s other books are also great, Into the Wild and Under the Banner of Heaven.</p>

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<p>Most of these have already been mentioned but I’m adding my support:</p>

<p>Pillars of the Earth - not exactly great writing, but I really enjoyed the story.</p>

<p>Jody Picoult books - just about all of her books make for a good read.</p>

<p>Water for Elephants - I REALLY liked this one.</p>

<p>Dean Koontz - currently reading the Odd Thomas books. Quirky mindless reading.</p>

<p>Cold Mountain - enjoyed this one a number of years ago. His follow up to it not as much.</p>

<p>I’m taking the Pillars sequel with me on spring break. Not supposed to be as good, but feel compelled to read it anyway.</p>

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<p>I started reading Kate Atkinson based on the recommendations of CC posters (thread on The Best Book . . ). and I’ve enjoyed her writing very much. Thank-you.</p>

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<p>DUH–What about the Twilight series?</p>

<p>I cannot get over how many young women/girls are devouring this series. Very romantic, first love, divorced parents. Not up to Harry Potter standards, but a fun read.</p>

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<p>I second this recommendation - this series is perfect for vacation reading. I was skeptical when my friend recommended them as “time-travel historical romance” and I was a wee bit embarrassed when I had to go into the Romance section at B&N to find them, but they are now among my favorites.</p>

<p>I also support all the votes for Water for Elephants.</p>

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<p>Second Bel Canto, one of my favorites. Some older books that are great include Memoirs of a Geisha and The Red Tent.</p>

<p>Missypie, I’m interested to hear what you end up reading!</p>

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<p>The Poisonwood Bible.
It was an Oprah book. Long enough that you won’t rush through it. Well written and very interesting. Different then most other books.</p>

<p>Water for Elephants was an excellent, quicker read. Throw that in your bag too!!! (Memoirs of a Geisha and The Red Tent were great reads too as cpeltz writes. </p>

<p>(nice thread for all of us as it gives us new ideas for books to read!)</p>

<p>Have a great trip.</p>

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<p>Rec’s from Harriet:
Marisha Pessl: Special Topics in Calamity Physics. My son read it on a recent criuse- found in the ships library. I read it this past month. Very good.
Jon Franzen: The Corrections- Book club read and most of us didn’t care for it. Save for home in case you don’t like it. </p>

<p>Recommended by a poster:
Loving Frank- Very interesting. Story about Frank Lloyd Wright and his lover. </p>

<p>One of our best book club reads was Glass Castles. True story of a very dysfunctional family. Great read for everyone on this site. </p>

<p>Edgar Sawtelle book- Just finished for book club. Good but not to take on your trip.</p>

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<p>Rereading thread- going to get some of these books for me!</p>

<p>pageturner recommends-The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon- excellent. Not quick reading either.</p>

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<p>River God by Wilbur Smith</p>

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<p>I too vote thumbs down on The Corrections…I couldn’t get through it (life has taught me that I don’t have to finish every book I start, just like I don’t have to drink cheap wine!).</p>

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<p>I’m taking this list to the Half Price Bookstore that I pass on the way home from work…hopefully I can get one or more of these for half price! So don’t be upset if I don’t choose your favorite - I’m trying to be cheap, too.</p>

<p>If anyone else is reading this thread for recommendations and you like non-fiction, I love Tracy Kidder’s work - The Soul of the New Machine, House, Home Town, Mountains Beyond Mountains.</p>

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<p>Have you tried anything by Michael Chabon? “Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay”, “The Yiddish Policeman’s Union”, but for a quick, quick read, “Gentlemen of the Road”.
I sort of don’t believe in serious reading… usually turns into serious napping for me, so things I’ve enjoyed don’t usually sell well for others.
Also just finished Anathem by Neil Stephenson, my favorite of his since Cryptonomicon.
I’m thinking about delving back into Irving Stone (watched the Agony and the Ectasy the other night) - anybody remember that book about John and Abigail Adams? That was a favorite of mine as a teen.</p>

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<p>loved the book on Mary Todd Lincoln.</p>

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<p>I took *The Agony and the Ectasy *to Italy with me a couple of years ago. It was perfect for the trip. I made Son do the same when he went back the following year.</p>