deb

When I go on a cruise one of the things I look forward to is relaxing with a good book. I particularly like mysteries, thrillers and history, i.e. Patricia Cornwell, Ken Follett, Nora Roberts and James Patterson. How about sharing some of your best reads.

Joanne

I really liked Corelli's Mandolin. Kind of slow in the beginning with all the history, but stick with it.

Amy

Deb, I am a huge reader both at home and on vacation and when I cruise to Bermuda in June I'm taking Maeve Binchy's Scarlett Feather, which I can't wait to read. Other good books I have read recently and would be great for a vacation are The Beach Club by Elin Hildebrand, City of Lights by Lauren Belfer and Gloria by Keith Maillard. I also just read Nora Roberts book called Midnight Bayou. Also, Jackie Collins Hollywood Wives the Next Generation was light, fun reading. I could go on and on. To me there is nothing better than a beach and a good book (and a cruise ship, of course.)

Shelli

Deb,<BR><BR>I really liked Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett. It takes place in England during the 12th century about the building of a Gothic cathedral and tells a story of power, betrayal and revenge. I couldn't put it down!

Deb

Amy, I'm with you. I always have a book going. Right now I am reading The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. It's the story of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob, and reveals the traditions and turmoil of ancient womanhood.

Amy

I'm reading Between Earth and Sky by Karen Osborn. The whole book is all letters and they are written between 1857 and 1930. One sister leaves with her husband and children on a wagon train from Virginia to New Mexico and the whole story of this women's life is told through her letters to her sister back in Virginia. It's really a unique and interesting book about the southwest, indians, and just how hard it was to survive during those years.

Kris

Have you read any of Anne Perry's mysteries? They are set in Victorian England and are good light reading, perfect for vacations.<BR><BR>I also enjoyed "Mystery of the Yellow Room" by Gaston Leroux, which was actually more successful in it's day than his more famous novel "Phantom of the Opera". And "A Very Long Engagement" by Sebastien Japrisot, a mystery set during WWI in France. And one of my all time favorites "Rebecca" by Daphne Du Maurier.

antique lady

how about the "Shell Seekers",, it is one of the best books I have ever read, and you won't need to take another for a 7 day.

avid reader

I read The Shell Seekers years ago and really loved it. If you're into humor, I've read that "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris and "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole were a riot. I also like anything by Katherine Stone.

deb

Kris,<BR><BR>I haven't read anthing by Anne Perry so I'll give her a try. Thanks!

techydude

What no sci fi readers? Aw shucks!

deb

Keep 'em coming folks. Any good title is appreciated, fiction or non. Doesn't matter the category. Always open to new things. Thanks!

joyce

Anything by John Grissom, Robin Cook,<BR>Iris Johansen (I actually worked with her at Eastern Airlines Reservations).

judy cuervo

Anything by Nelson DeMille (except The General's Daughter). Lion's Game is wonderful. Am currently reading his new one, Up Country, which is about a Vietnam veteran returning to the country 30 years after the war, on a sensitive mission which might get him killed. Hell, I feel as though I've been there after reading it. He's brilliant!

Kris

If you're heading to Europe (or even if you're not), I laughed my way through Bill Bryson's "Neither Here Nor There", a travelogue through several European cities. His other books were funny, but I thought that one was the best.<BR><BR>

laughing

I really enjoy Patricia Cornwell. The Dr. Kay Scarpetta, Medical examiner for Virginia. Very intense and can't put it down type of suspense/mystery. The first 4 books she did was the best. The last couple were a big disappointment. But very very intense reading those first 4.<BR><BR>U too will check out Ann Perry. I enjoy books in that type of setting.

Albert

For a total change of pace, how about Wallace Stegner's Crossing to Safety? It is far from a page turner (it tells the story of two couples from their mid-20s until one of them is dying), wonderfully written, and will give you more to think about in how you create your relationships than any self-help book could ever hope for. Or maybe do the David Sedaris route.

deb

Thanks, everybody. I can never have enough books so I am getting some really good ideas. I've heard good things about Wallace Stegner. And I've read all of Patricia Cornwell. Love her Kay Scarpetta books but don't care that much for the Judy Hammer character. Anyway, don't stop now. Let's get our summer reading list together, for land and sea!

Sally

This is a great thread! Actually I even liked The General's Daughter. Currently I'm reading "The Charm School". I know it's a little older but still great. I spent a week as a tourist in Russia back in the 70's so the character's interactions with Intourist had me in stitches. <BR>As a Southerner I would like to put in a plug for 2 more of my favorites: Anne Rivers Siddons and Pat Conroy.

Techydude

What no Terry Brooks-----Anne McCafferty. Could never handle the fried green potatoes theme's of introspectiveness. Put's me right to sleep.