One of my all time favorite books is Distubances in the Field. Do not be put off by the title or the cover illustration of this book. It is rich and compelling reading. I have been racking my brain to remember the author. My copy is on loan - as it almost always is. Read this book, it will not disappoint you. <BR> <BR>linda

"Winter's Tale" -- I have to admit, I am about two thirds of the way through, and have been for a couple years! But It was gripping when I was reading it (I moved in the middle), and it's one of the few books about which I used to catch myself wonder what the characters were "up to these days..."

Want to second these recommendations: "Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole and "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris. <BR> <BR>Two of the funniest books ever written. <BR> <BR>

I highly recommend Paddy Clark's A STAR CALLED HENRY. This is the story a poor boy's fight as a foot soldier in the Irish Republic's war for independence. It is very insightful, showing the struggles of the poor and uneducated, and their manipulation by the power-hungry Irish Catholic elite.

The Snows of August by Pete Hamill -- about a young Irish Catholic boy and a middle aged Jewish rabbi that takes place in New York City in the 1940s. I never wanted the book to end.

ttt

Some books I have recently read and would recommend: <BR> <BR>16 Pleasures & Fall of the Sparrow - Hellenga <BR>Ladies Night at Finbar's Hotel - Various Irish writers (a great book to take with you to Dublin!) <BR>Blackberry Wine & Five Quarters of an Orange - Joanne Harris (of "Chocolate" fame) <BR>The Pleasing Hour - King <BR>The Last Life?) - Messud <BR> <BR>Regards ... Ger <BR> <BR> <BR>

I want to thank you all for your wonderful suggestions. My brother fairly recently lost his sight and last time I was there I ordered a dozen "books" from Books for the Blind based on your recommendations: Birdsong, Soldier of the Great War, Corelli's Mandolin, etc. Though he is an eclectic reader, it was good to have some sort of male-oriented suggestions (not Oprah). Every time he would ask me what the book was about prior to "reading" it, I had to say, I haven't read it (I'm waaay behind)--it's from my Fodor's list. He loved them all. <BR> <BR>A big second for Confederacy of Dunces and Margaret Atwood (anything). He likes John Le Carre and the Hornblower series.

For those traveling to Rome-- <BR> <BR>Angels & Demons-- I gave the book away and its now on its third reader. None of us could put it down. I can't remember the author, but it was I believe released this summer and should be easy to find. <BR> <BR>

Sue: <BR> <BR>I often get books on tapes to play in the car and your brother might like some of the following: <BR> <BR>- Mystery: anything by Ruth Rendall, Minette Walters <BR>- The Alienist (?) <BR>- Anything by Arturo Perez Reverte (Fencing Master, Seville communion, The Club Dumas, the Flander's Panel <BR>- Comedy: Anything by Murial Sparks <BR>- Travel: Peter Mayle's four(?) books on Provence and Francis ? books on Tuscany (Under the Tuscan sun) <BR> <BR>Regards ... Ger <BR>

ah ha, topper read my mind!<BR><BR>I thought this would be a good place to sprinkle a clue.. (you have to really be paying attention to know what I am talking about)<BR><BR>I rather liked "Mutiny on the Bounty"<BR><BR>Beth<BR><BR>

My favoites are:<BR><BR>Pillars of the Earth-Ken Follet-glad to see others love it too!<BR><BR>The Gold Coast-Nelson Demille, the mafia<BR>meets Muffy and Buffy on Long Island!<BR><BR>Youngblood Hawk-Herman Wouk-oldy but goodie-also Don"t Stop the Carnival!<BR><BR>Coming Home and Shellseekers-Pincher<BR>This is a wonderful thread!!!!

Sue<BR><BR>A very dear friend of mine had a very urgent operation last year on the discovery of a brain tumour, and this meant he couldnt read easily for a long time, the brace with the head staples and the headaches made it impossible.<BR><BR>We gave him the BBC Lord of the Rings tapes, which he loved. I wasn't sure he would like them, as he's a macho sporty type who doesnt read much, though he later said he was another who had read and loved the LofR books and yet not read any other such fantasy or sci fi.<BR><BR>He also really appreciated Eddie Izzard (comedian) on tape, and some regular Grisham type books on tape.<BR><BR>Kavey

PS<BR>That topper post has been deleted again.<BR>Spooky!<BR>Kavey

If you're into fantsy fiction ( Harry Potter - Fellowship of the Rings..) try Philip Pullman's The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spy Glass. Well written and not cloyingly(?) sweet like CS Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia (which I did enjoy when I a lot younger)<BR><BR>And - Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

anything by Bill Bryson is a hoot! His observations on people and life in America and on his various escapades are just perfect holiday reading!

Ender's Game.

Great thread. I too am going to print it out as a reference. Unfortunately I am not good with authors but I read a great book called THE DANISH GIRL about the (true) first transexual client. Not the thickest book in the world but you will truly be immediately drawn in to/by the development/transformation of the main character. Excellent book.

Ender's Game? Sorry Kay! I tried to read that years ago, and I love science fiction, but plowing through that monstrous, mean-spirtited thing was like being stretched on the rack. Use the library, friends; you can always return it after a few excruciating chapters!

Kristen - thanks for the rec - always looking for a new point of view - a new pair of shoes (preferably, sensible) to walk in.