How great! I remember originally reading this earlier in the year, but there've been so many added since then. <BR> <BR>Here's a whole-hearted recommendation I was surprised to see hadn't been mentioned: <BR> <BR>Losing Julia (Jonathan Hull - I think. An amazon check should verify; i am sure about the title). This is fairly recent I think and I found it almost a masterpiece. Very affecting tale that encompasses WWI trench warfare in France, and a love story worthy of Bergman/Bogart - all told from the later-day perspective of an 80+ y.o. (former soldier) in a nursing home. The author captures the elder perspective of love and loss and irrepresible zest despite a few wrinkles, and also the horror of WWI (another plug here for the WWI trench exhibit at the Imperial War Museum in London). I found it a great read (tho maybe just a touch saccharine in the last two pages). Now, I want to check into the other WWI books mentioned here, as well as re-read Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front - been a long time since I stuck my nose in that one. <BR> <BR>Someone mentioned Paul Theroux and another good travel read (tho wrong continent) is his "Great Railway Bazaar," also the one he wrote about walking around England. (I've been awake since 330a - and prowling Fodors since 5 - so forgive the brain drain.) <BR> <BR>A gripping "listen" (and possibly better than reading it) is the audioversion of "The Killer Angels," by Michael Shaara, a Pulitzer Prize winner detailing the Battle of Gettysburg, told from the standpoint of Lee and several other generals. It too was gripping; I wept at the end and it's not like I didn't know how it was going to turn out.... <BR> <BR>Also, for those who want 'lighter' fare for travelling, anything by Dick Francis is a guaranteed page-turner and always well-written. (And most of Francis' are UK-set). Ditto Robert Parker (but US settings). <BR> <BR>A final note - Sheila (UK): how could you??? Your posts are always wonderful and so helpful, but The Pilots Wife for a plane trip???? Given that plot device...I don't think so.

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Oh my goodness- I can't tell you how much I am enjoying this thread, especially since I am a book editor. Good to see that people are actually enjoying books still and aren't as harried and time-deficient as we like to think in the book business! If I can add my two cents on some good books, I would have to agree with those that mentioned Wally Lamb's SHE'S COME UNDONE, Arundhati Roy's THE GOD OF SMALL THINGS, Arthur Golden's MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA, Barbara Kingsolver's POISONWOOD BIBLE. I'd like to add Danzy Senna's CAUCASIA, Paulo Coelho's THE ALCHEMIST, and for fun, Diane Johnson's LE DIVORCE, David Sedaris' ME TALK PRETTY ONE DAY (hilarious!), and Gregory Maguire's CONFESSIONS OF AN UGLY STEPSISTER (which offers a different take on Cinderella!). I'm also finishing up MARIE ANTOINETTE (I don't remember the author) and could go on with all of the books I have on my shelves that I bought but have yet to read, but I'll stop here. <BR> <BR>Happy reading to all!!

I know gina has already bought her books but I had to give a couple recs. anyway. Margaret George rights fabulous historical fiction. My favorite is Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles. Its extremely well researched. I couldn't put it down and I didn't want it to end because it was so good and I really didn't want Mary to be beheaded. <BR>Edward Rutherford's Sarum is terrific also. Its about Salisbury. Very engrossing. The two books I've mentioned so far are very lengthy. Bill Bryson's neither here nor there is about his trek through Europe. Its not a very long book but its so funny and there are many stories I'm sure fellow travelers will easily relate to. I laughed out a few times reading this one. Another very funny book is Richard Russo's Straight Man. This is the funniest book I think I've ever read. <BR>I'd like to take this oportunity to remind everyone that local independent bookstores are being clobbered by the big chains and I hope that if you have a little mom and pop store in your area you will support it rather than go to a mega-store or order from an on-line corporate giant. In this day and age small businesses are becoming an endangered species.

By this time, after reading this thread, you’ve probably amassed a new library. Anyway, I second Mark Helprin’s A SOLDIER OF THE GREAT WAR as well as Sebastian Faulks’ BIRDSONG and CHARLOTTE GRAY. Also highly(!) recommend Michael Cunningham’s THE HOURS (especially for Woolf fans). I enjoy Graham Greene — THE END OF THE AFFAIR ( a quite decent movie too came out recently) is a fine choice. You might check out Shirley Hazzard’s memoir on Greene — GREENE IN CAPRI, which has interesting commentary on the environs as well as the author. A really fun read is Nick Hornby’s HIGH FIDELITY. Anyway, good reading!

ok here are the books that i've read, and loved,and are jealous of all you who haven't yet read! all rea great for long plane rides...some have been mentioned. <BR>Poisonwood Bible ( and when you've read this, get "things fall apart" by Chinua achebe) <BR>Pillars of the Earth <BR>both of the Ya-Ya sisterhood books <BR>Beach Music <BR>I know this much is true <BR>any of John Irvings books <BR>Crossing to Safety by Stegner <BR> <BR>and the best, not yet mentioned... <BR>The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. <BR>you will grieve when this is finished. it's a historical/fictionalized story of Dina, who was the only daughter of Jacob in the bible. tells the story of her and her mothers (jacobs four wives) <BR>absolutely unbelievable.

wow, has this thing ever GROWN. <BR> <BR>OK, I'll add a few more in. <BR> <BR>I just got back from London. I went on some London Walks, walks. (excellent). <BR> <BR>On the Greenwich walk (which includes a Thames river "cruise") the guide mentioned two books: Dickens "Our Mutual Friend" and a new book out called "Longitude" by Dava Sobel. <BR> <BR>We passed by a beautiful inn/restaurant which was a location in Dickens' book, and I understand (although haven't started it yet) that the book has a strong tie-in with the Thames and various underworld deeds near Greenwich. <BR> <BR>"Longitude" of course has the Greenwich tie-in... the Royal Observatory was fascinating and I think that if you plan to visit Greenwich check out this book first (plus it is rather short, maybe 100 or so pages). <BR> <BR>there you have it!

Maybe it's me, but when I go on vacation, I like to read lite historic romances. Anything by Nora Roberts-Irish Hearts, The McGregor Brides (and the whole 5 or 6 books about the McGregors). She does triligys that take place in Ireland, England & Scotland in days of yore and back up to 1999. All her books are enjoyable without being corny and she is a very good writer. If you want a heavy reading book, try Ayn Rand. Atlas Shrugged & The Fountainhead. <BR>Most anything from Leon Uris is good. Angela's Ashes was a good book also, as was Tis. A good romantic novel will let you forget the plane. Remember Erica Jongg's THE FEAR OF FLYING!

DON'T GO PAST RIVER GOD BY WILBUR SMITH. It's an awesome book. I've bought about 6 copies, because everytime I lend it to someone, I never get it back!! A true story of the life of an Ancient Egyptian Queen written by her slave. These scrolls were found in her tomb, translated to literal English, then given to Smith to make a book with. It's awesome! Don't go past it.

One more suggestion: <BR>Les Miserables - Victor Hugo. It's fat, fiction, and a classic to boot! It's very readable for a classic...though ol' Victor gets sidetracked alot :D You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll go "ugh, get on with it!" hehe

What a long and wonderful post - I confess I didn't have time to read it all and hope this isn't a repeat. "Niccolo Rising" by Dorothy Dunnett is a very interesting historical novel, set mostly in Bruges and Florence circa 1450. Many real names from history interspersed with fictional characters working up all kinds of deals with Merchants and bankers, not to mention some romantic deals to add to the pot. There are maybe 7 in the series, but after the second one my interest dwindled. Niccolo is definitely worth a read across the pond.

Boy, this is one of the posts I will have to keep reading -- lots of great books already listed. Here's mine to add - The Memoirs of Cleopatra!

Another one for Mark.

again? <BR> <BR>(I promised someone a copy of this list!) Thanks! <BR> <BR> <BR>sam

I loved Clan of the Cave Bear trilogy by Jean Auel. The first book was particulary excellent. Also River God by Wilbur Smith was great. Sorry it ended. (Tho i found his other books a bit disappointing).

The Orchid Thief - a very humorous account about a man poaching wild orchids in Naples, FL, the people involved with orchids (a strange lot - very quirky) and what the author learned about herself. Very enjoyable without being heavy. <BR> <BR>Love in the Time of Cholera, Gabriel Garcia Marquez - a magical, wonderfully written story about love. Lots of humor and moments of saddness & melancholy - but that's life. <BR> <BR>Under the Tuscan Sun - it's at time a bit too Martha Stewarty at times, but a great book about traveling, creating a home abroad and the love of food.

Isabel Allende's House of Spirits (fiction) is great, esp if you're heading to Chile. <BR>Julian May's sci fi series is compulsive reading too, like Harry Potter.

Forget the holiday - with all these recommendations you'll need the time at home to read them all!

Nobody has mentioned "The Left Behind" series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. <BR>Even if you just read the first one-it is fabulous-a real page turner. It is about what could happen at the end of the world-as we know it. It really makes you think as well. <BR>Patti

This is great! I've jotted down a long list of books I need to go buy. I agree with the recommendations for all four of Diana Gabaldon's books (I love stories about time travel). Anything by Rosamunde Pilcher is great, my favorites being "September," "Winter Solstice" (her newest) and "Coming Home," which I just took on a trip to Mexico. Olivia Goldsmith is also good. Robert Ludlum's older series of "The Bourne Identity," "The Bourne Supremacy" and "The Bourne Ultimatum" is great.

I adore reading but when I travel I substitute my reading for writing.....just notes, observations and only for me really. Have you tried it? <BR>DC

In the cheap thrills category, I suggest anything by Susan Isaacs, especially "After All These Years." <BR>Another Bill Bryson book I really enjoyed was "Notes from a Small Island." I suspect all his books are entertaining, but I haven't read them all, so no promises.

any reading by anyone has to include these classics. anything by <BR>robbins, suzanne, or segal;

Hi all, <BR>A few weeks ago I read a post about a book that took place in Paris and the book mentions quite a few Paris tourist attractions. I read through this post and didn't see it in here. Maybe I missed it or it was in another post. I believe the name of the book is Paris to the moon. Does this sound familiar to anyone? <BR>

Shipping News by Annie Proulx. That and Snow Falling on Cedars are my two favorite books. Also like Elizabeth George books and Dick Francis books.

"Chocolat" (made into a recent movie) for all of you French chocolates lovers (and Juliette Binoche fans). I know you are there.

The Regeneration Trilogy <BR> <BR>Pat Barker

To the top, even if I wasn't traveling...great thread . <BR>I second Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett!

Glad this came up! Just finished immersing myself in London culture, for my trip to London in Feb. FABULOUSLY FUNNY FRIVOLOUS FOLDEROL, called "Making Minty Malone" by Isobel Wolfe. It is LOL funny slice of modern London life. Also, "London Transports" by Maeve Binchy...keen mad for them! Judy

I love lists like these. <BR> <BR>Some of my favorites: <BR>See Under: Love, David Grossman <BR>Midnight's Children, Salman Rushdie <BR>Winter's Tale, Mark Helprin <BR>Tin Drum, Gunter Grass <BR>A Perfect Peace, Amos Oz <BR>Infinite Jest, David Foster Wallace <BR>

Gina: <BR> <BR>Since your going to Paris, I would recommend "French Toast" It is a book written by and american woman who married a French man and raised two sons in Paris. A lot of insite on the French. It is written in the style of Erma Bombeck and it should keep a smile on your face through much of the flight. The following I copied from the Amazon web site: <BR> <BR>French Toast : An American in Paris Celebrates the Maddening Mysteries of the French <BR>by Harriet Welty Rochefort, Harriet Welty-Rochefort (Hardcover - January 1999) <BR>Average Customer Review: 4 stars <BR> <BR>$15.95 <BR>

Pillars of the Earth is indeed a keeper! If you want an old fashioned title, how about Gone with the Wind? Depending on where you're going in Europe, Alison Weir has a new one, Eleanor of Aquataine, but it's non fiction and you've got to love history. Great woman of history though--how did she do it? Good thread. THere's nothing worse than getting on a flight to Europe and discovering that your book is totally boring and a true light hitter. Then you really begin to fidget!

Man, would I love to spend a week or two with all of you people! What great discussions we could have! (Let's charter a plane to nowhere!) <BR> <BR>Although books like "The Shell Seekers," "A Cry To Heaven," "Gone With the Wind," and "Forever Amber" are some of my favorites, my traveling books have to be light and funny. I like to nap in between reading and I don;t want to have to remember major things from the part I've already read! <BR> <BR>As a result, I love the "Florida comedy" Carl Hiaasen books such as Skin Tight, Strip Tease (MUCH better than the movie), Double Whammy, Native Tongue, Tourist Season, etc. Also good is Laurence Shames, who writes the same type of books. Light and funny!

Thanks, all, for the two pages of must-reads I've just scribbled down. I most heartily agree with the nomination of the Eggers book, "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius." A whole new form of memoir. <BR> <BR>Also suggest "Motherless Brooklyn." (An OCD detective? Rich. <BR> <BR>Finally, re Tom Wolfe: For some fun, pick up his latest collection of essays: "Hooking Up." It contains an amazing piece called "My Three Stooges," in which he attacks John Irving, John Updike and Norman Mailer for slamming his "Man in Full," at the same time that their latest books were going nowhere.

For Americans who love Paris, I would recommend reading Diane Johnson's nove, Le Divorce. It is witty and gets the differences between the US and France out there on the line in a delicious way. She's got a recent sequel, Le Mariage, but I've not read it iyet. <BR>Le Divorce is out in paperback at about 10 bucks on bn.com.

I just read Le Mariage, and while it echoes the same Americans in Paris/culture clash themes, it is NOT a sequel to Le Divorce (totally different characters and setting). It was fun, but not as good as Le Divorce IMO.

It has been a long time since I've seen this list, so I may as well add one that I just finished and really enjoyed: Waiting, by Ha Jin. It won the National Book Award for 2000 I believe. Set in China, it's about a man who tries (unsuccessfully) to divorce his wife every year. It reads almost like a fable. <BR> <BR>Also, I keep reading more and more of Elizabeth Berg's work -- she is terrific.

not that anyone needs another suggestion but...if anyone likes mysteries Sarah Caudwell (spelling?) is great. she has a very british style with great dry humor and she sets her stories in exotic locations.

I'm back again already, but it just occurred to me to mention the Booker Prize-winning Amsterdam, by Ian McEwan, which takes place in London and the title city. It's short and quick, and the most delicious little read...I can't say more, you just have to read it. <BR> <BR>I also enjoyed Waiting.

This list has a life of its own and no longer probably directly responds to the original question of May, 2000 so I will throw in my suggestion: Try the Travis McGee series of mysteries by John D. MacDonald. The movie versions were usually not very good, but the books themselves always had good insights into people and were good reads at the same time. Perfect quick summer reads. I read them all and now MacDonald is dead. Too bad. Travis is missed.