YOu really must read Wild Swans by Jung Chang. Its not fiction but the true tale of 3 generations of chinese women. It is absolutely fabulous and utterly compelling.

I a very excited to say that Corelli's Mandolin is opening TODAY in London, and, in one week exactly I will be there again... and you can bet I'll see the movie while I am there... <BR> <BR>anyone else looking forward to it?

Gina--- <BR> <BR>I have great recommendations for you: <BR> <BR>1. I Know This Much Is True: Wally Lamb <BR>Do not be scared about the thickness of this paperbook--900 pages. This is one of the BEST books I've ever read...A book with a lot of heart about twin identical brother: one "normal" & one scizophrenic..and how the normal brother has been his brother's keeper for his whole life, and the dynamic of their relationship, how it's affected their family dynamic...just wonderful. <BR> <BR>2. The Poisonwood Bible: by Barbara Kingsolver <BR> <BR>Another fanastic book about a family sent to the Belgian Congo as missionaries...how the father, a baptist minister made the decision for the whole family to uproot their lives and go to Africa in the 50s, how each member adjusts and changes, etc. This isn't a historical boring book. It's fiction, with the right amount of historical background to set the tone for the events that happen. <BR> <BR>Books that I've read on vacation lately: <BR> <BR>1. Sophie's Choice: William Styron <BR>2. The Executioner's Song: Norman Mailer <BR>these are a little "heavier" though. <BR> <BR>I strongly recommend "I know this much is true" <BR> <BR>Happy Reading!! <BR> <BR>d.

topper!!

I see this original post is a year old, but I still have some suggestions for anyone traveling. Reading is my number one passion after travel and alot more accessible. Try The Big Picture by Doug Kennedy. Incredible plot and good for men or women. The Genesis Code by John Case, and anything by Tess Gerritsen if you like Medical mysteries. After reading all the raves about Corellis Mandolin, I'm going out to by it!

I wonder if there is a Guinness book of World Records shot for the longest running thread here??? Woohoo. <BR> <BR>Top Three.... <BR> <BR>1. A Winter's Tale - Mark Helprin <BR>~669 pgs <BR>Long, lovely and all about New York and New Jersey when it was still marsh. One of my all time faves, given as a gift by a dear friend. I really did think a woman wrote this book as I was reading it - sorry guys no offense! <BR> <BR>2. Gospel - Wilton Barnhardt <BR>~800pgs <BR> Amazing historical fiction dealing with the lost gospel of Mathias which takes you through Ireland, Italy, and the Middle East. The research for this book must have been tremendous. I could kick myself for already having read this as it would be perfect for my trip to Italy! Come to think of it, it inspired the trip to Italy! <BR> <BR>3. Snow Crash and/or Cryptonomicon -- by Neal Stephenson. <BR> Snow Crash being a must for the the techies in the crowd and Cryptonomicon a feast for the historical fiction lover a la code breaking during WW2. Another man with a brilliant mind and funny as hell. <BR> <BR>Enjoy... <BR> <BR>Kate

I've just quickly skimmed this thread and from what I've seen, no-one has mentioned THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexandre Dumas. I read it many moons ago in high school and am going to re-read it again on my trip this summer. It is a total page-turner and is also very long. However, the length will vary depending on the version you buy. The unabridged version wouldn't even fit in your suitcase - I think it's something like 5 volumes!! <BR>Thanks for the great thread! I'm trying to limit myself to only 2 books as I tend to zone out when I'm reading and am afraid I'll miss something utterly fantastic!

"The Far Pavilions" by M.M. Kay. This was such a great book that as I neared the end I was sad -- I never wanted it to end.

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Another vote for 'Lonesome Dove' by Larry McMurtry (sp??). Fantastic. <BR> <BR>'Wicked' by Gregory Maguire. It is the story of the Wicked Witch of the West from her point of view. Great idea, and great book. <BR> <BR>Right now I am reading 'The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier & Clay' - can't remember the author. I've been purposely taking the train to work this week vs. driving so I can keep reading.

Leslie -- the author is Michael Chabon. He is one of my favorites (The Mysteries of Pittsburgh is one of my all-time favorite books, and Wonder Boys was good as well, as are his short stories.). I haven't read "The Amazing Adventures of Cavalier & Clay" yet -- tell me what you think of it. I was a bit put off by the subject matter (comic books and the Holocaust?) but I know it's won some awards & I do love his writing so I'll probably get around to it...

Also, walking by a bookstore this morning I noticed that another one of my favorite authors, Anne Tyler, has a new one out -- has anyone read it yet? Can't remember the title at the moment.

Really missing Italy and still have four months before heading there. Anyone know a good book set in or about Italy? Recently finished both of Frances Mayes Tuscany books. Thanks in advance

Hi, <BR>Really GREAT recommendations! I also enjoyed "Pears on A Willow Tree", rather a woman's read, I think. Enjoy anything by John Irving or Gabriel Garcia Marquez, also. <BR> <BR>Some finds: <BR> <BR>Geek Love by Katherine Dunn <BR> <BR>Charming Billy by Alice McDermott <BR> <BR>If going to Italy, read anything by Natalia Ginzburg, who was imprisoned by the Nazis in Abruzzo with other writers during WWII. If going to France, read anything by Simone de Beauvoir, a nice hefty read would be "Mandarins". <BR>Good reading to all!

Hi Lisa - <BR> <BR>Like you, I was a bit hesitant due to the subject matter (not much of a comic book fan, and the Holocaust can make for a depressing topic) - but after I saw the book won the Pulitzer prize I decided to give it a go. <BR> <BR>Without revealing too much of the plot, it involves 2 Jewish cousins in NYC (one recently escaped from Prague in late 1930's) who create a comic book character called 'The Escapist'. One cousin uses The Escapist as his way of dealing w/ the struggle of trying to get the rest of his family to safety, while the other cousin struggles to deal w/ his feelings of inadequacy and a sense of not belonging. Add a couple of love stories, some history of NYC during that time, and a few brief appearances by actual historical figures - and you've got an enjoyable read. <BR> <BR>Only about 100 pgs to go, and I haven't quite worked out the ending yet. I have really been enjoying it, and have several of my co-workers lined up to borrow it when I finish. <BR> <BR>Also, speaking of NYC - another fantastic book was 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr.

Some of you may be interested to know that the Oprah people are conducting a poll of the all time favorite book club book. Most of them have come up on this list! Here's the link: <BR> <BR>http://www.oprah.com/obc/favoritebks...ebks_poll.html

Bridget Jones' Diary. Both my traveling companion and I read it on our trip to the UK last summer. She brought it along and was laughing out loud the whole time. I am not at all a fiction reader, but this book was so engrossing neither one of us could put it down. Even if you have seen the movie the book blows it away ! Enjoy !

This has been one of the best threads I've seen! In fact, I have copied it into my computer so I can go back over it. <BR>So mant of my favorites, Birdsong, Solider of the Great war, divine Secrets of the ya ya sisterhood. And so many of my favorite authors,. I'm a great fan of ruth rendell(barbaraVine) , P.D.james, Elizabeth george, any English mystery, <BR>I didn't see any mention of the wonderful Pat Barker WW1 trilogy, Regeneration, Ghost Road , and eye in the Door, a really moving series of traumatization of soldiers of the war. Joanna trollope is another favorite. <BR>I have just started the new P.D.James, Death in holy orders , think its going to be one of the best. <BR>hope the Ya ya fans have read Little Altars Everywhere ! <BR>I,Claudius should be on my reading list, but we bought the videos, in fact my husband no longer tells me to be careful when I leave the house, he tells me "Don't eat the figs!!!" We watch the whole thing about 3 times a year, great rainy day entertainment. <BR>I have marked corelli's Mandolin down on my library list . really MAD that "Da Wind Be Gone" willnot be published without a fight !!!

Another recommendation for 'The Poisonwood Bible' by Barbara Kingsolver. Not the easiest book to get into but persevere......I did and now count it in my top three all time favourites.

I thought this list was terrific, passed it along to many of my friends, and hoped to see it pop up again. May I pass along some favorites that I don't think I saw: Henry Miller's Colossus of Maroussi (Greece), John Barth's The Sot Weed Factor (Eastern Shore of Maryland), Mark Helprin's A Winter's Tale (New York City), Bulgakov's Master and Margharita (Russia).

I apologize for duplicate mentions. <BR>Someone mentioned Pat Conroy. They didn't specifically mention his "Beach Music." Large chunks of it take place in Italy. <BR> <BR>Anyone travelling to the UK will love Rosamund Pilcher's books. A favorite is "Coming Home."

What a great thread...have picked up tons of ideas for my next book. I also would recommend Corelli's Mandolin, Lonesome Dove, Sophie's Choice, Poisonwood Bible, Love in the Time of Cholera, and A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. But to add some books that I don't think I saw on this post- <BR>** Prayer for Owen Meany- John Irving. IMHO, the best of his books. The plot is beyond description- it's about friendship, faith, and fate. Also very funny. <BR>** Gates of the Alamo- Stephen Harrigan. Historical fiction about the Alamo. We know how it will end but I loved the characters in the book and the way the author "humanizes" an American/Mexican legend. <BR>**Straight Man-- Richard Russo. Hilarious book about a college prof going through a mid life crisis.

A second for "Bridget Jones' Diary." Read it on the plane going over last year and it was a great diversion. Other "plane ride" books I've loved (I prefer non-fiction): "Into Thin Air" (read the first few chapters before leaving--they're a bit technical about preparing to ascend Everest) but, boy, once they start the trek you are right there with them!! Also, anything by Bill Bryson. Going to England? Read "Notes From A Small Island." Absolutely hilarious and you won't want it to end! Touring France? "A Year in Provence."

'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt is a great read (a psychological murder mistery/suspense set in a small town in Vermont). For fantastic art history misteries the author Ian Pears is amazing.

Looking for suspenseful, can't put it down reading? <BR><BR>The Day After Tomorrow<BR>The Lexus<BR>(I apologize but I can't remember the author)<BR><BR>For WWII history buffs: <BR><BR>Duty: A father, his son and the man who won the war by Bob Greene - excellent!<BR><BR>The Bonesetter's Daughter by Amy Tan<BR><BR>Have a great trip!<BR><BR>

I just finished "Bee Season" by Myla Goldberg and really loved it. It's a novel about a girl who wins a spelling bee and how that affects the other members of her family. Sounds strange, but it was excellent. It's out in paperback.

The following recommendation is not fiction, but just as entertaining (plus, this posting will "top" the thread). Fans of Van Gogh and Impressionism will especially enjoy it, I think. <BR><BR>The Letters of Vincent Van Gogh<BR>Edited by Ronald De Leeuw <BR><BR>A few years ago on a trip to Amsterdam I read another good paperback that covered only Van Gogh's letters to his beloved brother, Theo. This latest ones includes letters to other people also. Both are wonderful for fully appreciating his paintings and his life. <BR>

Wow, this thread is way too long. What is your suggestion for light, and fun reading about London and Paris?

I am going to Italy in a few days. I would love a copy of your itinerary. Thanks Bob!!<BR><BR> Sherry

Currently reading WHITE TEETH by Zadie Smith, which isn't about London per se but takes place there and is absolutely hysterical. It's in paperback now.

One of the best books I ever read is "A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth. It is long--900 pages I think--though written in short little chapters. It's (mainly)about a group of middle class Indian just after India's independence from Britain, and one charcter's search for "a suitable boy" for her daughter. Its scope is broad and historical/political, yet intimate and engaging, and there are some absolutely wonderful characters and relationships. And the writing style is accessible and almost light without being shallow or lightweight.<BR><BR>Liz

Well, can't resist this post any more. I've read a lot of the book listed, and second many of them, here are some I haven't seen listed, which I think are wonderful: <BR> <BR>Mysteries/Suspense <BR>David Balducci (The Fraternity of the Stone, etc.)- great suspense - a little gory <BR>Nelson Demille (my fav was The Charm School which is about Russian, & spies) <BR>Ann Perry - writes mysteries in Victorian England, excellent, fairly quick reads <BR>Elizabeth George - slightly more violent mysteries - british author, really excellent, more dense books <BR>Josephine Tey - older British books, mysteries, read one about the historical mystery of King Richard, who supposedly murdered two young princes, quick reads, <BR>Elizabeth Peters A CLASSIC SERIES - writes light, entertaining mysteries about Amelia Peabody in the 1800 hundreds who travels to Egypt and invites murder & mayhem everywhere she goes. I LOVE her books. The first in the series is "Crocodile on the Sandbank" <BR>The Seville Communion by Arturo Perez Reverte - mystery in Seville, Spain <BR> <BR>I recently read a reivew about The Olive Farm, about a young woman who buys an olive farm in France on a whim, sounds good - but it's in hardcover. <BR> <BR>I highly second the Diana Gabalon Outlander Series - good thick historical romance/fiction - excellent series. Most important - will keep you engrossed for an entire plane ride. <BR> <BR>West with the Night - by Beryl Markham a true story that takes place in Africa - she was in the same social circle as Isak Dinenson, and was a lover of Denis Finch-Hatton, and if you haven't actually read "Out of Africa" you should, it's gorgous reading. <BR> <BR>Lady's Maid by Margaret Forester - historical fiction by Elizabeth Barrett Browning's maid <BR> <BR>Of course the Marion Zimmer Bradley series (Mists of Avalon) great reads. <BR> <BR>That's all I can think of for now! Susan

To the top for everyone!

I like almost everything I've read by David Baldacci. Also, "From the Corner of his Eye" by Dean Koontz was a real page turner.

What a nifty thread. <BR> <BR>I agree about "Girl With a Pearl Earring" (Tracey Chevalier) and "Memoirs of a Geisha" (Arthur Golden). The former just enthralled me especially. It's not long, but I hated to see it end. <BR> <BR>I just read "The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant. It's a fictional rendering of the life of Dinah...the barely mentioned Old Testament daughter of Jacob. It is a beautifully written...not sentimental...picture of women's lives during that time. This was another book where reaching the last page came too swiftly for me. <BR> <BR>Lee

To the top.

Revisiting again. <BR> <BR>Another nod for Straight Man, by Richard Russo, an academic farce which is both poignant and hilarious, and made good airplane reading recently. <BR> <BR>I don't think anyone's mentioned Margaret Atwood yet--a genious author IMO. I've read just about all her stuff, and favorites are A Handmaid's Tale--a real classic for our time; Cat's Eye--a sometime's heartbreaking coming-of-age story; and Alias Grace--based on a true story about a 19th c. Irish immigrant maid in Canada accused of murdering her employer. <BR> <BR>I was looking at Bee Season, but haven't read it yet. Seems Lisa and I enjoy a lot of the same novels!

Ahab's Wife - excellent reading, couldn't put it down.

For Deepa - Not fiction but if you like Frances Mayes you will love Extra Virgin by Annie Hawes.