We are leaving on Thurs. for a couple of weeks in Italy. Any suggestions on paperback books to take? I like to read novels, biographies, anything about artists, history. Thanks!

If you're going to Venice and like true romance stories, then get "1,000 Days in Venice" by Marlena di Blasi.

Have a great trip!

I second the above. If you're going to Rome, "The Agony and the Ecstasy" is interesting regarding Michelangelo.
There is a current book out as well called "Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling."

You might want to look at "A Soldier of the Great War" by Mark Helprin. On Amazon, it's received a 4.5 stars out of 117 reviews.

It's the story of a man from a wealthy Rome family, Alesandro Giuliano, and how his life is shattered and changed by WWI. It is told in retrospect as he is traveling on foot with many years later with an uneducated younger man. Over the course of the book he tries to reconcile the horror he see's with the beauty of life.

It is one of my 5 favorite books of all time.

Mine too , RYAN!

If you are intrested in the history of some of the places in Rome told in a way that will make you understand why the Eternal City is eternal..you might try to find an out of print copy of H.V.Morton's A traveller in Rome. Though written in the 50's it is timeless.

Dear Libby_Nash,
somehow I'm pretty sure you'd love Michael Golding's Simple Prayers.
How about looking it up at amazon?
I hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thanks guys for your suggestions. I've read "Agony and Ecstacy" and "A Soldier of the Great War". I should probably read them again but would rather take something else. Any other suggestions? Thanks

Before I went away (domestically) for this past weekend, I visited the Mystery Lovers Book Shop, here in environs of Pgh.,(www.mysterylovers.com -- free shipping on orders over $25) and the very knowledgeable owner recommended a series by Eng. writer, Donna Leon, who writes of Venice. I quickly read "A Noble Radiance" and will soon be back for more. A great airplane, nite-in-the-hotel, etc., read!

Guess you have read Dan Brown's Angels and Demons--if not, it is a must. There are opinions about it on this site. All about Rome.

The best tour book ever written on Rome was 'The Companion Guide to Rome' by Georgina Masson in 1965. It's recently been updated and rereleased and now available on amazon.com.

I second Angels and Demons- a great read- a mixture of mystery, scavenger hunt, and running tour of Rome. I'm going to Rome on Thursday- I copied the map in the front of the book so I could hit all the places the book talks about. Okay, I don't have a very exciting life.

My husband read one of the books based on ancient Rome by Colleen McCullough (of "Thorn Birds" fame) while we were on one of our treks to Italy. I think it was "First Man in Rome". He said it was quite an experience to read it on the turf where it all took place. She has a series all based in Rome. Don't know how many are in paperback. Worth checking out. Enjoy!

I brought The Devil Wears Prada, by Lauren Weisberger. I didn't read a word. Too busy enjoying Italy

Angels and Demons will keep you busy on the plane. Very exciting. For something lighter, try either Extra Virgin or Dances with Luigi.

Steven Saylor - Mysteries of ancient Rome. Good fast read. Just finished "A Mist Of Prophecies" on my trip to Italy.

Corelli's Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres, is one of the best books I've read. Nothing like the movie!Great descriptions of the Italian islands and of that small-town culture. The characters are fantastic! Happy reading!