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Since you are going to Arizona, I recommend "Desert Solitaire" by Edward Abbey. Abbey is a premier writer about the natural wonders of the desert southwest. He is deceased. The book is just marvelous. It is about how he discovered his vocation as a result of a summer job in a remote Utah National Park.

You're probably familiar with Nick Hornsby but just in case, he definitely deserves a mention. His writing is very clear, efficient and simplistic but the meanings behind what he writes is very deep. And, oh yeah, very funny. High Fidelity would be my first recommendation but About a Boy is suprisingly just as good.

I always like reading books about where I am headed. Arizona? The only author that comes to mind is Carlos Castanada (sp) writes kind of new age stuff that blends Native American beliefs with a main characters journey. Not really for me but a lot of people love him. I read "Paradise News" recently by a well known British author who's name escapes me but that was about a British man's emotional and physical journey to Hawaii. A page turner for me because it involves the H-word so I think I am bias when there is this reference. I really like Nick Hornby's work but I have not read only seen in films. Most of what I like will take longer than an 11 hour flight coming and going. If I were in your shoes I think I would be looking at Native American literture. I think going to a new place is a great place to aquaint yourself with local lit, possibly the mood of the culture. I am sure a quick search on the net might yield a publishing house that specializes in this (Native American Literature). I would also go to Amazon or Barnes & Nobles and do a search. The later would be good for opinions. let us know what you come up with!!! Happy trails and nighty night!!!

ElCheapo - yes I am female. I do like novels that make me think, but i guess on a flight passing the time is more of a priority - see anything that speeds up those sky-high hours is good with me. Thanks. Arkansasnurse - thanks for the concern and the tip - have bought some of those delightful 'o' flight socks. Do they really help?? LaurenSkhan - Fab idea, will be doing the magic route through northern arinzona and southern utah for the first time... wonder if I can get Desert Solitude in UK.. Thanks to everyone else too.

If you're going to Arizona you would enjoy J.A. Jansen's series about Sheriff Brady who lives just outside of Bisbee, Arizona. We've read the whole series and after a recent visit to Arizona we thoroughly enjoyed our stop in Bisbee - not to mention the beautiful surrounding countryside. A nice easy mystery series.

bbib: For a copy of Desert Solitaire, try [email protected] . They've got the paperback for 6 quid plus postage. It is, indeed, a great read. Another, in a similar vein, is Encounters with the Archdruid, by John McPhee. He accompanies David Brower, of Sierra Club fame, on four encounters with folks who're supposed to be enemies of the environment. And strong cases are made for both sides. The Abbey and McPhee titles were both published about 1971, and remain a couple of landmark titles in the environmental arena.

Hated Lovely Bones, Loved Beach Music. "Honor Lost: Love & Death in Modern Day Jordan" by Norma Khouri . It sounds like it would be "too heavy" for 11-hr. flight but it is a VERY easy read whilst giving a history lesson, albeit somewhat of a downer but nonetheless, holds you in your seat .

I didn't like "Lovely Bones" either. I am reading John Grisham's newest, "KIng of Torts." I really like it. I also liked, "The Testament" by him.

I read three books on my vacation in February: The Lovely Bones (loved it); Bed and Breakfast; Bel Canto.

Wow! So interesting to read how tastes differ. My husband and I loved Lovely Bones - hard to put down. Everyone I know loved it, too. I hated Bel Canto. Reading an interesting book now - Stupid White Men by Michael Moore. Love that guy.

Memoirs of a Geisha is a great book. It is the type of book that you can't put down.

Thanks for that bookhall. I don't think I'm going to be short of a good read now - so may ideas.

I just began reading a new book, and love it! It's called "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants". It is about 4 friends who spend the summer apart and share a pair of magical jeans. Very funn read, not like "Ya Ya Sisterhood". Also if you like Harry Potter, try "Midnight for Charlie Bone". Simliar but different, I couldn't put it down, and I have to buy the sequal.