"Prep" by Curtis Sittenfield.

I also did not like the "Mermaid Chair".

Maybe a few Tony Hillerman mysteries? I find them addicting.

I just bought the new Charles Todd book, The Long Shadow. Haven't read it yet, but I really like him.

Martha Grimes has a new Richard Jury book just out that I don't have yet but will as soon as I can.

Thank you all so much for your great recommendations.

I am actually just reading The Shadow of the Wind now, and have picked up copies of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time and The Time Traveller's Wife for my trip.

I am going to get The Glass Castle as well. I have heard that it is great.

Another one recommended by a friend is The History of Love by Nicole Krauss (I think that is the author's name at least.). My friend told me that it too is outstanding.

A Million Little Lies (I Mean Pieces). Not.

Jamierin: try David Sedaris, if you haven't already. The first one I read was "Me Talk Pretty One Day." I thought it was hysterically funny. The second one, "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim," wasn't as funny, but I have to say I was reading it during the Hurricane Katrina evacuation, so that may factor into it.

Ooooh! Just thought of another page turner: "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt. Can't say enough good things about it. I got to meet her a couple of years ago, and my signed copy of her book is one of my treasures.