Active poster, May I ask what beach you were at that had the great used bookstore? What a good idea!

WOW-You've got so many replies on this one!!!! I love books. I was totally enchanted with THE PARROT WHO OWNS ME. It's just out. It's about a woman and her husband who adopt a parrot from someone because its owner died... it is fabulous for animal lovers. I also read a book in one day... title is "A LIKELY STORY" by Rosemary Maloney (or is it Mahoney?). She worked in the 70's for Lillian Hellman on Martha's Vineyard as a Housekeeper (live-in) when she was 17 years old. VERY ENTERTAINING. The book back said it was the Summer from Hell, but after I got done with it, I don't think that Lillian was as bad as the booksellers wanted you to THINK she was upon purchase. Take Care!

It is in NJ. It's been there for 20 some years. Owner(s) has stores in other states... <BR> <BR>Want to know name or address?

It's not exactly "light" reading, but can't believe no one has mentioned "The Poisonwood Bible" by Barbara Kingsolver. Best book I've read in years.....

Hi, In my opinion Maeve Binchy is the very best author ever. "Tara Road" and "Scarlet Feather" are 2 of her most recent books. Try reading her you will not be disappointed.

Reading is FUNdamental to me esp. at the beach or near any water. I also loved "The Perfect Husband" by Lisa Gardner.....Hannibal Lechter in disguise as a husband....tres spooky. <BR>Also "Burnout" by Jeanine Kadow, and Carroll O'Connell's "Judas Child". These books are such page turners, I dare you to be bored. They are perfect for beach thriller reads! <BR>Judy :-0

(Already mentioned but worth mentioning again:) Don't Stop the Carnival, by Herman Wouk.

Read "A Day Late, A Dollar Short" by TerryMcMillan....excellent for easy reading on the beach for pure entertainment.Enjoy!

Definitely pick up at least one of the books in the Mitford series by Jan Karon. I like to read all kinds of books -this is easy reading and quite humorous - I found myself laughing out loud more than once! ENjoy!!

The Accidental Pope by Raymond Flynn. The premise is that the pope has died and the Cardinals, through a quirk of fate, have "accidently" voted for a married ex-priest with 4 children, who is a fisherman in New England. Raymond Flynn is the former mayor of Boston and the former US Ambassador to the Vatican.

Two of my favorite recent books with a Southern background are Sullivan's Island and Plantation by Dorothea Benton Frank.

If you like mysteries, the Alex Cross novels by James Patterson and the Kay Scaretta nvoels by Patricia Cornwell. But for sheer fun and laughter, try the animal novels by James Herriot. If only they could talk, etc. They are hilarious and I have read them over and over. James Heriot was a pen name of a real vet in the 30's-50's in Wales and the stories are just too funny. Try to read them in order. You won't regret it. Have fun.

JAWS!!

Another good "southern" book is COLD SASSY TREE. <BR>A.M.

Well, guess I'm an idiot because I love Nora Roberts and Lavyrle Spencer. <BR> <BR>P.S. Don't tell my boss. He might decide I don't have enough sense to do my job!!!

I always bring Bill Bryson's latest novel with me when we go on vacation. I read "I'm a Stanger Here Myself" while lounging on the beach in Acapulco. He's a travel writer, very funny, great storytelling-makes me laugh out loud! <BR>...Notes from A Small Island, Neither Her Nor There and The Lost Continent-my personal favorites.

Great ideas, everyone! I'm madly scribbling down titles and authors as well as the website half.com. Never heard of that one. Love all of Terry McMillan's books--I reread "Stella Gets Her Groove Back" before we went to Negril last year since some of the book takes place there. Great beach read. The Anne George mystery series are tops in my book and I'm not even from the south. The Jane Jeffrey mystery series by Jill Churchill are a fun read and very addictive as are two separate mystery series by Joan Hess. None of these are of the slice and dice variety--the focus is more on humor than gore. Rosamunde Pilcher books (Shell Seekers, etc.) are wonderfully written and incredibly soothing--perfect for a relaxing day on the beach. Rosamunde Pilcher's son, Robin, recently wrote a book in very much his mother's style--wish I could remember the name (it was a library book) but definitely recommend it. I could go on and on...have a great vacation!

And to add my .02 cents: <BR> <BR>Linda Barnes - Carlotta Carlyle books -just finished Snapshot and Flashpoint. <BR> <BR>And for some others that I've enjoyed recently: <BR> <BR>Chill Factor <BR>The Saving Graces <BR>In Her Defense <BR>The Mermaid Singing <BR>The Reader <BR>What Girls Learn <BR>

I'd also vote for any of Bill Bryson's books and add Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind, very funny and an easy beach read.

I think enough books have been suggested here. is this a book forum or a travel forum?