Martin, "A Confederacy of Dunces" is an absolute classic -- one of my all-time favorite books. It's extremely funny and has an upbeat ending. I'm afraid your comments will deter people from reading it.<BR><BR>And that's the whole point. Every time someone discovers this incredible book -- a Pulitzer winner -- John Kennedy Toole's wit and intelligence lives on. I don't think he was miserable when he wrote the book, he came to dispair when he couldn't get it published. <BR><BR><BR><BR>

Dunce Lover<BR><BR>Sorry, those were my feelings when I read the book. I saw a desperate man in his main character, Ignatius Reilly, who was headed for the sucide that Toole eventually committed. Maybe I was wrong but that's what I read into it. <BR><BR>I have also noticed that young artist that commit suicide are always granted a greatness that their work may not deserve. Marilyn Monroe comes to mind, a woman of marginal talents, who, had she lived to old age, probably would not be remembered that fondly, other than as a footnote. What about Van Gogh? Do you think he would be the hit today that he is if he hadn't shot himself at such a young age. There is a tremendous embrace of young suicidal artist by the public that belies their talent. Why do you think that is? The same occurs for young politicians who die young ( John Kennedy ) or young revolutionaries who die young ( Che Chevera ). I think their greatness is inflated by those of us left behind who want desparately to give their work and their short lives more meaning. What are your thoughts?

Forgive me I meant Che Guevara.

Martin, Sorry that knowledge about the author's life ruined a great book for you. So many writers and poets have ended their lives prematurely by their own hand or by living careless lives. I guess you can't enjoy the works of Plath, Sexton, Fitzgerald or Hemingway, just to name a few.<BR><BR>About Monroe and Van Gogh. They both died in their late 30s (36 and 37, respectively) and left a considerable portfolio of work. In her 16-year film career, Monroe had made over 30 movies. I have to disagree about her talent; she was absolutely wonderful in many of her films -- sexy and funny. And Van Gogh created about 750 paintings and 1600 drawings. I think they both earned their acclaim.<BR><BR>Am I wrong?

Monroe I feel is a creation of the modern media. They throw her story our way at least once or twice a year in some fashion. After so many TV movies and cover stories on People Magazine we start to believe she is something greater than she was. At least we believe that way if we want to feel like one of the mainstream. Same for Van Gogh. I have to admit I have a replica of a relatively unknown Van Gogh painting in my house that I liked the first time I saw it. It's called, "Interior of a Restaurant". A small, insignificant painting that I was attracted to after seeing " A Lust for Life" and then reading his history and then finally hearing Don McClean's beautiful song "Vincent". Only then did I want this picture. Now, was that because the picture was so magnificent or was I moved by the tragic and passionate movie, story and song. It's an interesting concept.

ttt

A very interesting exchange between Martin and Dunce Lover. Dunce Lover, I agree with you. "Confederacy of Dunces" is one of my all-time favorite books, yet I realize it can't appeal to everyone. No matter what work is in question, someone will always be critical. By the way, did you know that Ignatius Reilly was chosen by Book Magazine as No. 17 of the 100 best characters in fiction since 1900? And the panelists were impressive, lest anyone question that. Ignatius is described as "Hot dog vendor and gassy malcontent." Pretty funny.

Caroline do you have a url for the list. Fun to see who was listed. <BR><BR>I wasn't a big fan of Dunces (too many people had told me too many glowing reviews beforehand, it couldn't live up to expectations). Maybe I should try reading it again.

Caroline, no, I didn't know that about our Ignatius. I'm so glad that he and his Big Chief notepads have been recognized. Fortuna must be spinning upward.

the books be William Least Heat Moon....Blue Highways and River Horse....two great books about traveling. Blue Highways, winding his way around America on the backroads of America, avoiding the interstates and big cities. River Horse, traveling by boat from the Atlantic to the PAcific, two great books, might make you proud to be an American reading these

The link for Book Magazine's top 100 characters is as follows:<BR><BR>http://www.bookmagazine.com/issue21/100best.shtml<BR><BR>However, it only lists the top ten. Apparently the entire list is only available in the magazine, not online. I recently subscribed, and this was my first issue. It's an interesting list. I think Ignatius only appeals to people with a certain sense of humor. You either get him or you don't. <BR><BR>But, in order keep to the topic, I'd like to suggest "The Corrections" by Jonathan Franzen. Definitely my favorite work of fiction in the past five years. I find it so hard to believe that "Empire Falls" won the Pulitzer for fiction over "The Corrections."

ttt

Nina, I thought of another book that I read recently and liked very much :<BR>"We were the Mulvaneys" by Joyce Carol Oates. Maybe not quite a "beach book", but very interesting to "meet" the Mulvaneys.

The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint by Brady Udall. Wacky, but a GREAT read!!

A non-fiction book--Queen Bees and Wannabees. All about the cliques and roles preteen and teen girls assign themselves. Even if you don't have a daughter, it's fascinating reading. Unlike several books I've read on this same topic, it actually gives solutions and insight to what girls today are facing. Sounds heavy but it's not. I read it sitting by the pool last weekend. On the lighter side, Joe Queenan's Red Lobster, White Trash and the Blue Lagoon (already mentioned on this thread) is simply one of the funniest books I've ever read. Am halfway through the Nanny Diaries and I'm not hooked yet. Kind of interesting but not great. Just reread Terry McMillan's 'A Day Late and A Dollar Short.' Ranks right up there with her 'Waiting to Exhale.'

Tara Road-Maive Binchy<BR>

I agree with the Carl Hiassen tip, excellent books. There is another author that is similar in style that I like just as well, he wrote "The Organ Grinders" and "Pest Control". The author is Bill Fitzhugh. Truly hilarious books, and dark like Hiassen. Have fun!

My favorite book this year has been The Nanny Diaries - perfect summer reading! Very witty, comical and sarcastic :)

A Walk on the Beach (by the Blanchards)<BR>Don't Stop the Carnival<BR>A Pirate Turns 40 (Jimmy Buffet)<BR><BR>Have fun!!

Can't get the best character list through the above site... try this one: http://www.npr.org/programs/totn/features/2002/mar/020319.characters.html<BR><BR>Nanny Diaries was a funny and lite read. For a good beach read, try Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris or to have wonderful vicarious travel experiences, No Hurry to Get Home by Emily Hahn, a womand who wrote for the New Yorker for about 70 years. <BR>What about Bee Season? Or an oldie but a goodie - Carol Shields - the Stone Diaries. Or better yet, a great and funny "historical" called Music and Silence by Rose Tremain. Perfect beach read - entertaining, engrossing, thought-provoking, but light enough to keep an eye on your kids!

"Blue Highways" & "River Horse" by William Least Heat Moon. The first book is his travels across America on the backroads, the 2nd, his travels across America by boat, from NYC to the Pacific Ocean. Both great glimpses of the US away from the cities.<BR><BR>

Tess, or anyone else: Regarding Queen Bees and Wannabees - would this be suitable reading for a 13 year old girl? My niece often calls me crying with girlfriend problems. I will read this book, but wonder if I could have her read it too.

HI! Anything by Clive Cussler is fantastic!

Maggi,<BR>I would read the book (Queen Bees) first and then see what you think. A reasonably mature 13 year old would benefit by reading the first part of the book for sure. I have a 13 year old boy and a ten year old girl--amazing the differences between boys and girls!!! I can't believe the Queen Bees are already rearing their ugly heads at 10 years old, but they are...

Thanks, Tess. Just got back from the bookstore and picked it up. Bingo! Also was able to pick up Girl With a Pearl Earring and A Walk in the Woods on the used book rack. Guess my weekend is booked.

Summer and beach conjure up images from an old work that is still so "modern" in terms of its themes: Kate Chopin's The Awakening.<BR><BR>Another interesting memoir on Chinese history would be Jan Wong's Red China's Blues (1996).

Maggi,<BR>I know I'll probably get zinged, flamed or snipped at by someone since this isn't travel related, but I'd love to hear your reaction after you finish the Queen Bees book. Everyone I know who's read it has VERY strong opinions on the Queen Bees in either their daughter's life or in their own growing-up years. My book discussion group is reading the book for our July get-together--should be a lively conversation!<BR><BR>Okay, to keep this thread on topic, "Watermelon" by Marian Keyes is a great summer read. I believe this is the same author of "Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married"--another fun summer book.

My husband read "Seabiscuit" and insisted I read it. I said, Who wants to read about a horse? I DID read it and it was fascinating and beautifully written, a wonderful social history of the 1920s, 30s and 40s. Sorry I can't remember the author's name.

"Naughty Night Nurse" by Ben Dover

Seabiscuit is by Laura Hillenbrand and is a fabulous book. I would also recommend Horse Heaven by Jane Smiley. I was not interested in reading this book AT ALL but it was picked for my book club and I LOVED it.

Nina,<BR> I think this is a great topic! Especially for travel inhibited girls like me! I have a one year old at home, so reading is like taking a mini vacation! Plus I devour books so fast I'm always looking for another good book. I highly recommend Gone With the Wind, it is sooooo much better than the movie!! I loved it! I also heard about Queen Bees on the Today show, so I think I'll try that one next. I can't wait for the Ya-Ya movie, didn't even know there was book, you can bet I'll be reading that one and the prequel. <BR>Here's another tip, why not re-read your favorite children's books? I've been doing that lately. They're short and bring back great memories, and your kids might want to read them after you! Some examples, The Little House series by Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Nancy Drew series, The Lion, the Witch , and the Wardrobe. Happy reading!

Since the above poster mentioned children's books, parents might want to get their kids started on the Lemony Snickett series of books. All about three orphaned children and all the horrible, unhappy and hideous things that happen to them. These books are a sort of cross between Edward Gorey and Harry Potter. Hilarious.

Here you go Cindy!