Summer fiction recommendations?

[Phillycat]

I'm off school for the summer (AAAHH!) and finally have time to read something that isn't a textbook. I have a couple books hanging around my house that I need to get through, but that won't take long, and I'm going to need some new ones.

Any good books you've read lately? Here are my criteria:

1. I don't want to read anything incredibly sad or heavy. It's my summer vacation! I want to be entertained.

2. On the other hand, I don't want to read utter crap - Danielle Steele type drivel.

3. No non-fiction.

Here is a list of books that I found entertaining, for comparison purposes:

Good Omens
A Confederacy of Dunces
I like all Maeve Binchy (I'm a girl, so sue me!)
The Harry Potter books
All Richard Russo
All Michael Malone

So, whaddaya got? Thanks in advance!

[Squeech]

1. Hmmm...

It's hard to top Good Omens.

But if you like that level of goofiness, with pop culture references instead of pre-millenialist, you might like Thomas Pynchon. His stuff can get very dense, however, so to a new reader I recommend The Crying of Lot 49, set in the '60s and suffused with the wackiness of that era.

I very much admire Neal Stephenson, a sci-fi author usually associated with the "cyberpunk" school. He's got one called Zodiac, a thriller where the hero's a punk chemist working for a Greenpeace-like organization, who specializes in using both legal action and staged media events to expose corporate polluters, big fun.

My wife handed me a book called The Drowning Tree, chick-lit meets murder mystery, which I enjoyed. The setting is an exclusive women's college and the down-at-the-heels town next to it, and there's a bunch of interesting art history involved. (The author's name is Goodman, I think-- sorry!)

Can't think of any more at the moment. Need more :donut:

[Phillycat]

2. Great rec's, thanks!

:D

[jane_pippin]

3. Here are a few I've liked recently:

"Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
It's a brand new book so if you don't want to shell out 25 bucks see if the library has it because it's really good. It's a love story, but it's not like a sappy, stereotypical romance or anything. It's about an orphan who winds up joining the circus during the Great Depression, and ends up falling in love with one of the performers who happens to be married to the animal trainer. It's got a great setting--rich and full of interesting details, and it's just a well written, satisfying read.

"The Nimrod Flipout" by Etgar Karet
It's a short story collection, (and here short means one or two pages in some cases). Very quirky tales of family, friends, love and death, and people just trying to make it in life. It's got some "magical" or "fantasy" elements that make some of the stories seem like modern folk tales.

"Lipshitz Six or Two Angry Blondes" by T. Cooper
Another new one, definitely try to get it from the library as opposed to buying it. It's about a family of Jewish immigrants who come to America in the early 1900's and they lose one of their kids at Ellis Island. After a few months they give up on the search and wind up in Texas. The book follows the family from just before coming to America right up to the present in New York. The mother, after giving up on the lost child, convinces herself that the lost kid has grown up to be Charles Lindbergh and her obsession affects the family for a generation or two. Now, I liked the book a lot until I got to the ending when I thought the author tried to pull some elements into it that didn't quite fit. (Hence the "get it from the library" nudge). But I loved the story up until then so I'm interested in seeing what other people think of it. Maybe it was just me that thought that about the ending.

Anything by Jonathan Safran Foer is a sure bet. "Everything is Illuminated" is just beautiful. I've mentioned it every time someone asks for recommends and I'll keep mentioning it because it's fantastic. It's about an American who goes back to Europe to search for the person who helped save his family from Nazis. He makes the journey with his translator who isn't as up on English as he claims, which makes for some funny moments. The story also winds through the American's family history in a larger than life tale that weaves in scraps of history the American learns through his trip. It's brutal in places, but it needs to be in order to tell the story.
He also has one called "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close." I haven't gotten to that one yet myself, but there's no way it's bad. It's about a boy whose father died in the World Trade Center attacks and the boy searches for him, (I think-maybe just searches for something about him), all over New York.

"Dog Days" by Ana Marie Cox (aka Wonkette)
Now, I haven't read this one and if I had to guess I wouldn't say it's necessarily a great work for the ages or anything. But, since you're clearly into politics, (I assume since you're at DU), you might be up for what looks to be a funny novel about summer in DC. I've got it on my shelf for when I need something light but not totally fluffy to read.

"Birds of America" by Lorrie Moore
She's a writer from Wisconsin and this is one of her short story collections. I know some people aren't big on short stories, but hers are so perfectly written that even people who don't like them might like her work. The stories are smart, very funny, and fully realized, meaning that every word, every element, every detail connects with each other to create beautiful stories. I always say she reminds me of Flannery O' Connor not because she tells stories about the same things exactly, but because her stories are literary yet accessible in the same way I think O' Connor's are. See if you can find her story "You're Ugly, Too," if it's not in this collection. It's my favorite of her stories.

Sorry for going on and on, but I can't help it. Happy reading. :hi:

[Phillycat]

6. These all sound good

Thanks! :hi:

[xmas74]

4. I like Maeve Binchy.

I found one last summer at my used bookstore that reminded me a bit of her style.

Drumveyn by Alexandra Raife. You might like it.

[Phillycat]

8. Ooh, cool, thanks

I've been putting off buying Binchy's new one because it's still in hardcover, so maybe this one will tide me over. :)

[xmas74]

9. I purchased it for 50 cents.

Something to tide me over.

[Patiod]

5. Michael Chabon - "Mysteries of Pittsburgh" or "Wonder Boys"

Lee Smith (Fair & Tender Ladies) and Barbara Kingsolver - "Prodigal Summer"
Laurie Colwin - "The Lone Pilgrim" (short stories)
T. R. Pearson has some very quirky books about people in a small Southern town - "Glad News of the Natural World" is his most accessible, but if you like his voice, try some of the quirkier stuff, like "Short History of a Small Place" or "Blue Ridge"
Dave King - "The Ha-Ha"


I know you said "no non-fiction", but "Seabiscuit" reads like a novel.

If you like mysteries, Donna Leon and Michael Dibdin both write mysteries set in Italy, and they are really well-written. What's nice is that when you've finished one, there's another one waiting. The Donna Leon ones can be read in any order, but the Dibdin ones are better read in order (and they get better and better).

I'm also a huge Rich Russo fan!

[Phillycat]

7. I love Michael Chabon!

I've read all his already. Thanks though, great suggestion.

Ooh, mysteries set in Italy! Two of my favorite things.

Thanks for the rec's!

[Patiod]

10. Then I would add Andrea Camillieri

I didn't want to overwhelm you with Italian mysteries.....

[Phillycat]

11. What's not to like?

Italy...GOOD.

Mysteries...GOOD.

:D

Thanks!

[tigereye]

22. I once saw Chabon's band play

it was a very long time ago. Just thought I'd tell you that. (He IS an excellent writer.) :D

If you like mysteries set in Italy, you might also like books by Ian Pears. He's great.

Pears, IainThe Raphael Affair1990, 191p.

Snip.
Set against the backdrop of the mysterious European art world, this is the first in a series introducing Jonathan Argyll, British art historian, and Flavia di Stefano of the Italian National Art Theft Squad. Jonathan, caught breaking into a church, explains that he has reason to believe that a genuine Raphael is hidden under another painting in the church. However, this painting has disappeared and when another serious act of vandalism and a murder occur, Jonathan and Flavia must face the difficult challenge of uncovering the truth.

I also really like books by Reginald Hill. They are wicked smart and quite witty mysteries. Happy Reading!

I just finished Phil Lesh's bio. Even if you don't like the Dead, it gives a great feel for the 60s SF music scene.

[Phillycat]

12. Kickety!

[Sugar Smack]

13. "The Robber Bride" by Margaret Atwood.

I have no idea what it is with that woman, but she's got the truth by the balls. Ever since I read "The Handmaid's Tale" and "Cat's Eye", I've become so impressed by Margaret Atwood I'll read anything she writes at this point. This is a book about how evil a person can become given enough rope. The main characters are three women duped into giving sympathy for whatever reason to the main character Zenia. It takes place during and after college. If you're like me, you love to nostalgia-trip sometimes. I think you're about the right age for college nostalgia-tripping, right? 33?

Anyway, Maragaret Atwood has the entire campus ambience down. When I read this book for the umpteenth time, I felt as if I were being transported back to the college scenes and what the student union was like, what it was like to live in a dorm. And Zenia? What a BITCH! And I kept getting frustrated by the 3 women who continued to let Zenia back into their lives after so much betrayal. She was beautiful, evil, and pretty much tucked their husbands one by one under her arms and took them away.

Maybe I'm getting carried away, but I find myself with a surplus of free time these days. Anyway, how was Ireland, darlin? :)

[Phillycat]

14. That sounds good!

I love, love Margaret Atwood too. Is that in paperback yet?

Ireland was gorgeous! We actually had beautiful weather the entire time we were there, isn't that insane? It was 60 degrees and sunny every single day. I think it's like the one week a year that it's sunny there. We went up and down the East coast of Ireland and I've never seen such stunning landscapes in all my life. I loved it. One drawback: the food is yucky. :( But otherwise it's a great country and the people are really nice. Thanks for asking!

[Sugar Smack]

17. Yes- this book has been out in paperback for some time.

If you love the sun, and you love lying out reading, this book is ultimately best experienced outside with no time crunches. A large lemonade next to you and preferably the sound of waves lapping at the beach! Actually, I'm really surprised & happy to see that you've never read it, because I anticipate a huge treat in your future.

Ireland sounds like it was beautiful. How did the food suck? What was the weirdest thing you ate there? I have this fascination with weird food. Also-is Shepherd's Pie a product of Ireland? I remember having some very tasty Shepherd's Pie at a local restaurant once. If I remember correctly, it's seasoned beef, potatoes and peas. :9

[Phillycat]

18. Irish food

is just SO BLAND. They don't use spices. Like, ANY spices! It's bizarre. And I did get the traditional food too - bangers and mash, fish and chips, etc. And just...nothing. I'm Italian, so I like good food; therefore, that aspect was a big disappointment for me.

I believe shepherd's pie, as well as the items I mentioned, was originally English, and of course English food doesn't have a fantastic reputation either. Next time I go, I'm taking a head of garlic and a bottle of hot sauce! :D

[Patiod]

53. My mother is Irish-American, and thinks pepper is exotic

When I left college (where the food was bland and awful) I was SHOCKED to discover the concept of SPICY food with TASTE! Wow! What an eye opener.

[Sanity Claws]

63. I had to jump in

I just read The Handmaid's Tale by Atwood and loved it. It sounds like you already read it but if not, you might enjoy it since you enjoy DU.
I also had to jump in because of the remarks about Irish cooking. My mother was Irish and couldn't cook. We ate canned soup, canned beans, plain potatoes, bread, and some meat that was boiled or baked. Oh, and of course, tea. How could I forget tea?
The only spice we had in the entire house was paprika and my mother sprinkled that on baked chicken. Maybe one of her friends told her about it.
I always said that if I ever saw a book on Irish cooking, I'd bet it was it was thinest book in the store.

[regularguy]

15. "Skinny Dip" by Carl Hiasson

Unbelievably amoral man tries and fails to kill his wife. He thinks he was successful and she messes with him to hilarious effect. Presented in a context of South Florida at it's most demented.
Also:
"Me talk Pretty" by David Sedaris. I <HEART> this guy!

[Phillycat]

16. I've read all David Sedaris (actually saw him read a couple years ago)

but will check out the other one! Thanks for the recc!

[progmom]

19. I recently finished The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

...and dug it.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0142001740.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
From Publishers Weekly
Honey-sweet but never cloying, this debut by nonfiction author Kidd (The Dance of the Dissident Daughter) features a hive's worth of appealing female characters, an offbeat plot and a lovely style. It's 1964, the year of the Civil Rights Act, in Sylvan, S.C. Fourteen-year-old Lily is on the lam with motherly servant Rosaleen, fleeing both Lily's abusive father T. Ray and the police who battered Rosaleen for defending her new right to vote. Lily is also fleeing memories, particularly her jumbled recollection of how, as a frightened four-year-old, she accidentally shot and killed her mother during a fight with T. Ray. Among her mother's possessions, Lily finds a picture of a black Virgin Mary with "Tiburon, S.C." on the back so, blindly, she and Rosaleen head there. It turns out that the town is headquarters of Black Madonna Honey, produced by three middle-aged black sisters, August, June and May Boatwright. The "Calendar sisters" take in the fugitives, putting Lily to work in the honey house, where for the first time in years she's happy. But August, clearly the queen bee of the Boatwrights, keeps asking Lily searching questions. Faced with so ideally maternal a figure as August, most girls would babble uncontrollably. But Lily is a budding writer, desperate to connect yet fiercely protective of her secret interior life. Kidd's success at capturing the moody adolescent girl's voice makes her ambivalence comprehensible and charming. And it's deeply satisfying when August teaches Lily to "find the mother in (herself)" a soothing lesson that should charm female readers of all ages. (Jan. 28)Forecast: Blurbs from an impressive lineup of women writers Anita Shreve, Susan Isaacs, Ursula Hegi pitch this book straight at its intended readership.


I loved The Time Traveler's Wife

From Publishers Weekly
This highly original first novel won the largest advance San Francisco-based MacAdam/Cage had ever paid, and it was money well spent. Niffenegger has written a soaring love story illuminated by dozens of finely observed details and scenes, and one that skates nimbly around a huge conundrum at the heart of the book: Henry De Tamble, a rather dashing librarian at the famous Newberry Library in Chicago, finds himself unavoidably whisked around in time. He disappears from a scene in, say, 1998 to find himself suddenly, usually without his clothes, which mysteriously disappear in transit, at an entirely different place 10 years earlier-or later. During one of these migrations, he drops in on beautiful teenage Clare Abshire, an heiress in a large house on the nearby Michigan peninsula, and a lifelong passion is born. The problem is that while Henry's age darts back and forth according to his location in time, Clare's moves forward in the normal manner, so the pair are often out of sync. But such is the author's tenderness with the characters, and the determinedly ungimmicky way in which she writes of their predicament (only once do they make use of Henry's foreknowledge of events to make money, and then it seems to Clare like cheating) that the book is much more love story than fantasy. It also has a splendidly drawn cast, from Henry's violinist father, ruined by the loss of his wife in an accident from which Henry time-traveled as a child, to Clare's odd family and a multitude of Chicago bohemian friends. The couple's daughter, Alba, inherits her father's strange abilities, but this is again handled with a light touch; there's no Disney cuteness here. Henry's foreordained end is agonizing, but Niffenegger has another card up her sleeve, and plays it with poignant grace. It is a fair tribute to her skill and sensibility to say that the book leaves a reader with an impression of life's riches and strangeness rather than of easy thrills.




The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon was great....
Spanish author Carlos Ruiz Zafón's The Shadow of the Wind is a literary thriller set in the misty, politically charged streets of 1945 Barcelona. It opens when a heavy wooden door, groaning on its hinges before a small boy named Daniel, reveals "the Cemetery of Forgotten Books." Daniel is brought to this labyrinthine library by his father, and from its ancient shelves he withdraws a novel titled The Shadow of the Wind. Much to his surprise—and eventual regret—his discovery draws the attention of everyone from a sinister government enforcer to a menacing man who begins to trace Daniel's steps, and who appears to have no face. A magnificently paced delight, Zafón's debut boasts an intricate plot that's colored by a love of books, wonderfully realized characters, and an undeniably alluring creepiness. Read an excerpt. The book is also available in the original Spanish as La sombra del viento.

I really liked The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/1400032717.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg
from amazon: Mark Haddon's bitterly funny debut novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, is a murder mystery of sorts--one told by an autistic version of Adrian Mole. Fifteen-year-old Christopher John Francis Boone is mathematically gifted and socially hopeless, raised in a working-class home by parents who can barely cope with their child's quirks. He takes everything that he sees (or is told) at face value, and is unable to sort out the strange behavior of his elders and peers.

Late one night, Christopher comes across his neighbor's poodle, Wellington, impaled on a garden fork. Wellington's owner finds him cradling her dead dog in his arms, and has him arrested. After spending a night in jail, Christopher resolves--against the objection of his father and neighbors--to discover just who has murdered Wellington. He is encouraged by Siobhan, a social worker at his school, to write a book about his investigations, and the result--quirkily illustrated, with each chapter given its own prime number--is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Haddon's novel is a startling performance. This is the sort of book that could turn condescending, or exploitative, or overly sentimental, or grossly tasteless very easily, but Haddon navigates those dangers with a sureness of touch that is extremely rare among first-time novelists. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is original, clever, and genuinely moving: this one is a must-read.


Have you read Ursula Hegi's Stones From The River yet? http://images.amazon.com/images/P/068484477X.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg I loved it....and all of the rest of the Ursula Hegi books I have found since.

[Phillycat]

25. I did read the Curious Incident...

but not the others. Must admit I stayed away from the first two because of the Oprah hype. (nothing against Oprah, I just get turned off by too much hype sometimes.) But I will check them out, and the last one sounds really interesting. Thanks! :D

[progmom]

27. Time Traveler got Oprah hype?

I missed that.
I have to say that while she certainly isn't batting 1000, she did pick a lot of really great books. (though I will also admit that I adamantly avoided any Oprah picks for years, 'til I realized I was actually missing out on some good reading!)

[Phillycat]

28. Yeah, it was an Oprah pick.

I know what you mean. I don't want to shoot myself in the foot. However, I remember All The Pretty Horses was recc'd on there and I just HATED that book, so I'm a little leery...

[progmom]

29. yes - and She's Come Undone

...which I HATED.

[Arugula Latte]

38. Are you in my book group?

I read all of those, and enjoyed them all, but haven't read "Shadow of the Wind."

[progmom]

44. do you meet the first wednesday of every month?

if so...maybe. :D

[Arugula Latte]

49. Nope ... Tuesdays.

Oh well ... :hi:

[TallahasseeGrannie]

20. You MUST READ

The Life of Pi

[Phillycat]

26. I did, and I didn't like it!

I was so disappointed - I really thought I would like it. So many people whose opinions I respect had reccommended it highly to me. Maybe I was just in the wrong mindset. I should pick it up again, I still have it. Thanks!

[TallahasseeGrannie]

30. On no!

Well, it is a little edgy. Had you "figured it out" before it was over? That could do it.

[progmom]

21. Oh yeah - and Jhumpa Lahiri "The Namesake"

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0395927218.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

or her pulitzer prize winning collection of short stories: http://images.amazon.com/images/P/039592720X.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[AlCzervik]

23. Thank you for smoking by Christopher Buckley, it's hilarious.

[Phillycat]

31. Now, hilarious is exactly what I'm looking for!

Thanks :D

[Richardo]

41. I can second that one - I read 'Smoking' many years ago.

Thoroughly enjoyed it. :thumbsup:

[jadedconformist]

24. Lamb by Christopher Moore

HILARIOUS! If people are offended by The Da Vinci Code, they might not want to ever pick up this book though.

It basically is a (fictional) story (of course) of Jesus when he was a kid, and his old friend Biff, is telling the story. Add this to your list!

[Phillycat]

32. I picked this up in the bookstore!

I didn't buy it, because I was afraid it wouldn't come off funny. But now that I know that it works, I will definitely get it. Thanks! :D

[jadedconformist]

34. Let me know what you think of it. It has a lot of adult humor/innuendos

[azmouse]

33. The Know-it-all by AJ Jacobs

Lots of humor and an easy read.

[Phillycat]

36. Sounds perfect

Thanks!

[Patiod]

54. Someone gave me both that and "Lamb"

and I hadn't read them, thinking they didn't "look good". Now that you guys have reccommended them, they'll go in the suitcase for the next trip...

[azmouse]

57. I'm almost done with The Know-it-all.

It's just a fun, silly book. I started it thinking it would be good summertime reading and I wasn't disappointed. Yes, it's summer here already. 101 degrees today and warmer this weekend. :woohoo:

[Monkey see Monkey Do]

35. Anything by David Mitchell, especially "Ghostwritten"

I just picked up his new book today (Black Swan Green).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375724508 /
http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/books/reviews/article362616.ece

Bo Fowler's Skepticism, Inc and The Astrological Diary of God are very funny. I spent a large part of last summer reading Robin Hobb's trilogy of trilogies, starting with Assassin's Apprentice. Really enjoyable and engrossing fantasy (which is a genre I generally avoid), although reading them in quick succession led to some frustrating repetition.

http://www.robinhobb.com/books-main.html

Finally if you're a Harry Potter fan, you really should check out the other great (young adults) fantasy series from the UK by Phillip Pullman called His Dark Materials.

http://www.randomhouse.com/features/pullman/

[Phillycat]

37. Wow, thanks.

They all sound great!

[WritingIsMyReligion]

52. HDM is 1000 times more fascinating than Harry Potter,

and the most politically-motivated fantasy series I've ever read. Don't get me wrong: I love Harry Potter. But His Dark Materials--which I am rereading now for the fourth time, in fact--is absolutely gorgeous and enthralling.

Get it. Now. Pullman is a progressive, anti-religionist genius.

:evilgrin:

[yellowdogintexas]

59. Oh DO read Robin Hobb, that trilogy of trilogies will keep you

busy for quite a while.

I loved those books

[Critters2]

39. I love anything by Graham Greene

Not new, necessarily, but good reads.

on edit: My book club is reading _My Sister's Keeper_. I haven't started it yet.

[Phillycat]

40. I read _My Sister's Keeper_ - not a huge fan of Jodi Picault

She is one of those authors who has a really good idea for a book, and then just slogs, slogs, slogs from A to B to get there. The plots get implausable, the characters get unlikeable, the endings get ridiculous...but she gets her One Big Point across. You know?

I will check out Graham Greene - never reading anything by him. Thanks! :D

[Critters2]

42. Honestly, it's not a book I would have chosen for myself

It's sounds preachy, from what people have said. Our last book club selection was _Gilead_ by Marilynne Robinson, which I liked.

My favorite Greene novels are _The Quiet American_ and _Our Man in Havana_.

[Sequoia]

43. The Godfather

The Pitcher Shower (funny) by Donald Harington

Crossfire by Miyuki Miyabe scary and very good writing

Jitterbug Perfume, by Tom Robins

[Phillycat]

45. The Godfather, really?

It's upbeat?

I am not a Tom Robbins fan (I know, I don't know what's wrong with me either) but I will check out the other two.

[Sequoia]

48. Compared to those thugs running the white house it is.

No, it's not upbeat in the sense you might be looking for. n And I just happen to be reading it since I never read it before. Crossfire isn't upbeat at all. It's about people with special powers who do things by accident and/or on purpose. Picher Shower is upbeat and Jitterbug Perfume is the only Tom Robbins I've read. Another fun one is, "The Beanfield Milagro War", by John Nichols is a good one I read years ago.

[Patiod]

55. Don't like Robbins, but loved Jitterbu perfume

Ill have to look at Crossfire - it sounds interesting

[Sequoia]

58. It's gets a little scary.

and it's makes you break out in goosebumps. Don't read ahead.

[asthmaticeog]

46. Never mind...

I see upthread that you've already picked up both of the books I had posted about. Oops!

[Phillycat]

47. Read the first, (LOVED IT) and the second is first on my list!

Thanks! :D

[politicat]

50. My summer silly books so far:

The Secret History of the Pink Carnation (Lauren Willig) and the sequel (Black Tulip?) Take Jane Austen, Baroness Orczy, and Helen Fielding and give them a whirl in a martini shaker.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell (Susanna Clarke) The Napoleonic Wars plus magic. Long, but worth it.

a couple of mysteries about a detective in Shogunate Japan by Laura Joh Rowland (fun, but definitely disposable)

The Game and Locked Rooms by Laurie R King (If you like mysteries, like intelligent, literary plots, and have even the slightest affection for Sherlock Holmes (or would like to see him get his comeuppance), try this series. It starts with The Beekeeper's Apprentice.)

There is a series of Jane Austen as detective mysteries that are okay, and a series about the Bow Street Runners.

There's always Dorothy Sayers.

I really do have a thing for decent plotting (and since most SF&F has gone over to formulaic, teen oriented books) I end up reading a lot of mysteries. I like the Regency/Napoleonic Wars era because they so perfectly mirror our own time in terms of culture and social rigidity. (It's all about money.)

Anansi Boys is really excellent if you liked Good Omens.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

51. Try some Tom Perotta. (sp?)

He's hysterical. I highly recommend Little Children--the perfect lighthearted summer satire.

[Merrick]

56. good recent reads: "The Cold Six Thousand" by Ellroy,

"Factotum" and "Ham on Rye" by Bukowski, "The Adolescent" by Dostoyevksi (good, but not his best), and re-read part of "Master and Margarita" by Bulgakov because its one of the best books ever and if you havent read it you should get it right away.

[jpgray]

60. Get some Paul Auster

Black zyl frames and wannabe Beatnik complex not included.

[yellowdogintexas]

61. OK, you must read some Carl Hiaasen...MUST

great fun hysterical readin

You MUST read some T R Pearson..Short HIstory of a Small Place is wonderful

If you like mysteries and fun together, start with "One for the MOney" by Janet Evanovich and read your way up to the 11th one ...

also: The Midnight Louie Murder Mysteries, by Carole Nelson Douglas.starring
Midnight Louie, a 20 pound black cat who is also a P.I. The first one is "CatNap"

Epic Fantasy: George R R Martin...begin with: A Game of Thrones...

Two hilarious novels by Shirley Jackson: (yes the same one who wrote Haunting of HIll House and The Lottery, both very creepy)

Life Among the Savages and the sequel Raising Demons.

[NC_Nurse]

62. I second the Carl Hiassen recommendation..

Love him. "Lucky You" is also a good one of his...
I like Tony Hillerman mysteries too, lots of Navajo culture points included and western scenery, philosophy...
My fav book ever: Skinny Legs and All by Tom Robbins...a little hard to get into at first - very convoluted, but worth it!!!

[BreweryYardRat]

64. She said nothing depressing.

Martin, excellent as he is, can be pretty damned depressing at times.

I'd recommend:
Tim Dorsey's books (Florida crime fiction, similar to Hiaasen, although I think Dorsey's funnier).
Steve Alten's Meg. 60 feet of hungry Carcharodon megalodon, anybody?
Anything from Lawrence Watt-Evans' Ethshar fantasy series (go dig around in used bookstores).
Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels.
John Maddox Roberts' SPQR series (mysteries set near the end of Rome's Republican period).