Ok, I'm done whining about the big scary plane ride. I've done my yoga and meditation. I've packed my bags (one for clothes, one for books). A friend has given me a whole pack of placebo anxiety pills (Tic Tacs). I have my Courageous Blogger Award. I've got my iPod. I'm ready to go to my 20th reunion!
I am not bringing my laptop with me, so I don't know if I'll be able to post while I'm away, but I may be able to steal time on the computers of the friends I am staying with. I'll miss you all! Expect me back on Monday at the latest. I will be posting (anonymous) pictures!
But before I go, does anyone have any good books to recommend for the plane? Something exceptionally well-written but definitely not too sad or heavy? (My favorite book on my last trip was Anne Lamott's Traveling Mercies
Have a great time on your trip. I am looking forward to reading all about it.
Right now...I am not reading any books. I could not read on a jet. I think I would be too nervous and looking around a lot and thinking "I am hungry!"
Laurie Colwin, who unfortunately died very young about 12 years ago, was a marvelous writer. Her "Happy All the Time" is one of my favorite books, ever. You will want to avoid "Family Happiness", which centers on an adulterous affair, but the others are gems. She also wrote two cookbooks that are collections of essays from "Gourmet" magazine and are more memoir and meditation on food than they are actual recipes.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I read it in an airport one day, thanks to a flight delay. You'll laugh, cry, and just want to keep turning the pages.
Siri Hustvedt (Paul Auster's wife) - What I loved
Actually..I am reading Idiot Girls Action Adventure Club and it is pretty funny
I'm reading The Fourth Hand by someone male, but I can't remember his name. It's pretty good so far, and just dark enough to feel like it's worth reading, but it makes me laugh out loud sometimes.
Hey, did you get my recommendation? I'll repeat it just in case the Blogger Cookie Monster ate it again... It's "What I loved" by Siri Hustvedt. It's been my favourite for many years now.
And HAVE A GREAT TIME
You rock, girl!
Hope you have a lovely time on your trip. As for books, why don't you try Jackie Kay's "Trumpet":
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw/002-9401009-7716001?initialSearch=1&url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=trumpet&Go.x=9&Go.y=16&Go=Go"
Oh, a book contest! I love love LOVE! reading. I recommend two, or one or the other
, by the same author - Anita Shreve. I suggest either Fortune's Rocks, or The Last Time They Met. They are both some of my favorites. Have a wonderful trip. I am sure you will make lots of great memories!
Oh I missed your departure. Sorry. Good luck and hope you return with many happy memories.
as good books go? wow that so depends what you are into!
Italio Calvino for story telling beautifully, (particularly Baron of the Trees)
Patrick Suskind, Perfume, for sensational descriptive writing
D M Thomas: The White Hotel for erotica (albeit a tad disturbing),
Kerri Hulme: The Bone People, for depth
etc etc etc.
what were you looking for?
One of the most entertaining books I have read, that was a riddle wrapped in a mystery... Fingersmith, by Sarah Waters. Beautufuly written. Not a mystery book, but a wonderfuly written adventure. If you want a chick flick in a book try some Marium Keys, Rachels Holiday... a fucking fantastic/funny/sad tale of an addict who has no idea what's going on.
The Fourth Hand is I believe John Irving... some dude that I LOVE, although his later books haven't attracted me as much. Two of his best are Cider House Rules (forget the movie if you saw this, they left sooo much out- book is so much better) and A Prayer for Owen Meany. John Irving does make you laugh out loud. J- wife, if you like the one your reading, deffinately check out these other two.
So, top two choices for me, Fingersmith and/or Rachels Holiday. Have a great time.
have a great trip! and have some disco fries for me!
I blog seriously so I read for fun.
Try any of Jim Butcher's Dresden Files novels, I just finished the latest "White Knight".
Marley & Me (John Grogan).
I rarely read books by men but this was exceptional -- yes, I am a sexist pig.
I missed your departure. Sorry for being a self-absorbed, rotten blogger friend.
Enjoy yourself.
Peace,
Scout
Shit--I miss you. Come home!
Peace and LOVE,
Scout