JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum Any Good Novel Recommendations for My "Convalesence"?

Hey Boy and Girls,

As you likely know, I'm FINALLY getting my right food FOOT ( ) repaired this coming Friday, 1/30 ( )!! It was originally scheduled for 1/16, but I caught my daughter's respiratory virus, blah blah blah, so they had to cancel. (BTW, if you DIDN'T know about it, you simply must come out from under your rock...I've been whining about it for weeks on end!! )

Anyhoo, in addition to practising wheelies (NOT!) on my post-op wheelchair, and all the other logistical malarkey (major one being I can't TOUCH the foot to the ground for six weeks. And if they harvest bone for the repair from my hip instead of my shin, that baby is going to hurt in the wheelchair!!), I'm trying to figure out what to do with all my down time.

I will have my laptop at my disposal....but for the purposes of this post, I'm wondering if any of you might have some good reading recommendations.

So let's see...when it comes to novels, my tastes do run a bit towards the "snooty" end of the spectrum :o . That is, I don't like the shmaltzy dialogue-driven "beach reads", or detective series, or horror, or even biographies. What I DO love are all the old English Lit classics; I also enjoy the writings today of John Irving, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Toni Morrison, Amy Tan, among others. Doing a little memory-jogging, following are some of my favorite selections over the past few years, to give you a sense of the sort of books that appeal to me:

In no particular order:

Bel Canto -- Ann Patchett
The Lovely Bones - by Susia Salmon
Bastard Out of Carolina -- Dorothy Allison
Memoirs of a Geisha -- Arthur Golden
White Oleander -- Janet Fitch
Rule of the Bone -- Russell Banks
The English Patient -- Michael Ondaatie
The Moors Last Sigh - Salman Rushdie

Funny, it appears that a good half of these have been made into movies!!

Anyway, I know this isn't a music post per se, but I equate the writing of a good song to the writing of a good novel. So I thought you kids might have some suggestions for me. It'll be easy enough for me to look 'em up, and if they grab me with their little snippets, I'll have hubby go pick up a couple of them from the library (since I'm not allowed to drive, thanks to some big to-do about public safety . Sheesh!!)

I guess that's it, then. Thank you in advance for any thoughts you might have for me...

Anxious to sink my teeth into something really good,
Beth

You might try an interesting new direction.
The TV Show "True Blood" is based upon the
"Southern Vampire" Series by Charlaine Harris.
The lead character is a southern gentleman...vampire.
And it is at heart a love story.

Yeah, I know...I'm not a horror fan either, but this isn't horror.
It actually focuses on the idea of:

Once synthetic blood was discovered, and their needs can be
met without killing, the vampire nation decides to publicly
"come out of the coffin" so to speak, admitting that vampires
exist and integrating into mainstream society in a positive way.

Although the TV show doesn't follow the books directly,
the books are getting rave reviews. I do love the show.
Good characters you can care about, interesting twists on old concepts, and so forth.

And when you have a lot of time on your hands, its good to have
a series so that you maintain a storyline from book to book.

Also, if you like the H.G. Wells story, "War of the Worlds",
Jeff Wayne's Musical version on CD will give you a whole new
appreciation for it. The inexpensive version is a 2 cd set,
(about $18-23) at amazon. It was created 30 years ago and its
still going strong.
Dan

One of my favorite books is Angela's Ashes. I know some people think the story is depressing, but it is very well written and parts of it are funny. Ultimately, it is powerfully redeeming, and shows the strength of the human spirit to overcome.

I just read In the Tenth House by Laura Dietz. I checked it out from the library; it's not a huge library, so should be "findable." For info, check out Amazon --
http://www.amazon.com/Tenth-House-Novel-Laura-Dietz/dp/0307352846

Have you ever read The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffeneger? http://www.amazon.com/Time-Travelers-Wife-Audrey-Niffenegger/dp/015602943X (and...available at the library!)

Good luck with the foot! (Wait a minute.....shouldn't Mike Dunbar be saying that?)

Brenda

Hi Beth,

If you like Salmon Rushdie, I would highly recommend James Morrow, who is also a satirist as well; Morrow is even more fascinated by theology than Rushdie. My favorite book by Morrow is called "His Only Begotten Daughter" ...here's Amazon's synopsis:

Murray Katz, the celibate keeper of an abandoned lighthouse near Atlantic City, has been blessed with a daughter conceived of his own seed and a holy ovum. Like her half brother Jesus, Julie Katz can walk on water, heal the blind, and raise the dead. But being the Messiah isn't easy, and Julie, bewildered by her role in the divine scheme of things, is tempted by the Devil and challenged by neo- Christian zealots in this lively odyssey through Hell and New Jersey. Winner of the World Fantasy Award.

**************************************************************

Beth, I'll add to that and say that it reads like a cross between Margaret Atwood and Woody Allen. His books are page turners, funny, and also very philosophical--they make you think too.

It is usually kept in the SF/Fantasy part of Fiction in Public Libraries and Book Stores.

Here's to quick healin'

--Mike

Best recuperative Vibes comin' your way Beth!!

Might check out "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger. It's one of the most original & entertaining novels I've read in years.

& if ya want a 45 minute "read" with more laugh out loud & thought provoking bounce per ounce, order a used copy of "FUP" by Jim Dodge...You won't regret it...Really, ya won't...Would I dare lie to you?

EDIT: Whoops, I see that Brenda has also recommended The Time Traveler's Wife...So there ya go!

Midnite

"The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair.

Or on the humourous side (in your current condition), maybe you'd get a chuckle out of reading the Kama Sutra.

This is by Alice Sebold – Susie Salmon is the character – great book though

I will also add my vote for The Time Travellers Wife – a very entertaining read.

If you like Gabriel Garcia Marquez, you could try The War of Don Emmanuel's Nether Parts by Louis de Bernières – It’s the first of a de Bernières’ South American trilogy. If you read it you may discover how I got my stage name

One of my all-time favourites is Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M Auel – if you don’t enjoy you can have your money back - also if you do enjoy it, there are follow-on books in the Earth's Children series.

Phillip Pulman's His Dark Materials books are brilliant, the first is called Northern Lights (but for some odd reason was called The Golden Compass in the US) - much better than the film

Nige

Beth, I encourage you to begin to start writing "your book" because you have a way with words that is nothing short of a gift and I hope you will think about it. What a perfect time to start.

Best of surgeries w/much success,
Lynn

A couple non-novel goodies if I may:

The Christmas Sweater - Glenn Beck
The Purpose Driven Life - Rick Warren
Six Steps To Songwriting Success - Jason Blume
Breakthrough - Suzanne Somers
Marley and Me - John Grogan
Songwriter's Market - Recent Edition
How To Control The Crowds At Your First Book Signing - Beth G. Williams

Well,
I am currently reading PEARL HARBOR BETRAYED Published in 2001. Had it a while as my wife likes these type books. WINE AND WAR is another book you might want to look for at your local Book Store. Bill O'Reilly has a book out A BOLD NEW PIECE OF HUMANITY or something like that.

Hey Beth,

My favorite books, in no particular order, are:

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey

A Day of Infamy by Walter Lord

A Bridge Too Far by Cornelius Ryan

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

The Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llewelyn

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Time Enough for Love by Robert A. Heinlien

The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

If Not Now, When (Duty and Sacrifice in America's Time of Need) by Col. Jack Jacobs, ret.

Being There by Jerzy Kosinski

100 Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

and, both Winds of War and War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk

Good Morning Everyone,

I knew I could count on all y'all ( ) for some great ideas!

Danny, Jack, Brenda, Mike Z., 12:00AMBob, Tom, Nigel, Lynn, Ray, Mike D.....thank you so much. Looks like I have a lot of good choices at my disposal already.

A couple of notes: I have read several of the books already mentioned, so it's fun to fine like-minded readers (hey, we could have a virtual Book Club!!);....Nigel, thanks for the correction--my mind isn't what it used to be; and Lynn, I think the last book in your recommended book is but a dream! I appreciate the sentiment, but believe it or not, since spending so much time here, my interest in writing prose has waned quite a bit. But then again, maybe now IS the time to start it up again!!

Does seem like the consensus so far is The Time Traveller's Wife. I did look it up last night, and both the premise and description are compelling.

But please keep 'em coming. You know me...I'll get this foot healed then slip and break my arm again! AND word has it you can even read when you're WELL!!

So thank you all again, not only for your suggestions, but your encouragement for my upcoming surgery. Personally, I'm trying not to think about it!

Have a great day!
Beth

My wife highly recommends "The Story of Edgar Sawtelle", and I believe her.

You could also read the Twilight series and become a teenager again...like the Harry Potter books, this series also traps adults into staying up all night reading.

My vote's in for The Time Traveller's Wife as well.

If you like humour and luscious writing, read
"A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian" and "Two Caravans" by Marina Lewycka. Hilarious and thought-provoking at the same time.

Another stunner is "Vernon God Little" by BBC Pierce (the author's pseudonym). Uplifting, humorous, thought-provoking, and beautifully written. The main character, a teenage boy, is a delight.

I also recommend "The Secret Life of Bees" and "The Mermaid Chair" by Sue Kid Monk.

"Drowning Ruth" by Christina Schwarz is also good, as are any works by Carol Shields.

Enjoy your convalescence.

Donna

Beth,

I just wanted to say I hope you mend well, and recovery fullly and quickly... There are lots of novels I love, but it seems our taste are pretty different! I just wanted to give you my best wishes!

Bernard Cornwell has written enough historical fiction to keep you reading for a long while.
He wrote the Sharpe series about a British soldier in the Napoleonic Wars, and the Saxon tales, about the Viking era in Britain. There are others too.

Hey, I like the idea of a virtual book club that someone mentioned. There are some great suggestions here, I recognized several titles that I enjoyed. I was reading this thinking I had several that I could mail you

Anyway, I'm not sure what you would categorize this as, but the most recent read that sticks in my mind is Jodi Picoult's "Nineteen Minutes" For me it was really really thought provoking, especially being a parent of teenagers.

Also, if you enjoy some mystery combined with humor, Carl Hiassen is awesome!
Of course, I think he appeals to me because he's from Florida, and his stories are set here.

Good luck with your list - great post, because I'll be checking back for ideas too

I see so many suggestions for the Time Traveler's Wife that I think I need to read it, too!

Beth, you seem like someone who might appreciate the wit of Voltaire. If you have never read it, you should read Candide, it is one of my all-time favorite reads and I used it with a couple of English Second Language students I worked with when I was down in Austin, Texas some years ago. It was a great way to introduce humor using English language idioms to non-English speaking people. I know he was French but the English translation is excellent, and his humor translates easily into English. I would often have to explain the meanings at first, but once they got the idea of the wordplay, they would begin recognizing them and would excitedly bring them to me to confirm that they got it!

There was also a musical written and the script to the musical is an excellent rendition, as well.

Voltaire was fierce in assaulting almost any subject with his scathing wit.

Hi Beth if you want a laugh this might do the trick "sand in my bra"
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=od0Gt9LGgDkC&dq=humorous+books+for+women&printsec=frontcover&source=in&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=15&ct=result#PPP1,M1

My wife likes Catherine Cookson books. They are period novels usually about life in the north of England from a womans POV.

Hi Beth. I hope your surgery and recovery are uneventful...other than speedy perhaps.

The last "hey I wonder if this book is any good" I read was Rhett Butler's People , by Donald McCaig. It is an authorized sequel to Gone with the Wind, published in November 2007.

The book parallels Gone with the Wind from Rhett Butler's perspective. It flashes back to when he is twelve years old. It continues through the time until Gone with the Wind and retells the story. The story is not completely from Rhett's perspective but also other people in his life.

It is much better than the other sequels that have been attempted by other writers, and is the only one that was sanctioned by the estate of Margaret Mitchell.

Anyway, just something else for you to consider. I enjoyed it.

Greg

Boy!!

I want to send hubby to the book store right now (library not open on Sundays in my little hamlet :o )! More terrific suggestions....and I'm glad that others are reaping the benefits of them as well.

So thanks to Mark, DM, Kenneth, Lee, Amy, Jack, Big Jim and Greg for your ideas. Jack, thanks especially for considering me worthy of Voltaire, and Jim, your idea for a collection of stories is duly noted. As to "GWTW", Greg, I'm happy to hear about Rhett Butler's People; I had anticipated that first sequel "Scarlett" with much excitement, and was heartily disappointed.

I have to say, I'm almost looking forward to surgery now -- let me repeat the word ALMOST!

Thanks again & keep'em coming!
Beth

Well, Beth, my first suggestion was "Broken Arrow," by (I think) that American icon James Fenimore Cooper--I was forced to read it in school. However, we should probably put aside broken things (as you will hopefully be doing).

One of the best reads I have run into in a long time is "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova. A vampire novel of sorts, told by a distant descendant of Vlad Dracula trying to puzzle out her family history. She's the daughter of a single dad who is an historian (hence the title).

Joe

Hi Beth,

I'm a big reader of anything and everything, and generally have multiple books 'on the go' and don't watch a lot of tv. I love many of the titles on your list but also adore history, biography and reportage. As a writer & composer I draw enormous inspiration from what I read and I wonder how many of us on this forum do similarly?

Currently I've just finished a fantasy, Lilith by George McDonald (first published in 1895 and was a huge influence on CS Lewis & the Narnia books) which is rich with wonderful dream-like images and biblical references, just started The Mighty & the Almighty by Madeleine Albright, Deathnote (a very well written Japanese manga), re-reading God Is Not Great by the wonderful English journalist Christopher Hitchens and because it's Australia Day (aka Invasion Day) a classic biography of Captain Cook by Alan Villiers, and The Fatal Impact by Alan Moorhead.

I'm suggesting a few 'left of centre' titles for you but from the look of your reading list I think you'd get into them. Hope you have a successful procedure and a speedy recovery!

American Gods - Neil Gaiman (he's an English-born writer who lives in the US and is best known for fantasy titles - but don't let that put you off - he's an old-fashioned storyteller!)

The Non-Existent Knight & The Cloven Viscount - Italo Calvino (two easy-to-read novellas in one volume. Similar vein to Garcia Marquez, very intriguing & amusing and a good intro to this great Italian writer)

The Ground Beneath Her Feet - Salman Rushdie (as good as The Moor and with a musical bent!)

Death of a River Guide - Richard Flanagan (a Tasmanian writer I was at Uni with. This is an extraordinary award-winning novel and gives some idea of the grandeur and harshness of the Tasmanian wilderness.)

I also read a lot of short stories and (particularly when I was laid up a couple of years ago) find them to be wonderful when I've had to take medication that fogs my brain more than normal! Highly recommended (and recently read) The Graveyard Book and Smoke & Mirrors both by Neil Gaiman, Barnacle Bill The Spacer by Lucien Shepard and anything by Raymond Carver or Ursula Le Guin. Again, don't be fooled. Le Guin is supposedly a sci-fi/fantasy writer but in truth is a brilliant storyteller.

Hi Beth,

Here's hoping you get well and healed soon!

If you want something else to do when you're not reading and if you have a fast connection, you might want to help out with this year's JPF awards screening. People with a lot of time on their hands are perfect! = )

Take care,

Brian

Howdy Boo,

You know my thoughts and prayers are with you for surgery with NO complications and a speedy recovery!!!

As for recommended reading...even though it may not be a novel...you would definitely enjoy and benefit from reading a book JUST released by my good friend...hit songwriter Rand Bishop...called Making Stuff Up: Secrets of Songcraft and Survival in the Music Biz!! You can read about Rand and find a link to his book here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2008/12/prweb1805814.htm
=
(Plus that is an excellent example of a news release for folks in a position to need one of those.)

I have a meeting with him on Tuesday and could probably get you an autographed copy.

The book is jam packed with great advice and inspiration for songwriters as well as "true" stories of working with folks from Brian Wilson (Beach Boys) to Sylvester Stallone. Rand is not only a great songwriter but has written award winning screenplays. One song most folks who follow country music may know is MY LIST which was a #1 hit for Toby Keith in the aftermath of 9-11.

Rand specializes in writing upbeat, uplifting songs...which he believes are especially important during times of stress in the world.

If Brian is interested...I think I can talk Rand into becoming a MENTOR here at JPF. I am planning to ask Rand if he would consider speaking at Pineyfest. He is not only a phenomenal songwriter...he is also just a great person. Plus...he is definitely an "insider" in the music realm.

Do yourself a favor...Get the book and read it!

Hugs,
Bobbelina

For something different, and to get a 50's jargon of the idea of there being a one Universal Mind, "Three Magic Words", by U.S. Anderson would be a great book to explore. Even comes with suggested meditation readings after each chapter. Cool! Healing energy may be a side affect! or just some things to ponder or dismiss.

Interesting at least.

"Three Magic Words", by U.S. Anderson (1952). Can be found in most spirual book stores. Can be ordered at some of the bigger book stores as well. Green paperback. If you can't locate one and really want a copy, let me know. I'll see what I can do.

Get well!
John

I'm currently making my way thru all of Cormack McCarthy's novels. They are probably unlike anything you've read before. Totally engrossing. Imho, of course.

Wow, Boo,
You've got a lot to pick from and I didn't even read the whole thread.
I used to read a lot but haven't read a book in a long time. Debra's suggestions sound interesting though. I may look up one of them.
Hey Debra,if you're still reading, wasn't Lilith Adam's first wife that some old writings refer to? That may not be what the book is about though. I guess Google might tell me.
Boo, I read a book a long time ago called "Too Late The Phallarope" which made an impression on me. A very odd style of writing. It took place in S Africa. I think it may be out of print now though, (I'm VERY old ya' see <G>)
Good reading
Y

"Rocky Stories"

http://www.amazon.com/Rocky-Stories-Happiness-Americas-Famous/dp/1589880293

A friend of the band, (Michael Vitez), is a Pulitzer Prize winner, and author of "Rocky Stories". It about the stories of people that came to Philadelphia to walk or run up the steps of the art museum. Vitez spent much of a year on "the steps" doing extensive interviews for the book.

Good for anyone. (Human Interest).

The whole series of novels by Joel Rosenberg... I think it starts with The Last Jihad and then just keeps going... about 7 or 8 now I think.

How bout The Duchess? That's a good one.

Get better quickly Bethie. I miss you already.

Hi there,

First off, Tom, no need to be missing me just yet. There have been some family matters keeping me away until now, and my procedure isn't until Friday (hopefully!). But I do appreciate the sentiment.

In the meantime, let me thank Joe W., Debra, Bobbelina, John D. Bass2x, Y, Ed T. and Tricia for some really intriguing suggestions. I am a pretty fast reader, but I sure hope I'm not laid up long enough to get thru all of these.

And Brian, I appreciate you asking, but I'm simply not making any commitments to anything beyond trying to heal.

Once I answer a few posts, I'm going to be compiling this list, and checking them all out on-line, so JJ can go grab at least a couple on the way home from work. Looks like we have another storm heading our way, and I don't want to get caught without anything good to read!

Thank you so much again. I continue to hope others are getting some good ideas too -- not surprisingly, it appears we have some voracious readers among us.

Have a good day,
Beth

"The Story of Edgar Sawtelle".

Simply the best read I've had in years.

Hi Dak,

Thank you for your recommendation. I've added it to my ever-growing list!!

It'd be interesting to have the whole list compiled, to see who has read what....and even perhaps to suss out the book read by the most people here. I suspect it would be one of our school-time reads, like "Catcher in the Rye", or something like that...

Anyway, thank you again.

Have a good evening,
Beth

Hey Beth, just wondering. Where is the right food located on or in the human body?

I hope the surgery is successful and the rehabilitation goes very well.

Hey Dak,

Wow, I thought everyone knew -- just below the right uncle!!

Course, I'm flattered you took the time to correct me!

Take care,
Beth

Hi Bethie Boo

since you enjoy English literature so much-I would highly reccomend a book called Nortons Anthology of English Literature.......it was a required textbook back when I took literature courses in college-but really was one of the most enjoyable books I ever read........It has a collection of short stories from many great authors and that was how I was introduced to them....................and since you are a big fan of ludicrous comedy writing you might also consider american authors Phillip Roth (Portnoys Complaint is the funniest book I ever read) and also-John Updike-whose "Rabbit" series is-I feel-among the finest works in American Literature......best of luck in your recovery!



Tom

Hey Tom Boy,

How are you doing these days? Seems like we haven't chatted in a while...

Anyway, thank you for all your suggestions....I'm actually looking forward to my post-op (relatively speaking) with all these great books to look forward to.

Hope all's well with you....and hope to catch up more soon....

Ciao for now,
Her Booness!

Another thought, if you're into the historical type of book check out "Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee" by Dee Brown. It's probably the most factual book on the Battle of Little Big Horn, aka Custer's Last Stand.

"The Snakebite Survivors' Club" by Jeremy Seal. It's a must read for anyone terrified of snakes as the author is. His English humor and unwavering courage are great attributes. Fascinating stuff.

Of course, there's always "Hammer of the Gods" if you're a Zeppelin fan! :-)

Beth,

You might not live long enough to read all the suggested titles, but I'll throw one in the hopper too. I read the book Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides not too long ago. You can't beat a really good immigrant story narrated by a hermaphrodite.

Beth, well wishes for your back at 'em status coming sooner than expected and docs that do what the hell they're supposed to do!!
as far as the books...The "Jetty Man" series by G.W. Reynolds III is a funny, gutteral, queezy, scary, intense, and a little perverse series that's up to maybe 8 or 10 books now...
start with Jetty Man, Mullet Run, then Oak Baby, Horny Toads...you'll be hooked by then...here's a link where you can get 'em... http://www.jettyman.com/books.htm
be well, or at least comfortable until you are...stock up on wine mj

Hey Dak, Polly, Wendy and Moker,

Thanks for the good wishes and continued good suggestions. I'm just HOPING to make it on Friday -- daughter has relapsed on respiratory virus deal and is coughing up a lung -- and I have no immune system to speak of....so keep your fingers crossed.

And hey, Wendy, thanks for the cheery thought :o :

You might not live long enough to read all the suggested titles....

Maybe I should work that into my five year plan somehow!!

Seriously, thanks a lot for your ideas -- though as this list grows longer, I'm embarassed to say how many I'm UNfamiliar with....

Ciao for now,
Obsessive hand-washing, mask-wearing crazy girl Beth

Read this years ago - as an Australian it was a wonderful insight and introduction into American history.

Currently looking around for it to reread and give to my 16yo son who is just embarking on his love affair with historical writing

Hi again Debra,

I'm really enjoying the suggestions from "different countries..."...but I'm not a HUGE fan of historical works, since I often already know the ending . Everyone else in my family is though, so maybe that's my "little rebellion" LOL.

That's wonderful to hear about your son....READING is the best. My kids LOVE it -- to read alone, to each other, to be read to. Samantha who is in 4th grade is part of a "Book Buddy" program at her school....where select kids are "assigned" a kindergarten student to read to every week for discussion, etc. It's such a win-win program.

Anyway, thanks again...and good luck tracking that down...

Beth

Slightly related story...I knew a woman who had read her son the Lord of the Rings Trilogy by the time he was nine. When the movies came out, he was shocked that they'd made Pippin's best friend Mary into a boy hobbit.

Midnite

Hi Bob,

That's a good story. As a rule I try to read the book first, before a movie -- especially since I like to conjure up my OWN idea of character/place, etc.

The one book-to-movie translation which did NOT disappoint me -- and I know I'll have many naysayers here -- was The English Patient. Especially having read the book, the foreshadowing was tremendous. And I'm just a sucker for stories about "star-crossed lovers".....

Thanks for chiming in again,
Beth

Where's Mike's foot avatar when you need it? Perhaps I should have said that you've received so many good suggestions that it would probably take a lifetime to read all the good material?

This is my brain at home..that was my brain at work. Sorry

I do hope your surgery goes well. It's hard to be mom and be sick too. Try not to do anything outside your restrictions after the surgery, by the way...and enjoy the books!

Hey Wendy,

I was only teasing....'cause to be honest, I was thinking the same thing!

Take it easy,
Beth