My Favorite books and authors
"Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." -Anonymous

Here are some recommendations for books to read when you just don't know what you want. I love each and every one in its own special way and I hope that you will come to love them too. If you wish to purchase any of these titles at great low prices, click on the title and you will be linked directly to an Amazon.com information/ordering page. Of course don't forget that all of these titles are available at your local library for free!!!!

-*"Where the Heart Is"*- Written by Billie Letts- Let me start off by saying that I am not a fan of southern writing. Call it a northern thing. Ironically, considering my feelings on movie adaptations, the film version led me to this story, and boy am I glad it did. Letts is an exquisite writer, her imagery is sharp and beleivable, her dialogue is funny and sad, and her story telling ability is impressive. This book is an excellent read if you are doubting that there is any sort of goodness left in the world.

-*"Snake Hips: Belly Dancing and How I Found True Love "*- Written by Anne Thomas Soffee- Snake hips is an autobiography of Soffee's life after a traumatc breakup. She rediscovers her Arabic heritage and decides to learn the sensual and somewhat mysterious art of bellydancing to soothe her pain. Soffee's writing is sharp and hilarious and the book is full of great images of her and other women of all different shapes, sizes, and ethnicities learning their craft. It is also a great story about finding yourself again after someone has stifled you for so long you don't remember where you began.

-*"Girl with a Pearl Earring"*- Written by Tracy Chevalier- An interesting and quiet novel about the life of Griet the housemaid and her interaction with Jan Ver Meer the Flemish painter. While the book moves slowly Chevalier's storytelling is engrossing and ultimately rewarding. A definate read for lovers of historical fiction.

-*"Round Ireland with a Fridge"*- Written by Tony Hawks- Yet another nonfiction book on my list. Oh Well, deal. Hawks writes an amusing tale of his attempt to fulfill a bet that he can't hitchhike around the coast of Ireland with a minifridge in tow. This is a fun book for a light read and gives us all an idea of how even in a country of turmoil the best in people will always prevail.

-*"How to Prepare for Your High School Reunion and Other Midlife Musings"*- Written by Susan Allen Toth - This book had stalked me around the Providence Public Library for well over a month, I figured that if I read it, then it might leave me alone or I could get a restraining order. It turns out that the book was actually worth reading. It helped me to understand where my parents might be coming from and also that the place they come from may not be too far from where I am now.

-*"Moab is My Washpot"*- Written by Stephen Fry - I bought this book when it first came out in paperback and I loved it immediately...I can't imagine how I left it off this list for so long! This is yet another outstanding autobiography, but much more than that as well. Fry's writing style is full of honesty and humor. For once a book review is correct, it is delicious.

-*"The Gun Seller"*- Written by Hugh Laurie - Hugh Laurie is, of course, the other half of the brilliant comedy team of "A Bit of Fry and Laurie" so I thought he and Stephen should stick together in my list. Despite (or perhaps because of) his comedic background this mystery spy thriller is exceptionally complex. The writing is terrifically British (plenty of American-hating here) but easy to understand if you are a reader who enjoys a good quip. And just in case you think this may be a little too jokey for you let me assure you that the action is still there even if the comedy is too. The end of this book gave me such an adrenaline rush that I sat on my couch in shock for ten minutes afterward.

-*David Sedaris*- If you are looking to roll about on the floor feeling like your lungs just might explode, then David Sedaris is the author for you. His writing is fast and witty and he says everything that we know is true but are too proper to say. Sedaris is even more, shall we say, flamboyant when he reads his books on tape, with the aid of his sister Amy. Most of his work is beautifully written autobiography that hits the nail on the head every time. His fiction work is just as good, but who needs fiction with a life like his? If you have ever felt like your family was the weirdest in town, trust me, you have competition.

"Naked"/"Me Talk Pretty One Day"

-*This Boy's Life*- Written by Tobias Wolff - I read this book last semester for my nonfiction class. It is truly a piece of art...and pretty damn funny, too. Before I read this book I had not really appreciated how special nonfiction can be. Thank you, Amity.

"In Pharoh's Army"/"The Barracks Thief"/"In the Garden of the North American Martyrs"

-*Amity Gaige*- Speaking of my Nonfiction professor, Amity Gaige, she is not just a teacher, but an author as well. Although she has just recently finished her first novel, many many years ago she published a book of poetry and photos as a teenage winner of the National Written and Illustrated By contest. I'm sure she will hate me for saying this but it is a pleasant read and a book you should glance through once in your life. Who knows? It might inspire your child to take up a pen and paper and write, write, write. Amity has also finished her first novel, a timeless story about a husband and wife struggling truly to know each other now that they are married. It is a tale of sadness and loss, but also one of hope. I encourage you to read this novel, if only to examine your own relationships and see if you don't share quite a bit in common with Clark and Charlotte.

"We Are a Thunderstorm "/"O My Darling: A Novel "/


-*Wendy Holden*- A very witty writer of light hearted british comedy. Alot of readers seem to think her characters are disgustingly shallow but I don't think they are reading closely enough. Her mocking tone makes her position on self-glorification very clear. What is disgusting is that her characters are probably not that far from reality.

"Simple Divine"/"Bad Heir Day"
"Farm Fatale: A Novel of Country Manors"/"Gossip Hound"/"Azur Like It"

-*Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone*- Written by J.K. Rowling - I know, I know...you don't want to here another thing about Harry Potter or you will go nuts and try to floss your brain with a rough stick...I get the picture. However, for those of you who haven't read the books, give it a try for heaven's sake! I found it a little hard to get into the first few pages of the first book but eventually you suspend disbelief and the whole thing seems (no pun intended) enchanting.

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"/"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"/"Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"/"Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince"

-*American Moments*- Written by Charles Kuralt - This man was one of the great American writers. Charles not only gives you faith in your country, but also in yourself, even when you can feel your foundation starting to crack. This is a great book but all of his books are great...what is even greater is to hear his voice read these books on tape. Trust me it is worth it.

-*"Some of Me"*- Written by Isabella Rossellini - I must say that this is one of the best biographies that I have ever read. Isabella (you see I've read this book so many times I'm on a first name basis with her) is not one of those selfish people who wishes to erase the past, she is frank and to the point about who she is and what she stands for. Between Isabella and Sophia Loren I'm beginning to think there's something in the water over there....I think I need some more Pelligrino. Hmmmm...

-*"Keys to the City : Tales of a New York City Locksmith"*- Written by Joel Kostman - Funny, endearing, at times heart breaking...It's nice to see the world through the eyes of the man that makes part of it possible, the man who gives us the one thing we have so little of today...privacy.

-*"Endangered Pleasures : In Defense of Naps, Bacon, Martinis, Profanity, and Other Indulgences"*- Written by Barbara Holland - I think the title speaks for itself...and for my own philosophy on life...hehehe...for all those who enjoy the idea (so rare in our time) of living...you will love this book.

-*Laurie R. King*- This woman is a true gem. I was at first unconvinced that Holmes could be written well by a woman (at the risk of sounding sexist) simply because of the way in which he is portrayed by Doyle. I find the Holmes represented in these books much more easy to deal with, not because he lacks wit, genius, or any of the othere wonderful parts that make him Holmes..but because he is a more human character...not just a mind machine. All you have to do is give it a chance...go on.. I also highly recommend her Kate Martinelli series if you prefer contemporary mysteries.

"The BeeKeeper's Aprentice"/"A Monstrous Regiment of Women"/"A Letter of Mary"
"The Moor"/"O Jerusalem"/"Justice Hall"/"The Game"/"Locked Rooms"

-*"Everyone Is Entitled to My Opinion"*- Written by David Brinkley - A great book of short commentaries on the bureaucracy of the world (never mind the US). A good, short read with humorous bits and moving pieces about life no matter where you are.

-*"A Year in Provence"*- Written by Peter Mayle- This is a book for any one who has ever wondered if all those unbelievable rumors about Provence are true...the food, the sun, the people, the truffles, the vineyards, the wine, even more wine. A delightful read...definately going in my permanent collection.

-*James Herriot*- It's unfortunate that so many people overlook non-fiction. They have a preconceived notion that real life is boring and it takes imagination to make it interesting. Not the case. Not to mention how pivotal this man has been to my family. We have all read him and he is the only thing we agree on peacefully. If there is a conversation he is sure to show up somewhere in it. This is usually followed by a recounting of the speakers favorite part of each book in his series and how it relates to their own life. Like I said, pivotal...how else would we get to talk about ourselves for hours without being stopped??
(p.s. If you are familiar with the Protestant hymn then you think these books are out of order...they aren't...the first was meant to be the only book, thank god it wasn't!! Also, these editions are mass market paperback [good for low cost buying]... but my suggestion is to buy a good quality hardback by St. Martin's Press to keep forever...it's a good investment.)

"All Creatures Great and Small"/"All Things Bright and Beautiful"
"All things Wise and Wonderful"/"The Lord God Made Them All"
"James Herriot's Dog Stories"

-*Jane Austen*- a writer dedicated to the stories of strong and sensible women, Jane's novels were the epitome of what a regency novel is all about.....if you haven't read her, what are you doing just sitting there?

"Pride and Prejudice"/"Persuasion"/"Emma"
"Northanger Abbey"/"Mansfield Park"/"The History of England"

-*"Sand and Foam : A Book of Aphorisms "*- Written by Kahlil Gibran - Sometimes it's nice to know someone get's it. Whatever that "it" is for you, if encouragement is what you seek, this is the place to find it.

-*Eva Ibbotson*- "A Song for Summer" Ibbotson's characters and the way she developes them are truly a work of genius. She is a very personal writer with nuances that might be missed by those who dismiss her as a simple "romance novelist". Each of her works is a small gift to her reader, like a bright blue robin's egg that is tender, but holds so much promise. If you were to travel to Vienna you could imagine each of her characters peeking out of an alley, or stepping out of their shop to say hello, they are that real. You are missing a treasure if you miss these books.

Also check out:
"A Glove Shop in Vienna"

-*Judith Merkle Riley*- A long read in the case of all 4 books, but worth the trouble. Courageous characters, witches, secret societies, and nasty villians....all the things a book should be. These books require all of your attention...it would be impossible to read them a little at a time. However, if you insist on putting them aside I will not be responsible for your ulcer.

"A Vision of Light"/"In Pursuit of the Green Lion"/"The Oracle Glass"/
"The Serpent Garden"/"The Master of All Desires"

-*"Not A Swan" (Published in the UK as *"A Little Love Song"*...but even better than the US version.) Written by Michelle Magorian - The trials and tribulations of a young girl during WWII...she goes from an innocent boarding school girl to the life of an adult and to freedom. Not only a good story in itself....but there's a story in a story..and a surprise ending!

-*"Paris Out of Hand [A Wayward Guide]" Written by Karen Elizabeth Gordon - A satyrical view of the cafes, restaurants, hotels and night life of the city of lights. Good to read aloud to friends over a cup of Cafe Allonger.

-*"The Inheritance"*- Written by Louisa May Alcott - The previously unpublished first novel of Alcott...what a find! At first glance it appears to be a run of the mill love story... the dashing young Lord and the chaste heroine. It is not what it appears to be... the intensity and purity of her characters is astounding. Alcott displays her knowledge of character and personality by the wide range she presents the reader. So what if the plot isn't complex...you write a novel at 17 and make it perfect.

-*"The Bachelor Brother's Bed and Breakfast"*- Written by Bill Richardson- I love this book. I've read it four or five times and each time I like it more. It involves the quirky, yet realistic lives of two book loving, (fraternal) twin brothers who own a bed and breakfast in Canada (aptly named The Bachelor Brothers Bed and Breakfast)...and the odd and, as they say, "slightly confused" bibliophiles that end up in their home away from home.
And check out the sequel:"The Bachelor Brother's Bed and Breakfast Pillow Book" (in which all or most of the mysteries are solved...in one odd and unbelievable way or another)

-*Agatha Christie*-One of the best mystery writers of our century. I especially love The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. Also check out the BBC radio recordings (your local library probably has at least one...you just don't know it.) and the PBS (or BBC depending on what country you're in) series of Miss Marple and Poirot television shows.

"And Then There Were None"/"The Murder of Roger Ackroyd"

Or search direct:

"Would you please go home!"