This is the time of the year when magazines and newspapers have impressive lists of recommended reading for the summer. My own is rather modest:
The Aurelio Zen mystery novels by Michael Dibdin. Zen, an Italian police superintendent, wanders through his investigations with the eye of one who has seen it all. In Italy, there is a lot to see. Slow-paced but very enjoyable.
The humorous crime novels of Carl Hiassen. Florida crime, characters, and comedy. Start with Tourist Season. My other favorite is Skin Tight. Very funny stuff.
War and Peace. Not your standard beach reading but it is easy to get lost in and enjoy every part of your journey. If you have not read this classic, rest assured that this may well be the best novel ever written. One of my wife's co-workers, a Russian, reads it once a year. Not a bad tradition.
Dooms-Day Book by Connie Willis. Several months ago I touted this novel about time travel. After reading it, you'll look at the study of history and wonder "What if?"
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I didn't want this novel about Thomas Cromwell and the court of Henry VIII to end and am eager to read the sequel.
The Chee/Leaphorn mystery novels of Tony Hillerman. As you follow the investigations of these two Navajo police officers, you'll encounter a lot of information on Navajo culture and life. Fascinating and very easy reading.
Are there any that you'd like to recommend?
If you haven't read it, and maybe even if you have, "All the King's Men" is really quite good.
ReplyDeleteThe first 2/3 of "Gone with the Wind" is excellent. Not a fan of the post-bellum portion of the novel.
Don't sell "Treasure Island" short just because it's a kid's book. Try it again, you'll re-discover why you liked it so much. I re-read it a few years ago and it was still a thrilling experience.
Sorry, no modern books to recommend, other than "How we Decide, which I already mentioned to you before.
This book has been out for a little while, but was a great read. "Confessions of an Economic Hitman". Worth taking a look at if you have the time.
ReplyDeleteDan,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your take on all three books.
Paul,
I've heard of the book and will check it out.
Thanks!
Michael
I would recommend 'The Whiskey Rebels' by David Liss, a historical fiction account of the Pennsylvania Whiskey rebellion. I would also recommend ‘Crazy ‘08’ by Cait Murphy, the true story of the 1908 baseball season.
ReplyDelete