Vacation Reads

While we went on our 16 day tour of all places boiling hot, I read a lot of books. I’m one of those really lucky women who can read in the car…and I have a husband who does 99% of the driving. Like I said, I read a lot of books!

One of my new favorite authors is Harlan Coben. I love a good mystery and he writes really good ones. Right up there with James Patterson and John Sanford. Some parts are funny and sweet but the mystery part is riveting. I’ve read so many mysteries that it’s hard to fool me. I can usually figure out the “twist” before it happens. But these books kept me on my toes! I also read the latest murder series book by James Patterson. It was good; not earth-shattering, but good!

I finally got to read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It was amazing. If you haven’t read it yet, go get it today! It’s about…well, the help! In the south in 1962. I can’t tell you too much without giving it away…but basically a single, college-educated white woman decides to write a book about how “The Help” is treated in their town. It’s absolutely heart-wrenching and you won’t be able to put it down.

Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert was next on my list. I know I’m late to this particular party, but I finally read it! All in one sitting. Love, love, loved it!! The eat part was fantastic…it makes you want to jump on a plane to Italy straight away…and eat everything in sight. The Pray part was better than I expected…more on meditating and finding what makes you happy rather than typical religious praying that we think of when we hear that word. Love was a great part too…and there were a few interesting twists in that part. I kept thinking that it was self-indulgent for her to take a year off of life…but I guess she ended up with the book, right? And now a movie starring Julia Roberts? Not bad!

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold is one of my favorites so I decided to read The Almost Moon by her. I didn’t like it. A 50-something woman kills her dementia-ridden mother whom she loves and hates. I read the whole thing thinking it would turn out ok…but it didn’t. Pass on that one.

I tried to read Slipknot by Linda Greenlaw but couldn’t get into it. If I’m not rushing back to read the book while on vacation, I give it up. I used to read the entire book just because I started it but I’m too old and wise to do that anymore.

Shoe Addicts Anonymous by Elizabeth Harbison was a quick, fun, brainless read. Very predictable, very fun, very easy to read quickly. As was Second Chance by Jane Green. This one was also set in England which I happen to love. I love reading stories where “ghastly” and “posh” and “arse” are thrown out throughout the story. Love it.

The Devil You Know by Mike Carey was very different than anything I’d ever read…but I liked it. It was about a ghost hunter. I know, I know, but it was really good!!! And I always like something unique.

Last, but not least, I read Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson. It was definitely a “beach read” but it was really good. There was one particular “twist” that I totally did not see coming that blew me away. It made me laugh and cry and I was totally wrapped up in the characters. Go get it!!

Next up is the newest book from John Sanford, Storm Prey, and then I’m off to read The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand for Gibby’s book club. I’m also on the mile-long waiting list for Janet Evanovich’s latest one in her Stephanie Plum series. I can’t wait to read these and report back.

I hope I could offer you some ideas for some great books to read…and also the ones to skip! Feel free to share any great books that you’ve read this summer too!!