I finished reading Shuggie Bain last week (review coming as soon as I manage to compose myself enough), and now I am looking for my next read. Usually, I have my reading list all sorted out well in advance, but this time I am a little unsure.
I want something that’s a bit light-hearted but not puerile. I don’t want a silly romance, or a brain-dead mystery (my usual go to’s after any emotionally wrenching read). Shuggie Bain was so excellent and heart-wrenching, I don’t think a Julia Quinn or a Jo Nesbo can help me get over the dreary 1980s Glasgow setting of Shuggie Bain. I need something that’s a bit more compelling.
Keeping that in mind, I went over the books on my shelf and have come up with this shortlist.
I am leaning towards the Alexander McCall Smith stories. His Precious Ramotswe books were quite entertaining, so I am hoping I will like this new to me series set in Edinburgh. Complete escapism would be Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes. I did a quick browse through, and I think I like the concept of the book, but not sure about the writing. Can someone please convince me it’s any good? Or should I just watch the movie and skip the book? I don’t want it to be another Eat Pray Love.
Neil Gaiman’s Fragile Things and V.S.Naipaul’s A House for Mr.Biswas have been on my TBR for an embarrassingly long time.
Even the Stars Look Lonesome by Angelou was a book I filched from my parents’ bookshelf the last time I visited. I don’t think they will miss it, so I am in no hurry to read this book quite yet. Nor do I feel compelled to read The Librarian of Auschwitz. A small town in Germany is yet another LeCarré spy novel sitting on my bookshelf. His books aren’t cheery, but I don’t find myself emotionally twisted by his stories – probably because of his detached writing style. Talking to Alaska is Snubnose’s recommendation, she likes it, it has a dog on the cover – maybe this is the book I should pick next?
What do you think? I am looking for something a little wholesome – no infidelity, addiction, or tragic deaths. Which book would you recommend to me?
Ooh – def going to have to check out these books on this list! I mainly read non-fiction, so this will be a good change of pace for me.
I’m glad I gave you some recommendations 😊
I love books. I’m curious about The Librarian of Auschwitz! The cover speaks a lot!
I am too. It’s based on a true story, but I am going to read it a little later, when I am in a mood to tackle something likely to be sad.
Oh I love to read Maya Angelou. She is very inspiring.
This will be my first Angelou book. My daughter has Why the Caged Bird Sings as part of her required reading in school, and she’s been raving about her.
Hhhmmm….”Under Tuscan Sun” looks most appetizing, for now! Give it a go…
I like the idea of traveling to Tuscany virtually. Seems like a good escape from reality.
Talking to Alaska sounds like a young adult novel. However, personally, I would pick that book of Maya Angelou hands down. I’m a big fan.
It is YA. I like to read my daughter’s books sometimes just to see what headspace she is in, and what she’s liking. I can then suggest more books to her as per her tastes 😀.
I haven’t read any of his works yet but people say Neil Gaiman is good. The Librarian of Auschwitz sounds interesting, too.
go with Fragile Things for sure! Neil Gaman is a phenomenal writer.
These all look good, but I’d go with Talking to Alaska. I just like the cover.
Not Fragile Things, in my opinion! It does not sound like it fits the remit.
I am not into books, am sorry. If ever, I would love to read books in the general information kind, similar to the National Geographic or Discovery Channel. But I heard about Niel Gaiman’s books. Hope you will read it soon.
I heard good reviews about Under Tuscan Sun. I started John Kehoe Mind Power.
I would recommend, Even the Stars Look Lonesome by Maya Angelou.
This book of short essays shares moments in the life of the renowned poet and author, Maya Angelou.
Ms. Angelou briefly discusses relationships with past lovers and husbands, her son, colleagues, her mother, Oprah Winfrey, and others she encountered throughout her remarkable life.
I’d go with Even the Stars Look Lonesome. Mya Angelou was such a wonderful writer.
Alexander McCall as he books are so well written.
I am inclined to his book as well.
Maya that sounds so interesting to read!Thanks for sharing with us
I’d recommend that you read The Librarian of Auschwitz. I imagine you should have a box of tissues near by.