Tayari's Blog: Poolside Recs?
Posted by TayariJones on August 26, 2009 09:14 AM
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So, me and my friend Vickie, are taking a vacation-- a Mediterranean Cruise to be exact. This will be my first real vacation in more than ten years. I know that I travel all the time, but the closest I have come to a vacation is going away to work a novel. The key word there is "work" and if it's work, it ain't a vacation.
Our sail date is in about two weeks and I want to gather up a couple of books to read by the pool. Although I love ToMo, I am not in the mood for a close re-reading of Beloved. Chillaxing with a sangria, I want to read something juicy! My summer time tastes leans toward mystery and thriller. Romance, not so much. (I think this because having never murdered anyone, I am not struck by how unrealistic the mysteries are. When it comes to romance, I have a little bit more experience, if you know what I mean.) I'm also down to read zany memoirs.
I have only one book on my list, so far. That's HOLLYHOOD by Valerie Joyner because I love her book trailers! What else should I take with me?
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There are 6 comments on "Poolside Recs?". If you'd like to leave a comment, click here to jump down to the comments entry form.
Comment #1, by Shelley ![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.tayarijones.com/blog/nav-commenters.gif)
You've probably read it already but in case you haven't, Black Water Rising by Attica Locke would be perfect, I think. Also In the Kitchen by Monica Ali. Happy cruising!
August 26, 2009 09:57 AM
Comment #2, by Shelley Shockley
With all of the writing you have been doing, I'm not sure if you have read Carleen Brice's Children of the Waters, and I'm sure you wrote a post on it - but I recently read it and it's great. Not a mystery or thriller but a very good read! Also recently read Farai Chideya's Kiss the Sky. I hope I didn't butcher her name. Have a great vacation - you deserve it!
August 26, 2009 10:25 AM
Comment #3, by Ladylee
Yay! Celie's going on vacation! I've learned much from you, as I will be sunning in the Mayan Riviera at the same time! I know you'll have a good time, and be ready to talk when you come back because I want to know about it ALL, lol.
You MUST read Children of the Waters. It is exceptional. Best book I've read in the last 2 years. That is an order, Celie!
I too like the mystery/thrillers. I am a bit entranced with those that are set in Atlanta. To that end, you might want to check out Karin Slaughter's Tryptych or Kisscut, or Brandon Massey's new thriller Cornered or Don't Ever Tell. If I can think of others, I will email you!
August 26, 2009 11:48 AM
Comment #4, by Jackie
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout ( the main character is who I want to be when I grow up).
Life Sentences by Laura Lippman (mystery and memoir together)
I agree with LadyLee on anything by Karin Slaughter.
Man Gone Down by Michael Thomas
Little Bee by Chris Cleave (a Nigeria connection)
Anything recent by Tina Ansa, Pearl Cleage, Danzy Senna, Colson Whitehead.
Stephen Carter is good for a mystery because he dares to peer into the black upperclass, but you can bypass Palace Council as it is too convoluted. When reading Carter, set aside the time to understand who is who in the beginning because he overloads you with information. His last book was all over the place, but I couldn't put down.
I just ordered Victor Lavalle's three books and will start on them as soon as I finish Christina Schwarz's So Long at the Fair. Her All is Vanity was a real scary story about friends and jealousy and how far a person will go, well, you'll have to read it.
August 26, 2009 12:17 PM
Comment #5, by TeacherLady
Well, while it is neither mystery nor thriller, I do suggest you check out Matthew Aaron Goodman's Hold Love Strong.
A beautifully told story of a young black man dealing with the struggles inherent in urban poverty in NYC in the 80's and 90's. A powerful story of hope and the love of family.
August 28, 2009 03:07 PM
Comment #6, by Jackie
I just came across this essay on reading software:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/books/review/Straight-t.html?8bu&emc=bub1
August 29, 2009 11:02 AM