Ol' Reliables

Ever get stuck in a rut while reading, like nothing grabs you or the story sounds played out?!!?  That's how I've felt about the last 5-6 books I've picked up.  Not bad but just not for me!

(sidenote - Reading The Black Count by Tom Reiss for my bookclub and I am enjoying but it's a thinker!)

So, I'm turning to the dusty bottoms of my bookshelf and reaching out for old friends.  The ones that get me, that know exactly how to get me off the couch and into the book and beyond - Sidney Sheldon, John Dunning, Nevil Shute, Kate Morton, Joshilyn Jackson, George R.R. Martin (gotta re-read the whole series before catching up on the DVD of Season 1), and gosh I wish I had some Nancy Drew, Bunnicula, V.C. Andrews and Sweet Valley!!!

Just like the movies that will never get old (Spaceballs, Princess Bride, Goonies, Blues Brothers, French Kiss, Christmas Vacation, O'Brother) you know when the words are spoken or read they'll make you laugh, cry, snort, gasp, ignore all other forms of life and just plain make you mad.  But oh does it feel right!

So this Memorial Day weekend, reach for the OL' RELIABLES, the dusty books/movies/board games (Candyland/Yahtzee anyone?) and play and laugh and explore and share! 

For your reading pleasure:

Books that should be in your beach bag or on the nightstand or by the couch or by the wine or even in the bathroom - in otherwords - books that should be kept close at hand:

The Book of Summers by Emylia Hall (Hungarian wine as a side; available at Total Wine & More but you'll have to ask where it is.  Chocolate, cheese and goulash!)

Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

Faithful Place by Tana French (Guiness pairs well with this one; fish and chips)

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh (white wine definitely)

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (red wine or port - definitely chocolate)

Me Before You by JoJo Moyes (beer and/or wine)

A Grown Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson

The Blackwater Lightship by Colm Toibin (Guiness again)

Withering Tights by Louise Rennison  (young adult or young at heart)
Sweet Revenge of Celia Door by Karen Finneyfrock  (young adult or young at heart)

Anything by Chevy Stevens (under the covers/beach towel reading)