Ok, I need a new book.

My list of favorite authors include, but are definitely not limited to:
Agatha Christie (read all of her books numerous times)
Dan Brown
Lillian Jackson Braun (read them all)
Arthur Conan Doyle
Shakespeare
Classic literature

Mysteries, suspense, action, some romance (not too much - its got to be real! :) ), classics...

Just finished The Last Templar (wasn't all that impressed) and The Picture of Dorian Gray... I need new material!

(Oh, favorite book is The Scarlet Pimpernel and all other books by Baroness Orczy - haven't read them?? Please do... its WELL worth it!)

I also love to read and do it daily. A good friend of mine, years back, decided to take turns picking a book and we both would read it together, discuss it and pick another. It gace us a chance to read a book we otherwise would have read. For me it has been a fun experience as he enjoys historical fiction, mystery, Greek myth type books and so on. I enjoy non-fiction, authors like Mitch Albom, James Patterson (non-mystery side) We both love business leadership books of all kind. So I will suggest a few different types that were some of our favorites.

Mystery: Harlan Coben he is a very good writer my friend went on to read every single book he has read but I read one. I was surprised how much I liked it but have to admit I am also not a huge fan of mysteries. Give one of his books a try I think you will be surprised.

Titles...

Miracle on the 17th Green: James Patterson co-wrote this book with Peter de Jonge even if you don't like golf incredible book. Another, no matter what, must read is called, Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas also written by by James Patterson. This book is in my top 5 and will make you cry at least 5 times. You will continue to put this book down because you don't want to finish it.

All of Mitch Albom's books
Tuesday's with Morrie
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
For One More Day
Fab Five:Basketball, Trash Talk, the American Dream
Making Loss Matter: Creating Meaning in Difficult Times

Leadership Books

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership written by John Maxwell
Is my favorite but I have a ton I could suggest if you'd like.

Another one of my favorites that I think you would like, if you haven't already read it is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

That's just a few you might enjoy. I would stay clear away from The Iliad and The Odyssey written by Homer, though there is some question if he actually wrote The Odyssey, it will not matter when you look for it in a bookstore. They are terrible and I wouldn't force my worst enemy to have to sit through reading them.

LOL! My sentiments exactly... Homer... although a classic... definitely not worth it. But, Pride and Prejudice? Divine.

Have you and your friend read The Scarlet Pimpernel? Please do! It's a wonderful book, as are the rest by Baroness Orczy. The Pimpernel and Rosemary is very entertaining as well.

Thank you SO much for these suggestions! I've read some of James Patterson and must say that I did enjoy his writing style. I'll try Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas.

I just finished reading Blue Like Jazz and enjoyed that. I'll have to try The 21 Irrefutable Laws...

B&N, here I come!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

My friend is a he and there is no way in hell he would read those, but I would. I will take you up on your suggestion and pick up The Scarlet Pimpernel. What is the story line?

And yes hear me because you will thank me. You have to pick up Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas. It will surprise you in the end, shock you in the beginning and make you cry in between. It is a must read and will bring out emotions you never thought you had.

Thank you for the suggestion. I think I pay the electric bill at Borders and Barnes with all the books I buy.

It's nice to see another person dislike Homer's books. Yuck, it took me almost a year to read The Iliad, it was awful. I would rather have every single one of my teeth pulled out with a tweezer than go through that again.

WOW! Teeth pulled with a tweezer, huh? Niiiiice! That about sums up Homer.

The Scarlet Pimpernel is really not in the genre of "chick books", believe me. Check it out on wiki... although, be warned the "plot summary" section on the site will give you the whole story... The Scarlet Pimpernel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Scarlet_Pimpernel) It's definitely an amazing book... and was turned into a Broadway musical not too long ago

Broadway... yes, I'm a theatre geek too! Book nerd, theatre geek, and historian. The written word fascinates me!

I will, I'm not a fan of chick books but you really wouldn't know that by what I suggested, if you read them by title only. I have read some chick books but not that many. I am much like you in what I enjoy. However, with that said I must admit I have never been a fan of fiction. I'm getting a little better and trying to be more open-minded in my reading.

I also love Broadway and theatre. That's one of the many things I love about living in Boston. Mamma Mia is my all time favorite musical. I could see it once a week and still not get sick of it.

I also enjoy driving to NYC and grabbing a show or sight seeing. I am a history major at heart. You and I have of loves in common. It's nice to see there is somebody out there who can appreciate real art and appreciate our heritage. Give me music and books, stick me on a island (throw in some crates containing Willy Wonks candy) and I will be in heaven!

Who needs men!! Okay the Rosie Riveter in me slipped out, sorry

Amen, Sister Suffragette! Lol!

Mamma Mia... divine. Wicked, divine. The Scarlet Pimpernel, even if the story wasn't as divine as it is, would fall in the divine category simply for its music. I'm considering a move to NYC next fall for a teaching job and I must say that Broadway and The Met are severely influencing my decision! The Nashville scene, as musically inclined as it is, just doesn't hold a candle to NYC... but, at least Nashville has hockey!

Chick books have their place, a small place, but every once in a while the need for Godiva and a fluff book overtakes me.

What about Poe? You a fan of his writings? Next weekend is the anniversary of the Poe Toaster in Baltimore... odd story... but interesting! (another wikipedia quest... )

Oooo... "quest"... Find Your Grail! Good old Monty Python!

Do you enjoy historical fiction? If so then Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett and anything by Edward Rutherfurd.

Oh my gosh I feel like I'm getting punked?? I am attending Poe Toaster!! Are you kidding me?

I love Edgar Allan Poe. I just finished a paper for school about him. My personal favorite has to be Annabel Lee. Did you know he was born in Boston? He was later adopted and moved and raised in Richmond Virginia. I love the stories I have read about him. His mother working as an actress and did many shows in NYC before her death.

Though he lived a very sad life I had no idea how much I would love reading about him. His story of his achievements, his life, his fears, the devastation he had to overcome, draw me in. I continue to read and learn more about the very short life he led.

My children each have books about him. My son is not a big fan but he's almost 12 my daughter really enjoys the children's version of some of his stories. Even the children's version I have to keep from reading some of the stories as I think they are a little too disturbing for her age.

I think going back to college has been great for me because I have had the opportunity while living here to go to a great school, be introduced to writers like him and be engulfed by our American culture and traditions at the same time. To be here and to live her is my fairy tale. It really is. I love American History and to know this is truly where it began.

If you knew me at all you would be surprised how much I've changed since moving here in 2004. I was close-minded and rarely would try anything. I had not seen a musical or been to a live show and I was what 31? Now I actually like some wine, I'm a season ticket holder to all the best shows I'll be graduating soon and I even like Thai food! Being a girl from the midwest who still likes and listens to Karen Carpenter, imagine that for a second?

Not a fan at all of historical fiction, in fact I think I need to start a riot to get that section banned from all book stories.

Does anybody else think there is some irony in using the words historical and fiction in the same sentence??

Punked... wow... kind of scary that there are two of us in the Eastern half of the country... I'm sorry, but anyone who debates the fact that Yesterday Once More is one of the all time song greats is just stupid. (As literary as I am, the only insult I could come up with was "stupid"... wow... )

Cheesy historical fiction is just that, cheesy, and should be banned from all bookstores. But there is a fine line between the cheese and the greats... i.e. Gone With the Wind is a classic in my book. Scarlet Pimpernel, another.

The Poe Toaster... amazing. I was contemplating a trip to Baltimore (for the Lexington Market crab cakes and the Toaster), but alas, scheduling conflicts with work. I'd love to go one day. I actually re-read Tell-Tale Heart just this week. One of my favorite stories in grade school was the Pit and the Pendulum... odd, for a fourth grade girl to like Poe, but I was an odd child.

Kudos on going back to school! One of the reasons I want to get back into the teaching realm is so that I can get my PhD in either Military History or Public History. My Master's thesis was based on the Civil War diary of my G, G, G Grandfather - he was captured at the Battle of the Wilderness and sent to Andersonville... and kept a daily diary... :) One day, I'll publish it, but until then, my CW quest is ongoing. (BTW: the 21st Mass CW flag is in the State House in Boston! That was his regiment.)

Boston. Sigh. Amazing city. History, culture, art, amazing.

Oh and by the way HistorianChick, take the teaching job in NYC!!

It's more expensive to live around here and there but just go for it. I can tell you are bright, you write very well, you are witty and can make a total virtual stranger laugh so hard it brings tears, it's worth it. You must be an excellent teacher. Do it for you. Besides when is the last time you just did something most would find crazy? Pack and move to the Big Apple...

Everything you love is in that city. Maybe you will also find something you weren't looking for. Something we don't find in our romantic stories of true love...

I did it, I packed up and moved 1200 miles away from family and friends. And boy was I scared and it wasn't and hasn't been easy. But you know what? I'm glad I did it and I love Boston and I love the East!

Think about it...

You are killing me here!!

Besides the fact that you write a hell of a lot better than I do and without question, are witty and I lack that incredible skill (which is why I stick to sarcasm as a disguise for my shortcomings) We had to be separated at birth or something along those lines.

When I was young

I’d listened to the radio

Waitin’ for my favorite songs

Waiting they played I’d sing along

It made me smile



Those were such happy times

And not so long ago

How I wondered where they’d gone

But they’re back again

Just like a long lost friend

All the songs I loved so well



Every sha-la-la-la

Every wo-wo-wo

Still shines

Every shing-a-ling-a-ling

That they’re starting to sing’s

So fine



When they get to the part

Where he’s breakin’ her heart

It can really make me cry

Just like before

It’s yesterday once more



Lookin’ back on how it was

In years gone by

And the good times that I had

Makes today seem rather sad

So much has changed



It was songs of love that

I would sing to then

And I’d memorize each word

Those old melodies

Still sound so good to me

As they melt the years away



All my best memories

Come back clearly to me

Some can even make me cry

Just like before

It’s yesterday once more

Tempting? What is holding you back?

Oh, you know, the normal "leaving my comfort zone" kind of thing. My current job is very comfortable. I'm the only writer (thanks for the kudos on that, by the way!) for an international textbook publishing house. Today, I'm working on US History from 1969-present... that was actually dropped on me yesterday by my "Someone-has-a-case-of-the-Monday's-should-have-been-cast-in-Officespace" boss. My "real" job is writing the tenth grade World History course - I'm just about ready to start on WWI. But, I'm also the editor-in-chief of the two in-house magazines, the marketing writer, the ad campaign guru, and general gopher/go-to girl. My days go by VERY fast.

I'm comfortable here... I have so much stinking job security, I could steal the company President's Fairy Waterfall Fountain and get away with it.

And that's it in a nutshell... comfort. Settling. Rah. I'm too young to settle and I still don't know what I want to be when I "grow up."

Oh, and I spent two years after my Master's teaching English in China... Go figure... :)

Jackie-of-all-trades, here.

LOL!! Now I'm going to be Sha-la-la-ing and Shing-a-ling-ing all day!!

What about Please Mr. Postman??

What about this classic...

"Why do birds suddenly appear whenever you are near just like me they want to be close to you. On the day that you were born the angels got together and decided to create a dream come true. So they sprinkled moon dust in your air and golden starlight in your eyes so blue..ue...ue...ue that is why all the girls in sight...girls in sight...girls in sight follow you...follow you all around...all around. Just like me they want to be close to you.."

That is from memory so don't shoot me id soome of the lyrics are wrong. When I sing it in the shower I sound just like her!

I completely believe it! When singing in showers, we all are automatic American Idols and Broadway Babies!

(BTW: American Idol is VERY not my thing, but cultural references are! :) )

I enjoy american Idol and stink at giving cultural references. In fact when it comes to Pop Culture, I stink at knowing anything. I blame my parents because as children we were not allowed to watch too much TV unless it was PBS (I know I'm a loser) and the only music we were llowed to listen to were the oldies or my mothers favorites, Carpenters, Sandi Patty, Neil Diamond etc. Top that off with the fact that we attended church 5 and 6 days a week and it's no wonder I turned out this way.

I'm trying to pass on the tradition to my kids...

I would eat Squash, spinach and raw fish to do what you do for a living. What a great job!

Ahh... family vacations singing "Via Dolorosa" and "Was it a morning like this?" at the top of my lungs with the classic belter herself, Sandi Patty. Glad, too?? Yup, church 5/6 times... wow... again... Punked?

Sushi... interesting... and not half bad!

Yes, it is a great job... which is a huge part of the dilemma... Rah...

You crack me up. My first solo in church was, Love in any Language. In all honesty I love the music taste my mother passed on to me and she is one of my favorite artists. To this day when I'm asked to sing in church I will pickk one of her songs. Her voice is as peaceful and soothing as a midsummer night sky...

AAAHHH...

I'm working on Via Dolorosa for Easter... :D

Midsummer Nights Dream... Shakespeare... *sigh*

I highly recommend the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon

Outlander series... tell me more... :)

It's about a husband and wife, Jamie and Claire. It involves some romance (but not bodice ripping); a lot of historical references (Bonny Prince Charlie and the revolt) and the fallout from that unfortunate event. I'm afraid I might scare you off when I mention time travel - but it is well done and not hokey, IMO.

There are 5 books now (I think) in the series and I have enjoyed each of them tremendously. They are long - about 800 pages each, but they don't feel drawn out to me. The weirdest thing is that she wrote these characters so well they feel like real people to me.

Some books that helped me grow up: I learned to appreciate the large book with "War and Peace"; then several by Fyodor Dostoevsky, "The Brothers Karamazov", "The Possessed", and "Crime and Punishment". My 'finishing school' was "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged". I've never spent a lot of time reading novels, but I read "Gone With The Wind" a year or so ago, and it is much better than the movie.

Maybe someone could start a thread in Relationships like "Songs We Listen To", and call it "Books We Read" that would focus on breaking up, reconciliation, etc.

"Atlas Shrugged" - now THAT sounds interesting...

In my opinion, books are always better than the movies!

Thanks! And, great idea about the "Books We Read" post...

Atlas Shrugged is a good one. I think that one is close to 1000 pages.

Yawn... now you guys are starting to put me to sleep with these book choices. We were on such a role for a while.

LOL! You have to admit though... just the simple phrase "Atlas shrugged" brings up quite the interesting mental pictures... I mean, come on! Why did Atlas shrug? Isn't he Superman? And when he shrugged, did the world shake?? What made him shrug? :)

Here we go...

Atlas Shrugged is by Ayn Rand and although it is a work of fiction, it centers around her political and social philosophy. It's about a big, powerful family and their antics.

HA! "here we go...." LOL!

Never know, this could start a brand new series... "Atlas Shrugged," "Mona Lisa Frowned," "David Went Shopping," and on, and on!!

:D

And that needs 800 pages to say? I mean really, what about our trees? I say stat to finish no more than 400 pages at most. After that we are getting far too much detail.

These are just my thoughts for what it's worth...

I kind of like my idea for a series based on famous works of art and sculpture... (how about "DaVinci Doodled"? )

Seriously though, I've a list of books to get this weekend! Not sure if it will be a Godiva/fluff weekend, a Pillars of the Earth weekend, or a 7 Habits of Highly Effective People/Franklin Covey/self-worth weekend! :)

Let's look at the good news to what we have created. 173 people have viewed these posts and have probably gotten their reading done for a week. Add that to the fact that these posts are quite amusing so we have probably also generated a laugh or two, if nothing else I'm sure a smile. Then there will be the ones that read this, scratched their heads, and counted their lucky stars they have a life. The last set were the few knight and shining armors left, that are thinking where in there world are these damsel in distress?

We've helped mankind in some small way. The book club does it again... All without Oprah or Dr. Phil's help, imagine that.

A Separate Peace by John Knowles. Good book, great story, a real classic.

Ah yes, those famed "knights in shining armor"... Pray tell, wherefore art they? LOL

Yes, I agree... And I think a book club needs to be established on here! :)

I'll tell you where they are... They are in the Relationship section figuring out how to sign over their parental rights, not pay child support, or follow the N/C rule.

Back to Shakespeare, are odds are better.

"Love is blind, and lovers cannot see
The pretty follies that themselves commit."

~Jessica~The Merchant of Venice~

"The fault dear Brutus, is not in our stars
But in ourselves..."

~Julius Ceasar~ I, ii, 140

Ahh... Shakespeare.

AAHHhhh...

"Such stuff as dreams are made on"

"Loves looks not with the eyes but with the mind"

"The course of true love never did run smooth"

"Journeys end in lovers meeting"

"A long farewell to all my greatness"

How can you not love Shakespeare? I'm with you HistorianChick. We are warped with our love of true classics that we are blinded by the realities of the world, when we look up from our stories. This can leave women like us expecting the unexpected and as once quoted by the great one, "I wait...and wait and continue to wait, always waiting."

So we will continue to learn, "Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps."

Losing yourself in the pages of sublime literature, never results in loss, but only true gain. For by it, we are inspired to live better, love deeper, challenge our wit and opinions, and truly grow as an individual.

Shakespeare ROCKS! :D

"There was never yet a philosopher that could endure the toothache patiently"

Until now I see...

Another gorgeous literary quote:

"Let the rain kiss you. Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops. Let the rain sing you a lullaby." ~ Langston Hughes~

Appreciating the finer things in life, them being literature, music, or a simple rain fall, is the most divine and wonderful way to live.

I could not agree more my virtual friend, I could not agree more...

*sniff* I just finished Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas... *sniff* That was simply beautiful, heart-wrenching, and perfect. Thank you, so much, life1973!

*sinff* lol!

I am so glad you enjoyed it, I just knew you would. It's an incredible story and a wonderful book for an evening read (more so for girls like us) I remember when I read it. I kept putting it down because I was sobbing and couldn't read the words any longer, or because I didn't want the story to end.

I grew up reading and loving books and that has never changed and I think because of that I read very quickly. That was a story in which I could have read very slowly and enjoyed it over several weeks. I told you it's just one of those stories that will bring out emotions you never thought you had. I remember while reading it I stepped into the bathtub and kept reading (of course) I was so frustrated during a chapter I tossed the book next to the tub and laid there steaming (no pun intended) By the next few lines I was crying again. Go figure...

This is one of those conversations men could not possibly begin to understand. All this fuss over a book. Am I right, or what?

There is no need to thank me just pass on the book to a girlfriend who will appreciate the story, or a stranger you know, who needs to meet Suzanne.

What other books did you end up buying at the bookstore?

I'm actually sad to say that it only took me a few hours to read Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. Looking back, I wish I had taken longer to read it as well, it was just too good!

And in those few hours, the emotional roller-coaster! WOW! Its been a long time since I've had a good cry over a book.

Anyone who has viewed these posts MUST pick up this book! It's amazingly perfect.

If you fancy a change from books that make you cry, at the back end of the 90s a guy called Keith Baker (http://www.irishwriters-online.com/keithbaker.html) wrote 4 thrillers centered around Northern Ireland; Inheritance, Reckoning, Engram and Lunenburg. I read them all and thought they were excellent... and looking at his background the guy knows his stuff!

The best thing is you can get them all on Amazon.co.uk for 1p each!

But who am I to say such things! As a great man once wrote;
"If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all!"

This is one of those conversations men could not possibly begin to understand. All this fuss over a book. Am I right, or what?

Well as a bloke I can say I loved "Suzannes Diary for Nicholas" as well , did I sob... I'm not telling :-)

He wrote another book in the same vein called " Sam's letters to Jennifer" which was also very good , very different to what he normally writes.

Though it is true he did write Sam's Letters to Jennifer, it's no where near as good as Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas.

But as always, I appreciate a mans point of view once in a while.

Though it is true he did write Sam's Letters to Jennifer, it's no where near as good as Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas.

But as always, I appreciate a mans point of view once in a while.

I have to agree , not as good.

Only once in a while? :)

Only once in a while!

Only once in a while!!

LOL... Thankyou "K"

I just want to thank HistorianChick for starting this thread. I have made of list of interesting reads folks have suggested here. I'm starting Georgianna by Amanda Foreman, a biography of the Duchess of Devonshire. Looks interesting - I'll let you know if its any good when I get finished.

Okay I have a couple more. Now keep in mind these are both Chick-lite books. However, a friend of mine, who is male and not gay, read the first one and enjoyed it.

'Something Borrowed' written by Emily Griffin (pink cover) also in paperback

'Something Blue' written by Emily Griffin (blue cover) also in paperback

I highly recommend reading both books as the story continues from the first one. It's a good read. The first story takes place in NYC (hint... hint... HistorianChick) The second book takes place in London, if memory serves me correctly. It's a great story of four friends and how life has it's own plans sometimes. Yet, when we are faced with drastic life changes, in the end our own little, 'happily ever after' can be much better than our short term disappointment and even long term broken heart.

Emily Griffin write a third book that looks like it goes with the series but it's a completely different story and not as good as the first ones. It's called 'Baby Proof' (yellow cover)

HistorianChick, you have to read these two books as it pertains so much to what you are dealing with now. Though much different style than Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas, you will find these two books just as hard to put down. You will smile at how similar your situation is to the characters in this book.

These two books will not bring out the emotion from our previous book discussions. However, they will make you chuckle and smile and we all need that from time to time.

It helps ease the pain...

LOL!! NYC, huh?? Niiiiiice. Got the n'er-be-subtle hint! ;)

I'm hitting Opry Mills mall tonight... thanks for the recommendation! I'll get Something Borrowed.

(You're not some secret spy from B&N with the mission to sell more books, are you? :) )

If I am I certainly am not on the payroll damn it! Maybe you can get a good word in for me, at least get me more than a 25% DISCOUNT!

I told you I pay the electricity bill there...

BTW: life1973, I LOVE the Chick-lite books!

In the grand scheme of literature, we have several categories:

1. Chick-lit books: those books that are cute, adorable, and little pieces of yummy goodness.
2. Bubbalicious: those books that are long-lasting, good to the last drop
3. Double Mint: those books that double your refreshment and have cute characters in Tennis outfits
4. Big Leauge Chew: those books that pack a punch, keep you going, and look great in your back pocket

:D

I'll go with that.

HistorianChick agrees: Sister Suffragette has struck again! ;) Don't worry friend4u, we appreciate you!! There are a few good men out there... as one, thanks for putting in your two cents!

Thanks HChick , now I feel wanted :-)

Now that I've sufficiently buttered you up friend4u178, praytell, did you sob/weep/bawl upon reading Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas?? Inquiring minds want to know! ;)

I'd also like to hear...

Hhhmmm... are you two ganging up on me?

Well did I sob? just a little... each chapter :-)

Make sure you keep that to yourselves.

Aww! An honest man. Who would have thunk! It happens to the best of us...

It was an amazing book. Kudos to K for the initial recommendation. I've picked up another one of her suggestions and, I must admit, it's perfect for where I am right now.

(What do you think K? Ganging up?? Naaa... all right... maybe a little. A smidgen. A tad! ;) )

(What do you think K? Ganging up??? Naaa.... alright.... maybe a little. A smidgen. A tad! ;) )


That's OK I can handle it , a little ganging up never hurt anyone right :-)

"Honesty is the best policy............you don't have to remember anything then :-)"

So, so true!

You two monkeys going back and forth are cracking me up. HistorianChick do you really think he read that book and sob each chapter? Give me a break.

I love you but you are a typical guy, and yes we are ganging up on you. We want the juicy details, all they way down to the type of tissues you used to wipe those tears...

And why did you read the book again, enlighten me dear?

The heat lamp has just been turned on...

I'm loving this!!

And life1973... GOOOOOOOD point! I want juicy details too! Tissue brand... Cough it up, Friend4u!

Look at it this way; only 580 or so people will see you as you bear your soul. It could be worse... Maybe... Maybe not?!

You two monkeys going back and forth are cracking me up. HistorianChick do you really think he read that book and sob each chapter? Give me a break.

Ok not every chapter


I love ya but you are a typical guy

Aaww , thanks "K" , but what do you mean "typical guy" ?


and yes we are ganging up on you. We want the juicy details, all they way down to the type of tissues you used to wipe those tears....?

No more information... I have a reputation to uphold , as a typical guy :-)


And why did you read the book again, enlighten me dear?

I bought the book for my then GF and just picked it up to read the first chapter one Saturday morning , curiosity , 3 hours later DONE!

I'm laughing so hard I need the tissues now...

That is a far cry from the start of, "Oh, I read that book" You bought it for a girlfriend and it just happened to be sitting on the coffee table, not the night stand in her bedroom, and you read it.

Is that the story you are going to be sticking with?

LOL! 3 hours... you were SO hooked.

Sincerity, honesty, good advice, *sheesh*... do you read Shakespeare too? :)

I say it was Colonel Mustard in the dining room with the rope?

Am I close?

I'm laughing so hard I need the tissues now....

That is a far cry from the start of, "Oh, I read that book" You bought it for a girlfriend and it just happened to be sitting on the coffee table, not the night stand in her bedroom, and you read it.

Is that the story you are going to be sticking with?

The gods honest truth!

Historianchick you are so gullable??

I say stick with the details, you are better off going with Colonel Mustard...

LOL! 3 hours.... you were SO hooked.

Sincerity, honesty, good advice, *sheesh*.... do you read Shakespeare too?? :)

Yeah 3 hours , you must admit it is a real easy read.

No to Shakespeare , every time you pick up one of those books the writing is like so small.

What girl reads a book like that, out in here living room? I'm not buying it. Now if you had said you lifted from the nightstand on her side of the bed, I might have thought it possible. And how did you know to buy her that book?

Did you at least keep the book when you got rid of the girl?

I say it was Colonel Mustard in the dining room with the rope?

Am I close?

This off the Net

Colonel Mustard is without a doubt, the greatest of the CLUE/CLUEDO characters! The Colonel's character varies depending on where you are from. In British CLUEDO, he has always been portrayed as a dashing ladies man, who often has both Mrs.Peacock and Miss Scarlett vying for his attention. In the U.S, however Col.Mustard has aged over the last decade making him an daft old man! No matter where you live, the Colonel is a retired military man, and the common first name given to him is Michael. As for the Colonel's motive for killing poor old Mr.Boddy (or Dr.Black in the UK) it is often because of a bad investment he's gone into with the deceased. Another popular motive is that Mustard is madly in love with Mrs.Peacock and kills his host for some sort of wrongdoing aimed at her. If Rich Uncle Pennybags has any problem with that, Col.Mustard will just pull out his trusty candlestick!

Did you at least keep the book when you got rid of the girl?

LOL... yep have still got it , and lend it out occasionally :-)

What girl reads a book like that, out in here living room? I'm not buying it. Now if you had said you lifted from the nightstand on her side of the bed, I might have thought it possible. And how did you know to buy her that book?

Well "K" you are just going to have to take my word for it.
I bought it because I had read most of Pattersons books anyway , when I saw it on the bookstore shelf I'd never heard of it so thought I'd buy it.

Now stop ganging up on me you 2 :-)

In this country I have no idea about all that jibberish you just gave me regarding Colonel Mustard in the game of Clues. However, you are correct he is an older man in our version.

Was his name really Michael? What was Mrs Peacock's first name smarty pants?

At least you kept the book...

Was his name really Michael?...

Apparently so


What was Mrs Peacock's first name smarty pants?...

"She has been given names of Henrietta in Master Detective, Samantha in the computer game, Elizabeth pre-2002, Patricia post-2002, and Penelope. Others names include Camilla, Ethel and Prudence." Wikipedia

WOW!!

Yesssss... I admit, I'm gullible... Which, come to think of it, explains a WHOLE lot of the problems in my love life!! You think, K? Lol

I always liked Mr. Green - Colonel Mustard seemed too old... Course, I was always Miss Scarlett...

Friend4u... you "lend out the book", eh? Impressing the girls with your soft side, huh? You need to change your story a tad to REALLY impress the girls... Reading it with a glass of White Zin and a crackling fire would do the trick. The three hours bit is good though, I must admit.

:) You guys are great.

Friend4u... you "lend out the book", eh?? Impressing the girls with your soft side, huh?? You need to change your story a tad to REALLY impress the girls....

LOL... you are making assumptions my dear friend , no that is NOT why I lend it out.
Like you guys I just really love the book and like to share it!

Ok, OK, OK... Truce. :D

Any other suggestions for a good read? (If you say Danielle Steele, I'm going to be really concerned... )

Why don't you try some Danielle Steele :-)

Shall I? I'm going to need some titles, since I'm totally unfamiliar with her works... :)

Shall I?? I'm going to need some titles, since I'm totally unfamiliar with her works.... :)

I was kidding :-)

Back to Patterson though have you read any of his books besides "Suzanne Diary"? If not I highly recommend him.

Friend4u178 is exactly right. James Patterson has some well-written books. I have not read a single one of his mystery books, which is his bread and butter. However, I have read others, which couldn't be more different from his mystery books. They are good books.

You can go to his website at Home | The Official James Patterson Web Site (http://www.jamespatterson.com) and look at all of his books. I have a suggestion, as always...

Miracle on the 17th Green (even if you don't like golf, great, great book)

Yep Miracle on the 17th is a real good read , again only short but it is written to make a point , which it does very well.

His thrillers are also real easy to read , due mainly to the fact he writes in small chapters.

I would start with "Along came a spider" and then "Kiss the girls" You will get addicted if you like reading this sort of stuff I promise.
These 2 books were also made into films.

They also made "Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas" into a movie but haven't seen it myself.

I've read a few of Patterson's mysteries, but I'll have to pick up some more. I did enjoy them.

Now, I'm rather disappointed, no Danielle Steele? Whatever shall I do?

I can't believe that authors name has even been allowed to float around this post. Next thing I know friend4u178 is going to start suggesting you read the Harlequin Romance series.

Help me Rhonda!!

LOL! Yes, yes... Sad, isn't it? Our almost 100 post post (lol) has been viciously tainted by mine own hand...

"Out damned spot!" :)

So you need some recommendations, here are my top favorite books.

1. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (I see others mentioned it too, you got to read this one, it has a little over 1,000 pages and it's just excellent. See this before Angelina Jolie butchers the role of Dagney Taggert in the upcoming movie.)

2. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Marquez.

3. Everything That Rises Must Converge by Flannery O'Connor (It's a collection of her short stories.)

4. The Five People You Meet In Heaven by Mitch Albom (This is one I can read over and over.)

5. The Lovely Bones by Alice Seybold.

6. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini.

7. The Life of Pi by Yann Martel.

Actually, a lot of these are being made into movies so definitely read them before someone butchers the hell out of them.

All right, all right! Atlas Shrugged is this weekend's read... and Something Borrowed... and Key to Rebecca... Sheesh... Just call me couch-potato-girl!

You are going to read Atlas Shrugged this weekend? No football? No AMHD?

Lol... I'm a multi-tasker :)

I can't believe that authors name has even been allowed to float around this post. Next thing I know friend4u178 is going to start suggesting you read the Harlequin Romance series.

Help me Rhonda!!!

Well I was going to mention Harlequinn romance novels but decided against it for fear of being "ganged up on" again :-)

What about Dr Zeuss?

Oh, and you would have been seriously ganged up on. That would have been unforgivable! ;)

OK, is Atlas shrugging?

Rah... I have sadly been drawn away from literature with the tempting, seducing quality of The Italian Job... Actually, I blame it on Jason Statham ;) LOL

But, believe me, Atlas will be shrugging, Mona Lisa will be winking, and David will be shopping Rodeo Drive for the newest fashion in fig leaves very, very soon. :)

Rah.... I have sadly been drawn away from literature with the tempting, seducing quality of The Italian Job ...

Oh lordy, I had such respect for you, and this thread, right up to that point!

It's a TERRIBLE film and I don't know how they dared call it The Italian Job! It should have been called The American Job!

But then again, I'm English and I love the original!

/RANT :D

Fair play though, Jason Statham is pretty handsome, but he's far, far better in Snatch!

I don't like to watch movies that were first best selling books or Broadway Musicals that have turned to the big screen. I'll take a pass. Rarely, if ever do they compare to the book itself.

With that being said, I finally finished 'ATONEMENT' by Ian McEwan.

I enjoyed the book but some advice if you decide to read it; have a full box of tissues ready to go.

Another good book that surprised me was, 'The Shock Doctrine,' by Naomi Klein

Some suggestions for your classic side: Our Mutual Friend by Charles ens (The author or A Christmas Carol and David Copperfield). This is a great book. Charles ens with murder, romance, and poetic justice. This book was really something different for him. Also Wives and Daughters, The Moorland Cottage (novella), Cranford, and North and South (in England not the American Civil War) all by Elizabeth Gaskell. I'm still working my way through the rest of her work.

Thank you kmrc! I adore Charles Dic_ens - he was a literary genius.

I still have yet to pick up Atlas Shrugged. But, I will! Life happened this weekend, as much as I wanted to sit down and read, alas... :)

Just for some clarification...

If you want literature, classics, and "set-your-brain-a-thinking" books... Read this post...

If you want tear-jerkers and fluff stuff, there is another post on the "books and lit" section...

Just wanted to state that for the record... for some reason, I felt like I had to "set it straight"... lol...

Hey HistorianChick,

Have you read Louisa M.Alcott books? I loved Little Women a lot...
I loved the Scarlet Pimpernal and the Tale of Two Cities too.

Have read Jane Eyre and Mill on the Floss?Some of my favourites.


Have you ever read David Baldacci?His Winner and Absolute Power are good.

I just recently read 2 John Lescroart books and I liked his style.

And I just finished Mary, Mary by James Patterson.It is good

EDIT:... Sorry about the repetetive questions regarding the books... but my net is jumpy these days and wasn't sure how long I could stay online,hence the hurried answer.I will try to post some more names later.

Thanks for the recommendations, firmbeliever! Yes, I have read Louisa May Alcott's books... divine, aren't they?

Thanks for the other book titles. I saw Mary, Mary at B&N the other day... almost got it. It's good?

Over a thousand hits!! Wow!! Amazing job, people! Who knew there were so many people interested in good literature... lets hope we've influenced a few to lose themselves in the pages of these books.

:)

Nick hornby writes good fic. Sue graffton writes OK mystrys, dumas was a genius, david eddings writes a none to shabby fantasy,

If you like funny stuff, you might want to check out David Sedaris' "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" and Steve Martin's "The Pleasure of My Company."

Ooo... Steve Martin wrote a book? WHERE have I been? Thanks, mafiaangel! :)

For mysteries, try P D James or Elizabeth George. My book group has read both. Unfortunately, the meetings weren't very good because everyone liked them... we have more interesting meetings when there is a difference of opinion. We read James' "The Murder Room" and George's "A Great Deliverance" last year.

When I'm looking for something to read, I look at the Pulitzer Prize list. Those books are a bit more work, but the reward can be great. My book group usually reads at least one every year.

I notice your user name is HistorianChick. Are you interested in History, as well?

Darlin, I LIVE history! :)

Actually, quite literally at times! I've done some professional historical acting - during college - and some theatre work.

Yes, I adore history... and actually.. . my job is writing history textbooks... So, I write what kids learn! :)

(And my sentence structure and language is MUCH better in the textbook that it is on AMHD! ;) )

Ooo.... Steve Martin wrote a book?? WHERE have I been?? Thanks, mafiaangel! :)

He wrote a couple, including Shop Girl, which he turned into a movie. :) I have yet to read that one though!

my job is writing history textbooks... So, I write what kids learn! :)

Wow, that's pretty cool! For my job I write book and Dvd reviews for librarians, so they know what they want to order. Hehe. :)

Wow, that's pretty cool! For my job I write book and Dvd reviews for librarians, so they know what they want to order. hehe. :)

Now, that's neat! Your job sounds fun... mine is fun... most of the time! :)

Quiet Strength, by Tony Dungy

Tony Dungy's words and example have intrigued millions of people, particularly following his victory in Super Bowl XLI, the first for an African American coach. How is it possible for a coach--especially a football coach--to win the respect of his players and lead them to the Super Bowl without the screaming histrionics, the profanities, the demand that the sport come before anything else? How is it possible for anyone to be successful without compromising faith and family? In this inspiring and reflective memoir, Coach Dungy tells the story of a life lived for God and family--and challenges us all to redefine our ideas of what it means to succeed.

He led his team to #1 in the world-and showed the world a better way to live, lead, and succeed.

When Tony Dungy led the Indianapolis Colts to victory in Super Bowl XLI-and made history as the first African American coach to win the big game-millions of people, amazed by the success of his quiet, authoritative leadership style, wondered: how does he get it done?

In the pages of this fascinating memoir, Tony Dungy reveals the secrets to his success-principles, practices, and priorities that have kept him on track despite overwhelming personal and professional obstacles, including firings, stereotypes, and the tragic loss of a child.

In the face of so much adversity, Tony has not only survived but risen to the very top of his profession in a way that’s won the respect of fans, players, and even his competitors. His thoughts on leading, succeeding, and attaining true significance will inspire you to take a long, hard look at the things that really matter in your own life.

This was a wonderful book to read.

Hey, cool! Thanks LifeH! :) I always need a good, hard look at the things that truly matter...

"The presence of a real historian," :D You're sweet, K.

See, if only people would notice the "chick" part of my name... sigh... Men like me for my brains, what can I say! ;)

(That was laced with sarcasm, for all of you that don't know me... )

Well, Jess in our spare time I guess we could try going to a bar at night and have the locals teach us what we are suppose to do with that pole? We can be the two, 'working 9 to 5 girls.' Dancing to, 'Gloria'

How hard can it be anyway? I mean really, I'm up for trying just about anything. As long as I can disinfect the pole before it's my turn, I'm good. Oh, and I can put on more clothes and take off less, that would be good too...

LOLOLOL!! All right, Kristin, lets go! I'm built for it!

And yes... we can carry our little Germ-X bottles in those teency-weecy-yellow-polka-dot-thingys that we'll pull out from the bottom of those top drawers.

We can be the Ivy-League Chicks... We'll take the world by a storm!

(wow... and the post started with such potential... poles and bottles of Germ-X... wow.)

What?? What did I say??

Now, that's neat! Your job sounds fun... mine is fun.... most of the time! :)

Yeah, it has it's up sides.

But can you believe how many werewolf love stories they pump out a year? Sheesh! Pregnant werewolf love stories to boot!

Well, I can say with complete conviction that I have NO idea about pregnant werewolves...

On second thought... your job may not always be fun, huh?

Wow...

There are just some things that I couldn't subject my brain to...

Wow...

I...

I simply have no words...

And that takes a lot... being a writer...

I have yet to buy Atlas Shrugged, people. I've been crazy busy with *sigh* life lately... Rah...

Atlas Shrugged is a ponderous 1,000+ page book that would have been a great 200 page book. The story goes that Rand wrote the book in about 18 months. She spent over a year on one 100 page speech that occurs near the end of the book. The book is so repetitive that most people skip past the 100 page speech by the time they get to it. The thrust of the book is that only a few individuals in this world are creative, useful and make contributions to mankind. They and the people who know and support them are good. Everyone else is trying to take the fruits of their labor from them and usually succeed.

On the history thing... I've greatly enjoyed the Barbara Tuchman books I've read.

See, I'm one of those people that hasn't yet, but really wants to read War and Peace. I haven't ever made it through... but it's a life goal of mine... I'll have to break a leg or something though... lol...

I probably shouldn't have said that...

Don't most people read War and Peace on summer vacation at the beach?

Have you read " To kill a mocking bird " one of the greatest of all time
Watch the movie also black and white Gregory Peck , I believe it was
Robert Duvals first movie, a non speaking role.

I have, yes, thank you! I agree... it's a great one!

And... Gregory Peck, what a doll! :) I love black and white movies... Ooo... Roman Holiday...

Damn it I got to find you a book even if it kills me. How about " Catcher in the rye "

John sallinger the author. I loved it .

Read it. :)

I've said it many times before on this thread, but has anyone read The Scarlet Pimpernel? Its probably my favorite classic - anyone? Am I all alone in this one?

I bet a seven-eleven hot dog that you have read "the Good Earth " wasn't it wonderful ?

I think it is the only book ever to earn a Nobel and an Oscar .

You got me, bijan.

I owe you a hot dog. (those things are good, by the way!)

The Good Earth.

Check - on my list to read.

Thumbnail on War and Peace.

War and Peace - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_and_peace)

Aww... thanks! I'll go take a peek at that.

But, sadly, I still have the life ambition to read it. Maybe its because I write history textbooks and I shudder to think someone would try and spark note (or thumbnail) my material...

Go figure... :)

Think of it this way. They usually don't thumbnail unless the publication is of great interest to folks. That is a good thing.

Hey historianchick . Since you write history text books I have to ask you this
How do you deal with popular inaccuracies and propaganda B.S which is fed
To the ignorant masses ? I mean lies such as coulombs discovered America and Jesus
Flew to heaven from the cross ( he was probably dumped in the swamp ) and Saddam was about to destroy America , we got him in the nick of time
You got to make a living and survive you know . What do you do ?

I mean lies such as coulombs discovered America and Jesus
flew to heaven from the cross ( he was probably dumped in the swamp ) and Saddam was about to destroy America , we got him in the nick of time
You got to make a living and survive you know . What do you do ?

Troll here often?

LOL! Emland! Lol!

I'll address the issue, though not the suppositions. I don't believe that its necessary.

Being a writer of history is one of the most amazing, humbling, important, and daunting jobs that I have ever had. It is amazing because I am affecting the next generation of American students with my words. Humbling because those students will not learn what I do not write; and, they will learn what I do write. Important because if we do not learn from history we "are doomed to repeat it." Daunting because there is no possible way that I, as an individual, could possibly begin to write about the entire historical record... nor do I assume that I could.

As I write history, I tend to shy away from certain unreliable sources. I do a lot of research online, but sadly, most of what we find on the internet is just as unreliable. I adore reading wikipedia, but frankly, cannot cite it in my research because of the fact that it can be edited by anyone who deems themselves an expert on the issue. (For example, I was researching the civil rights movement and came across a blatantly racial comment that was obviously not written by the original author.)

Bottom line: history is history. We are the ones that change it. I strive to be one that upholds the integrity of history, good and bad, war and peace, religious and secular.

Please excuse the grammatical and punctuation errors in that last posting...

That was me trying to be rational and positive :) rather than irrational and a blast-meister-reddie-giver! :)

Please excuse the grammatical and punctuation errors in that last posting....

That was me trying to be rational and positive :) rather than irrational and a blast-meister-reddie-giver!! :)

Hey "J" you know you can edit your post if you wish to correct your grammatical errors.

What the Bhudda never taught.

Doing Nothing

How to read a book (seriously)

Short history of nearly everything.

Made to stick.

Blink

Confessions of a philosopher.

I just picked up a quick book before I venture into Atlas Shrugged. It's called, 'How Starbucks Saved My Life.' by Michael Gates Gill.

It looks a lot like Mitch Albom's, 'For One More Day and 'Miracle on the 17th Green.

Good stuff...

Well... Starbucks truly has saved my life on many occasions! :) Sounds like a pretty acceptable book!

So Chick,

You must have picked by now. What's your new book?

I'm starting Atlas Shrugged with a dear friend. We're going to read it together and share its literary wonderment! :)

And she blushes...

OK... well, I gave you my comments on it a while back. Remember. The dinner speech near the end is what she put her time on. If you are like most everyone else, you'll be bored senseless by then, but you need to persevere.

My book group met last night and we did "All About H Hatterr." I can't recommend it.

In the coming months we are doing:

The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls
The Tender Bar: A Memoir by J.R. Moehringer
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon

I'll keep you posted.

The Alchemist... I think I read that... If I did, I guess its indicative of my lack of memory about it! LOL I read Ghostwalk around the same time, so that may be what I've confused it with...

I think I've read it... Not sure though!

(Yup, K! You're the "dear friend!" ;) )

I couldn't read all sixteen pages of recommandations... but here goes mine.I don't know if you've read it or if somebody else told you about it:
The Perfume(Das Parfum) by Patrick Suskind
There's the movie,but don't watch it,because it's not so powerful.it actually spoils the beauty of the book.it's so well written and so wrong interpreted on film
I swear to God,it must be the most BEAUTIFUL book on earth,I'm so mesmerized by it.iread it and you'll understand what I mean.then we can start a topic on it :D

Just finished, How Starbucks Saved My Life, great book, nice story. Very much like Mitch Albom and the way he writes. It was hard to put down and reminded me of Suzanne's Diary to Nicholas. In which it was sensational, addicting, emotional and real. It was a book in which you have to be in the right mindset to appreciate it and not be bored from it.

HC, I will send it over, ignore the highlights, as it's just what I do when I read a book and want to remember a point or two.

To all of you who recommended Atlas Shrugged...

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I'm really enjoying it. The descriptive writing of the author paints vivid mental pictures... very enjoyable! :)

Again, thanks!

I am also reading Atlas Shrugged and so far, as you know Jess, its only okay. Jury is still out.

I just finished Book 3 of the Iliad and Homer is my nemesis. I have been sucked into this vortex, yet again.

Ooo... Nemesis... great Agatha Christie book... Nemesis (Agatha Christie novel - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemesis_(Agatha_Christie_novel))

:D

WARNING: That link is a plot spoiler... :)

Have you read anything by Kate Atkinson? Her stories are really intresting and she lets you figure things out for yourself. Maybe start with Behind the scenes at the museum or Case histories.

Some of the books that I like to read are by the author Hermann Hesse. Generally now, I am into much lighter reading like you might find in some popular magazines. Would like to get into some literature that is more current and actually has some "meat" to it.

For those of you who continue to give me a hard time in regards to the Iliad and my dislike towards Homer and his style of writing, might be surprised by my comments today.
I just finished Book VI and I'm starting to understand more what roles the Gods and Goddess are playing with the Greeks and Trojans and why.

However, that does not mean I like it. It's still confusing me when he introduces us to a million characters, with little to no back story. He seems to give you just enough to want to know more and what their place is in this mythical world, but sadly, he has yet to show me he has is going to do that.

So today I will hammer out the next Book and maybe, just maybe, it will last another day on my night stand and not in my garbage.

Ok
So recently I just finished a short story called "Who moved my cheese" by Dr Spencer Johnson. Its basically a story about how to cope with change in your life , whether it be work , Love etc.
Very interesting , have any of you read it?

I've heard about Who Moved My Cheese, but not read it. I think my Dad had it at one time... along with Franklin Covey - 7 Habits...

Its good, huh? Worth picking up?

Barefootin autobiography of Unita Blackwell, first female mayor In Mississippi excellent!

I've heard about Who Moved My Cheese, but not read it. I think my Dad had it at one time... along with Franklin Covey - 7 Habits...

Its good, huh? Worth picking up?

I'll email you a copy J... I just happen to have a soft copy.

I'll email you a copy J.....................I just happen to have a soft copy.

I'll be looking for it! Thanks, M! :)

I'll be looking for it! Thanks, M! :)

No problem... just sent it.

No problem....................just sent it.

You're a doll, thanks!

The More Important Your
Cheese Is To You The
More You Want To Hold
On To It.

That's some pretty heavy stuff... I like it so far...

Headed home. Will pick up where I left off tomorrow.

Thanks again, M. :)

The More Important Your
Cheese Is To You The
More You Want To Hold
On To It.

That's some pretty heavy stuff..... I like it so far...

Headed home. Will pick up where I left off tomorrow.

Thanks again, M. :)

No problem J... by the time I'm back on here tomorrow you will probably have finished it , its only like 40 pages or something like that :-)

There are some great quotes in it too!

Read Dava Sobel- Galileo's Daughter and Longitude


buckbeater

Well, can't really hep you out there, I hate reading, but I have a book that will be released in about 40 days. It's the first book I wrote

Ok
So recently I just finished a short story called "Who moved my cheese" by Dr Spencer Johnson. Its basically a story about how to cope with change in your life , whether it be work , Love etc.
Very interesting , have any of you read it?

M, I am very familiar with this book and have read it a couple of times. Its ideas laid out in the book are basic common stuff. However, he does a good job of pulling basic ideas together in an easy to read, easy to apply kind of way. You know it wasn't ground breaking, ideas but its worth the hour out of your day to read, if just once.

Good suggestion, have you purchased The Notebook, yet?

M, I am very familiar with this book and have read it a couple of times. Its ideas laid out in the book are basic common stuff. However, he does a good job of pulling basic ideas together in an easy to read, easy to apply kind of way. You know it wasn't ground breaking, ideas but its worth the hour out of your day to read, if just once.

Good suggestion, have you purchased The Notebook, yet?

Hi K... yeah I agree , I actually found it quite amusing the way he gets the point across. I gave it to one of my friends who was going through a bit of a bustup and he found the whole idea of it beneficial to his moving on. I think when people are on a bit of an emotional Roller coaster the book can help them because it explains an easy concept really well , and like you say it only takes about an hour to read.

Haven't got The Notebook yet but I will for sure.

Hope your feeling better today :-)