Summer Reading

I am so bored here at work, but I actually had the chance to talk about books yesterday so I thought I'd make a recommendation list in general.

A Secret History or The Little Friend by Donna Tartt
I read The Little Friend first because I got the hardcover for four bucks at Ollie's Bargain Outlet. It's about a little girl who's trying to solve her brother's murder from when she was a baby. It sounds corny, but it's creepy and amazing. A Secret History also revolves around a murder, this time at a college. People who were in very small classes in small colleges will find a lot they can relate to here.

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole
This is the only book that I have ever laughed out loud at. Amazing. A very large man lives with his mother in New Orleans and comedy ensues. I don't want to give anything away, but my favorite part involves a collie dog.

The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy
James Ellroy's fictional take on what took place to end Elizabeth Short's life. Of course it's inspired and insightful, since James Ellroy's mom was murdered in a similar fashion when he was ten years old. I really want to read his autobiography My Dark Places.

Sideways by Rex Pickett
This is a great movie, but a much funnier book. Of course, reading the book you don't get to watch Thomas Hayden Church, but you can imagine him as you read.

My Heart Laid Bare by Joyce Carol Oates
Even though some of this book seems to involve talking to a swamp, it's really still pretty good. It's about a family of swindlers in the early 1900s (and other times).

Forever: A Novel by Pete Hamill
This is another one of those crossing the ages books. This one is about an Irish guy who can live forever, as long as he doesn't leave the island of Manhattan. Again, not corny, though it does sound that way.

A Widow for One Year by John Irving
This is your John Irving choice if you want to avoid incest. You can choose any John Irving book and get a big headache though. They're compelling, but occasionally longer than you might want.

Dreamcatcher by Stephen King
Everyone always makes fun of Stephen King, but I love his style. Dreamcatcher is probably among his most hated book and movie but I love it! Five friends, aliens and "Blue Bayou"-what's the problem here?