Nightstand Inspection! (Vol. 1)

Sara Fri, Apr 4, 2008 at 01:17 PM EST

Cristina, I absolutely use the library. And I don't think it's safe to assume that all the nightstand reading listed here is all stuff people bought. Half the stuff I've read recently was from the library, and I just picked up "Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs" yesterday. So chillax. It's a nice sentiment, but perhaps framed a bit meanly.

Sarah A Fri, Apr 4, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST

As of right now, I'm excited to start my summer reading, seeing as I've been reading for College and have no time for just "fun"

1) A River Runs Through It: Norman Maclean
2) The Golden Notebook: Doris Lessing (Beautiful, it takes a long time to read because every sentence is so pivotal and relevant)

Em Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 10:32 PM EST

I still use the library and LOVE it. Actually helped donate Veronica Mars DVDs to the library to keep the show alive!

That aside, the books on my nightstand:

1. Memoirs of A Geisha by Arthur Golden
2. Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie (thanks, EW, for thinking that it's where Heroes is based)
3. Anthem by Ayn Rand (short read, good to keep you aware of what you are and what you've become)

Erin Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

It's official. I now hate Stephanie Meyer. I don't even have a clue what these books are about. But the obvious trolling enrages me so much that I won't even consider picking anything of hers up. Good job "fans".

Erin Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 03:52 PM EST

It's official. I now hate Stephanie Meyer. I don't even have a clue what these books are about. But the obvious trolling enrages me so much that I won't even consider picking anything of hers up. Good job "fans".

Erin Thu, Apr 3, 2008 at 03:52 PM EST

It's official. I now hate Stephanie Meyer. I don't even have a clue what these books are about. But the obvious trolling enrages me so much that I won't even consider picking anything of hers up. Good job "fans".

Jamdown Girl Tue, Apr 1, 2008 at 03:38 PM EST

Must give a shoutout to the library at well. It's amazing - they will even reserve books from another location and have it waiting for pickup at your local branch! Almost as great as Netflix.
Currently reading:
1. Clockers; Freedomland; Lush Life - Richard Price
2. Something Borrowed; Something Blue - Emily Giffin
3. Shopaholic series - addictive and fun

Kevin Sun, Mar 30, 2008 at 05:21 PM EST

I just started The Year Of Fog by Michelle Richmond. It's hard to stop reading it. I find myself waking up thinking about it!!!

I also went on a book shopping spree this weekend. It's your fault Slezak - you and your list! I bought "The Doctor's Wife", "Beautiful Boy", "In The Country of Men" (which I discovered this morning I already owned, piled in a stack of unread books), and Saturday by Ian McEwan. I also have started Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult.

Sara Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 11:12 PM EST

Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. Blue is for Nightmares Series by Laurie Faria Stolarz. The Blue Bloods Series By Melissa De La Cruz.

Melissa Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 07:05 PM EST

Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse, all by Stephenie Meyer. There is nothing better!

Cristina Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

Sorry, I missed Amy's post two posts down - "are Amy and I the only ones the use the library" and then insert the rest of my comment/tirade after that. :)

Cristina Sat, Mar 29, 2008 at 11:15 AM EST

Just curious - does everyone here buy their books and I am the only one that uses the library? I would just like to push using the library some more - you save money and can read books you would never ever think about buying. Not saying I never buy a book, but I reserve my cash for those authors that I truly enjoy and will want to re-read! Not being hateful, just wanted to remind everyone about what your tax dollars are supporting: YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY!!!

Miranda Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 02:54 PM EST

-Atonement
-Nineteen Minutes (Jodi Picoult)
-The 'Twilight' Series (Stephenie Meyer)

Amy Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

I finished City of Bones by Cassie Clare last night and have City of Ashes on reserve at the library. It's not excellent writing, but the story is intriguing enough I want to know more!

Another shoutout from a Meyers fan for Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse.

Sara Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 01:08 PM EST

Ooh, thanks for the tip! Really, The Botany of Desire was just fascinating. I've been more and more into non-fiction lately.

Sandy Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 12:41 PM EST

Just finished Rob Sheffield's "Love is a Mix Tape" (which was a fun read) and am working through Chuck Klosterman's "Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs", which is a hoot so far. I think I need to take his advice and stop using the phrase "it's like comparing apples and oranges" to "it's like comparing apples to baby wolverines" (since apples and oragnes aren't really all that different), lol.

Michelle Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 12:03 PM EST

I have Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse all by Stephenie Meyer on my nightstand. They've been there since I became hooked on the series 3 months ago and I'm on my 12th read through of the first one, Twilight.

MrKitty Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 11:16 AM EST

To Sara - you are so right about The Botany of Desire - you should try The Natural History of the Senses by Diane Ackerman.....just terrific.

To Laurie Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 11:00 AM EST

I don't want to oversell it or anything, but "Blue Like Jazz" is one of the best books I've ever read. I can't recommend it enough.

Sara Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 10:32 AM EST

There's a big giant pile waiting for me that I never seem to have time for.

Right now, on the top:

Prep, Curtis Sittenfeld
In Defense of Food, Michael Pollan (HIGHLY reccomend The Botany of Desire and The Omnivore's Dilemma)
Currently reading: Still Life With Woodpecker (really enjoyed Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates, hope to read more Robbins)
Also waiting is Bob Woodward's latest book.

Just read and recommend: Jen Lancaster. She may be a Republican, but we all need to diversify and she's funny.

Also, I've never even heard of Stephanie Meyer, but I have read The Virgin Suicides (good, worth a read), but not Middlesex yet. I also am hoping to get to Ann Packer's latest...I really enjoyed The Dive from Clausen's Pier.

MrKitty Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 10:26 AM EST

Friday - I just finished the Good Earth again - it is one of my once a year re-reads and would be one of my Desert Isle books...this has been a great thread! Poisonwood and Middlesex are both superb...enjoy!

Friday Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 09:45 AM EST

The Poisonwood Bible (just finished for 2nd time SO GOOD), Middlesex (meaning to read), The Thirteenth Tale (meaning to read), The Good Earth (currently reading)

Emily Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 09:27 AM EST

On my nightstand:
Good Poems edited by Garrison Keillor; Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris; I am America (and so can you) by Stephen Colbert); and all six of Jane Austen's novels, which I'm making my way through this year

hannah Fri, Mar 28, 2008 at 03:01 AM EST

Okay, so currently on my nightstand, I have:
~all seven books of the Harry Potter series. It's one of my favorite series to re-read. I never get sick of it.
~The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I loved all 3 of them, and I don't understand all the Twilight hatred on here. No one is trashing your list of books. And really, it is a very popular read right now.
~Inkheart and Inkspell by Cornelia Funke. I loved Inkheart and am working on getting through Inkspell right now, but am very much enjoying it.
~And last, Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. It's one of my absolute favorite stories ever.

fernie Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:52 PM EST

I just finished "The Time Traveller's Wife", which was excellent. I'd been meaning to read it for ages, but what finally got me to start was all the people mentioning it in relation to Desmond & Penny after the marvellous "The Constant" episode of Lost. It turned out to be a fascinating take on time travel, romantic in the best literary sense, with two wonderful main characters. (Though, I couldn't help picturing Henry as looking like a cross between my 2 favourite TV time travellers, David Tennant (Dr Who) & Henry Ian Cusick (Desmond) -- not Eric Bana, who will play him in the inevitable movie!)

PB&J Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:24 PM EST

I'm glad to see a few people recommending "Three Cups of Tea" - I've been thinking about buying it next.

I'm currently reading The World Without Us. On the nightstand: Atonement, Fugitive Pieces (both re-reads), Radiance, The End of the Alphabet and the latest EW and National Geographic.

tamuchi Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:05 PM EST

Gods Behaving Badly - Marie Phillips
Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer

Cece Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:41 PM EST

A couple of weeks ago, I finished reading the Harry Potter series backward. But, since it was months ago that I finished Book 7, I'm re-reading it. Peeps, let me tell ya: If you are a Harry fan, reading the series from Seven to One clears sooooo many things. There are things mentioned in say, book one that you don't even hear about in depth until book seven. For instance, in book two, Dumbledore mentions needing to use the bathroom and stumbling across a room full of chamber pots (the Room of Requirement). I'm telling, it changes everything. You develop a new appreciation for the books.

Long story short: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

However, I'm going to the bookstore this weekend because I need some new literature.

Becca Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:07 PM EST

i have too many books to cite. i have a whole bookshelf w/ double rows on every shelf that is completely crammed full, & there is always a never-ending list of new books that i want to buy and add to my collection. a list of some of the books i have read in the past three months consists of:
P.S. I Love You
Furies of Calderon
Academ's Fury
The Other Boleyn Girl
many many many Tamora Pierce
Pride and Prejudice (the best book ever in the entire world)
Keepers of the Flame
Fahrenheit 451
Memoirs of a Geisha
Phantom of the Opera
Broken Vows
now i am starting The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe
next on my list is a compilation of all 3 Bronte sisters, followed by the complete books of Jane Austen...yeah my reading material is gathered from all over the spectrum... some romance some fiction some classics some unclassifiable... but good books are good books :)

Molly Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:03 PM EST

Crystal - thank you! I have read thru these posts and was going to avoid posting til I got to yours. My nightstand holds 2 smutty romance novels, the latest US News, BH&G, and a Carl Hiassen book I just can't get started on.

Crystal Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:16 PM EST

-a smutty romance novel
-Deception by Denise Mina (just finished - SO good)
-this week's Sports Illustrated
-Water for Elephants - Gruen

Pamela Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:03 PM EST

Great idea Mr Slezak for a new inspection list. Let's make it a regular P-Watch addition. Alas, as for the Ipod inspection, I also see this might adversely affect my wallet so don't run it too often.

Currently I'm reading (or at least working my way through):
Bones to Ashes by Kathy Reichs
Exit Music by Ian Rankin
Cultural Amnesia by Clive James (all essays so ideal to dip into every now and then)
April issue of Vanity Fair (girl's got to get her fill of stupid rich people stories)
Latest issue of the New Yorker
Sense and Sensibility, Northanger Abbey and Mansfield Park - Jane Austen (bookstore having a great sale on classic lit and couldn't resist).

Next up: More Ian McEwan and I will finally get to Sebold's The Lovely Bones before the film gets released next year. I agree with others posting here: those looking to read more McEwan following on from Atonement, "Saturday" is great.

gisel Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

I'm curently reading the following (I can't stick with one book at a time, so I'm in the middle of 4-6 at a time):
The Road - Cormac McCarthy
The Name of the Rose - Umberto Eco
Nine Stories - J.D. Salinger
His Dark Materials Trilogy - Philip Pullman
The Dante Club - Matthew Pearl

Kevin Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:42 PM EST

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin
Eat,Pray,Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (need to finish)
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards
Saving Fish From Drowning by Amy Tan
Until I Find You by John Irving
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseni
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult
... and these poetry books:
Verses - Ani Difranco
Colors Passing Through - Marge Piercy
Overtime - Jospeh Millar
Late for Work - Philip Levine
Here, Bullet - Brian Turner
The Resurrection Trade - Leslie Adrienne Miller
You & Yours - Naomi Shihab Nye
Breath - Philip Levine
Dog Language - Chase Twitchell
Weather Central - Ted Kooser
Fortune - Joseph Millar
The Healing Arts - Nimrod International Journal
Crossing Boundaries - Nimrod International Journal

Laura S Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:38 PM EST

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare and it's sequel City of Ashes (Twilight fans might want to check these out)
Forever Odd by Dean Koontz
I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
Cindy Ella by Robin Palmer
Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Laura S Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:38 PM EST

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare and it's sequel City of Ashes (Twilight fans might want to check these out)
Forever Odd by Dean Koontz
I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
Cindy Ella by Robin Palmer
Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Casey Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:37 PM EST

Twilight, New Moon & Eclipse

Kevin Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:31 PM EST

After 2 years of reading almost nothing and buying almost every book ever published I am so far behind. Luckily, on eof my New Years Resolutions was to read more. So far, I have read about 10 books this year. Here's what is on my nighstand(s). The rest I haven't read wouldn't fit so they are other places in the house.

The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion - Currently reading . Love it! Nice companion to Rob Sheffield's Love is a Mix Tape.
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult - will read next.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
The Book Thief by Markus Susak - was picked for our book club 2 years but no one read it except the person who picked it.
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
Fat Girl by Judith Moore (started it 2 years ago and still need to finish it.)
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult
The Pact by Jodi Picoult
The Post-birthday World by Lionel Shriver
Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin
The Ice Queen by Alice Hoffman
(To be continued)

Kai- Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:24 PM EST

CLive Cussler's "The Navigator" has been there since July and I recently added "Seven Deadly Wonders" by Matthew Reilly 6 weeks ago. I even took them on my trip to SFO last week and did not crack a page. I'm going to try and start one of them this weekend.

Sue Lady Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:15 PM EST

Finished "There's a Slight Chance I Might Be Burning In Hell" by Laurie Notaro last month. Currently reading "The Queen's Fool" by Philippa Gregory. Next is Steve Martin's book "Born Standing Up".

RedAngel Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

MrKitty: Thanks for the suggestions! As much as I like CSI, I need a good old-fashioned mystery once in awhile :)

StephanieMeyerSucks: Hope you like "10 Little Indians"...that's the one that turned me into a Christie fan!

Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

MrKitty: Thanks for the suggestions! As much as I like CSI, I need a good old-fashioned mystery once in awhile :)

StephanieMeyerSucks: Hope you like "10 Little Indians"...that's the one that turned me into a Christie fan!

..amanda.. Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:41 PM EST

A Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray (Last in the Gemma Doyle trilogy)
The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer

AA Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:32 PM EST

Oh, I'll give you that! Perhaps struggled is too harsh. I may have to give it a second read down the road.

Minutiae Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

I just finished reading "The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star" by Motley Crue's Nikki Sixx. If you're a rock fan or just know someone who is an addict, it's a fascinating glimpse inside the psyche of someone who is addicted.

Since I'm not much of a reader, I also always keep the latest issue of Games Magazine on my nightstand for pre-sleep puzzling fun.

Clarissa Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:28 PM EST

The Laws of Similars- Christopher Bohjalian.
Les Miserables- Victor Hugo
Twilight Series- Stephenie Meyer
Fugitive Pieces- Anne Michaels
Little Women- Louisa May Alcott
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil- John Berendt

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:26 PM EST

AA - but it was sooo unexpected - I had no idea what I was getting into. But it sure gave me pause for thought about cloning.

SarahP Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:25 PM EST

Just finished Water For Elephants, and I liked it as much as the others who have posted about it.

Currently have two going, Lisey's Story by Stephen King (taking me a bit to get into it, but I've been assured by a good source that it's worth it) and Joan Didion's A Year of Magical Thinking. Definitely would recommend that one to anyone who's ever survived loss and grieving.

(Also - one more vote for more of these sorts of lists)

Secondrink Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:17 PM EST

Recently finished Carl Sagan's "The Demon Haunted World" which is a scarily far-sighted book. Have started "Middlemarch", and just checked-out "Tristram Shandy" after seeing Steve Coogan's great movie and also have Zadie Smith's "On Beauty". Too many books!

Celimene Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:12 PM EST

Hell to the yes regarding "Middlesex". That's a fabulous book, loved it more than I loved "The Virgin Suicides" back when I was an angsty 15 year old. Also just finished reading "A Scanner Darkly" by Philip K. Dick. Try to temper "serious" reading (in my dad's lit-snob eyes) with sci-fi classics, and it definitely didn't disappoint.

TwilightMeh Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:09 PM EST

Although the twilight books are not the worst YA fantasy series being seriously overpimped (that title rightly belongs to the truly terrible Eragon books by Christopher Paolini)they are pretty bad. Literary and Mrs. Meyer don't belong in the same sentence. If I could take a red pen to those books I could cut out at least half of the pages by cutting out the redundancies and the repeated inner monologue that the main character has about her vampire beau ("OMG, he is sooooo perfect"). I don't begrudge her the sales, I just wish people weren't working so hard to trick people into thinking that her books are anything more than poorly written vampire romances written for 12 year old girls that have somehow been embraced by the bored housewives of America. IMO, anyway.

Robyn Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 04:02 PM EST

I'm 32 and a mom of 4... the books on my headboard are as follows: The NIV Study Bible, Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer, The Far Thing by Libba Bray, Firefly Lane and Magic Hour both by Kristen Hannah. I also have The Harry Potter series up there too. And I have a bunch waiting to be read sitting by my recliner downstairs. Books...my escape from the routines of a stay at home mom.

Foo Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. Fantastic book! A few months ago, I swear, every other person on the New York City Subway was reading this book. Jeffrey also wrote The Virgin Suicides, but I haven't read that one (only seen the movie).

I'm also reading Happy for No Reason by Marci Shimoff. Up next: a bunch of Gregory Mcguire books. (I loved Wicked, so I'm gonna check out his other "fairy tales".)

Love Stephanie Meyers :-)

Meghan Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

I love the Twilight series, but they're not currently on my bookshelf at college, so they don't count here for me.

Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:51 PM EST

Yep, that's it, I'm never going to read/buy/recommend those Twilight (or whatever nonsense they're called) books. Not that I would, anyway. Most P-Dubs like GOOD books, you know, the ones that sell because of their quality, not because a few losers storm websites. Peace out, peeps. Watch out for the trolls!

jmm Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:44 PM EST

Don't be haters...the Twilight series is very well written and an ageless story. Besides that series, The Boleyn Inheritance, and Chinatown Beat.

Nathaniel Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

Memories of Ice - Steven Erikson. If you're a Tolkein, Jordan, GRR Martin fan, this is next. The most incredible act of imagination I've ever read.

Blue Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:35 PM EST

Twilight, New moon and Eclipse by Stephenie meyer.

Laurie Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:32 PM EST

Currently reading "The End of Poverty" by Jeffrey Sachs. Up next, "Blue Like Jazz" by... can't remember the guy's name. Oops.

Jennifer Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:25 PM EST

Oh, and I just finished reading "The Ruins" and am starting on "Mendocino" by Ann Packer. ;)

Jennifer Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:23 PM EST

Oh, well; at least they're bombing the board by pushing the books (As opposed to saying that they saw Stephenie Meyer's profile on some celebritywealthyminglelove BS website!!!)

Danielle Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:12 PM EST

Currently I'm reading "Without You The Tragic Story of Badfinger" and it is fantastic. Also, "The Dead Travel Fast" by Eric Nuzum is an awesome pop culture history of vampires. It's the best book I've read in a long time and I've been recommending it to anyone who'll listen.

SorryWrongTitle Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:07 PM EST

The Beth Lisick book is called "Helping Me Help Myself" and is totally awesome!

To Need a Recommendation Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:07 PM EST

Ha ha! Well done!

AA Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:06 PM EST

I've got to admit, I struggled with Ishiguro's "Never Let Me Go". As MrKitty put it, it was inscrutable. Unfortunately for me, too much so.

nunya Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 03:01 PM EST

on my shelf: anna karenina, the lovely bones, the audacity of hope, love in the time of cholera and the 5 ppl you meet in heaven.

Deb Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

I've got one of my old reliable authors on the nightstand, Brad Meltzer (Tenth Justice) and the current EW. I looked in to the first Stephanie Meyer book to see what the fuss was about but took a pass. Not my thing. Great post and alot of great suggestions! I've been making a list all day. Thanks for reminding me of Agatha Christie, too. I haven't read her books in a long time.

Need a recommendation Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:48 PM EST

I'm looking for a new book to read and this seems to be the place to get suggestions...I think I am in the mood for a book about sexy young vampires. I'm especially drawn to books with one-word celestial titles and, I don't know, black and red cover art. I'm not familiar with any books that would meet my criteria...can someone help me out?

Chris Richards Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:47 PM EST

The English American, by Alison Larkin. A fantastic novel about a woman who was adopted from the US when she was a baby and finds out that she is actually a Yankee. Funny with a lot of heart.

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:36 PM EST

Am working from home! Should have added that! Although EW is the best time waster I know....

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:35 PM EST

K-1 - amen! This was a perfectly nice set of posts - and has made my work day pass pretty quickly - and made me remember some of the wonderful books I would love to share with folks. Too many books, so little time.....sigh.

EM in MS Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

I am finally reading "The Other Boleyn Girl". So far, so good! I just finished the newest Greg Iles- "Third Degree" but the one before it, "True Evil", was better!

K-1 Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:30 PM EST

Hey, Slezak, maybe your next book recommend list should say something like "EXCEPT FOR Stephanie Myer books, what have you been reading lately". I hate it when trolls try to ruin this blog.

GG Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

Just finished Darkly Dreaming Dexter. I never saw the show and saw one episode on CBS and thought I might like the book. Easy read.. Enjoyable.

I'm also reading The best non-required reading of 2007 edited by David Eggers. I love short stories because I can pick up a book and put it down for awhile if I want to.
Thanks for all the good suggestions.

Rachel Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:15 PM EST

Just finished "The Spirit Catches You And You Fall Down" by Anne Fadiman, am in the midst of "Love is a Mix Tape" by Rob Sheffield, and will next move on to "Out Stealing Horses" by Per Petterson. Following no pattern whatsoever...

StephanieMeyerSucks Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:15 PM EST

Of course I haven't read any of her stuff. But people, come ON! I was inspired by fellow PWers to pick up "10 Little Indians" by Agatha Christie. Pretty good so far. I just finished "Help me Help you" by Beth Lisick. It was so funny and so worth buying in hardcover. I love seeing all the recommends.... This topic was a great idea!

Melinda Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:14 PM EST

"Twilight", "New Moon", and "Eclipse". I am almost finished reading "Eclipse" for the third time and I will immediately start "Twilight" for the fourth.

LisaMama Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:13 PM EST

Thanks to Lynn for the recommendation. I'm also excited to see that someone out there is reading Agatha Christie -- she's one of my all-time favorites! I especially love Death on the Nile. Martha Grimes has some older Richard Jury mysteries that are quite good, too. All her books are named after English pubs, ala "The Dirty Duck".

barb Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:02 PM EST

That would definitely be Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer. They are a permanent fixture.

Nancy Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:02 PM EST

I'm with you Daisyj - stop it, people, please! Remember that there are people like me that will refuse to buy the book if I think I'm being tricked, and right now I feel like you're trying to trick me!

Jaime Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 02:00 PM EST

Of course what else could it be but "Twilight" by the GREAT Stephenie Meyer.

Doran Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

That would be Stephenie Meyer's series (Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse).

Doran Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

That would be Stephenie Meyer's collection (Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse).

Liz Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:53 PM EST

Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Pixie Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

Twilight-New Moon-Eclipse Atonement-Xenocide-HP7-His Dark Materials collection

Jessica Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:46 PM EST

*Twilight* *New Moon* *Eclipse* what else is there?

daisyj Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:46 PM EST

Looks like someone's website sent the fans to comment-bomb. . .

Amy Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:43 PM EST

The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. They are the BEST! The only books I've ever reread immediatly after I finished them.

Just finished The Thirteenth Tale. Pretty good.

Sabrina Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:40 PM EST

"Twilight", "New Moon" and "Eclipse" by Stephenie Meyer

Kate C Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Kristen Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:39 PM EST

Twilight, New Moon, & Eclipse - the usuals, they never leave! And of course there's spots ready & waiting for Breaking Dawn & The Host! Stephenie Meyer, what would my literary world be without you? :D

Erin Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:38 PM EST

Just finished: Fragile Things, a short story collection by Neil Gaiman. Next up: Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins.

Lisa Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:35 PM EST

The Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I've read them so many times that I could practically recite all three of them from memory. :-)

Stephanie Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse! They are the best books that I have read in a long time. Check them out! written by Stephenie Meyer.

Nikki Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:29 PM EST

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer.

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:26 PM EST

To Red Angel - if you like Agatha Christie you should try Dorothy Sayers Lord Peter Whimsey mysteries....mannered and delightful.
To Celimene - try Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go - as all his books are, it is also inscrutable....

Monique Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:24 PM EST

I've got:

Shadow of the Wind
Marley & Me
Twilight
Eclipse

Alana Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:21 PM EST

Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse all by Stephenie Meyer.

debbie-dub Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:21 PM EST

Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse by Stehpenie Meyer. I know, YA you say...don't judge a book by it's cover! Read them they are for more than just YA's.

Dani Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer. I've read all 3 numerous times and they are just amazing. I find that i can just pick them up at any time and read my favorite parts over and over! I can't wait for the 4th one which is being released in August.
'Atonement' is also on my nightstand, i decided to read it before seeing the film and was really glad i did. An amazing book!

Kate Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:13 PM EST

Just started re-reading The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series. The best five-book trilogy ever!

amy Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

i recently finished Lisey's Story by Stephen King...i liked it, much diff from his other stuff.

now i'm reading The Mummy by Anne Rice. i dunno....i was expecting something else and the mummy guy is a slut, he's pissing me off. :)

within the last few months i finished New Moon (or whatever the 3rd book is) from Stephanie Meyer, looking forward to the 4th book, then i finished up the Golden Compass trilogy by Chirstmas.

MoroccoMole Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:08 PM EST

Marvel's ESSENTIAL GODZILLA collection, Minx Comics' WATER BABY, and the copy of SWANN'S WAY that's been sitting there taunting me for more than a year now (I've made it through the first section, yippee for me).

Meghan Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

I'm just about to finish The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold for the fourth time. I'm in the middle of Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. I'm about to start reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows again for the third time, and once I'm done with The Lovely Bones I'm going to start either The Golden Compass or My Sister's Keeper.

Cristina Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:57 PM EST

Wow - double recommendation for "The Fourth Bear" - thanks AA, I'll be picking up his other book you recommend as well. Oh, and to RedAngel: be careful with those Christie books. The publishers like to reprint them with new titles. It's annoying when I go to the library and think - wow, here's one I haven't read and take it home only to start reading it and know who did it in the first five pages. Then you see on the inside cover "Previously published as Ten Little Indians" or something. VERY annoying. Love Agatha Christe.

Sue Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:55 PM EST

Just finished rereading Tolstoy's Anna Karenina - can always mine that one for interesting perspective. Reading now, The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. On the nightstand, Louise Penny's Dead Cold - mystery set in Quebec's Easter Townships - and Hemingway's A Moveable Feast.
A request for this column every month or so please!

AA Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:48 PM EST

Oh, and a book I read last fall that was recommended to me is "Grammar Is a Sweet, Gentle Song" by Erik Orsenna. I now recommend it to all I know (and give it as a gift when I can). I think my fellow PDub readers would enjoy this lovely little story, too.

Lauren Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:47 PM EST

Shannon--you are SO not alone in your YA love. There are so many wonderful authors in that genre. Try books by David Levithan and Rachel Cohn (also Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy is amazing).

GingerCat--I too have read Liner Notes, and it gets very sappy at times. You should try "The Girl's Almanac" by the same author--it's a bunch of interrelated short stories, a much better second effort.

RedAngel Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:44 PM EST

I'm on an Agatha Christie bender, and I'm currently reading "The Mysterious Affair at Styles". It's her first published work, and I really like it so far.

E Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

Thanks for the review Meghan. Yeah, some of hers don't quite hit the mark, but I love My Sister's Keeper and 19 Minutes.

Another recommendation for all: I recently read "The Magician's Assistant" by Ann Patchet (who also wrote the amazing Bel Canto)--loved learning about the central character, who is dead in the first sentence, from everyone who knew him in different stages of his life.

ashley Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:41 PM EST

diana gabaldon's a dragonfly in amber and drums of autumn, just finished; also have special topics in calamity physics, plus ian mcewan's on chesil beach, nick hornby's a long way down to read.

AA Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:41 PM EST

Cristina, I concur that "The Fourth Bear" rocks, as does his return to the Thursday Next series in "First Among Sequels."

AA Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:39 PM EST

Thanks MrKitty. I'd heard of "The God of Small Things"; will put it on my to-buy list! Also have "Saturday" on my to-read list--just need to pry it out of the hands of a slow-reading friend.

Jen Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy and Born Standing Up by Steve Martin. Haven't started either yet.

acck Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:30 PM EST

to ML: Interred with their bones started out kinda slow to me but turns out I couldn't put it down!

I'm currently backtracking with a feel-good Clive Cussler...Ggetting a lot of great ideas for the next ones! Ditto that anything by Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti are wonderful

escargot Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:29 PM EST

Yes - keep this a regular feature, please! I now have my summer reading list! Currently, I'm trying to finish Bringing Down the House before the movie "21" comes out. Also going to finish Heart Shaped Box, if I can conquer the creeps it gives me. Picked up an old copy of Lady Chatterley's Lover at a library sale, so that'll be next.

daisyj Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

I've been working my way through "Diaries 1969-1979: The Python Years" by Michael Palin since I got it for Christmas (not boring, just long, and there's only so many diary entries you can read a night), and last weekend I took a break and read "Spook" by Bill Pronzini in a day. He's getting the Grand Master award from the Mystery Writers of America this year, so I thought I should dip into his work. I'm glad I did; now I'm looking forward to reading the rest of his books.

Cristina Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:23 PM EST

To AA: I had to recover from reading "A Fine Balance" too. As wonderful as that book was, I have sworn to never read another book by that author, I don't think my heart could take it! And to Kat: I am getting ready to read "The Fourth Bear" - glad to hear it is good! And the rest of the books on my nightstand:
GOING OUT IN STYLE by Chloe Green (don't bother)
BIGGIE AND THE QUINCY GHOST by Nancy Bell (reading after The Fourth Bear))
ORIGINAL SIN by PD James (so far, very very good)
MOONRACER by Constance O'Banyon (Total trashy romance novel - and I love it)

Josh Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

"Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire, and "World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War" by Max Brooks

Allison Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:19 PM EST

Love in the time of Cholera
Heard the movie was awful..and I'm a snob so I want to feel like I'm better than everyone who saw the movie and liked it.

Meghan Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:09 PM EST

E - I'm about 2/3 of the way through it and I really like it so far. A couple of her books have fallen flat with me ("Vanishing Acts," "The Tenth Circle"), but I think this is one of her better ones. I don't know if she'll ever be able to top "The Pact," though - one of my favorite books ever.

stephanie Jones Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:06 PM EST

The Poe Shadow by Matthew Pearl
Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson
American Tabloid by James Ellroy

I actually have a big stack by my bed but those are my top three.

ML Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 12:00 PM EST

Currently reading "Pillars Of The Earth"

On deck: "Interred With Their Bones"

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:56 AM EST

To AA - yes Family Matters is very good. I would also recommend The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy....

E Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:53 AM EST

Meghan , I'm a big Jodi Picout fan, but I haven't gotten the new one yet. What do you think so far?

Glad to see others appreciate, Thousand Splendid Suns, Maisie Dobbs, Memory Keeper's Daughter and Richard Russo books... good taste people!

March book club for me was Love is a Mix Tape, a must-read for music-lovers.

Celimene Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:49 AM EST

"The Unconsoled" by Kazuo Ishiguro is on my nightstand. I picked up "Never Let Me Go" a few months ago on a whim, and was blown away by it. Figured this would be a promising follow-up and so far, it hasn't let me down.
I'm also a huge, huge, HUGE fan of the McSweeney's gang. Love Sarah Vowell, and "What is the What" by Dave Eggers is definitely on my to-read list soon.

GingerCat Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:48 AM EST

I agree, we need a topic like this every week, and I'm with GoDavidsonWildcats: I need a 5-year sabbatical to get through all the unread books on my shelf!
As for what I'm reading now . . . it's a novel called "Liner Notes" by Emily Franklin. Frankly, it's not the best book in the world, but I just moved and most of my books are still packed, so it's all I've got for the moment.
As for other stuff I enjoyed recently, I agree with those who loved "Water for Elephants" and "The Abstinence Teacher." I love Tom Perrotta!

xixita Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:45 AM EST

"Making money" by Terry Pratchet. and it's not a self help book! long live Terry!!!!

Shannon Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:40 AM EST

Lauren - good luck with your book! And for letting me know I'm not alone in my YA book love!

Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:31 AM EST

on my nightstand: showdown by Ted Dekker and Monster by Frank Peretti. both amazing authors especially Peretti. his stories are creepy as hell!

Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:31 AM EST

on my nightstand: showdown by Ted Dekker and Monster by Frank Peretti. both amazing authors especially Peretti. his stories are creepy as hell!

bbc Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:20 AM EST

Currently reading Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis and just finished Projection, a late 90s thriller from Keith Ablow.

Seth Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:19 AM EST

World War "Z" by Max Brooks
and A Confederacy of Dunces By John Kennedy Toole

Paige Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:14 AM EST

"Inside the Jihad" by Omar Nasini
This book is excellent!

Jessica Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 11:03 AM EST

Sex, Drugs and Cocoa Puffs by Chuck Klosterman and I just finished Calamity Physics (very good!!)

Anne Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST

On the nightstand: Under The Tuscan Sun, Leaves of Grass, The Bible (and accompanying Sunday School reading), The Grapes of Wrath, The Mayflower and Persuasion. I will refrain from reciting the three stacks of books on both sides of the bed that I have bought, thinking they will be read immediately.

Moo Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

The Lathe of Heaven
Winning With People
and I'm currently reading Pride and Prejudice for the upteenth time =)

monica Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:41 AM EST

Twilight

GoDavidsonWildcats Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:36 AM EST

I'm about the start The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Junot Diaz), and on deck is What is the What. Oh! And I cannot wait for new Jhumpa Lahiri stories this week. I intersperse with chapters here and there of non-fiction. Still working on Audacity of Hope and New Kings of Nonfiction. I recently read Then We Came to the End and The Road. And I have sixty billion books in the queue that I'll get to when I can quit my job for five years to read full time and magically learn to read ten times faster than I do now. It could happen. I loved Special Topics. It wasn't a perfect book, but that's because Pessl didn't "play it safe," to crib an overused phrase from reality TV contests. I wish I could borrow Pessl's vocabulary and imagination for one day.

Meghan Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST

Right now I'm reading "Change of Heart," Jodi Picoult's new novel. Sitting on my nightstand waiting to be read is "Candy Girl" by Diablo Cody. I also have "The Picture of Dorian Gray" on my nightstand right now. I have book ADD - I'll start one and then start another while in the middle of that one, so I have a lot of books lying around that are in various stages of being read.

JenJen Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST

I loved "Special Topics in Calamity Physics". Great book!

JenJen Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:34 AM EST

I loved "Special Topics in Calamity Physics". Great book!

AA Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:31 AM EST

To MrKitty: Have you read Mistry's Family Matters? It too is on my to-read list, but if it's as awesome and gut-wrenching as "A Fine Balance" was, I may need to time the reading of it more closely to when the next Jasper Fforde book comes out. I certainly needed to read the rompiness of "First Among Sequels" AFTER "A Fine Balance"!

Lynn Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:30 AM EST

LisaMama, try "The Giver" or "Where the Red Fern Grows." I'm a girl, but they were my favorite books growing up.

On my nightstand, no books, just two issues of Real Simple. But I got some great suggestions from these posts - thanks everyone!

pk Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:28 AM EST

- 1984
- Homicide
- Marley & Me
- last 4 issues of NYT Magazine
- last 2 issues of BUST
- Snow Crash
- Possession
- Carnet de Voyage
- Epileptic by David B.
- Sunday Times puzzle book
- last 3 issues of EW!
My nightstand stack is ridonkulus.

DawnLD Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:28 AM EST

To Nancy: Thanks for the heads up on "Splendid Suns" Now I'm looking especially forward to it. Also, while I read this book a couple years ago, I highly, highly recommend "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult. Fantastic book!

LisaMama Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:27 AM EST

My son turns 9 next week, so I've been reading books about boys, with the hope that I can understand my kid a little bit better. I just finished Lord of the Flies and Ender's Game. Anyone have suggestions about what I should read next? Maybe Stand by Me?

Jenners Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:26 AM EST

Thanks for all the great suggestions! Glad to see some Dark Tower readers out there as that is a truly fascinating series. Interesting to see the differing opinions about Calamity- I didn't know that the style of writing was supposedly so different but I definitely enjoyed it. And I'm so ecstatic that someone is reading A Confederacy of Dunces which is the most hilarious book ever written. On the flip side A Fine Balance is heartwrenching but very a rewarding read. Thanks particularly to the Sarah Vowell readers- I've never heard of her but I am definitely going to check her out!
Slezak this needs to become a permanent feature of Popwatch! I am so sick of all the Idol coverage! This post was a fresh breath of Popwatch air!

Erin Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:24 AM EST

On my nightstand and all in varying stages of being read:
The Hero's graphic novel
Walking Dead 3 (another graphic novel, pretty average zombie story)
The 1st Spiderwick book
The Book of Lost Things (fab so far, would highly recommend)
Harry Potter 4

AD Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:20 AM EST

Mary - I suggest reading Enduring Love, which is my favorite McEwan (and I've read them all). It has some really amazing passages and packs the same emotional punch as Atonement. Amsterdam is also excellent. That's where I would start for someone new to McEwan.

Sam Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:18 AM EST

"Your Stepping on my Cloak and Dagger". It was written by Roger Hall, about the founding of the OSS. He tries to be the hero, but military life seems to get in the way! Its a great read!

Michelle Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:12 AM EST

Just finished MARCH, by geraldine brooks.
Such beautiful writing and a must, if you love little women as much as i do.
Currently in the middle of two books:
SUITE FRANCAISE, Irene Nemirovsky
really really liking it so far
AND THEN WE CAME TO THE END, Joshua Ferris
didn't like it at the beginning, but once you get used to the style, it gets a lot better.

alison Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:08 AM EST

i just finished the book version of "friday night lights" and next up is "the time traveler's wife" followed by diablo cody's memoir "candy girl"

Martha Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

Melody, I hope you like "Gilead." It is one of my favorite books ever...it's slow but the language is so gorgeous and the characters so compelling I didn't mind at all. Stay with it!

Kath Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:05 AM EST

--Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
--Fire in the Blood by Irene Nemirovsky
--Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas
--Tales from the Teacher's Lounge by Robert Wilder
--The Onion: Our Dumb World: Atlas of the Planet Earth

I'm always reading one fiction and one non-fiction at a time, and doing an audiobook at home, work and the car. Obsessive much?

Mary, as for the next McEwan to do, Saturday and On Chesil Beach are both great. I was a little let down by the ending of Chesil Beach (it felt rushed and forced) but the writing is beautiful and it's a great story.

Jenners Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:03 AM EST

I have just finished two "young adult" books- The Book Thief and Before I Die. Each book was excellent and moving and should be read by everyone. Next I'm moving on to Don't Die Before You're Dead by Yevgeney Yevtushenko.

Miranda Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:02 AM EST

I have an over-crowded nightstand. I have the third Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants book, "Great Expecations", "The Name of the Rose" by Umberto Eco, several medical books (like The Family Who Couldn't Sleep), "Swann's Way", "The Reliquary" by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, "Northanger Abbey", "In Cold Blood", and Haing Ngor's memoir/autobiography about life under the Khmer Rouge.

Suz Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 10:00 AM EST

I'm just finishing up The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards (don't let the fact that they've made a Lifetime TV movie of this book deter you - it's sooo good) and will soon start Rise and Shine by Anne Quindlen.

Martha Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:59 AM EST

Thanks for all the great suggestions, everyone! On my nightstand:
* The Jane Austen Book Club, by Karen Joy Fowler (re-reading after seeing the DVD - great book, OK movie)
* Writing to Deadline: The Journalist at Work, by Donald Murray (for work, though I'm not a journalist, go figure)
* Gentlemen of the Road, by Michael Chabon (haven't started yet - is it good?)
* Pomegranate Soup, by Marsha Mehran (good so far)
* The Rejection Collection: Cream of the Crap Vol. 2 (husband got it for his birthday, hilarious)
* The Two-Year Bible (which at this rate is more like the Four-Year Bible...sorry, God)

banan Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:58 AM EST

Bravo Slezak! You are some kind of evil genius - as if I don't have enough unread books accumulating in my own personal library - I've now written down about 10 new titles to purchase. On my nightstand - Then We Came to the End, Joshua Ferris and Farewell to Arms, Hemingway.

Lauren Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:55 AM EST

Shannon--don't feel ashamed! Check IMDb for the cast of the Twilight movie--looks like it'll be a good one.

I stayed up late last night to finish Eclipse, the third book in the series that begins with Twilight. LOVED it--my favorite so far. Can't wait for Breaking Dawn in August!

I'm actually on a YA bender right now, partly because I'm writing a young adult novel. For that reason, I also have The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published on the docket. Plus, since I just started doing yoga, I have a book about that which I found on the Barnes and Noble sale table.

Nancy Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:52 AM EST

To DawnLD: I actually liked A Thousand Splendid Suns more than The Kite Runner. Loved both books. Everyone should have to read these books - maybe people would remember that there's still a war going on in Afghanistan, with decent, innocent people suffering every day. Okay, I'm stepping away from the soap box now....

Dan Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:47 AM EST

Heyday by Kurt Anderson
The Ten-Cent Plague by David Hajdu
How We Met by David Levithan
The Straight Road to Kylie by Nico Medina
Y: The Last Man Books 1-5 by Brian K. Vaughn/ Pia Guerra
The Ghost Stories of J.S. LeFanu
Oh the Glory of It All by Sean Wilsey

(I've got a big night stand, and some of them have spilled onto the floor.)

Jason Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:45 AM EST

Vicky - I read that too (Buffy Season 8). Honestly, after reading Watchmen, Buffy did nothing for me. The story was so haphazardly put together, and even after watching all seven seasons of Buffy had a hard time distinguishing characters from the artwork!

Mary Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:45 AM EST

Just finished "Chuck Klosterman IV." If you like Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa puffs, check this one out. The essay on Val Kilmer is awesome.

And though I'm coming to the party a little late, I recently read Atonement and loved it. I want to read another book by Ian McEwan but don't know where to start. Any suggestions?

Tyler Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:40 AM EST

I'm reading A Horse and His Boy and Prince Caspian...Books 3 and 4 in the Narnia series. Getting prepped for this summer!!!

Vicky Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:33 AM EST

Oh, I forgot. I just read Buffy Season 8, Vol. 1: The Long Way Home. So good. I'm waiting for the release of Vol. 2!

Mel Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:29 AM EST

Love this one!

On my nightstand is The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perotta, which I am currently reading; Michael Tolliver Lives by Armistead Maupin, which I finished a couple weeks ago; The Undomestic Goddess by Sophie Kinsella; I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle; and a collection of poetry that I found really cheap at a Borders.

Vicky Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:28 AM EST

In the middle of "Celebutantes" by Amanda Goldberg and Ruthanna Khalighi Hopper. Funny book about Oscar week, but will seem very outdated in 5 years or so.

I just finished "The Post-Birthday World" by Lionel Shriver. Hated it so much. Probably one of the hardest books to get through. Characters are suppose to have flaws, but not enough to hate them. Yuck.

Alli Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:28 AM EST

- Drown by Junot Diaz
- The Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon
- The Sabotage Cafe by Joshua Furst
- the March AND April issues of Vogue (what? they've novel-length!)

AM Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:27 AM EST

"The Monsters of Templeton" and "Beautiful Children", two recent releases, are sitting there. I'm halfway through the first and enjoying it.

Patty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:26 AM EST

"The World is Flat" has been on my nightstand for months, so interesting and yet boring.
Also lots of Scandanavian mysteries - Ann Holt, Mari Jungstedt, Yrsa Sigurdardottir, Ake Edwardsson - I keep a stockpile of them for when my library reserves run out.

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:26 AM EST

To wildcat - you will love Richard Russo - try The Whore's Child next - short stories that are just terrific.

Frances Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:25 AM EST

I've had to put these on hold due to my class projects, but currently they are Saving Fish From Drowning by Amy Tan and Naked Pictures of Famous People by Jon Stewart, which, by the way, is hilarious!

Josh Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:21 AM EST

After years of procrastinating, I'm finally about to wrap up Stephen King's "Dark Tower" series. Only 200 pages to go in the last book.

Next up, "I Love You, Beth Cooper" by Larry Doyle. Figure I might need something light and fluffy after finishing such a dark series.

DawnLD Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:18 AM EST

Currently reading "Marley & Me" by John Grogan. A must for any dog-lover out there! Next up: "A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini. Really enjoyed "The Kite Runner" so hopefully this one is good too.

wildecat Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:04 AM EST

P.S. I totally agree with Nancy - the current reading selections of my fellow P-Dubs will definitely be put on my "next thing to read" list!

wildecat Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:02 AM EST

LOVE this!
Currently have 2 books going - for fiction, "Straight Man" by Richard Russo (recommended by my sister, a Russo devotee). Really enjoying it. For non-fiction, "Michael Palin Diaries: The Python Years" (borrowed from, yes, my sister, after I gave it to her for Christmas). I adore Palin, so this book has been great fun to read.

Melody Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 09:00 AM EST

I'm working my way through Gilead: A Novel- by Marilynne Robinson (it's a little slow for me as it's the narrative of an old man who is dying, writing about his life for his son who is a young child) The other book I'm liking better is Those Who Save Us- by Jenna Blum. I'm not too far in but I'm really enjoying it.

Silv Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST

Just started "Emma" by Jane Austen after trying to watch the movie but getting interrupted about 50 times. Loving it so far.

reader Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:53 AM EST

All my reading material is actually under my nightstand (it's not very big). Currently I have the most recent issue of EW, as well as several back issues that I haven't moved yet, and am rereading Firestorm.

Jenny Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:42 AM EST

The Book Thief - Markus Zusak.
The Satanic Verses - Salman Rushdie
Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs - Chuck Klosterman.
I keep it close so that I can re-read whenever the mood strikes.

Crystal Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:42 AM EST

Divine by Mistake by P.C. Cast. It's about a woman who magically switches places with her doppelganger from another dimension and has to be the main priestess and ruler of a magical land. It's better than it sounds, since she comes to the magical Greece/anonymous Celtic land hybrid with with ya know, snark. It's my first time reading her and I'm Ok with it so far.

Michael Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:40 AM EST

Good luck with "Special Topics". I read about 50 pages and thought there's just no way I can read 500 pages of this. Just finished a pretty entertaining Victorian pastiche called "The Somnambulist" by Jonathan Barnes. Next up is "Lush Life" by the great Richard Price.

Michael's Sister Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:39 AM EST

This is Michael's sister reporting in with three fabulous books in no particular order: The Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and a non-fiction selection, The Bookseller of Kabul by Asne Seierstad. All three were wonderful reads and I highly recommend them all.

Shannon Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:38 AM EST

"My Story" by Top Gear's Richard Hammond. It's a great read, especially if you love the Hamster. He writes in a very conversational style. And it's an interesting read about, how after his near death jet-car crash, he's learning how to get used to his life, coping with brain damage and an extended hospital stay. It's very painful, yet heartwarming and ultimately triumphant.

Shannon Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:38 AM EST

"My Story" by Top Gear's Richard Hammond. It's a great read, especially if you love the Hamster. He writes in a very conversational style. And it's an interesting read about, how after his near death jet-car crash, he's learning how to get used to his life, coping with brain damage and an extended hospital stay. It's very painful, yet heartwarming and ultimately triumphant.

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:36 AM EST

To AA - A Fine Balance is a wonderful book - read it years ago - heartbreaking. My book club had a whole year where seemed only to do Asia/India books.

Auriana Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:30 AM EST

"The Pearls" by Deborah Chester
Most recent volumes of Red River, Queen's Knight and Fushigi Yugi Genbu Kaiden (manga)

Shannon Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:30 AM EST

I'm currently reading Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Yep, it's Young Adult Fiction, but it's really good. A lot of people in my office are hooked - we're hoping it's the next Harry Potter.

J Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:26 AM EST

I'm reading Holy Cow by Sarah MacDonald about her experiences living in New Delhi India, as I just moved to Delhi I'm relating to everything she experienced. Last week I finished Wicked and next up is The Witch of Portobello

Jason Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:25 AM EST

I was sorely disappointed in the total package with Calamity Physics. Loved the writing style, but thought the story left something to be desired. Don't want to spoil it, but trust me, don't even bother trying to figure it out. Just enjoy the language and leave the story-telling to another book.
I'm currently reading Stephen King's Dark Tower - on book 4 now. It's very good - unlike anything I've read before, and I grew up reading sci-fi and fantasy. I just don't think I've ever seen a blend of genres quite like these books before.

NineDaves Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:25 AM EST

Just finished "Stumbling on Happiness" by Daniel Gilbert. So great. Honestly one of the best non-fiction books I've ever read.

AA Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:15 AM EST

Just finished "A Fine Balance" by Rohinton Mistry--took me a while to recover from that one before picking up another. "The Omnivore's Dilemma" is next on my coffee table.

Alea Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:14 AM EST

Nick Hornby's Housekeeping vs. the Dirt

Kathgal Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:11 AM EST

The 13th Tale by Diane Setterfield: loved it!
The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe: the Sex and the City of the 1950's, it was great.

Tammy Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:09 AM EST

The other day, there was a Popwatch about scary books (I think that was Slezak, too). I got a lot of good ideas, that I've just started working my way thorugh. Right now, I'm reading Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill. It is so, so good. The guy has a unique, interesting "voice".

Nancy Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:07 AM EST

Slezak, I'm SO glad you did this! I always thought Popwatch should do more on books. I can't wait to read everyone's picks. The P-Dubs have turned me on to so much good music, movies and TV, I'm sure to find some good referrals for books, too. As for me, well, I'm a little embarrassed to say that my last two picks from the library were Celebrity Detox by Rosie O'Donnell (it was terrible), and The Diana Chronicles by Tina Brown (about Princess Di). A little light, fluffy, pop culture reading. Oh, well. The Diana Chronicles was much better than I thought it would be - much closer to a proper biography than I expected.

BeckyK Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:01 AM EST

I just started "Warped Passages," a non-fiction book about extra dimensions, in an effort to come up with "Lost" theories.

Danny Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 08:00 AM EST

Coyotes, Ted Conover

BeckyK Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:59 AM EST

I just finished "The Post-Birthday World" by Lionel Shriver. It was EW's top book of 2007. It's a "Sliding Doors" kind of thing, where depending on whether the main character does this one thing, her life completely changes. So the book alternates between the life where she did the thing and the life where she didn't. I love that kind of thing, so I should have liked this book more than I did. I think I'm just not crazy about contemporary British fiction.

E Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:57 AM EST

Katie M., I loved Water for Elephants too.

Another book I recommend is "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace . . . One School at a Time" by Greg Moretenson--Its a totally amazing story of philanthropy

Anna Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:55 AM EST

I am very slowly working through Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, I'm determined to finish it before I start Kite Runner, my sister finally parted with her copy so I could read it.

Katie M. Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:47 AM EST

Water for Elephants, amazing.

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:46 AM EST

To E - if you loved The Poet - you will love In the Woods by Tana French - I saw a review on Best Books of the Year on the BBC web site - I found in in my local library - and it is so very well written - a police procedural with a huge emotional punch in the gut. Great!

Penelope Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:43 AM EST

I've been reading "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss. Very engrossing. Amazon suggested it as a remedy for Post-Tramautic-Harry Potter-Syndrome, its helping me cope with the loss.

E Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:42 AM EST

Thanks MrKitty, the Poet was book that made me a Connelly fan in the first place--you are right, it is great.

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:42 AM EST

Hey Slezak - I know you have enough to do, but why doesn't someone in Books have a column like this every week? I like seeing what others are reading...new titles go on my 'gotta read' list when I read through the posts.

Folks - tell me - am I the only one who keeps a spreadsheet for books to read????

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:39 AM EST

To E - if you have not read The Poet by Michael Connelly - you must - it is harrowing and wonderful!

E Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:36 AM EST

Just reread "Thunderstruck" by Eric Larson (also my bus book) and "The Thirteenth Tale" by Diane Setterfield
Now borrowing "The Narrows" by Michael Connelly
About to start "Trail of Crumbs: Hunger, Love, and the Search for Home" by Kim Sunee for April book club

Marc Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:36 AM EST

Just finished reading "My life as prime minister" by Jean Chrétien. Although a Canadian perspective, it has great moments during the great years of having Clinton in office, vs the terrible years of Bush in office. Great read for a different perspective on the American government.

MrKitty Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:35 AM EST

Rereading one of my favorites - Size of the World by Jeff Greenwald - a 40th birthday trip around the world while not leaving the ground. Written in 1993 on an OmniBook (stolen) and then on a Powerbook - truly a WONDERFUL book. The photo of 5 guys standing on the engine comparment of a taxi while the engine sits in the sand in Monrovia - priceless. And In the Woods by Tana French - best mystery I have read in years...bar none.

Verity Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:32 AM EST

I just finished a reread of "Sense and Sensibility" by Jane Austen and am currently working on "The Pig Did It" by Joseph Caldwell. I plan to pick up "Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin when I'm done with that.

Elizabeth - I'm glad I'm not the only Sarah Vowell fan! I just went out of town and listened to "Assassination Vacation" on CD while driving to my destination. I've almost worn the CD out I've listened to it so many times. "Partly Cloudy Patriot" is another fav.

Nix Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:30 AM EST

On my nightstand:

- With The Old Breed by Eugene Sledge -- best WW2 memoir ever.
- Christ the Lord: Road to Cana by Anne Rice -- started interesting, lost steam, but Jesus' takedown of Satan at the temptation was classic.
--Jumper: Griffin's Story by Stephen Gould -- Hollywood changed his books for the movie, then hired him to write this "prequel" to the changed universe. YA-level.

Dtom Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:29 AM EST

For me, it should probably be "Toilet Tank Inspection," but that sad admission aside, I'm currently working on:
Freakonomics
Totally Useless History of the World (fascinating read...did you know that a woman masquerading as a man was elected Pope in the Middle Ages, and was executed when her true identity was revealed because...she was pregnant?!)

Kat Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 07:08 AM EST

Just finished "The Big Over Easy" and "The Fourth Bear", both by Jasper Fforde both very good.
Will start "The Titan´s Curse" by Rick Riordan.

Elizabeth Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 06:33 AM EST

I would suggest any of Sarah Vowell's books: Assassination Vacation; The Partly Cloud Patriot; Take the Cannoli; and Radio On were all very enjoyable. If EW wants to send me "The Wordy Shipmates" for an advanced review by a fan, I'm in!

Trey Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 06:16 AM EST

Just Started:
Jesus for President-Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw
Working On:
Blessed Unrest-Richard Hawken

Adam C. Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 06:01 AM EST

Just finished "A Confederacy of Dunces," so good by the way, and now I'm on "Vanity Fair." It's so massive, but, so far, also so entertaining!

RobC Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:36 AM EST

Just started - "The Maltese Falcoln"

Just finished - "A Death in the Family."

Houstonian Jen in DC Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:35 AM EST

Good morning! Right now I have:

-The Ruins
-The Angry Black Woman's Guide to Life

:)

Matthew L Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:33 AM EST

Currently:

* Atonement
* Watchmen
* Rumpole and the Reign of Terror

Tracie Thu, Mar 27, 2008 at 05:11 AM EST

Slezak - You are going to LOVE "Special Topics"! Read it last year and still pops into my head at random intervals for no particular reason. Lately I've been on a Richard Matheson bender.