My beach vacation is only 9 days away. I’m dreaming about the sandy beaches, no work, 6 days and 5 nights of relaxation with my family, and more sandy beaches. I cannot wait. As with all vacations, you must focus on preparation. Luckily there’s one thing I love to do in preparation of vacation time – pondering which books to bring with me. Here are some of the books I’m thinking about:
The House at Oyster Creek by Heidi Jon Schmidt
This Penguin paperback looks just like I hope to feel while I’m on vacation. Isn’t the cover so relaxing and inviting? Here’s the publisher’s synopsis:
Sensitive but practical, Charlotte Tradescome has come to accept the reticence of her older, work-obsessed husband Henry. Still, she hopes to create a life for their three-year-old daughter. So when Henry inherits a home on Cape Cod, she, Henry, and little Fiona move from their Manhattan apartment to this seaside community. Charlotte sells off part of Tradescome Point, inadvertently fueling the conflict between newcomers and locals. Many townspeople easily dismiss Charlotte as a “washashore.” A rare exception is Darryl Stead, an oyster farmer with modest dreams and an open heart, with whom Charlotte feels the connection she’s been missing. Ultimately he transforms the way she sees herself, the town, and the people she loves…
Mary Anne by Daphne du Maurier
I love reading about spunky women who aren’t afraid to defy convention. If you mix that with a little scandal, more’s the better. I couldn’t pass this book up when I saw this Sourcebooks reprint on the shelves. Here’s a synopsis from Sourcebooks’ website:
She set men’s hearts on fire and scandalized a country.
Master storyteller Daphne du Maurier evokes the rise and fall of one of her most unforgettable characters.
An ambitious, stunning, and seductive young woman, Mary Anne finds the single most rewarding way to rise above her miserable cockney world: she will become the mistress to a royal duke. In doing so, she provokes a scandal that rocks Regency England. Mary Anne glitters with sex, scandal, corruption, and the privileged world of high society.
Based on the true story of one of du Maurier’s own distant relatives, Mary Anne’s love of money and the men who spend it embroil her in risks that threaten her very existence.
A Kind of Intimacy by Jenn Ashworth
It’s not that common for novels to be written about heavier women, at least not as the main character. In this Europa novel, the main character isn’t just heavy – she’s morbidly obese. That caught my attention right away. Upon further research, she’s a little off kilter and may prove to be an unreliable narrator. I just love that. Ever since this book appeared in my mailbox, I’ve been intrigued. Here is the synopsis from the publisher (quick word of warning – don’t read the Publishers Weekly write up – it gives away more of the plot than you might like):
Tracing the dark possibilities of best intentions gone awry, this darkly comic novel about a dysfunctional young woman’s life in the suburbs offers interesting psychological insights. Annie—morbidly obese and lonely—moves into a new home hoping for a clean slate but is convinced she has seen her next-door neighbor before. She embarks on a series of increasingly bizarre attempts to ingratiate herself with the boy next door, but wrong turns and snap judgments lead to a compelling and bloody climax.
Bad Things Happen by Harry Dolan
I bought this book back in May having no idea whatsoever that it takes place in Michigan. I bought it because it was published by Amy Einhorn. I loved the idea of an imprint challenge. Had I realized that it takes place in Ann Arbor, I would have already read it. Fortunately, the review at Beth Fish Reads has put this on my beach reading shortlist. Here’es the synopsis from the publisher (which will prove that I don’t do a whole lot of research before compulsive book buying – Michigan is mentioned in the first sentence…):
The man who calls himself David Loogan is hoping to escape a violent past by living a quiet, anonymous life in Ann Arbor, Michigan. But when he’s hired as an editor at a mystery magazine, he is drawn into an affair with the sleek blond wife of the publisher, Tom Kristoll-a man who soon turns up dead.
Elizabeth Waishkey is the most talented detective in the Ann Arbor Police Department, but even she doesn’t know if Loogan is a killer or an ally who might help her find the truth. As more deaths start mounting up-some of them echoing stories published in the magazine-it’s up to Elizabeth to solve both the murders and the mystery of Loogan himself.
Those are some of my front runners. I’m sure that I’ll look at and think about others. For now, these won’t weigh down my suitcase too much…
What kinds of books do you like to read on vacation?
Surely you’ll be taking more books than that! I always take way more than I can ever read, but I want to be prepared for every possible mood that might strike me.
I am kicking myself that I didn’t go to see Harry Dolan speak this week when he came to the local bookshop to speak…but I was distracted by last minute planning for my own vacation in Key West!
Oh Oh Oh Bad Things Happen is great! Do bring it
They all sound good…and I’m sure more will sneak into your bag for a trip to the beach!
Oh, my friends, there will be more. I just figured 4 was enough for one post. The trick will be disguising the bulk as being the kids’ stuff – it never works, but what’s the fun in not trying?
Natalie, that is too bad about not seeing him, but Key West has to take priority. LOL!
Amy, I’m so glad that Bad Things Happen is good. Beth Fish Reads gave it a great review, too. I’m so excited.
The house on oyster creek – I just love that cover!
I will be so excited to hear about the Du Maurier book. I’ve not heard anything about this one, but I’m a huge fan. I love beach reading. My only problem is that I’m never by myself and have too much chaos around me to really focus. I am excited for you!
I usually like to read books that are similar to the setting that I am visiting for vacation. Or, page turners that I normally would not pick up. Thrillers come to mind. I don’t normally read them but I love to read them while on vacation.
Have a wonderful vacation.
I love choosing books for vacation! The last three vacations I went on, I read the three books in the Millennium Trilogy, by Stieg Larsson. The first two trips, I didn’t really plan it, but when I went to New Orleans this past May, I figured I better keep up with my tradition and read the third book there.
Sounds like you have a good variety with these books. I tend to bring along lighter reads for my vacations because there are more distractions…I don’t like to have books that are too deep…
The House on Oyster Creek does look exactly like a summer beach read doesn’t it! The du Maurier looks good too!
I always pack way too many books for vacations. Your choices look great, especially Mary Anne – I think I’ll be needing to read more du Maurier soon. Have a fantastic vacation!
Hope you enjoy your books and your vacation.
And Bad Things Happen had me at “Ann Arbor” as wekk (Still haven’t gotten to it though.
I have been meaning to pick up the book Oyster Street for some time it looks invited. What grabs me for the summer and beach reads. Are fun and Chick lit. I am looking forward to Castaways. I have read a few. I found my tastes have changed. I usually don’t read those kind of books. But since starting school I need a break of a fun read, not so intense.
I left you a award on my blog. Have a great day.
Susan at Carolina Book Stacks.
Great list! I think you’ll like Dolan… At least I did!
Loved “Bad Things Happen,” but I really hope you’ll read “A Kind of Intimacy” because I have that too and want to see how it is!
I’m having trouble getting into Oyster Creek.