About to go to the libary - what book should I check out?

[StellaBlue]

Since my summer classes are winding down, I intend to take a much-needed break (and a long one, as I am probably not continuing this degree) to read something I WANT to read, for the first time in a year. I need to read more fiction. I was thinking maybe Slaughterhouse Five since I haven't read that. Or perhaps some biographies, like maybe of Ben Franklin, or that David McCullough 1776 book. I usually read politics/history/philosophy in my spare time, even though I have two English degrees! I've never read Jane Austen (don't tell anyone!).

[Kire]

1. I wish my library had Ernest Hemingway in it.

But it is a local library in a podunk county, so all they have is mysteries and thrillers that are less than 10 years old.

No Hemingway, no Vonnegut, no Russian guys, nothing

[StellaBlue]

2. Maybe Crime and Punishment

thanks for the idea

I think I am all Hemingway'd out, though. ;)

[Kire]

3. If they have it

get the Pevear and Volokhonsky translation

I read it in four days. It was easy because I had just finished Demons and the Brothers Karamazov, so I got used to the patronyms and stuff. This translation has an easy guide at the beginning that helps with all of the names for each character. One character can have six names. Plus, they make it read like it was written in English.

They're pretty new translations so I doubt the library would have it, though. Sorry.

[Arkham House]

4. Try Gore Vidal's "Burr" or "Lincoln"...

...his historical novels are masterpieces, and those two are the best. "Burr" is funnier and more entertaining, "Lincoln" is meatier and intensely moving...both are great books...

[LadyoftheRabbits]

5. Anita Diamant's The Red Tent

Just finished it... loved it.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

6. If they have it, Larry Brown's Joe or Clyde Edgerton's Rainy

Or, go back in time and enjoy some Robert Service...

If that doesn't make your John Deere roll, Take a tour of Twain's lesser known works.

[idgiehkt]

7. Girl in a Swing by Richard Adams is really freaky

Quite a departure from Watership Down, and so Weird.

I always like to read The Mists of Avalon again when I have a chance.

[StellaBlue]

8. Great suggestions, thanks!

I ended up getting a bunch of stuff, including a book about the spritual teachings of Marcus Aurelius and a book by Dennis Kucinich.

[jobycom]

9. If you haven't discovered Tracy Chevalier yet

then try her. My favorite is "Virgin Blue." Least favorite is "Falling Angels"-- I think I mainly liked it because I like Chevalier's work in general.