Books Fall Open, I Fall In...

I am a big reader, always have been, and always have a book with me. I used to watch tv in bed to wind down before falling asleep, but reading has now become part of my bedtime ritual; you know, brush teeth, wash face, pjs on, perhaps a cup of tea, and a book. To be honest, part of this came to be such a big part of my evenings because I only have one tv anymore, so its place is in the living room, but despite that, I think reading has become a comfort at night, a way to dive into another story, one other than my own life, and melt away the day.

Sometimes I find that the most interesting books I read are ones that I picked up because the title intrigued me. A good title is key to a good book, in my humble opinion. Unless it is an author I really like and search for that name in a bookstore, most often I will pick something up to look at because of the title.

The last few books I have read have all been winners, some obviously favorites and others still recommended. Here is what I have read in the last 4 months (in no particular order) that I recommend (obviously to whom varies on genre, etc.):

Loving Frank

Nancy Horan

Those Who Save Us

Jenna Blum

Traveling Mercies

Some Thoughts on Faith

Anne Lamott

(this one was read after a recommendation)

My Enemy's Cradle

Sara Young

The Thornbirds

Colleen McCullough

(oldie but goodie)

The Book Thief

Markus Zusak

The Art of Racing in the Rain

Garth Stein

Alfred and Emily

Doris Lessing

The Love Wife

Gish Jen

The Soloist

Steve Lopez

(awesome movie as well!)

The Geography of Bliss

One Grumps' Search for the Happiest Places in the World

Eric Weiner

Mozart in the Jungle

Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music

Blair Tindall

Water for Elephants

Sara Gruen

Any of these are great reads; it all depends on what type of books you are into. Some are lighter reads than others, but all are great. All are available online at amazon.com and most, I am sure, at your local bookstore. If you take my suggestions and read any, I would love to know what you think, or if you have read any of these, let me know what you thought. Are they worth recommending in your opinion? I have found that many of the best books I have read are ones I have picked up after a recommendation from someone else. Word of mouth is an amazing thing!

As for me, I am starting a new book today, American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld and I am looking forward to it. Next up, who knows! Any recommendations?

Here's to a good book, sometimes the best form of relaxation there is! I'll take mine with a cup of tea on the side please!