I finished reading Shuggie Bain last week (review coming as soon as I manage to compose myself enough), and now I am looking for my next read. Usually, I have my reading list all sorted out well in advance, but this time I am a little unsure.
I want something that's a bit light-hearted but not puerile. I don't want a silly romance, or a brain-dead mystery (my usual go to's after any emotionally wrenching read). Shuggie Bain was so excellent and heart-wrenching, I don't think a Julia Quinn or a Jo Nesbo can help me get over the dreary 1980s Glasgow setting of Shuggie Bain. I need something that's a bit more compelling.
Keeping that in mind, I went over the books on my shelf and have come up with this shortlist.
I am leaning towards the Alexander McCall Smith stories. His Precious Ramotswe books were quite entertaining, so I am hoping I will like this new to me series set in Edinburgh. Complete escapism would be Under the Tuscan Sun by Frances Mayes. I did a quick browse through, and I think I like the concept of the book, but not sure about the writing. Can someone please convince me it's any good? Or should I just watch the movie and skip the book? I don't want it to be another Eat Pray Love.
Neil Gaiman's Fragile Things and V.S.Naipaul's A House for Mr.Biswas have been on my TBR for an embarrassingly long time.
Even the Stars Look Lonesome by Angelou was a book I filched from my parents' bookshelf the last time I visited. I don't think they will miss it, so I am in no hurry to read this book quite yet. Nor do I feel compelled to read The Librarian of Auschwitz. A small town in Germany is yet another LeCarré spy novel sitting on my bookshelf. His books aren't cheery, but I don't find myself emotionally twisted by his stories - probably because of his detached writing style. Talking to Alaska is Snubnose's recommendation, she likes it, it has a dog on the cover - maybe this is the book I should pick next?
What do you think? I am looking for something a little wholesome - no infidelity, addiction, or tragic deaths. Which book would you recommend to me?
44 Scotland StreetA house for Mr. BiswasA small town in GermanyAlexander McCall SmithAnna WoltzAntonio InirbéEspresso TalesEven the stars look lonesomeFragile ThingsFrances MayesJohn le CarréMaya AngelouNeil GaimanTalking to AlaskaThe Librarian of AuschwitzUnder the Tuscan SunV.S.Naipaul
