A Book a Day.....

Okay, well, maybe not a whole book a day.  I mean, after all, Life is busy!  But, I always feel the need to carve out a wee bit of time to open a book and transport myself through the written word.  Usually, it is at the end of the day, when I crawl into bed that I find the time to partake in this activity.  So, on my bedside table always sits my current read and my funky reading glasses.  What a way to unwind and finish the day!  (Thank goodness, Eddie enjoys reading before retiring just as much as I do.)

While pondering on the subject of Kindle vs. Nook, my mind went a-ramblin' over books....and what I enjoy reading.  Honestly, I could write a book on this very subject myself!  I enjoy such a wide array of reading material that I find it difficult to limit myself to "favorites".  But, here are some......

Lately, I have been heavily into mystery - particularly a series by Diane Mott Davidson.  They revolve around a caterer who has a knack for solving mysteries with (and without) the help of her detective husband.  The books are heavy on food and recipes.  The tantalizing descriptions of food make me ravenous while I am reading, though.  I find myself rummaging through the kitchen for snacks and nibbles while reading!

Having worked in the legal profession for many years, I also developed a fondness for legal thrillers.  Of course, John Grisham and Tim Green fit the bill perfectly.  However, I also discovered Lisa Scottoline and her series of legal thrillers with a cast of female legal eagles is a delight!  Full of humor and deftly placed sarcasm, her works are always a delight.

I admit to enjoying a great romance now and then.  I think most prefer to call this genre "women's fiction" now, but romance is romance.  Although I don't care too much for historical romances or "bodice rippers", I do enjoy a good tale of "Girl meets Mr. Right" from time to time.  Stef Ann Holm and Claire Cook are excellent examples of contemporary writers who don't get too sappy, but spin a nice yarn with touches of humor and wit.  For a little more "ernst" and complex story, try Kristin Hannah; her works are beautiful. And for a trip to Pawley's Island or the Outer Banks, Dorothea Benton Frank will transport you to another world with a tale of family and romance.

As for pure thrillers, I think Patricia Cornwell does a bone-chilling job.  While extremely graphic and sometimes bordering on the macabre, the Kay Scarpetta novels are tension-filled and full of twists and turns; somehow very fascinating in their detail.

A good biography, or autobiography, can make a very enlightening read.  Such as with Sarah Palin's first book, which shed a lot of light on the politics within politics.  And for a fun autobiography, check out Tori Spelling's books.  They are funny, revealing and insightful.  I never expected to like Tori the way I do!

For a lovely and inspiring story, I reread one of Jan Karon's Mitford books.  The entire series is priceless.  Such adorable and relateable characters and an awesome example of pure story-telling.  If you haven't tried them, read them all - in sequence.  You will laugh and you will cry.

And, finally, who can deny the prophetic prose of Frank Peretti?  His books on spiritual warfare read like any thriller and will leave you smelling the sulphur stench of demons' breath when you turn out the lights and watching for signs of angels guarding over you around every corner.  Truly thought provoking subject matter.

See what I mean about being able to write a book about books I like????  I could go on and on....

What about you?  What's on your bedside table right now?  Any favorites that you can read over and over again? 

Happy page turning on this hot Summer Sunday!

Janie