As I wrote in my last blog entry, I’ve just finished reading John le Carre’s The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. Prior to that I read a few – okay, eight – Daniel Silva novels in a row. As much as it pains me to say, I think I am a little spied out at the moment.
So, this bears the question: What do I read next? What am I in the mood for?
I have no idea.
I’ve been engulfed in academic reading for so long I’ve scarcely paid attention to what’s trending on the bestseller list. I suppose I could pursue my nightstand for something. On second thought, it seems my choices are limited: Agatha Christie’s Murder in Mesopotamia, Lawrence Schiffman’s Qumran and Jerusalem: Studies in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the History of Judaism, Elaine Pagels’ Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, and Politics in the Book of Revelation, and Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Allon books 9-11.
Doesn’t excite you either?
I’ve read the Agatha Christie a dozen times. I know who killed poor Mrs. Leidner and Miss Johnson, and how Hercules Poirot brilliantly deduces the crimes. After the semester I’ve had the last thing I want to read is scholarly works – Schiffman and Pagels are out. And as I said above, I’m a little sick of the spy game right now. I want something a bit more frivolous. Something that doesn’t require too much thought.
So, what are the hip kids reading these days?
Fifty Shade of Grey. Paranormal…everything. Vampires and zombies and werewolves.
Oh my.
I’m going to take a pass on those for right now, because just the thought makes me want to put an ice pick in my brain.
I think it would be best to consult the experts over at Goodreads.
Here are a few on my recommendation page:
1. Gone Girl – Gillian Flynn: A psychological thriller with a missing wife and a suspicious husband. Hmmm…this might have potential, though I am not sure I am in the mood for something so heavy.
2. The Seventh Scroll – Wilbur Smith: An archaeological adventure story set in Egypt – sort of an Indiana Jones meets Romancing the Stone. Definitely different from my usual fare these days.
3. Crocodile on the Sandbank (An Amelia Peabody adventure) – Elizabeth Peters: I was skeptical about this Goodreads choice, but the consensus labels it a fun read. Brain candy. I could use a little brain candy.
4. Cleopatra: A Life – Stacy Schiff: Hmmm…I see a pattern evolving. Goodreads thinks I need to go to Egypt.
5. Gorky Park – Martin Cruz Smith: I’ve seen the movie. Loved it. I count it as one of my favorite Cold War murder mysteries. But, it is a little on the dark side.
Not recommended by Goodreads, but a book I downloaded to my Kindle a couple of weeks ago:
6. Bound: J. Elizabeth Hill: I am actually in the process of reading this novel. It comes from my WP friend over at Word Flows. It’s her first publication and has received some great reviews. I’ll be the first to admit magic and fantasy aren’t something I gravitate to when choosing reading material, but so far it’s a captivating and intriguing story. Go check this one out for yourself.
So, what are you reading? I’m open to suggestions.
Of Bears and Boating 