Twilight by Stephanie Meyer
Come on, admit it: you’re curious. And if you have teenage daughters, or know someone who does, you’ve probably heard all about it. The love story of 17-yeard old Bella Swan (now there’s a romantic name) and dashing vampire Edward Cullen was a smash hit before the movie. Twilight is the first of four installments in their saga – New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn follow – and movie versions of the same are on the way. Rediscover what it feels like to have a teenage heart aflutter.
The Girl’s Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank
Melissa Bank’s collection of short stories is perfect summer fare: warm and funny, but also poignant and deep. More than one reviewer has described her main character, Jane Rosenal, as a female version of Holden Caulfield of The Catcher in the Rye. Both characters struggle with the fundamental paradox of big city life: how can you reconcile living so close to so many people, and yet feel so distant from them? If that sounds too deep, rest easy: Bank’s wicked sense of humor is evident throughout.
Carrie by Stephen King
The master of horror’s first novel, and some would argue best. If your teenage years weren’t exactly a montage of Sweet Valley High-type moments, you’ll identify with Carrie White. Carrie is shy, a target for vicious “Mean Girls” bullies, with a warped and dysfunctional family life. Carrie’s answer, of course, is telekinetic revenge on a massive and bloody scale. Hey, it’s Stephen King – what did you expect?
Violin by Anne Rice
“It’s like reading art,” said someone recommending Violin to me. It’s a love story – sort of – between Triana and ghost named Stefan, who has two amazing abilities. He’s a violin virtuoso and a time traveller…but both he and Triana seem more impressed with his violin skills. It true Anne Rice fashion, both Triana and Stefan are burdened with dark and difficult pasts, which are unveiled as they travel around the world and through time. If you want your reading to make you feel – play the Violin.
The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling
You know the story: young Harry Potter and his friends navigate the complexities of a school for young wizards and try to defeat the most evil force in the universe…whose name you’re never supposed to speak. (Cough Voldemort Cough.) These tasks sometimes pale in comparison to the challenge of growing up together, and whom to ask to the Wizards’ Ball. All seven books are somehow light yet totally engrossing…start with The Philosopher’s Stone (the first) and you may find magically yourself deep into The Deathly Hallows (the final) next week.
Shopgirl: A Novella by Steve Martin
Yes, the author is that Steve Martin, the “wild and ca-razy guy of SNL fame.” But while this book isn’t exactly serious, it’s the furthest thing from wacky hijincks. Shopgirl is the story of Mirabelle, a Neiman Marcus employee and wannabe artist. Whenever she tries to paint, she can’t seem to shake the tedium of her boring job. Shopgirl is a quick, light read (just over 130 pages, thus the title “novella) and an excellent way to spend a lazy afternoon in a chaise.
Anything with Fabio on the cover by countless dozens
It doesn’t get any guiltier than this! How do you select just one of the literally hundreds of romance titles with the Italian icon on the cover? Select titles include In a Pirate’s Arms, Comanche Flame, Savage Splendour, and Awaken My Fire. Not just a handsome face (and six-pack) Fabio co-authored several himself, including Champion (where he’s a medieval knight seeking revenge) and Mysterious (where he’s a psychic murder detective by night, sweaty garage mechanic by day.)
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains.” So beings the cheeky parody described as the ‘Classic Romance – now with bone-crunching zombie mayhem!’ And really, if you can’t learn more about zombies during the dog-days of summer, what chance do any of us have?
Flinx Transcendent by Alan Dean Foster
This is the 14th and final book in the hugely popular series. Finally, all the questions are answered about the hero, while he saves the universe in the process with his awesome mental powers and his miniature flying dragon. Twice as long as any previous book in the series, it means you can spend twice as much time by the pool.
The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson
Published in 1952, this noir thriller is described by journalist David Taylor as ‘satisfyingly pulpy.’ “It’s about a well-liked deputy sheriff who’s also a serial killer. Sex, gore, corruption—it’s got it all.” Hm, sounds a little like Dexter, the wildly popular HBO series. Just how gory is it? Well let me tell you. Stanley Kubrick is quoted on the cover as saying, “Probably the most chilling and believable first-person story of a criminally warped mind I have ever encountered.” Stanley Kubrick. I mean what more do you need?
Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon
“Oh I would never read a romance novel.” If you have ever uttered these words, the second book in the Outlander series might be right up your alley. Although there is some romance, the book is also packed with historical fiction. Oh and science fiction. Not to mention paranormal events and time travel. Bonus: the heroine gets to have many, many rolls in the hay with a handsome hard-bodied Highlander. Can’t really go wrong.
