So.

So, the office is clearing out like an inflatable raft with a slow leak, which is awesome, meaning as it does that me and my hot air will be drifting on out of here within the next half hour. The day hasn't been quite as smooth as the Monday that hardly felt like a Monday, but the bumpy bits haven't been entirely unpleasant, for what it's worth. Two mini-fires (out) and one semi-significant project found their ways to me along divergent paths today, and the project is actually a good thing in that "please consume Thursday and Friday with your needy busy-ness so that VACATION will actually be closer than it appears" sort of way.

So, I'm killing time, killing minutes, and what a waste, dead minutes, aren't they? Really. I should be more careful than to go arbitrarily killing time and wishing my life (in the form of two work days stuck between a National Holiday and a Real Vacation) away. Seriously. Intervention may be required.

So, speaking of intervention, let's talk about the man/child, shall we? Not that one has anything to do with the other, but in a grouping of "which of these things is not like the other" that included our son, intervention, and say, A FUCKING CLUE GOAL LIFE, well, you guess which one doesn't belong. However, *ahem* and please excuse me, because boy, that was really harsh considering nothing happened to bring it on, and in fact, the prodigal one has apparently done so well at his training, he's being given his first evening shift. Tonight. If you've ever waited tables in a pub environment, you realize right away that this means he has a chance to actually earn some real money tonight. Which is good. And so I'm very proud. Proud as a peacock, I am. That son of mine, always on the fast track to success, he is.

So, I'm in a bit of trouble. See? I...well, I have a confession. Forgive me, for I have read two of the three books I purchased expressly for vacation. And now, am in need of replacements. And even though I am usually a stickler for hardbacks, these should be, preferably, available in paperback since they're traveling with me. Lighter weight. Less verklemptness (spell check preferred the word "limpidness" here, but somehow...um, no) if they get lost. Alla that.

So anyway, back on point: I need some books, and before I go wandering willy nilly into that good bookstore, maybe you have some ideas? I'm looking for something captivating but not overwrought. Intelligent but not...overly challenging. Interesting, light hearted escapism that includes either a) a mystery I won't be able to solve by page fourteen, or 2) characters into whose heads I can climb and play and examine and study to my heart's content. Or even discontent, whichever way the character rolls. As long as he/she/inanimate object is a character worth rolling with. Think...She's Come Undone. Or The Cider House Rules. Or The Alienist. Or Beach Music. Because you know, that's what reading is for me whilst on vacation in the Bahamas. Beach music. No doubt. Yeah. Any suggestions?

So, I'm running out of things to ramble about here and now, which is both cause for celebration and cause for alarm, because, hey. I KNOW my life is bland sometimes, but wow. This takes the cake. I think maybe my mind has decided to play "advance man" (and don't ask, but yes, my brain is of the male persuasion. It just is.) and headed to the island ahead of us, better to serve me when I arrive. Or something. Perhaps he packed up and opted for a different destination altogether which, you know, really wouldn't bother me a whole hell of a lot, if you want to know the truth. Absence makes the heart grow fonder and the brain grow stronger. Um. Or something.

So. Yeah.

I'll be going now.

See ya'll later.

Or something.

Comments

[Saltation]

[trackback]

(you inspired a post in me and you don't have a proper trackbank link on your site)

[egan]

Yeah, I don't know what caused the problems Jennifer, but for some reason it took a few tries to accept my password.

[Laurie]

I second the Stephanie Plum books for vacation reading. She and Lula and Grandma make me laugh out loud. Ranger and Joe are hot. Perfect.

[Phyllis]

Neil Gaman's American Gods and/or Anansi Boys and Sweet and Low-The story of the family who invented...Sweet-n-low (it's hysterical).

[Marsha]

Wishing you a happy fourth of July and a grand vacation. I really enjoy the Janet Evanovich series about Stephanie Plum the thirteen in the series just came out. They may appear to be a little trailor trashy but they are so well done and fun that I can't rave enough. I like the idea of you writing a book too, bonus for us if you share. Whatever you decide have a good one.

[Jennifer]

Really? I have to use the password, too, and I've never had a problem. What's up with that?

[egan]

Happy Fourth of July Jennifer! I see you were so bored you commented a few times on my blog today. Yeah for me. Books. We bought five kids books for Anna tonight. It was very fun to pick and choose these books with my wife.

Anyways, enjoy your vacation. Oh yeah, kudos to your son for landing an evening shift. Much better tips at night.

P.S. I love Typepad heaps as you know, but even knowing your password.... it's tough to access your site.

[Hope]

Coming Home by Sandra Kring is one of my favourites. Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry is a good one as well.

I'm having the opposite problem. Amazon shipped my books today and I am off on holidays tomorrow.

[Paul is a Hermit]

The things you can fill a half hour with. Such vast wanderings, even if your mind might be in the Bahamas already. Maybe because.
That Dave Barry, my kinda guy, he knows coffee. Books? Nothing. You're better than most books anyway. :) write one.

[Angie]

I love Chris Bohjalian's work, especially Trans-sister Radio and Midwives.

If you're looking for something a little lighter for your vacation, there are three series with new books out (or about to be out) that I love!!! Enchanted, Inc., Once Upon Stilettos, & Damsel Under Stress by Shanna Swendson; The Weather Warden series by Rachel Caine; and the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich.

Enjoy your time away!!

[kenju]

Cane River (Tademy)

The Wedding (Coovadia)

anything by Wilbur Smith, but especially the series that includes River God and The Seventh Scroll.

[Karen]

Well, I don't know if I'm any help but I'm reading "A Mighty Heart" and it is awesome, I'm almost finished. I won't see the movie, though.

I purchased "Owl Island" by Randy Sue Coburn as a diversion from my usual wonk books. Haven't started it yet. It is waiting in the wings for after the one I'm reading after 'Heart', a wonk book. See, I'm trying to alternate. And, in my car I have "Bergdoff Blondes" for absolutely mindless reading while I wait in a carpool line or something.

Strange assortment, I know. I'm a Gemini.