For Reader #1:
I have two thoughts for you: one older title and one newer. Both would be good book club suggestions, and both are nonfiction memoirs. The older title is Under the Tuscan Sun, by Francis Mayes. She’s a wonderfully descriptive writer who tells a story about travelling to Tuscany and deciding to renovate an abandoned villa. She’s also interesting and funny, someone you wish you were friends with. And the details about the food and cooking make you wish you were in Italy. And like Eat, Pray, Love, it was also made into a movie.
The newer title is Still Points North, by Leigh Newman. Her parents decided to divorce when she was young, and she writes about splitting her time between her father’s house in Alaska and her mother’s in Baltimore. She’s funny and interesting, too; I loved reading the details about hunting, fishing and entertaining in the wilderness. It was also enjoyable to read about the Baltimore part of her childhood. The book also explores her difficulty with relationships, and trying to work on love with her boyfriend despite these problems.
I’m going to admit that I’m not a reader of vampire novels myself, but I do have some recommendations. Have you ever seen True Blood? That show is based on series of supernatural mystery stories by Charlaine Harris called the Sookie Stackhouse series. There’s still a bit of angst, but the characters are older and the Southern setting adds character. If you’re interested in a more “steamy” vampire series, I’d recommend checking out Laurell Hamilton’s Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. They also come with dose of mystery to go with the erotic romance. The pacing of both of these novels is much quicker and less brooding than Twilight.
For Reader #3:
Not to be one-note, but have you read Candice Millard’s latest book? She wrote The River of Doubt, and Destiny of the Republic is every bit as good. This one tells the story of the assassination attempt on President Garfield. You might think you wouldn’t be interested in Garfield, but believe me; you will have new respect for the man once you’ve finished the book. It’s a shame his doctors essentially killed him, not the bullet. They didn’t believe Dr. Lister, and the infection really set in. Did you know Alexander Graham Bell played a role in his care? This is yet another fast-paced history book that reads like a suspense novel. You’ll love it, too.
