For Reading out Loud!
Does anyone out there have suggestions for books that are good to read out loud? My husband and I read out loud to each other every night before we go to sleep. We have been doing this for about 13 years now and have finally run out of new titles, new authors.
We have read most of Upton Sinclair's Lanny Budd books. We have read and reread John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee series, books by Robert B. Parker, Lawrence Shames, Joseph Wambaugh, Peter Lovesey, Edna Buchanan, Carl Hiassen, Elmore Leonard, Willeford,Tony Hillerman, Elliot Roosevelt, John Burdette, and Robert Harris. This is a very incomplete list, but it will give you some idea. A combination of history, mystery and suspense. Lots of good dialogue! Engaging characters or good author's voice. Clear writing style. A good sense of humor. Yes, we want it all!
We realize our tastes are very eclectic and idiosyncratic, but we will appreciate any suggestions. We thank you in advance.
Best,
Peggy Landsman
About Peggy
My writing (poetry and prose) has been published in online and print literary journals and anthologies, including Breathe: 101 Contemporary Odes (C&R Press), Spindle, The Muse Strikes Back (Story Line Press), Bridges (Indiana University Press), and Iodine...
Connections
Causes Peggy Landsman Supports
Green Peace, Pro Literacy Worldwide, International Planned Parenthood, Doctors without Borders, National Jewish Health
Peggy’s Favorite Books
Wuthering Heights, Northanger Abbey, Slaughterhouse 5, Crime and Punishment, War and Peace
I highly recommend...
Christopher Moore's books, because they are hysterical, if you don't mind occasional bad language.
Jennifer Gibbons, Red Room
Peggy Landsman says:
Thank you very much for your suggestion. I will check his books out.
Best,
Peggy
Jennifer's
Jennifer's right--Christopher Moore's books would be great to read aloud. I read aloud to my girls until they were teens--Watership Down was so much fun to read aloud, we went through it twice. Jack London was also good, and Mark Twain. And I never read him to the girls, but I imagine Bill Bryson's books would be as much fun out loud as they are in my head. And maybe David Handler's Berger and Mitry series.
Peggy Landsman says:
And thank you, too! I will check out Bill Bryson's books and David Handler's Berger and Mitry series. I am not acquainted with them yet.
Best,
Peggy
The girls could always tell
The girls could always tell when I was reading Bill Bryson because he was the one author who would have me laughing so hard, I couldn't answer them to say what I was laughing at. What a treat you have in store!
Reading Aloud
Well, I hate to promote myself here because there's something sort of gross and awful about that, BUT, my book (THE SUMMER OF NAKED SWIM PARTIES) is full of dialogue, and reads easily and quickly. Send me an email with your address and I'll send you a copy so you don't have to buy it. I love the idea of you and your husband reading to each other aloud--so sweet and intimate, and FUN. I'd be happy to have my book in your bed with you!
Peggy Landsman says:
Thank you very much! Will do.
I love your title. The summer of what year?
Best, Peggy
It takes place
In summer of 1976 You know, the bicentennial year--lots of celebrating going on around the country.
bedtime reading
As bedtime reading is an acquired taste, presumably acquired as a child, my recommendations are Wind in the Willows, The Hobbit, Alice in Wonderland and Thru the Looking Glass. All are suitable for seeding proper dreams.
Peggy Landsman says:
Paul. I have read all the books you mentioned and many other "children's" books. I do love them, but they are not quite what my husband and I are looking for.
I do thank you for responding.