Senior Account Executive

I’ve always loved to read and write, so I guess it’s no real surprise that I ended up in the communications business.  And while I still spend a great deal of time reading books, I AM surprised by just how many poorly-written books are not only published, but become best sellers.  I’m looking at you, book that rhymes with “Shifty Maids of May.”

So, to save those of you out there who also love to read but cannot make yourself slog through another terrible, yet much-talked about book that EVERYONE is reading right now, here is a list of some of my favorites:

• The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. Loved it so much, I bought a copy (unusual for a dedicated library-goer like me) and read it numerous times (also unusual for me).
• Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. One of the few non-fiction books I’ve really enjoyed and the only one that makes me want to relocate to Savannah.
• Clapton by Eric Clapton. And one of the few autobiographies I’ve ever read. I like Clapton but never considered myself a huge fan (I’m not even that into blues) but this was such an honest look back at his life-that I now want to figure out a way to have him over for dinner next time he is in Ohio visiting his wife’s family.
• Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran. Similar to The Red Tent in that it could be considered historical fiction, this was a vibrant look at fascinating historical characters.
• The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins. You may have heard of this one. Simply brilliant and moving.
• The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer. Written entirely in letters between characters, it is a touching story set in the Channel Islands during World War II.
• Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon.  An atmospheric, creepy thriller written in 1973. If you can get past some of the elements that date this book a bit (no cell phones back then), it is a good read.

Speaking of good reads, in order to keep all of my “to read”, “currently reading” and “read” books nice and organized, I use the awesome www.Goodreads.com. The site also contains summaries, reviews and recommendations for thousands of books.

So, get lost. In ancient Egypt or Rome, Savannah or Panem and enjoy!