reading and Long Beach
I need recommendations! I am going to Long Beach, CA for work next week. I won't have a lot of time for fun, but want to make the most of it. Can you either comment or email me recommendations of things to do? Cool things? Crafty cool? Arty cool? I already know about the Aquarium, which I am excited about.
Also... so I have these two long direct flights to this thing and I will need something to read. I have had no time to read since I finished the last Harry Potter book the day before I gave birth. Any recommendations of something a little heavier, funnier than said Harry Potter book would be rad.
This is the first time that I have had a job where I get to go away. I am happy and sad. On the one hand, I look forward to the sleep, but the girls could be walking by the time I get home!
Comments
fair and tender ladies by lee smith
their eyes were watching god by zora neale hurston
Posted by: ginny | April 10, 2006 11:57 AM
I would recommend The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. Good read.
Posted by: Laura | April 10, 2006 12:05 PM
the haunted ship the queen mary is docked there and has ghost tours
http://www.ghostsandlegends.com/gl/index.php?section=tours
Posted by: monica | April 10, 2006 12:13 PM
"Middlesex" by Jeffrey Eugenides is some of the best storytelling I've read in ages; it's amazing. I also concur with Laura's recommendation; I loved that book. I just finished "The Lovely Bones" and I liked it a lot. "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay" is another must-read. Have a safe trip and call me when you get back.
Posted by: Sarah | April 10, 2006 12:59 PM
How about Darwin's Radio by Greg Bear if you like science fiction,
or Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons if you pefer graphic novels. Both are engrossing, and on my "must read" list.
Posted by: David | April 10, 2006 1:24 PM
I just saw Jonathan Franzen read from his new novel, and remembered how much I love his writing. Try "How To Be Alone"--shorter pieces means you can pick up and put down on a trip.
Posted by: yelena | April 10, 2006 1:38 PM
I second Time Traveller's Wife- Very neat book! I read it while I was on hospital bedrest with my twins... Lead to interesting dreams!!!! Another cool book by Greg Bear is Blood Music... Two of my favorite books are by Matt Ruff: Sewer Gas Electric- and Fool on the Hill. Very fun, and surreal. :) Another classic kids book: Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. Not terribly long, but good wordplay. For the really long haul- The Dune series is quite good. Well, book two is annoying, but the other four after that are just fine... For silly: Christopher Moore- Fun characters- they recur in various books- one of my faves from him is: LAMB The Gospel accoding to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal. yes, it's as fun as the title. ok, that ought to keep you busy??
Have Fun in CA!!!! I envy you the uninterrupted sleep. ;)
k!
Posted by: Karen | April 10, 2006 4:27 PM
I third time traveller's wife (and I will even send you my copy, I have too many books).
Wicked was entertaining enough for a flight back from Germany.
For funny: Enslaved by ducks (about a husband who's wife keeps getting them animals) or mostly anything by bill bryson, he is practically manditory for travelling.
Posted by: monica | April 10, 2006 7:16 PM
I "fourth time" Time Traveler's Wife! This is the only book I've taken the time to read since the twins (after having many people rec it). Either it's just that good or I enjoyed reading again that much! ;) Have fun!
Posted by: Jen | April 11, 2006 7:41 AM
thanks for the recommends... looks like it is Time Traveler's Wife, which is funny because I gave it to my mother in law for xmas,. guess i will be asking for it back!
Posted by: tina the seamonster | April 11, 2006 10:23 AM