Okay everyone, get out your coolers, your travel games, and your road maps (or MapQuest directions)! In honor of summer and the Fourth of July, our book club theme for July will be the great American road trip!
To get you in the spirit, enjoy this classic: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33rVViCxOHA
The book options I've chosen for this month aren't really road trip stories at all. The only thing they all have in common is that they're set in the United States. What I did was choose one book that's set in each region of the country, hence the road trip theme. (Plus, it was the only way I could think of to group favorite books I wanted to put on the list, so go with it LOL.)
So here are your options...New England region: 'Salem's Lot by Stephen King
Synopsis: Author Ben Mears returns to ‘Salem's Lot to write a book about a house that has haunted him since childhood only to find his isolated hometown infested with vampires. While the vampires claim more victims, Mears convinces a small group of believers to combat the undead.
One of the scariest of SK's books that I've read, but also one of the best! If you didn't like the romantic, "vegetarian" vampires in Twilight, this should be more up your speed!!Mid-Atlantic region: Kissed By an Angel by Elizabeth Chandler
Synopsis: In a romantic and suspenseful collection of the New York Times bestselling trilogy, love's unbreakable bonds are put to the test. When her boyfriend, Tristan, died, Ivy thought she'd lost everything, even her faith in angels. But now she's discovered that he's her guardian angel -- his presence so strong that she can feel the touch of his hand, the beat of his heart. Ivy needs Tristan now more than ever because he knows she's in terrible danger. Only Ivy's guardian angel can save her now that his killer is after her. But if Tristan rescues Ivy, his mission on earth will be finished, and he must leave her behind forever. Will saving Ivy mean losing her just when he's finally reached her again?
One of my all-time favorite books!! I know the description sounds cheesy, but it's really a great romance suspense/mystery with a supernatural twist. One thing about it, it's actually a trilogy of three short novels, but usually comes together in one book, so if we choose this one, make sure you get the book with the full trilogy - you'll be missing out otherwise! I would love to do this book because I don't know many people who have read it... meanwhile, I've been in love with it since 8th grade; it's one I could read over and over again (and have, though not in awhile).Southeast region: The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks
Synopsis: The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Nights in Rodanthe explores a darker realm of the heart in an explosive and emotional tale of love and obsession. At 29, Julie Barenson is too young to give up on love. Four years after her husband's tragic death, she is finally ready to risk giving her heart to someone again. But to whom? Should it be Richard Franklin, who is handsome and sophisticated and treats her like a queen, or Mike Harris, who is Julie's best friend in the world, though not as debonair? Now, with a decision that should bring her more happiness than she's had in years, Julie's life is about to become a living nightmare, as one man's jealousy spins into a deadly obsession.
My favorite Nicholas Sparks book. It's the only one I've read of his that actually has a good suspense subplot to keep it interesting, so it's not just the same basic story all his other books tend to share LOL.Midwest region: A Lantern in Her Hand by Bess Streeter Aldrich
After marrying Will Deal and moving to Nebraska, Abbie endures the difficulties of frontier life and raises her children to pursue the ambitions that were once her own.
Not my first choice, but this is a very good book if you like historical fiction, pioneer romance, or stories that take place over generations in a family. I'm not typically a fan of the pioneer romance books, but this one is a very poignant story about more than just the romantic kind of love. One added bonus? It's an old book, so apparently it's now public domain... I found a free e-book version of it online! So if we choose it, you don't necessarily need to buy it if you're content reading online. http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks05/0500521h.htmlSouthwest region: The Host by Stephenie Meyer
In this tantalizing SF thriller, planet-hopping parasites are inserting their silvery centipede selves into human brains, curing cancer, eliminating war and turning Earth into paradise. But some people want Earth back, warts and all, especially Melanie Stryder, who refuses to surrender, even after being captured in Chicago and becoming a host for a "soul" called Wanderer. The straightforwar
d narrative... shines with romantic intrigue.
This is the only one on the list I haven't read, but I've heard from a lot of people that it's better than Twilight, so I thought I'd throw it out for consideration again.Mountain region: Misery by Stephen King
Novelist Paul Sheldon has plans to make the difficult transition from writing historical romances featuring heroine Misery Chastain to publishing literary fiction. Annie Wilkes, Sheldon's number one fan, rescues the author from the scene of a car accident. The former nurse takes care of him in her remote house, but becomes irate when she discovers that the author has killed Misery off in his latest book. Annie keeps Sheldon prisoner while forcing him to write a book that brings Misery back to life.
Another of my favorite SK books. It takes a simple concept (most of the story is set in one room) and turns it into an incredibly tense and disturbing story! Annie Wilkes is one of the most delightfully twisted characters ever... love it!!Pacific Northwest region: New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning...
Not my favorite of the Twilight saga, but with the movie coming out later this year, I know I want to re-read New Moon, so I thought I'd put it up for consideration in case others do too.I tried to put a variety of genres up there, so hopefully you'll find something that sounds worth reading! I'll give you a few days to vote and leave about a week to get the book we decide on.
Poll
