What do you read while reclining on sugar-white beach under a thatched umbrella? This is a difficult and very serious decision. Only a professional should undertake a dilemma of such proportions. I mean, how can one paddle up to the poolside bar with a substandard book in hand?

I suppose the more relevant question is, how does a person such as me (ie. starving artist), find myself in a position to make such a decision? Simply put, dumb luck. Through a series of strange happenings, Tony and I won two (2) swankity-swank trips to Cancun. We’re heading out on Wednesday for the second (2nd) one. Yee and Haw!

So yesterday, I found myself faced with the all important ‘beach book’ selection. Here are the results:

Beach Book #1: The Morning Gift by Eva Ibbotson.

This is my eating-guacamole-and-sipping-a-margarita book. I’ve recently discovered this collection of non-fantasy, YA books by Eva Ibbotson. In the past, I’ve loved her very funny, younger, fantasy books such as Secret to Platform 13 (before Harry Potter) and Which Witch. But these YA’s are very different from her other writing. They’re historical romances, told in a airy, to-good-to-be-true way. And they’re delicious. Like a fluffy croissant, they melt in your mouth, are filled with plenty of air, and leave you licking your fingers. With the tagline, ‘A Secret Marriage,’ it can hardly dissappoint.

Beach Book #2: A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly.

This is my savoring-while-gazing-out-over-turquoise-waves book. It might not have the appropriate ‘beach’ fluff quotient, but it’s bound to be good. As a Printz Honor Book, it makes up the ’substance’ part of the equation.

Beach Book #3: A Ring of Endless Light by Madeleine L’Engle.

My quiet-mornings-on-the-beach book. In honor of the wonderful writer, I’m re-reading my favorite book of hers in the perfect setting.

Bonus Book: The Game by Diana Wynne Jones.

This is the stuck-in-the-airport book. Tony and I are reading this out loud to each other. Because Diana Wynne Jones is always a good way to make the tedious moments fly by.

Let’s hope these wonderful books can make those tropical breezes bearable!

Posted in I heart this book, Nifty happenings, Books

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