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As a full time fiction editor, I read for a living. Must confess, though, that since I got my hands on a wee ebook reader back in June (PRS-505), my 'recreational' reading has been quadrupled and is enormous fun. Just couldn't abide paperbacks and hardbacks in bed, which is the only time I get to read without fussing about whether I can improve every line presented. I bet chefs feel the same when they go for a meal at a strange restaurant.
A couple of recent reads I'd heartily recommend are Ken Follett's superb medieval fictions (with sound historical research), *The Pillars of the Earth* (a re-read for me to jog my memory for the follow up) *World Without End*. Both meaty, satisfying reads.
Also re-visited Twain with my reader -- his *Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc* and also *Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court*. Both superbly researched and beautifully written, and rippling with Mark Twain wit and insight. Public domain, by the way, so they're free downloads.
Re-read another public domain favourite, JM Barrie's hilarious short story collection of pipe-smoking folk (I am among their number) *My Lady Nicotine*. It's a scream.
Picked up a couple of self-published novels from the net to encourage their authors. Won't go into detail because -- like so much that hasn't gone through a rigorous selection process and thorough editing -- they were unfinishable codswallop.
And talking of rubbish, I picked up the ebook version of Dan Brown's *Lost Symbol* on Wednesday (call it research), finished it Thursday night, and bemoaned the waste of precious reading time. A very poor effort. His earlier books -- though by no means high literature -- packed some drive. *Lost Symbol* is a damp squib. It never takes off, just fizzles out.
So I've just downed tools for the week and am hunting around now for something to see me through the night and my Sunday off (I can get away with that because my Monegasque wife, Skovia, has just laid hands on *Bridges of Madison County* in French.
Some of the suggestions here look pretty good. I'm thinking of re-acquainting myself with Eco. It's been too long.
Thanks for the great suggestions, folks. I'll be popping into this thread often for your advice and recommendations. Will let you know whenever I find a piece worthy of the reading.
Happy weekend. Neil
PS: If anyone wants to take a look at something different, check my sig line below for some cracking wee novels. N
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