Must-Read Books For Spring
All week, the series "Simple Pleasures" is looking at little things in life that can make us happy.
There are few things better than curling up with a good book that transports you to a different time or helps you escape to an exotic place.
John Searles, the senior book editor at Cosmopolitan magazine, visits The Early Show to offer his spring book picks.
"Misfortune's Daughters," by Joan Collins -- The former "Dynasty" star has turned into a best-selling author, like her sister. This book is fun, light reading, according to Searles. Perfect, if you don't want anything too serious. The book is about the desperate, tragic struggles of two sisters as they try to find their own identities amid temptation, jealousy, and deception.
"The Red Hat's Club Rides Again," by Haywood Smith -- This is a sequel to the popular "The Red Hat's Club," a club made up of older women who have fun and laughter. According to Carol Haggas of the American Library Association, "Smith's bunch of Buckhead babes: Georgia, Diane, Linda, SuSu, and Teeny, may all be women of a 'certain age,' but that doesn't mean they have to act like it. They're feisty, and sexy, and loyal to a fault, so when there's trouble within the group, they rally like the Three Musketeers on steroids."
"Strange Affair," by Peter Robinson -- If you love mysteries, you'll love this book. This is the 15th novel featuring Robinson's headstrong British Detective, Chief Inspector Alan Banks. The inspector is still recovering from the blaze in the 2004 "Playing With Fire," when he gets a message from his estranged brother. The setting is London instead of Yorkshire, as Banks first looks into the disappearance of his brother, then tries to make sense of his murder. As Banks delves into the life of his brother, he realizes how little he knew him. There's a double plot in this book: Banks is also solving the murder of a young woman, whose ex-boyfriend's name is found on a slip of paper in her pocket.
"Luncheonette: A Memoir," by Steven Sorrentino -- This is a great father/son story. Steven Sorrentino moves to New York City to pursue his acting career. Venturing out of the closet and feeling free (at last!) from small-town America, Steven finds his niche among the quirky and kindred spirits of the city's musical theater hopefuls. But his life and his dreams are turned upside down when his father develops a sudden and rare neurological disorder that leaves him paralyzed. He leaves his acting career to manage his father's luncheonette, "Clint's Corner." This is an uplifting story about discovering life's truths in the least expected places.
Audio Books:
"Travels With Charley," by John Steinbeck -- This classic is based on his travels in 1960 with his poodle, Charley. They took a journey across America, and this book is the record of that journey. The book was originally published in 1962. The voice on the audio book is Gary Sinise. He directed and starred in the 1992 film version of Steinbeck's novel, "Of Mice and Men."
"Hissy Fits," by Mary Kay Andrews -- In this novel, Keeley Murdock's wedding to A.J. Jernigan should have been the social event of the season. But when she catches her fiancé doing the deed with her maid of honor at the country club rehearsal dinner, her life takes a turn.
Photo Books:
"Wine Country USA: Touring, Tasting, and Buying at America's Regional Wineries" -- Today, high-quality wineries have sprung up all across the country. It's not just about California anymore. In fact, chances are there is a tasting trail where you can discover lovely wines within just a day's drive, no matter where you live. "Wine Country USA" is the first and only book to cover this new phenomenon.
Full of gorgeous photography that shows the picturesque landscapes of these new wine areas, this book may inspire you to explore the amazing wineries in your own backyard. In ten "Vine Routes" features, recommended vineyards are mapped out to help you plan your visit, from Pennsylvania's Brandywine Valley to North Carolina's Piedmont, from Colorado's Grande River to California's Napa Valley.
The "Ten Labels to Look For" columns throughout serve as guides for buying, either at the tasting room or in your hometown. Whether you're a serious oenophile looking to build your home cellar, an occasional wine-drinker wanting to expand your repertoire, or just a curious day-tripper out for a fun adventure, "Wine Country USA" provides a comprehensive and indispensable guide to enjoying America's blossoming regional wine culture.
"One Hundred and One Small Beautiful Towns of Italy" -- This is a lavishly illustrated insider's look at Italy, as known to Italians. This book is the perfect guide for those who can't resist succumbing to Italy's charms again and again. Originally written by and for Italians, this is a fantastic source of inside information. The 101 towns featured represent the 20 diverse regions of Italy and their varied landscapes, architecture, and local specialties. Even if you've visited Italy before, this book will make you fall in love with the country all over again. Giving you another reason to book a trip.