Looking for a good book

**JimB** · 11th April 07, 02:22 PM

I'll be heading off to the Sandwich Islands this fall and for those times when I'm just being lazy I want to take a good book. I'm into history, celtic stuff (of course) art, and interesting people.
The last book that really grabbed me was the Outlander series.
Anyone got a good suggestion?

**mang1974** · 11th April 07, 02:39 PM

I read 'Culloden' by John Prebble last year. It really delves into the specifics of 16th century warfare, and how woefully armed and led the Jacobite "army" was. I found it a very interesting read.

**auld argonian** · 11th April 07, 02:39 PM

Take a copy of "The Fifth Elephant" by Terry Pratchett. It's sort of a book from the middle of a series, the Ankh Morpork Watch series, but it stands very well on its own and will make you want to read the other books in both directions of the series. You'll get some mirth and a pretty good plot.

If you think that you'll have time for two, consider packing "Fifth Elephant" and "Thud", which is from the same series.

If you're looking for value, I'd consider taking some Proust or "Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith...in both cases, I can maybe get through three or four pages before drifting off...at this rate I'll be reading these books for several years.

Best

AA

**PiobBear** · 11th April 07, 02:49 PM

The Jack Aubrey/Stephen Maturin series by Patrick O'Brian; the books upon which the movie "Master & Commander" was based. My favorite novels; historically very well researched and very good reads; I've read them all twice, and it was always with a bit of sadness when I got to the last few pages that the story was almost at an end.

**ozone** · 11th April 07, 02:50 PM

Fiction:

The Otherland series by Tad Williams...it'll keep you busy well beyond your trip.

The books by Rosamunde Pilcher...many Scottish related stories

Hitchhikers guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. Oldie but goody and a source of great amusement for those around you as you laugh so hard that your mimosa/magarita/rum punch comes out your nose.

Non-fiction:

The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins...sure to cause stares and stir up conversations just by having it in your hands. Interesting book and not at all what the critics and religious folks implied.

Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed , by Jared M. Diamond....Especially relevant for your trip as he talks about various societies in the Pacific and their responses to enviromental and geological constraints. VERY well written and reads like a detective novel. It's sort of a sequel to Guns Germs and Steel...also a good book.

Centennial by James Michener...OK it's sorta non-fiction....but WOW, what a great book!

**Sheep In Wolf's Clothing** · 11th April 07, 03:35 PM

I'll post my 2 cents, and just remember the following selections are best enjoyed outside, in a hammock while you are kilted.

I became addicted to the writings of Nigel Tranter a few years ago. He was a wonderful Scottish writer who concentrated on bringing Scotland's history to life. While his books are fiction, they are pretty historically accurate and very descriptive. I started with the Robert the Bruce Trilogy and when from there.

The link below is a great introduction to Mr.Tranter and you can look though the list of his work to see what sparks your interest.

http://www.nigeltranter.co.uk/

If you want a light funny Scottish read, try the Highland series by Compton Mackenzie. They include Monarch of the Glen, Hunting the Fairies, and The Rival Monster. The BBC loosely based the TV show "Monarch of the Glen" on some of the characters in the book, but in my opinion, the two are really not related. I did like the show but I loved the books.
And yes Compton Mackenzie also wrote Whisky Galore. A ripping yarn about the good inhabitants of the Outer Hebrides who got up to hijinxs when a British boat full of Whisky ran ashore during WW2. It is loosely based on a real incident.

Of course I could also go on about Lillian Beckwith and her series of books about relocating to a small Scottish island from England, and the folksy stories that come form that as well, but I feel I might be here all night.

Just Google any of these authors if you are interested in reading thier works. It's getting harder and harder to find these authors, but it's worth the search. Try using your local library inter-library loan system if you can't find them in you local bookstore (or used bookstore).

Happy reading,
SIWC

P.S. Members please keep those pictures of your kilts coming, but might I make a suggestion, please pose in front of your bookshelves. It's a double treat for booklovers. We get to see your new kilt AND look at your book collection!

**An t-Ileach** · 11th April 07, 04:37 PM

The Aberystwyth series by Malcolm Pryce - number 4 has just been published (Don't Cry for Me, Aberystwyth) - very Welsh humour in the style of Raymond Chandler/Mickey Spillane.

**macwilkin** · 11th April 07, 04:52 PM

Anything by George MacDonald Fraser; whilst most know him for his Flashman series, I prefer the following titles:

The Steel Bonnets: GMF's history of the Border Reivers.

Quartered Safe out Here: His autobiographical account of his service in Burma during WWII with the Border Regiment.

But, his masterpiece is the Macauslan series. Try to find a copy of Macauslan Entire which contains all of the stories.

James Kennaway's Tunes of Glory.

Vance Randolph's Ozark Magic and Folklore

Allan Young's Robert the Bruce's Rivals: The Comyns 1282-1314.

And of course, I would be remiss in not suggesting a book of Burns' poetry.

That will do for now...never ask a librarian this type of question...or maybe you should!

Todd