OK, it’s not really 3 days until Thailand, it’s 4, but we’re heading to Chengdu in 3 so that’s my new countdown figure.  Xining has been cold, hands-getting-numb-inside-gloves cold lately.  There is a dusting of snow on the ground outside.  Our friends living in Jianzha couldn’t make the bus trip to Xining yesterday because the public long distance buses weren’t running due to ice and snow on the roads and on the pass.

Thanks to everyone who gave me some more options about books NOT to read while on vacation in Thailand (or arguably anywhere–when you want to relax and enjoy yourself.)  I think Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar may have been one of the best suggestions, NOT to be read, from the books that I’ve already read.  Deeee-pressing!  The others sound equally as bleak.

So what kind of books do I like to read while sunning myself in a tropical climate?  Boiled down to the least common denominator:  Funny books.  But here is a breakdown with a little more explanation.

1. Fantasy books.  Other worlds, quests, lighter-fair battles between good and evil.  If the book also has some humor in it, that’s even better.  For this reason, Terry Pratchett’s Discworld series is a great option.  Douglas Adams would also work (but I’ve read most of his) and the newer guy I’ve enjoyed recently is Neil Gaiman.  All of the British persuasion it seems.  All slightly quirky, but intelligent writers.
2. Humorous novels about human relationships.  Nick Hornby is great for this.  During this vacation time I’ve decided I’m going to go back and read About A Boy (since I’ve only seen the movie.)  Douglas Coupland is also another great choice but I’ve read most of his novels already.  I appreciate irony…or is it sarcasm?
3. Dave Eggers.  His books are depressing at times (for some), but he is an amazing writer and he always takes his stories in different directions than I what am predicting.  I’d say one of his books of short stories (How We Are Hungry) is better for beach reading than his novels, but I guess that’s just my preference.  You might not like him at all?
4. (Bonus: for that extra day we still have to get to Thailand) David James Duncan.  What’s more relaxing than reading about someone fishing or playing baseball.  It’s all about pastimes during your vacation time.  I’m a HUGE Duncan fan, in case you’ve missed it, and I enjoy his sense of humor and insight into the human condition and our spiritual quest.

So to keep my luggage light, I think I’ll read About A Boy and a Terry Pratchett Discworld book at the beach this year.  Not exactly high-brow, but I did just finish Pilgrim At Tinker Creek; let’s not forget.  And if I get through those two, we’ll see…