# Looking for a good book to bring on a trip - ideas? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 7, 2012, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133 "2012-02-07T23:17:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/1 "2012-02-07T23:17:18Z")
I’m leaving on an 8-day cruise in a couple of weeks, and I need something to bring with me for reading on the beach or by the pool. Ideally, I’d want something that’s available in a paperback version, because I don’t want to be lugging a heavy book everywhere, and also because it’ll be cheaper to buy. I’m scared to bring the wrong book, hate it, and be left with nothing else to read for a whole week, which is a terrible, terrible fate. An added twist: it’s a nerd cruise, so a book that will be an icebreaker to nerdy conversation would be a huge plus. I’ve been mostly reading nonfiction lately, but I’m not opposed to a novel, if it’s really good. Vampires, “young adult” stuff, and trashy romances need not apply. Most recently, I’ve read **The Secret Life of Lobsters** (Trevor Corson), **Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me** (Mindy Kaling), and\*\* Stiff \*\*(Mary Roach) and I’m currently on **The Family That Couldn’t Sleep** (D.T. Max). I like science fiction, memoirs, and books about the history behind stuff (especially science/medicine related). I’m on Goodreads (username: Antijen), if anyone wants to see my book lists and make recommendations through there. If all else fails I’ll bring along my Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but I’m hoping someone can suggest the perfect book. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/2 "2012-02-07T23:48:03Z")
have you read any of carl hiaasen? for nerd points you have got to get your hands on [http://www.amazon.com/Theories-International-Politics-Zombies-Drezner/dp/0691147833](http://www.amazon.com/Theories-International-Politics-Zombies-Drezner/dp/0691147833) i am reading this now… it is amazing! ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/3 "2012-02-08T19:53:43Z")
Hey, maybe we’re going on the same cruise. Care to share any specifics? FWIW, I’m bringing a loaded Kindle, but my primary read will be Stephen King’s [11/22/63.](http://www.amazon.com/11-22-63-Stephen-King/dp/1451627289/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328730673&sr=1-1) If you liked ‘Stiff’, Mary roach has [a newer book out.](http://www.amazon.com/Bonk-Curious-Coupling-Science-Sex/dp/0393334791/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328730713&sr=1-1) I’ve read and enjoyed Stiff, have not read Bonk. mmm ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/4 "2012-02-08T19:56:38Z")
I don’t know what the kindle is like but I’ve had issues with my Ipad on hot days in the summer. I couldn’t make it through a lunch time reading in the park without it whining about the heat and shutting itself down. I’ve been kind of intrigued by the promo’s for the Hunger Game, so even though it’s YA I’m taking that along to read on my flight. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/5 "2012-02-08T22:02:20Z")
Only one book? :eek: I’d have to bring along a big _bag_ full of books, of various sorts. So this is where having a Kindle (or other similar e-reader) comes in extremely handy. Except that I’d still bring a couple of books along as insurance, in case my Kindle got lost or damaged and I got stuck without anything to read. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/6 "2012-02-08T22:11:23Z")
See, I was _thinking_ about buying a Kindle for this trip, but I would be too paranoid about having it stolen or damaged. I’ll look into the book suggestions so far, thanks. This is the cruise I’m going on: [JoCo Cruise Crazy II](http://jococruisecrazy.com/). It’s going to be awesome. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/7 "2012-02-09T00:16:48Z")
that does sound like fun. cruise lines also have libraries on board so you can try there if you run out. i did run out of book about 2 hours away from shore and a book store. luckily there was another person on the ferry that ran out of her book. we switched. crisis averted! ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/8 "2012-02-09T00:33:41Z")
The opposite of what you’re suggesting, but when I went on a three-week trip to India I decided that rather than lugging around a bag of books, I’d just walk into a bookshop and get the biggest paperback I could buy and read that the whole time. Two choices: _A Suitable Boy_ by Vikram Seth - the longest commercial novel ever published. An epic story of two families in post-independence India. Endlessly fascinating and entertaining and lots of nerdy history bits. _The Wind-up Bird Chronicles_ by Haruki Murakami - WTF Japanese fantasy/sci-fi weirdness set between modern Tokyo and WWII Mongolia. I wasn’t sure what it was about, but it was highly thought-provoking and I enjoyed every word of it. I had already read the former, so chose the latter, and finished it on the plane home. Recommended. ---
**Author:** ![Prelude\_to\_Fascination](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a183cd/32.png) [@Prelude\_to\_Fascination](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Prelude_to_Fascination)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/9 "2012-02-09T00:56:18Z")
I just finished _Empire of the Summer Moon_, about Quanah Parker and the Comanche Indians in the mid-19th century. Incredible read and highly recommended. > **[Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches,...](https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Summer-Moon-Comanches-Powerful/dp/1416591060)** > > Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History \[Gwynne, S. C.\] on Amazon.com. \*FREE\* shipping on qualifying offers. Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the... ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/10 "2012-02-09T02:11:31Z")
Ever read any China Mieville? His latest, **Embassytown** , is a rich, chunky book full of ideas in the best science fiction tradition; it reminds me a lot of Ursula Le Guin, if Le Guin were less hippie and more punk. It’s very good. ---
**Author:** ![zombywoof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9e8a1a/32.png) [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/11 "2012-02-09T02:39:33Z")
Another vote for a Kindle from me… For very readable nonfiction with strong technical/historical elements and plenty of human drama I’d suggest [The Poisoner’s Handbook](http://www.amazon.com/Poisoners-Handbook-Murder-Forensic-Medicine/dp/1594202435) and [The Great Bridge](http://www.amazon.com/Great-Bridge-Story-Building-Brooklyn/dp/067145711X)…Bill Bryson’s [Short History of Nearly Everything](http://www.amazon.com/Short-History-Nearly-Everything/dp/076790818X/ref=tmm_pap_title_0) also comes to mind…for fiction how about [Cryptonomicon](http://www.amazon.com/Cryptonomicon-Neal-Stephenson/dp/0060512806/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0). ---
**Author:** ![zombywoof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/9e8a1a/32.png) [@zombywoof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zombywoof)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/12 "2012-02-09T02:40:51Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > If you liked ‘Stiff’, Mary roach has [a newer book out.](http://www.amazon.com/Bonk-Curious-Coupling-Science-Sex/dp/0393334791/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1328730713&sr=1-1) I’ve read and enjoyed Stiff, have not read Bonk. [Packing for Mars](http://www.amazon.com/Packing-Mars-Curious-Science-Life/dp/0393339912/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c) is great too. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/13 "2012-02-09T02:45:57Z")
> [@Antigen](#): > > I like science fiction, memoirs, and books about the history behind stuff (especially science/medicine related). Try anything by [Neal Stephenson.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neal_Stephenson) ---
**Author:** ![Politzania](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3ab097/32.png) [@Politzania](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Politzania)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/14 "2012-02-09T20:45:56Z")
I “stalked” you over on GoodReads (and send a friend req) and I think Neal Stephenson would be right up your alley! I saw that [Cryptonomicon](http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/816.Cryptonomicon) was already on your to-read list; in my review I stated “This book expects you to be smart, and rewards you accordingly.” I read it while on vacation & it was a great book to just get lost in for a few hours at a time. - I’d also recommend [The Diamond Age](http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/827.The_Diamond_Age) from Stephenson - after reading this, I couldn’t decide which fictional “book” I wanted more - The Primer or The Guide! (“Don’t Panic!” is always such good advice…) Either way, be forewarned that Stephenson has trouble ending his novels - he tends towards the “I gotta wrap all these plot points **NOW** ”. PS - SOOOOOOO jealous of the JoCo cruise! We considered it; but vacation time & $$ ruled it out - maybe if they do it again in 2013? ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [February 9, 2012, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/looking-for-a-good-book-to-bring-on-a-trip-ideas/612133/15 "2012-02-09T22:03:44Z")
I really enjoyed John Scalzi’s _Your Hate Mail Will Be Graded_, which is a collection of essays from his blog. The essays are long enough to explore the subject, but short enough to be quick reads, and I think that Scalzi will appeal to nerds. And yeah, this is the perfect time to get an e-reader, or even a tablet. That does look like a fun cruise. Any plans that START with open gaming is all right in my book.