Carnival Cruise

Its been quite a few months since I read a non-library (read - giveable) book. But, this past week, I went on a 7 day vacation to the Mexican Riviera with Rebecca. We had a great time, sailing out of Long Beach CA and traveling to Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. I read three books during the week. I left two of the books on the ship, and one in the Dallas/Ft Worth airport during our layover.

1) Larger than Death by Josephine Fuller

The book was OK. I was disappointed that she wasn't a better writer. Not a great plot, either. But, there were some really interesting characters I could follow in future books.

2) Shadow Music by Julie Garwood

This book was really good - mystery with some twists and turns. Unfortunately, I realized after the first chapter that I had already read this book. However, since I didn't remember the ending...I decided to read it again :)

Then, I finished the last book on the flight from Burbank, CA to Dallas. I left this book in the gate area.

3) Fast Track by Fern Michaels

I really enjoyed this book. Apparently, its a series about a group of women "The Sisterhood" who are vigilantes paid to bring their own form of justice to those whom the legal system can't or won't punish. I will definitely read more of her books. The characters were vastly different, and included a some younger, some plucky older women and everything in between.

I am a bit disappointed that I haven't received any feedback from the books I left in South Africa. But, at least I know "I" enjoyed the books!

I have a work trip to Ft Lauderdale this month. I plan on taking another book with me, then.

I Used to Know That...new (non-givable) book

I saw this book in a bookstore at the airport in Washington/Dulles. It caught my eye as I walked by. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough room in my carry-on luggage to buy it and take with me. I was too tempted by items at the Duty-Free store and the Wild in Africa store at the airport and bought a few impulse purchases :)

But, I just received my order from Amazon for I Used to Know That by Caroline Taggert http://www.amazon.com/Used-Know-That-Forgot-School/dp/0762109955/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253227533&sr=8-1. It is a great book that gives you simple summaries of things you learned in K-12 but might not remember. Quick reference guide to education. I think its a keeper!

I am really looking forward to reading it. As soon as I finish my library book - Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg. http://www.amazon.com/Home-Safe-Novel-Elizabeth-Berg/dp/0345487559/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253227711&sr=8-3

Book left at Detroit Metro Airport - Sept 11

So, I wasn't able to finish my most recent book in time to leave it in Chicago. However, I did finish Lost Souls by Lisa Jackson during my return flight. So, I left it in the Women's restroom by Northwest baggage claim on the bathroom counter. It was a great book, so I hope someone finds it to read.

No responses yet from people that have found any of my books yet. But, its only been a week or so :)

Finishing a book in time for Chicago Sept 8

I just returned home from South Africa this morning at 9:30am. I am exhausted but so filled with excitement and wonder, from my trip.

But, no rest for the wicked...I am working at my local office on Wednesday (tomorrow), but flying to Chicago on Thursday morning for overnite training. I am hoping to finish my next book Lost Souls by Lisa Jackson http://www.lisajackson.com/book.cfm?bookID=126 by then so I can leave the book at either Midway Airport or on the el to/from downtown.

I better read fast!

Book left at CapeTown Airport - Sept 6

My 4th completed book was left on a table at the CapeTown Airport, domestic terminal. I left it right before I boarded my plane from CapeTown to Johannesburg (heading home to Detroit). The entire airport is being renovated to prepare for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, so the terminal is actually a temporary facility. Joel called it "tent city". It looked like the setting for a celebrity outdoor wedding...except for the planes and passengers :)

The book was "The Girl Most Likely To" by Susan Donovan http://www.susandonovan.com/bkDetail.aspx?id=71

Who will find it? Will they be a local South African or a tourist traveling through?

Book given to fellow passenger - Sept 4

While flying on South Africa Airways from PE (Port Elizabeth) to CapeTown, South Africa - a short 1 hour flight, I sat next to a pharmaceutical sales rep who travels from her home in CapeTown back to Johannesburg or Port Elizabeth or Durban throughout the month for work. She was interested in my 3rd completed book: Between Sisters by Kristen Hannah http://www.amazon.com/Between-Sisters-Novel-Kristin-Hannah/dp/0345519469/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252434323&sr=8-1

She said she will read it and leave it during her travels for someone else to enjoy.

Danielle Steele book left at Pumba! Sept 3

During my visit to South Africa, I visited a private game reserve. This is a common way to experience a traditional African safari, but in a most luxury-style setting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Game_reserve

I stayed at Pumba Game Reserve www.pumbagamereserve.co.za/. It was about 75 minute drive from Candice/Joel's house in Port Elizabeth (PE). While there, I went on the game drives with 2 couples - both from the UK - a newleywed couple and a couple celebrating their wedding anniversary. Danaiva (I should have asked how to spell her name) was the new bride. After sharing my Book with Travel idea, she said she'd love to take the book.

I know that they had a few more trips during their honeymoon before returning home. But, I look forward to hearing from her when she has a chance. She mentioned she may leave the book in Scotland - which made me so excited since my Dad's side of the family is Scottish.