Books for a low intensity, rainy day read
by chuckofish
Whatever new technology they come up with, nothing can ever replace the look, feel, and smell of a book. Curling up in a corner with a Kindle doesn’t cut it — where’s the romance in that? Lately, I’ve been ruminating over the books that have had the greatest impact on me, the ones that came out of the blue as a sort of revelation, whose worlds sucked me in and made me want to stay forever. But there were others that weren’t what you’d call “great literature” but nonetheless had an impact. Some of the great adventure/spy/romance writers of the 50s, 60s, and 70s (give or take a few years) are still worth a look. I’m leaving mystery for another post. My favorites were:
1. Alistair MacLean, especially the early works
No kidding, those WWII and Cold War spy novels are just great reading. We’re the good guys, they’re the bad guys, the hero is a solid citizen and all around decent bloke, and the heroine is smart and brave but slightly vulnerable. The books are well written and as vehicles for a set of straightforward and laudable ideals, you can’t go wrong.
2. Mary Stewart, especially the early works
a river of lava on the Isle of Skye? Who designed the cover?
Civilized romance. The heroine meets plenty of peril, but remains pretty cool, uses her head, and always finds true love in the process.
3. Helen MacInnis
In some ways, more versatile than MacLean or Stewart, Helen MacInnis wrote some cracking spy novels and one of my favorites, a low-key cowboy romance, Rest and Be Thanksful. Always worth a read and very thoughtful.
4. Georgette Heyer
High-brow romance. We used to make-fun of my mother for reading these, but once I tried it myself I realized that they are really pretty well written and very entertaining. She’s witty; a sort of B-list Jane Austen.
5. Jane Aiken Hodge
Well, if you are in the mood for a simple, chaste (but reasonably well written) romance in which the heroine faces danger, isn’t sure whether the guy she loves is okay or an ax murderer, but eventually ends up with the hero, these are for you.
All of the above tend toward formula, of course, but they are so superior to contemporary B-lit that it’s an insult to compare them. It’s telling that they’re all still in print. When you’re down, tired, or just don’t feel like tackling anything heavy, curl up with a cup of tea or glass of wine and have a good escape read.
dual personalities 
I always loved Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart–the never-fail governess story line. And Rest and Be Thankful is great–the heroine who has the devoted (non-lesbian) companion and finally finds true love in Montana (or Wyoming), the story of my-I-wish-Life! I have it in hardback now. I always was a big fan as well of Daphne DuMaurier, especially Jamaica Inn and Frenchman’s Creek, which I have in hardback.
I thought about including Daphne DuMaurier, but decided she would count as literature. I love Jamaica Inn and Frenchman’s Creek! I should have included as honorable mention, Mary Renault and Rosemary Sutcliff — doubtless there are others I left out!
Love some Mary Stewart. My favorite is This Rough Magic–because it has a dolphin-related subplot. I totally want to reread Wildfire at Midnight, though!