Do you have a good book series to keep me occupied?

Question

Has to be fiction. I can't do the fantasy (Harry Potter, LOTR, etc.). I am female, and do enjoy female-type literature about families, ect. but nothing mindless like Shopaholic. I am a recent college grad, and just can't seem to find anything that I am loving. I can't do the romance, or extreem adventure. I like coming of age, love (a little : /) family, social issues. Please let me know if there is anything you have read or heard of that might strike my interests. Thanks

Answer 1

"Children of the Earth," by Jean Auel, beginning with Clan of the Cave Bear. Anthropological novels about the Neanderthals and the first Homo Sapiens. Written in such startling detail, you feel as if you're there. Read the books in sequence for complete understanding. There are five books in all. They'll keep you occupied for a year.

Answer 2

Like you, I like female-type literature and your comment about families and series makes me wonder if you're thinking of sagas--where the next book continues with a different generation. There are two series I enjoy even though I rarely read anything labeled romance. One is by Fern Michaels. She has three different series (actually one has four books to it) that connect members of a family, but they're from different brothers or sisters who haven't stayed close. One series has Kentucky in the title. As you might expect, it has to do with horse racing and breeding. Then there's the Las Vegas series. The last one has Texas in the title. They're not as mindless as I expected. Gave some historical background, interesting information on gambling casinos, horses and how the jockeys get in shape, etc.

The other series you might enjoy is by Barbara Taylor Bradford. It's about a woman in England who worked as a maid for a rich family, was taken advantage of by the young "master", got pregnant, he renounced her and the baby, and her determination to ruin him. It gives interesting insight into the social order of the rich. It goes through WWII and then after Emma dies, the story continues with her daughters and granddaughters carrying on her legacy. Two of the titles in the series are Emma's Secret and a Woman of Substance. Emma starts a clothing store that grows into an empire. It reminded me of Harrods in London.

I found that these authors caught my attention and held my interest. It was a nice change of pace from reading a little "heavier" kind of fiction. It was good escapism for me.

Answer 3

Try Francine River's "A Voice In the Wind." It has everything you're looking for and more. It's a great book with spectacular writing. It finishes with an unbelievable climax, and you must continue Hadassah's story in the next book, "An Echo in the Darkness." Its set in decadent Rome. There is romance, excitement, inspiration, and everything in this book. You are truly missing out if you dont read this book.
I know you said you don't like a lot of romance, but it's not overbearing. It definetely has family and social issues. READ IT! Trust me, it's long, but once you read it, you'll love it.

Answer 4

Try reading Skeleton Coast by Clive Cussler w/Jack Du Brul

Answer 5

i've got enjoyed dissimilar those too! 2 series' i've got truly enjoyed contain the "Farseer Trilogy" by ability of Robin Hobb. yet another trilogy follows that called "The Tawny guy" and there are Robin Hobb's "The Liveship investors" trilogys besides. they are no longer lots approximately vampires, yet do contain different mystical ability's and legends. I truly have tried to verify different fable and can't get into them. some worlds look too loopy, yet those i in my opinion enjoyed and that i think of the writing form has greater to do with it. additionally, resembling the "Farseer" trilogy yet even much less to do with vampires and such is the series of books called "The Obernewtyn Chronicles" by ability of Isobelle Carmody. She is an Australian author, so which you won't be waiting to discover them very actual. an exciting storyline approximately people with particular powers in our very own international, yet some years into the destiny. this is sluggish to get going yet there are approximately 6 books out and arranged on Isobelle to end the seventh so lots of examining for you.

Answer 6

Try these:
Six of One, by Rita Mae Brown
Lucky You, by Carl Hiaasen and lots of others
Cider House Rules, by John Irving and lots of others
Smart Women, by Judy Blume (it's an adult book, very good)
The Divine Secrets of Ya Ya Sisterhood

Answer 7

You can't get more "coming of age" with love and adventure and comedy and just plain ol' well developed characters that with the Anne of Green Gables Series by L.M. Montgomery.

Answer 8

I like Janet Evanovich's 'Stephanie Plum series.' There's a bit of humor in them. The first one is called "One For The Money."

Answer 9

This trilogy by Robyn Carr:
Virgin River
Sheltert Mountain
Whispering Rock

Go to www.bookreporter.com for reviews, etc, great site.

Answer 10

Try reading Carol Goodman's books. They're not...super-heavy, but they're really well-written and the throws a lot of mythology and ancient language studies stuff into her mysteries.

I'm addicted to them :)