finished: "unaccustomed earth"

Last night I finished "Unaccustomed Earth" by Jhumpa Lahiri. (Basketball season is conducive to finishing lots of books.) The entire book is about family situations that are unfamiliar. There are 8 short stories and the last three kind of go together. Let me tell you, I am a sucker for surprise endings, unexpected ties, and lives somehow intertwined but you don't know why or how until the end. "Crash" and "21 Grams" are some of my favorite movies. I didn't really get the NY Times "Best Book of the Year Award" until I finished the entire thing. I loved it. Please someone read it so I cant talk to you about it. I don't know if short stories in a book are my favorite thing, I felt like it slowed me down, but the stories in this book kept my attention.

Now what should I read?! I need to keep in mind I have a vacation next week so it has to be a good travel book and a good lake book, since we'll be spending some time on the lake. I'm thinking maybe "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave. Has anyone read this? I've heard good things. And mom has read it, so I'll have someone to talk to about it! I still want to read "South of Broad" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows". I think they'll be my beach reads in August. I should be able to fit in two or three books before then. I feel a list coming on.

- "Little Bee" by Chris Cleave

Mom's read this. It's been sitting on my night stand screaming to be read.

- "South of Broad" by Pat Conroy

I've been saving this Charleston set book for our trip to Charleston in August. I can't wait. It's also hardback...better for the beach and not the lake.

- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by JK Rowling

I need to read this. I just must. Also hard back...mentally adding to my beach "to pack" list.

- "Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Dideon

I think this book is sad. I don't really know much else about it. Maybe I'll read this in July.

- "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by Steig Larson

At first I wasn't interested in the Millennium Trilogy Series. Once I learned they had murder, family drama and love, I was sold. Barnes and Noble says "A spellbinding amalgam of murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue". My mouth is watering.

- Something Jen Lancaster (Morgan, you recommended, which one should I read first?)

I also don't have any Jen Lancaster but I'm intrigued. I need some good chick lit. The last one I read was blah. And I've heard Emily Giffin's new one, "The Heart of the Matter" is sub par.

- "Olive Kitteredge" by Elizabeth Strout

I'v wanted to read this for awhile. I've heard mixed things.

- "Edgar Sawtelle" by David Wroblewski

I HAVE TO finish this book by the end of the year. But I think it's a book that needs to be read in the fall? (You know, football season?)

Like always, I appreciate and welcome ANY and ALL recommendations!