Smart Bitches Trashy Books | All of the romance, none of the bullshit.

I think that’s Barbara Delinsky’s Fast Courting. “Magazine writer Nia Phillip’s latest assignment is a feature article on the East Coast’s five most eligible bachelors.”

I spent two years living in a tent in Tanzania and knew I’d run out of books. I took a bunch of HQNs, but might I also recommend “A Suitable Boy”? It’s the longest book in print and every sentence is delight. It took me about a month to read it, and I read fast.

Enjoy Senegal!

Good lord, that was amazing. You had the answer while I was still basking in the glory of being mentioned on smartbitches. Thank you!!!

I’ll check out “A Suitable Boy,” but can you tell me one thing? I am sorta low-brow, does it have a happy ending?

You’re welcome! Enjoy the book and Senegal!

Another recommendation for “Suitable Boy” here. Without giving too much away I hope, the ending is happyish. SUCH a great book. Enjoy Senegal!

yeah, seriously. Peyton, was the book sitting next to you or something? How did you do that so fast? I like to think my research skills are up to par, but you blew me out of the water.

Emily,

My mom mailed books in small, padded envelopes to me when I was in the Peace Corps.  The shipping wasn’t too bad and they were a wonderful surprise.  Good luck!

Thank you! My romance habit has been a thorn in my mom’s side for years. I started reading them when I was really young and she was all about the classics. Now that I am an “adult” she’s more accepting, but told me there will be a limited amount of romance novels in her packages. She still has to get back to me on the ratio.

“A Suitable Boy” has a delightful ending. And if you’re a lowbrow reader, you’ll enjoy it even more because it will take a LONG time to read!

And here I was thinking it’s a little like Patricia McLinn’s Hoops.  How’d you guess so fast?

Congratulations, emily!  You’ll have a fantastic time in Senegal.  I served in Mali from 03-05 (just nextdoor to Senegal).  Fantastic part of the world, great people, amazing music and culture.  You’re in for quite an experience.  As for books, I picked up a few romance novels in the peace corps hostels in Mali but if you have any favs it’s best to bring ‘em.  And as for romance...well, I met a tall dark and handsome African guy while there, and we’ve been together for four years now.  Truly, peace corps can be a life changing experience. ;)

Feel free to shoot me an email if you have any burning questions about West Africa or Peace Corps or whatever before you go.

Thanks SB Sarah, I can’t wait to find out my new title!

Emily, I was obsessed with this book when I was thirteen and knew exactly what you were talking about. I have such fond memories of this book… And finally, one title I know!

Have so much fun in Senegal! I must say I’m a little jealous…

Emily, maybe some nice bitches can send a package or two your way. We won’t skimp on the romance. :-)

Now you’re talking Rox! Any bitches out there (oh that’s fun to write) who sends me a book will earn my undying gratitude. Seriously, I’ll send so much good karma you’ll ... well, I don’t know what would happen. Something good?

Good Luck Emily!
I was a Peace Corps volunteer in Mauritania, back in the late 80s/early 90s. Senegal was paradise to us! I’ll be glad to send you a book or two--and Kool Aid. We lived on Kool Aid. And Nutella. And La Vache qui Rit. Then again, Senegal is a lot better supplied than Mauritania.
Have fun, and remember, if you’re having a lousy time, in 5 minutes it’ll be better. Seriously.