You did it! We figured this one out! It is a truth universally acknowledged (by me for certain) that the Bitchery pretty much knows everything, and really, it's true. Scroll down to see the solution for this HaBO - and many thanks!
Bitchery reader Emily is headed off to Senegal with the Peace Corps (Go, Emily Go!) and is trying to find some reading material to glom before she goes, including this book she cannot find:
I can’t figure this one out and need your help. I read this book – it actually wasn’t very good, but the plot had some real promise – set in Boston about a romance between a female magazine writer and a NBA coach. The woman is divorced, her cheating scum-bag ex was a newspaper writer or something who covered the fictional NBA team, so naturally she hates everything basketball related. Her normally upper-brow magazine assigns her a profile piece of local eligible bachelors, one of them being said NBA coach. Naturally the smart, sexy coach refuses to do the interview, but finds himself reluctantly attracted to the writer. Plot spoiler – they end up together. Any ideas?
Can ya’ll help Emily find this book?
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!
Peyton nets herself a Smart Bitch Title for guessing it in one – way to go!
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.