Was wondering if I could get some help. Does anyone know of any current books that take place in Boston. We're looking for a book selection to read for our upcoming Boston trip.

I'm looking for something new and current. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

Thanks so much.

Well, the first thing that came to mind was books about The Boston Strangler – many fiction and non-fiction books on the subject. Also, I believe The Cell by Stephen King, The Scarlet Letter by Hawthorne, Wickett’s Remedy by Goldberg, and Mystic River by Lehane (just bought a copy of this at a library book sale for 25 cents – haven’t read it yet). Also, Metro Girl by Evanovich starts out in Boston but then moves to Florida where most of the book takes place. And, the Linda Barnes Carlotta Carlyle series takes place in Boston too.

Also, The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri takes place in Cambridge – really good book!

Chapter Chaser,
Thank you so much for your response. I really appreciate your help with this. If anyone else has any other suggestions, please let me know.

Thanks to All!!

Hi there!

Well, its not Boston proper, nor really new, but how about Nathanial Hawthorn's "The House of the Seven Gables" as after reading the book, you can take the train out, and tour the house itself and then take a walk around Salem!

OOh, and nearly forgot, along with that you can read Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" -- which, being about the Salem witch trials, ties in perfectly.

Thanks so much Nytetyger! All these suggestions are wonderful.

quote:

Originally posted by Book Diva:
Thanks so much Nytetyger! All these suggestions are wonderful.

My pleasure-- I DID the tour for Nathaniel Hawthorne's house, by the way, and if you can, DO make sure you get to go up the 'secret stairway'. It was thrilling. And... one of the oldest candy factories in America is nearby; you must visit the Olde Pepper Factory! The gibraltars are one of the oldest candies ever made here... they're an experience.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Nytetyger,

Secret Stairway, huh? I'll have to remember that. I actually found a tour guide who has lived in Boston for a long time and he's taking us on a literary tour of Hawthorne's house, Alcott's house, and Emerson's house. I think he's taking us to their graves too. Should be interesting.

I didn't know about the candy factory. We'll definitely have to look into that.

Thanks for all the tips. Really appreciate it.

We just read Cape Cod by William Martin. We did make it a two monther since it is over 700 pages. Then, of course, we had Cape Cod inspired cuisine and the discussion was lively especially since we are on Cape Cod and the issues from years ago are still relevant.

quote:

Originally posted by pat:
We just read Cape Cod by William Martin. We did make it a two monther since it is over 700 pages. Then, of course, we had Cape Cod inspired cuisine and the discussion was lively especially since we are on Cape Cod and the issues from years ago are still relevant.

Hi Pat! Welcome to the Board!

That actually sounds like fun; it'd be interesting to contrast our current life to a that within a historical novel set in the same places. It would make taking a trip to see the places and contrast with how they were portaryed in the book interesting as well!

quote:

Originally posted by pat:
We just read Cape Cod by William Martin. We did make it a two monther since it is over 700 pages. Then, of course, we had Cape Cod inspired cuisine and the discussion was lively especially since we are on Cape Cod and the issues from years ago are still relevant.

Thanks so much for your suggestion Pat. I'll look into it. Sounds like a great book.

Isn't there a website where you can type in your hometown and it will give you a list of books set there or from authors from your area? I thought I had seen one years ago but I can't remember much about it now.