I don’t read much anymore… I consume audio books instead. A book is always on when I’m cooking in the kitchen, taking a relaxing bath, and even on headphones when I’m mopping 3 acres of wood flooring.
A week or so ago, I started the first of a series of three books, all based in St. John of the US Virgin Islands, Lesser Antilles. A simply beautiful place to vacation, the island is almost all covered in lush plants. Likely because the island is about 60% National Park.
I’ve been there – staying at the Westin on Cruz Bay. Coral Bay is the more beautiful side of the island but not nearly as lively. Listening to the book, I’ve revisited Skinny Legs, (a burger place where you can get a ‘Soggy Dollar Painkiller’ – the drink of the island that contains Soggy Dollar Dark Rum, orange and pineapple juice, coconut, and fresh grated nutmeg). And the Aqua Bistro (where I had conch fritters and a $50 glass of Cabernet Sauvignon).
The books were written by Elin Hilderbrand. I like her style… but I’m (being oh, so transparent) more of a legal thriller kind of girl. My favorite son calls it “murder porn.” There is a bit of intrigue in the trilogy and that’s what’s kept me going. I simply MUST know if Irene’s cheating husband is cleared of FBI charges (like child trafficking, money laundering, and real estate fraud), and if she will ever get back her multi-million dollar properties seized by them.
I’m on book #3 and I’m not sure if I’m more depressed about not having a Disney trip already secured to look forward to… or if I should rob a bank so I can afford a one-bedroom condo on the island of St. John.
In 7.5 hours of listening, I’ll reach the conclusion to that dilemma – as well as poor Irene’s fate.
